The Official Wrestling Thread (now with more news and stuff)

[Arcademan]

WWE Superstars Results: 5-17-12

Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to James's complete report).

1 - ALEX RILEY vs. HEATH SLATER

It's noticeable that Riley consistently gets a legit pop on his entrance. The match starts and neither man can get an advantage early on. Lots of back-and-forth. Slater catches Riley going to the top and they cut to commercial.

Slater has control out of the break. Scott Stanford tells us that Slater hangs out with Trace Atkins, who's name and face regularly crops up in WWE. Slater mouths off to the crowd and the ref while working Riley over. The crowd cheers Riley out of a hold, but he gets a neckbreaker for his efforts.

Riley finally gets some space with big rights, but Slater dumps him to the ringside. Riley finally back on the attack coming into the ring. Riley turns up the speed. Big spinebuster and Riley's got the crowd involved. A-Bomb in the corner for a nearfall. Out of nowhere, Slater hits a strange new move, it is like a half belly-to-back suplex followed by a reverse STO. That's good for the win.

WINNER: Heath Slater in 10:00. Slater has progressed from someone that I cringed at when he came onto my screen to a reliable, capable performer. He's had a number of longish matches in the last few months, none of which were bad. Riley has done an amazing job at maintaining his momentum despite a lack of TV time, and his matches are usually good. This was a fun match.

2 - TYSON KIDD vs. LORD TENSAI

Tensai starts to destroy Kidd out of the gate. Tensai shows much more speed than he has on Raw. Kidd uses his speed to make a small comeback. Kidd walks into one of Tensai's power bombs giving Tensai the chance to return to the attack. Tensai locks on the claw, slams Kidd to the mat, and Kidd is down.

Post-match, Tensai returns to hit Kidd with a running senton.

WINNER: Lord Tensai in 3:00. What a waste of Tyson Kidd. Tensai showed much better enthusiasm than he has in the past, but it still does not redeem him too much. I highly question the wisdom of feeding Kidd to Tensai; Kidd has been slowly building a following with his work on NXT and Superstars over the last year, and having him lose decisively not only hurts him, but makes everyone he has had hard-fought matches with lately (Yoshi Tatsu and Michael McGillicutty) look like chumps, too.

3 - THE USOS vs. JACK SWAGGER & DOLPH ZIGGLER (w/Vickie Guerrero) - Tag Team Match

Jey Uso and Ziggler are starting off. Striker brings up an interesting question, which is what Vickie thinks of "AW" starting his own stable. Ziggler stalls a bit to frustrate Jey, who doesn't take it and brings in Jimmy. They double-team Ziggler, who is able to get a tag to Swagger. Swagger whiffs a double leg drop, so he gets a tag to Ziggler, who takes offense from Jimmy.

Ziggler gets relief and a chance to tag Swagger, so Swagger and Ziggler keep Jimmy in their corner. Jimmy gets to his corner and Jey gets some fast offense in. Jey with a full nelson sit-out slam and Swagger has to break up the cover.

Back from break, Swagger does push-ups to show his dominance. Ziggler and Swagger demonstrate they they can work as a team. I don't think that I have ever seen this ref before, incidentally. Jimmy counters the Fameasser, prompting a double tag. Jey with a ton of speed to take Swagger down and clear Ziggler from the ring.

Swagger takes a stinkface for a nearfall. Swagger uses a distraction from Vickie to slip out of a Samoan Drop attempt, but Jey counters a gutwrench powerbomb with a roll-up to pick up the win. There is a bit of tension post-match between Swagger and Ziggler.

WINNERS: The Usos in 13:30. Enjoyable tag match, but the booking is bizarre. Ziggler and Swagger have a Tag Title chance on Sunday; why undermine them with a loss a few days before?

[Arcademan]

TNA Impact Wrestling Results: 5-17-12

Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Turner's complete report). Condensed here to in-ring results only.

1 -- BULLY RAY vs. ROB VAN DAM -- Open Fight Night qualifying match

As the match started, Ray beckoned for the referee to check on the banged up RVD, presumably in case of any foreign weapons being hidden under RVD’s bandages. Ray focused on RVD’s taped-up elbow, but not for long, as RVD came back with a few kicks and a Rolling Thunder for a two count.

RVD missed an enziguri, which allowed Ray to capitalize on RVD’s injured knee. Ray missed a splash, which allowed Van Dam to come back with a series of clotheslines. He went for the side kick off the top rope, but missed which allowed Ray to capitalize with the 3D for the win.

WINNER: Bully Ray via pinfall at 3:22 to qualify for Open Fight Night. Good match that was given a storyline out for its short length. RVD should be banged up from his hard-hitting ladder match at Sacrifice, making all the bandages a nice touch. Seriously, for anyone who missed Sacrifice, seek out RVD’s ladder botch.

2 -- X Division champion AUSTIN ARIES vs. ERIC YOUNG vs. ODB vs. ROBBIE E. vs. ROBBIE T. vs. GUNNER vs. GARETT BISCHOFF vs. A.J. STYLES vs. MAGNUS vs. DEVON -- Battle Royal -- Open Fight Night qualifying match

ODB, Young, and Crimson were all eliminated in one fell swoop when the momentum of Young and ODB’s tandem clothesline led all three of them to fall out of the ring. Taz brought up Crimson’s undefeated streak, and questioned whether it was in jeopardy due to him being eliminated. Magnus was thrown to the outside, but hung onto the ropes before being kicked off and eliminated.

Madison Rayne came out to the stage twirling her hair, looking on in admiration. In the midst of trying to eliminate Bischoff, Robbie T. was blindsided and eliminated by Robbie E. Devon came up from behind and threw Robbie E. out to Robbie T. as the show went to a commercial break.

They came back to Styles, Devon, Bischoff, Gunner, and Aries left in the match. Devon elminated himself when he missed a flying shoulder tackle on Bischoff, who held the top rope down to allow Devon to fly over it. Before he could celebrate, Styles grabbed Bischoff and threw him over the top tope.

Aries and Styles met face-to-face and started to square off, which led to an exciting exchange of counters between the two. Gunner took advantage of the situation and eliminated Aries, but was shortly eliminated by Styles thereafter for the victory.

WINNER: A.J. Styles via over the top rope elimination at 11:05 to qualify for Open Fight Night. Standard battle royal match with a lot of punches with the exception being the exchange between Aries and Styles. I’m okay with Styles winning, but I was really hoping they would pull the trigger on Aries and at least give off the perception that he belongs in the heavyweight division. Tonight would have been the perfect night to follow up on a stellar platform for him to launch off that was created at Sacrifice.

3 -- MR. ANDERSON vs. JEFF HARDY -- Open Fight Night qualifying match

Anderson and Hardy started the match out with a bit of a feeling-out process. They eventually made their way to the corner and exchanged shoulder thrusts into each other’s guts. Anderson eventually got the best of Hardy with a headlock and clothesline for a two count. Anderson caught Hardy on the ring apron, but Hardy came back with a dropkick over the top rope for a two count.

Anderson hit a quick neckbreaker for another two count. Hardy hit Anderson with a chopblock that sent both men down. He hit a Russian leg sweep, but before he could capitalize was rolled up for a two count. Anderson tried to throw Hardy into the corner, but was met with a Whisper in the Wind. Hardy tried to follow up with the Twist of Fate, but Anderson countered with an attempted Pittsburgh Plunge that turned into Hardy holding on to get the fluky pinfall for the victory.

WINNER: Jeff Hardy via pinfall at 6:00. Fun back and forth match that continued the story of of there being no clean win in the current Hardy and Anderson feud.

4 -- TNA Knockouts champion GAIL KIM vs. VELVET SKY vs. BROOKE TESSMACHER -- three-way Knockouts Title match

Sky and Tessmacher both went straight for Kim as the champ tried to leave the ring several times. Before they got too chummy, Sky and Tessmacher squared off with Sky getting a quick roll-up for a two count.

Kim got back into the match by pulling Rayne to the outside and clotheslining Tessmacher. She kept Sky at bay, and continued to beat on Tessmacher with a backbreaker. Kim put Tessmacher in a Boston Crab, and Sky joined in and put Kim in a Dragon Sleeper as she held onto her respective submission hold.

Tessmacher and Sky exchanged counters before being met with a double missile dropkick from Kim. Tessmacher reversed Kim’s Eat Defeat, but was caught by Sky with In Yo Face. Kim threw Sky out before she could capitalize and pinned Tessmacher for the win.

WINNER: Gail Kim via pinfall at 4:37 to retain the Knockouts Title. I feel like they should have saved this match for Victory Road, but it’s not like I’m distressed about getting it on television. I can’t think of a logical next opponent for Kim so I can see them continuing on with either Tessmacher, Sky, or both.

5 -- SAMOA JOE vs. KURT ANGLE -- Open Fight Night qualifying match

Joe quickly got Angle in the corner and took him down after a series of punches. Angle rolled out of the ring to regain his bearings. Back in the ring, Angle caught Joe with a double-leg take down, but Joe was able to get up and land a few shoulder tackles and a kneedrop for a two count. Joe ran at Angle, but was caught with an overhead belly-to-belly suplex. Roode came out as the show went to a commercial break.

Roode joined Tenay and Taz at announcer’s booth as the show came back from break. In the ring, Angle was stomping on Joe in the corner. He hit him with a suplex and followed up with a sleeper and an elbow strike for a weak pin attempt. Joe hit Angle with a big boot and a back body senton for a two count.

Angle came back with a trio German suplexes and signaled for the Angle Slam. Joe and Angle exchanged signature moves until Angle finally hit the Angle Slam for a close two count. Angle tried to lock in the ankle lock, but Joe eventually kicked him off. Joe went for the Musclebuster, but Angle countered with a sunset flip for the win.

WINNER: Kurt Angle via pinfall at 12:23. Good match, but it was far from the classics they have delivered in the past. That being said, it was a good television main event, and an enjoyable, small taste of the classic feud that was Joe vs. Angle.

[Arcademan]

WWE Smackdown Results: 5-18-12

Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Parks' complete report). Condensed to mostly in-ring results.

Laurinaitis said he disagreed with the decision of the Board of Directors that was announced this week. He talked about how they restricted the way he is allowed to compete with Cena. That’s a unique way of saying, “they won’t let me pay off wrestlers to interfere on my behalf.” Laurinaitis said he asked the Board to reconsider their decision…and they said no. Punk come out, makes fun of Johnny and is booked in a match with Kane, then before leaving, Johnny tells all the fans to go to hell.

1 – KOFI KINGSTON & R-TRUTH vs. DARREN YOUNG & TITUS O’NEIL

Young kneed Truth in the mid-section in the corner. Quick tag to Kingston, who landed a springboard cross-body for two. O’Neil tried to get involved but was kicked off the apron. Young used the distraction to his advantage and connected on a back suplex that sent Kingston hard onto the apron. Big running splash in the corner by the now-legal O’Neil. Second attempt was met with Kingston’s feet. Truth and Young both tagged in at 2:15 and Truth was a house afire. Lie Detector connected (although it’s no longer called by that name). Kingston and O’Neil predictably got involved, with Kingston getting the better of that exchange. Truth with his finisher for the win.

WINNERS: Truth and Kingston, at 2:59. Surprising they jobbed O’Neil and Young here, but they were really the only tag team left with credibility who could job to the champs heading into their match on Sunday.

Damien Sandow felt beneath himself to wrestle Yoshi Tatsu until Tatsu squawked like a chicken. Sandow charged the ring and beat down Tatsu.

2 – ZACK RYDER vs. DANIEL BRYAN

“Yes” chants erupted once the bell rang. Hard European uppercuts by Bryan, then a knee to the back of Ryder’s head. Ryder brought Bryan down head-first on the mat, but a knee-lift put him back down. Running dropkick in the corner by Bryan. Ryder made his comeback and nailed Bryan with a dropkick off the middle rope. He was tripped up on a Broski Boot attempt. Boot to the head followed by the Yes Lock ended the match.

WINNER: Bryan, at 2:27. A convincing win for Bryan heading into his WWE Title match on Sunday. Too bad it had to be against Ryder, but the ship seems to have sailed on WWE doing something with him.

3 – C.M. PUNK vs. KANE

Kane cornered Punk and pushed him around a little bit. Punk fired back and clotheslined Kane over the top rope and to the floor. Kane landed on his feet and regrouped as they went to break, 1:10 into the match.

They returned at 4:16 with Punk kicking at the legs of Kane. DDT by Punk for a one-count. Figure-Four leg-lock by Punk, which the crowd recognized and shouted “whoo” at. Kane kicked Punk away when he tried another submission move and Punk ended up outside the ring. He brought Kane throat-first across the top rope, then a springboard into a Kane uppercut. Kane sent Punk rib-first into the ring post. “I don’t think that’s going to heal by Sunday,” laughed Bryan. Kane locked Punk in a bear-hug in the middle of the ring. Punk broke the hug but fell victim to a back-breaker for a two-count. Kane continued working the ribs by applying the scissors to the mid-section of Punk. Punk came back with a swinging neck-breaker out of nowhere. Lateral press, still for only one. Missed charge by Kane then a running knee in the corner. First bulldog attempt went nowhere, but a bulldog off the second rope worked. Punk got Kane up for the GTS, but the mid-section gave out. Kick to the head by Kane for a near-fall. Kane placed Punk on the top rope and attempted a suplex. Punk knocked Kane off his perch then hit the flying elbowdrop for two at 10:13. Anaconda Vice attempt, but Kane powered out. Another side slam for two. Clothesline off the top by Kane. Bryan was loving it. He set up for the chokeslam, but Punk kicked Kane in the skull, sending Kane to ringside. Suicide dive by Punk hit his target. Bryan grabbed a chair and almost hit Punk with it. Instead, he hit Kane in the back.

WINNER: Kane, via disqualification, at 11:42. Bryan playing mind games with Punk. Really trying to put him over big on this show.

4 – SANTINO MARELLA vs. CODY RHODES

Santino did an inset interview proclaiming his love for and to the United States Championship. Apparently, Santino and Cody have been in a Twitter war over the past few days. Single-leg take-down by Rhodes, who then slapped the back of Santino’s head. Booker admitted, when prodded by Cole, that the Intercontinental Championship is more prestigious than the US Championship. Santino reversed an Irish Whip but ate an elbow on a charge. Moonsault by Rhodes missed and Santino took out the Cobra. Instead, Cody hit a dropkick for two. Marella caught Cody coming off the ropes with the strike of the Cobra for the pinfall.

WINNER: Marella, at 1:58. The announcers really did a nice job of putting over both championships during the match.

5 – RANDY ORTON vs. SHEAMUS

Based on the booking, I don’t think this match lasts almost a half hour; I’m guessing a DQ occurs and it gets turned into a tag match or something like that. An extended collar-and-elbow tie-up led to a stalemate. Side headlock by Sheamus, then a shoulder tackle put him down. Dropkick by Orton for a one-count. They seem to be pacing themselves for a longer match anyway. Arm-bar by Orton but Sheamus forced a break by backing Orton into the corner. The referee had to break them up. A shoving match broke out and Orton put Sheamus down with a short clothesline. Orton hammered away on Sheamus in the corner, and Sheamus turned it around. The men began to brawl as the official gave them a fair amount of leeway. Sheamus was dumped to ringside and he brought Orton out to continue their assault on each other. Sheamus sent Orton shoulder-first into the ring steps. Orton worked the arm and shoulder of Sheamus, ramming it into the ring post and steel steps. He stomped on the wrist of Sheamus with Sheamus laid across the steps. They went to break at 4:50.

Back at 8:12 of the match. Orton had Sheamus tied up in the middle rope and barely broke before the ref’s count of five. He continued working on the left arm and shoulder of Sheamus. Short-arm DDT by the Viper. Only a two-count at 9:12. Sheamus fought out of a rest-hold, only for Orton to go after the arm once again. Rights and lefts by Sheamus, but again, he couldn’t sustain the momentum. Orton whipped him into the buckle and Sheamus took the bump shoulder-first. Sheamus finally created some separation and tossed Orton out of the ring. Orton climbed onto the apron and was knee-lifted by Sheamus. Sheamus then connected on his patented forearms to the chest of Orton. Sheamus then gathered a head of steam and ran through Orton, sending Orton off the apron and into the barricade. They took the final break at 12:04 of the match.

They returned at 16:07. Sheamus buried several knee-drops into the face and chin of Orton. Cover got two at 16:25. This time, it was Sheamus who tried to wear Orton down with a chin-lock. Knee-lift by Sheamus for a two-count. Sheamus hoisted Orton in the air, but Orton countered with a back-breaker. Hard clotheslines by Orton, then a scoop slam. Belly-to-belly throw from Orton, who then set up for his DDT. Sheamus instead brought Orton throat-first across the top rope. Diving shoulder tackle from Sheamus. Powerslam by Sheamus for two at 19:38. Irish Curse back-breaker for two at 20:25. Sheamus ascended the top rope, but Orton tripped him up. Superplex by Orton. He took his time to crawl over and make the cover, allowing Sheamus to kick out at 21:40. Brogue Kick attempt, but Sheamus missed and got caught on the top rope. Vintage Orton DDT at 22:54. Both men’s finishers were countered, and upon countering Orton’s RKO, Sheamus rolled up his foe for the pinfall.

WINNER: Sheamus, at 23:26.

Orton told Sheamus, “you got me” after the match. Then he stuck out his hand for a shake, but Sheamus wasn’t having it. They carried on a conversation without a mic and Orton again offered his hand. Sheamus shook it and of course, Orton RKO’d him. Wrestlers really need to learn to stop shaking Orton's hand. Orton stood over Sheamus as the show drew to a close.

[Arcademan]

WWE Over The Limit PPV Results: 5-20-12 (next 3 posts)

Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Caldwell's complete report).

1 -- PEOPLE'S POWER BATTLE ROYAL

As the PPV started with the copyright warning, sounds of a battle royal were heard in the background. The video feed picked up with men fighting in the ring. Heath Slater was dumped out, then Booker T showed off his ability to read the roster by announcing Michael McGillicutty's elimination. JTG then took a flat-back bump off the ring apron for another elimination. Yoshi was suplexed over the top rope by McIntyre and he sold an ankle injury landing on the floor.

Yoshi limped away in the background as Big Zeke was tossed out. Jey Uso was out next. Meanwhile, Lawler discussed buzz in the locker room about this potentially being John Laurinaitis's final night as authority figure. Suddenly, Mac, Reks, and Hawkins were tossed out. Of course, Mac threw a fit ringside. Titus and D-Young then doubled up on Great Khali to eliminate the big man, creating a sigh of relief for Santino and Rhodes ringside. William Regal, a late entry, was still around, along with Christian. Jimmy Uso then eliminated Titus. D-Young got revenge a few moments later by eliminating Uso.

Down to seven men. Make it six with Regal eliminated by Christian, drawing boos. Cole called this a look at the future of WWE. Alex Riley then eliminated D-Young after Young helped himself over the top rope. Meanwhile, Booker called Miz a one-hit wonder. Cole said they'll talk about that later in the show. Miz then eliminated Riley, so it's a Final Four of Miz, Tyson Kidd, Christian, and David Otunga.

Kidd delivered a springboard double dropkick on Miz and Otunga, then skinned the cat when Miz tried to toss him out. But, Otunga eliminated Kidd from behind. Miz and Otunga came to an agreement and decided to go after Christian, who was heel before he left TV. Christian tried to fight off the two heels, but they cornered him and landed kicks as Cole ranted on Booker. Christian then dumped Otunga over the top rope out of nowhere.

Miz tried to sneak-attack Christian, but he held onto the top rope to avoid elimination. Christian then avoided elimination again. More close shaves before both men found themselves on the ring apron. Christian then head-butted Miz to the gut, sending Miz off the apron to the floor. Christian wins the battle royal. Post-match, Christian pointed to Santino, making his selection to face Santino later in the PPV.

WINNER: Christian at 12:13 to earn a U.S. Title shot later in the show.

2 -- WWE tag champions KOFI KINGSTON & R-TRUTH vs. JACK SWAGGER & DOLPH ZIGGLER (w/Vickie Guerrero) -- WWE Tag Title match

The heels isolated Kofi throughout the first five minutes before R-Truth tagged in and Vickie provided a distraction to allow the heels to cheat to regain the advantage on Truth. Booker then predicted a title change, giving away there won't be a title change. Meanwhile, Lawler was wrapped up in Vickie's wardrobe selection tonight. Truth scored with a nearfall on Ziggler, but Ziggler came back with a high dropkick for a two count to give the heels control again.

Ziggler & Swagger combined on a wheelbarrow and X-Factor that drove Truth's face into the mat, but it resulted in a two count only. Vickie screamed at Ziggler to finish off Truth, but Truth came back with a small package for a two count. Ziggler then cut off Truth from making a tag to Kofi. Truth suddenly countered a corner move with a Tornado DDT, allowing him to make the tag to Kofi.

Kofi entered hot on Dolph with a springboard flying clothesline. More high-flying offense from Kofi. A Boom Drop got Kofi fired up. He wanted the finisher, but Dolph ducked. Kofi suddenly flew off the top with a twisting lateral press, but Swagger broke up a pin attempt. Kofi then dumped Swagger to the floor, but walked into the Zig-Zag. Dolph made a cover, but Truth broke up a pin attempt. Truth then flew over the top rope onto Swagger ringside. Back in the ring, Kofi nailed Dolph in mid-air with Trouble in Paradise. It was good for the pin, prompting Vickie to flip out ringside.

WINNERS: Kofi & Truth at 12:17 to retain the Tag Titles. Good, high-energy "start" to the PPV (not counting the pre-show-style battle royal). The announcers giving away the finish was the chief drawback to an otherwise fine tag match. (**1/2)

3 -- Divas champion LAYLA vs. BETH PHOENIX -- Divas Title match

Back in the arena, Beth Phoenix came out first before WWE rolled footage of Layla capturing the Divas Title from former Diva Nikki Bella at Extreme Rules last month. Layla scored with early offense before Beth targeted the surgically-repaired knee to begin wearing down the champ. Layla fought back before Beth offered an impressive display of strength with a standing military press, but Layla countered into a single-arm DDT. After a series of close nearfalls each way, Beth kicked Layla's knee, but Layla came right back with the Lay-Out for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Layla at 7:10 to retain the Divas Title. Solid women's match following the Gail Kim vs. Awesome Kong script from TNA several years ago.

4 -- World Hvt. champion SHEAMUS vs. RANDY ORTON vs. CHRIS JERICHO vs. ALBERTO DEL RIO -- World Title match -- Fatal Four-way

Sheamus quickly cleared Del Rio to the outside and Orton quickly cleared Jericho to the outside, then Sheamus and Orton teased coming together, but the heels cut them off. Meanwhile, Cole referenced Jericho and Orton's history back when Orton punted Jericho out of WWE a few years ago. Sheamus and Orton cleared the heels again, then went at it in the ring, resuming their Smackdown battle. The heels then cleared Sheamus before double-teaming Orton. Del Rio and Jericho took a quick trip to the outside to attack Sheamus's shoulder, targeting the his injury to further stack the deck against the champ.

Back in the ring, Orton met the heels with rapid-fire offense before the heels cut him off. Jericho and Del Rio then started arguing, which allowed Orton to knock Del Rio to the outside. As the men battled, Cole announced to WWE's TV audience that Raw is moving to three hours starting July 23, with more to be announced on Raw tomorrow night. Sheamus re-entered the ring and cleared everyone except for Del Rio. The two men battled in the ring before Sheamus landed a rolling sentaun. Ricardo provided a distraction, though, allowing Del Rio to nail Sheamus with a step-up enziguiri for a close two count.

At 8:30, Del Rio slowed things down with a mat-based submission on Sheamus. Sheamus fought back with strikes, a knee lift, and bodyslam for a two count. Del Rio cut off Sheamus again, but Sheamus came back with rapid-fire forearm strikes before Jericho dropkicked both men to the outside. The crowd came to life for Orton-Jericho in the ring, which included Orton dropping Jericho with a snap powerslam. Orton then brought Sheamus back into the ring, but Del Rio cut off Orton before Orton could hit the RKO on Sheamus.

They reset at 12:00 with all four men in the ring. Sheamus scored a close nearfall on Orton, then Orton sent Sheamus flying into the ringpost and out to the floor. Orton then grappled Del Rio and Ricardo for a simultaneous DDT from the second rope. Orton covered Del Rio, but he kicked out in time. Jericho then dropped Orton with the Codebreaker and Orton rolled to the outside. Del Rio caught Jericho from behind with the cross arm-breaker, but Jericho countered into the Walls of Jericho. Sheamus broke it up, but Jericho nailed Sheamus with the Codebreaker. Jericho was slow to cover, allowing Sheamus to kick out in time.

At 14:30, Jericho started kicking and taunting Sheamus. The two men traded control before Jericho applied the Walls of Jericho center-ring. Sheamus tried to reach the ropes, but Jericho dragged him back to center-ring and sat down on the Walls. Suddenly, Orton dropped Jericho with the RKO. Del Rio broke up a pin, then Orton dropped Del Rio with the RKO. Sheamus suddenly nailed Orton with the Brogue Kick, then Jericho rolled up Sheamus for a close two count. Big back-and-forth sequence. Everything came to a standstill as Sheamus grappled Jericho and nailed White Noise for the pin and the win. The crowd wanted Orton to win, but they were okay with Sheamus.

WINNER: Sheamus at 15:54 to retain the World Title. Nice nearfall sequences at the end to make this a standout PPV match. Orton was clearly the top star here. WWE has two more PPVs before Summerslam, but you have to think Sheamus-Orton for the World Title at Summerslam, with Orton winning after Sheamus has a nice four-month run. (***1/4)

[Arcademan]

5 -- BRODUS CLAY vs. THE MIZ

Brodus delivered an early headbutt that cleared Miz to the outside. Miz tried to sneak-attack Brodus, but Clay cut him off before knocking Miz to the floor. On the outside, Clay lit up Miz with a chop before Miz ran Clay into the ringpost. Back in the ring, Miz wore down Clay before Clay built some momentum and landed The Headbutt. Clay ran into a corner boot, but crotched Miz and climbed up top. Clay delivered an overhead slam before landing The Splash for the pin and the win. Suddenly, a kid hit the ring. WWE went to a replay of Miz dancing, which Lawler tried to narrate, before showing the finish. Back in the ring, several kids assembled in the ring to dance.

WINNER: Clay at 4:12. A basic come-down match after the Fatal Four-way.

6 -- IC champion CODY RHODES vs. CHRISTIAN -- Intercontinental Title match
 
The announcers did a pre-match bit about Booker not having a "vested interest" in the match, so he was going to sit this one out. Booker then jumped in on commentary 20 seconds in. In the ring, Rhodes assaulted Christian early on before Christian knocked Rhodes to the outside. On the floor, Rhodes rammed Christian into the ring steps before rolling him back into the ring. Back in the ring, Rhodes went after Christian's upper body to target Christian's pre-existing injuries.
 
Four minutes in, Rhodes and Christian spilled over the top rope to the floor and both men sold the effects. Rhodes then popped Christian with an enziguiri before scoring a two count in the ring. The announcers said it appears the lay-off is affecting Christian, who then came back with a kick to the face and missile dropkick from the second rope for a two count. Christian airballed a flying splash, then Rhodes came off the second rope with a moonsault for a two count.
 
Rhodes, upset about the nearfall, said he's tired of being jerked around and he's better than everyone. The announcers said Rhodes is losing his focus. Christian then countered a corner toss and dropped Rhodes with the Killswitch. Christian rolled over Rhodes and scored the pin to capture the IC Title. Afterward, Christian sold emotion as Rhodes rolled out of the ring.
 
WINNER: Christian at 7:25 to capture the IC Title. The match didn't get to that next level, coming across like a basic TV singles match. Damage has been done to Rhodes this year and Christian was a heel prior to his absence, so the crowd wasn't into this until there was a prospect of a title change at the end.
 
7 -- WWE champion C.M. PUNK vs. DANIEL BRYAN -- WWE Title match
 
The crowd was split for Bryan and Punk with dueling chants as Punk targeted Bryan's left knee. Bryan came back with Yes! kicks, but Punk came back with more offense targeting the knee. Punk then applied a standing submission into a Curb Stomp for a two count. He followed by tossing Bryan over the top rope to the floor. Bryan sold the effects, then rammed Punk into the guardrail when Punk tried to follow up.
 
Back in the ring, Bryan worked over Punk's shoulder/upper back area to return the favor after Punk's submission attack earlier in the match. After Punk tried to fight back, Bryan applied a surfboard stretch into a neck submission bending Punk's body backwards. Punk escaped with elbow strikes before landing forearm strikes to the face. Punk followed with a suplex for a two count. Booker said they may be here for another hour since neither man wants to relent. The crowd picked up a loud dueling chant as the two men traded control.
 
At 12:00, Bryan climbed up top and flew clear across the ring to deliver a headbutt for a two count. Bryan followed up with a submission targeting the upper back before they came to their feet and collided mid-ring after bouncing off the ropes. Punk was the aggressor once the two men came to their feet, but ran into a corner boot, only to drop Bryan with a snap powerslam when Bryan charged at him. Moments later, Punk sent Bryan flying over the top rope to the floor and Bryan sold the knee injury. Punk followed right up with a suicide dive that put both men on the floor.
 
Back in the ring, Bryan caught Punk with a dropkick to the ribs and scored a close two count. Bryan, fired up, assaulted Punk with rapid-fire kicks to the gut, but Punk blocked and scored with a Dragonscrew legwhip. He followed with the figure-four leglock in Flair Country. Punk and Bryan suddenly traded slaps while still in the figure-four as the crowd whoo'ed loudly. Bryan then reached the bottom rope to break the hold.
 
Punk and Bryan reset with a rapid-fire exchange of holds before Bryan popped Punk in the head with a kick strike. Cole said Bryan is going to win his first WWE Title, which meant Punk was going to kick out, which of course happened. Bryan then lowered a kneepad and landed bare knee strikes to the mid-section. Punk hung up Bryan on the top rope, landed a flying clothesline, and covered Bryan for a two count. The crowd, not invested in Bryan as a heel, chanted, "This is awesome," evaluating the performance during the performance.
 
Champ and Challenger came to their feet at 20:00, and traded offense. Punk teased the GTS, but Bryan escaped. Bryan suddenly teased the Yes! Lock, but Punk countered with a roundhouse kick to the head. Punk made a cover, but Bryan got his foot on the bottom rope, then kicked out of a second pin attempt. "Aaaaahhhh!" Punk shouted, selling frustration not being able to put away Bryan. For his next move, Punk went up-top and set up the Macho Man elbow on the anniversary of Randy Savage's death. Punk then came off the top and connected, but he sold the injured ribs after landing the elbow. As the vocal males chanted, "Randy Savage," Punk slowly made a pin attempt, which Bryan kicked out of.
 
At 22:30, Bryan suddenly went nuts on Punk with successive knees and strikes. Bryan chanted, "Yes!" several times before charging Punk and missing with a flying dropkick. Punk then nailed the high knee and tried the bulldog, but Bryan wrestled Punk to the ground and slapped on the Yes! Lock center-ring. Punk teased tapping out, then Bryan rolled Punk over onto his shoulders. The ref counted a three and called for the bell. The announcers said Punk was tapping out. Punk took his title belt and left the ring as Bryan sold shock over what happened. They went to a replay of Bryan's shoulders on the mat with the submission locked in; Punk tapped out one second after the pin was counted.
 
WINNER: Punk at 23:55 to retain the WWE Title. An expectedly very good PPV match between two of the best. It wasn't a blow-away match, but still very good. The finish was interesting - it could lead to a title re-match, or just give Bryan an "out" complain about on TV to advance his heel character. (****)
 
8 -- HUNICO (w/Camacho) vs. RYBACK
 
"Goldberg" chants once the bell sounded for the buffer match before the main event. Early on, Hunico knocked Ryback off his feet, which the announcers drew attention to, then Ryback came back with power offense, including a lift-up powerbomb. Ryback then finished off Hunico with his fireman's carry finisher. Ryback demanded more competition after they replayed the high points from the match before destroying Hunico's bike on the way out.
 
WINNER: Ryback at 1:54.

[Arcademan]

9 -- JOHN CENA vs. JOHN LAURINAITIS -- straight-up one-on-one match -- if Laurinaitis loses, he's "fired" -- any Superstar who interferes is "fired"
 
Once the bell sounded, Laurinaitis high-tailed it out of the ring, but Cena grabbed him, threw him back into the ring, and pulled the shirt over Johnny's head. Cena landed a slap to the chest, then a slap to the back. Laurinaitis tried to cover himself, then Cena hoisted Johnny onto his shoulders and did a big airplane spin. Johnny drunkenly stumbled out of the ring, then Cena retrieved the ring bell and rang the bell in Johnny's ears.
 
Cena then rammed Laurinaitis face-first into the announce table over and over as the announcers cackled. For his next trick, Cena put a headset on Laurinaitis, then put on a headset and did commentary, imitating Cole and Booker T. Laurinaitis mumbled, "Five time, five time," then Cena smashed Laurinaitis into a TV monitor. Cole told Cena to please end this. Back in the ring, Johnny stood up and extended a hand to Cena, who pretended to consider it. Cena then slapped Johnny, dropped him on the mat, and left the ring again.
 
Cena retrieved a mic, then re-entered the ring and noted he just came up with an idea. He told Johnny that he's about to put him in the STF. He said if Laurinaitis taps out, he's fired. He said he'll let go of the hold if Johnny can last ten seconds. Cena applied the hold and Johnny did an over-dramatic tease, but lasted ten seconds. "Wow! That was pretty good!" Cena declared. He said this good news/bad news. Cena said the good news is Johnny made it, but now he's going to do it again. Johnny held on for another ten seconds and Cole excitedly declared he's a courageous, brave man.
 
Cena left the ring again and retrieved some water for a few sips. Cena noted Johnny looks a bit parched, too. He then retrieved a few water bottles and poured the contents of one bottle over Johnny's head. Another bottle was dumped over Johnny's head. Then, Cena dumped water over Johnny's groin area. "Shrinkage!" Booker declared.
 
Cena went back to the outside and retrieved a fire extinguisher from under the ring. Cena taunted Johnny with the extinguisher, then lightly sprayed Johnny before spraying him over and over for another ten seconds. Johnny spilled to the outside, then Cena ran Johnny into the guardrail. Next, Cena retrieved a ringside trashcan and dumped the contents onto Johnny. Cole called it degrading and humiliating. Lawler called it fitting. Johnny then tried to run away again, but Cena retrieved him. Johnny suddenly yanked Cena arm-first across the guardrail, re-injuring Cena's left arm. Johnny, energized, attacked the left arm before grabbing a chair.
 
In the ring, Johnny measured Cena for a chair shot and jabbed Cena in the gut before landing chair shots across the back. Johnny made a cover, but scored a two count only. Laurinaitis then wanted a chair shot to the head, but Cena blocked and intercepted the chair. Cena then delivered a chair-aided Five Knuckle Shuffle. Suddenly, Laurinaitis delivered a low blow. Cole said that's legal because it's pinfall or submission only. After delivering the low blow, Laurinaitis left the ring and tried to leave through the crowd. Johnny crawled through the crowd before reaching the back of the floor section. Johnny disappeared through the curtain at the back of the floor section. In the ring, Cena put his hands in the air, wondering what's going on.
 
Suddenly, a "fired" Big Show emerged with his hands on Johnny, dragging Laurinaitis back through the crowd to the ringside area. Show flung Johnny into the ring and stood on one side of the ring as Cena stood on the other side of the ring. Johnny, cornered, tried begging for his life. Show then stepped on Johnny's hand as Cole said they should just fire Johnny and get it over with. Johnny then walked into Big Show's big right hand for a chokeslam. Show flung Johnny away to Cena for the Attitude Adjustment, but Show popped Cena with a KO Punch. The crowd booed as Show walked to the corner and watched. Johnny came to, then slowly crawled over to Cena. Johnny rolled Cena over and made a cover for a three count.
 
Post-match: Lawler wondered why Show would help Johnny after what he did to him last week on Raw. Show then helped up Johnny and raised his arm as the crowd stood quietly. Show left the ring as Johnny tried to celebrate while selling the effects of Cena's beating. After a replay, Johnny was shown sitting on the ring entrance. He then stood up and limped a few feet as Cena sold in the ring. Cole said he can't wait for Raw tomorrow as Laurinaitis hobbled some more to end the PPV at 9:48.
 
WINNER: Laurinaitis at 17:03. As expected, one of the worst main events people had to pay to see in recent history. WWE gave the Cena Fans some high points with Cena dismantling Johnny early on, fulfilling what Cena advertised before the match. Moving forward, it looks like Cena vs. Big Show is the next feud for Cena while Brock Lesnar remains off TV.

[Arcademan]

WWE RAW Results: 5-21-12

Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Caldwell's complete report). Condensed to in-ring results only.

1 -- JOHN CENA vs. DAVID OTUNGA

Once the bell sounded, Otunga ducked under the ropes to avoid a charging Cena as Laurinaitis and Eve were shown on-stage. Otunga eventually bailed to the outside to avoid Cena, who glared down at Otunga, then engaged in a game of cat and mouse. The crowd started a dueling "Let's Go Cena / Cena Sucks" chant before Otunga caught Cena back in the ring. As Michael Cole played heel announcer, Cena made a comeback. Cena then did the You Can't See Me wave towards Laurinaitis on-stage before dropping Otunga with the AA. Cena followed with the STF for a quick tap-out.

WINNER: Cena via submission at 1:59.

2 -- RANDY ORTON vs. ALBERTO DEL RIO

Orton scored with early offense before Del Rio cleared Orton to the outside. They cut to an early commercial break.

Back from break, Del Rio was working over Orton in the ring. Orton teased a comeback, but Del Rio kicked him in the back. Del Rio then charged Orton near the ropes, but Orton ducked and Del Rio went flying through the ropes to the outside. Del Rio re-entered the ring and ate a powerslam from a fired-up Orton. Orton then set up Del Rio for the second-rope DDT and connected. The women were screaming at this point. Orton then went to That Place to set up for the RKO, but Chris Jericho snuck in the back-door to drop Orton with the Codebreaker for a DQ.

Post-match: Jericho, in leather pants, glared down at Orton, who sold a head injury. Del Rio was out of the picture by this point. Jericho waited out "You Suck" chants before grabbing a mic. Jericho slowly said in a low voice that he's the best in the world at what he does. Jericho repeated it, but louder. "Do you understand?!" he shouted at Orton. Jericho then dropped Orton with another codebreaker before pounding the mat next to Orton. Jericho stood up and glared into the crowd before repeating that he's the best in the world. Jericho teased leaving, but picked up Orton one more time. Jericho delivered a third Codebreaker, then his music played. Jericho left the ring, still glaring at Orton on the way out.

WINNER: Orton via DQ at 7:20. Unless WWE books Jericho vs. Orton on Friday's Smackdown, it looks like Jericho-Orton at No Way Out to give Jericho a fresh, singles match opponent and keep Orton away from World champ Sheamus until perhaps Summerslam. Of course, WWE could book Jericho-Orton on Smackdown, then book a re-match at No Way Out.

3 -- DANIEL BRYAN vs. KANE

Bryan tried to attack Kane early on, but Kane cut him off and landed corner offense before Bryan came back with a flying dropkick. Bryan then went for a top-rope move, but Kane intercepted. Bryan escaped a chokeslam, then dumped Kane over the top rope to the floor. Bryan followed with a suicide dive right in front of the announcers. Punk then dropped his headset to get a closer look at the action. Punk taunted Bryan with a chair shot, then tried to hit Kane, but Bryan stole the chair. Kane then got up and saw Bryan holding the chair. Bryan dropped the chair, then Kane smacked Bryan and picked up the chair. Kane smashed Bryan over and over with the chair, causing a DQ.

Post-match: Kane rolled Bryan back into the ring and grabbed Bryan for a chokeslam. Kane delivered it center-ring as Punk sarcastically said he really feels Bryan's pain right now. Kane then delivered another chokeslam. "One more time!" the crowd chanted, but Kane stuck to his heel roots by ignoring the crowd and leaving the ring. On commentary, Punk noted someone needs to check on Bryan. He then entered the ring to "check on" Bryan. After pretending to check on Bryan, he slapped on the Vice and Bryan tapped out over and over. Punk released, then shouted, "Yes!" over and over as Bryan sold on the mat.

WINNER: Bryan via DQ at 1:49.

4 -- IC champion CHRISTIAN vs. JINDER MAHAL -- non-title match

Back live, Jinder Mahal was completing his ring introduction before entering the ring. Christian started with early offense before Mahal dumped Christian to the outside. Back in the ring, Mahal worked over Christian as Lawler cracked a Booker T joke that made Cole snort. Christian came back with successive clotheslines before slapping Mahal across the face. Christian went to the second rope and delivered a flying European Uppercut.

Christian wanted the Killswitch, but Mahal blocked and landed a knee to the face. Mahal then wanted the Camel Clutch, but Christian slid underneath Mahal and delivered the Killswitch. Christian wasn't done, though, as he went up top for a big frogsplash for the pin and the win. Cole called it a new addition to his repertoire. Christian stood tall in victory before posing for the crowd as Cole plugged the handicap main event still to come.

WINNER: Christian at 3:16.

5 -- KELLY KELLY vs. BETH PHOENIX

Kelly was out first followed by a peeved Phoenix following her Divas Title match loss to Layla last night. A few moments in, they cut to a shot of Layla watching the match on a backstage monitor. Kelly made a comeback on Beth, but Beth cut off a corner handspring with a forearm smash. Beth followed with the Glam Slam for the pin and the win. Layla sold concern backstage afterward.

WINNER: Phoenix at 2:28. Beth is back on track for an apparent re-match against Layla.

6 -- World Hvt. champion SHEAMUS & JOHN CENA vs. TENSAI (w/Sakamoto) & JACK SWAGGER & DOLPH ZIGGLER (w/Vickie Guerrero) -- two-on-three handicap match -- lumberjack match

Less than a minute into the match, Laurinaitis walked out on-stage and stood on a crutch. The faces absorbed an early attack before Swagger got cocky and did too much posing, allowing Cena to destroy Swagger with a clothesline. Swagger scampered over to his corner and tagged in Tensai, who attacked Cena as the crowd taunted him with "Albert" chants. Sheamus then tagged in and Tensai blasted him to the outside. The lumberjacks fought Sheamus, so Sheamus tackled half of the jacks before Jericho grabbed Sheamus's foot to slow him down re-entering the ring. Tensai used the "help" to cut off Sheamus and begin a three-on-one attack. They cut to break five minutes in.

Back from break, the heels were still working over Sheamus. Tensai blasted Sheamus with a corner splash before throwing Sheamus to the outside for the jacks to inflict damage. Sheamus tried fighting them all off before rolling back into the ring. Swagger followed up on the jacks's attack as the ref put one medical glove on. No sign of blood in the ring, though, as the heels continued working over Sheamus. Ref Robinson put the other medical glove on before WWE cut to a shot of Big Show wandering out on-stage. Cole said in the "wee hours of this morning," Show was re-signed to a contract by Laurinaitis. They cut to a shot of Lord Tensai bleeding from the forehead as he waited on the ring apron while Swagger and Sheamus brought the match to a standstill.

Tensai tagged in and blasted away at Sheamus, who tried fighting back from his knees. The crowd fired up as Sheamus landed offense, but Tensai cut him off and scored a two count. And, another tag, this time to Ziggler. Swagger tagged back in moments later. Sheamus fought out of the corner again, then delivered a rolling sentaun to Swagger. The crowd went nuts when Cena finally hot-tagged into the match and cleaned house on Ziggler, who also tagged in.

Cena set up for the Five Knuckle Shufle, but the heel lumberjacks suddenly jumped Sheamus, prompting Cena to go flying over the top rope splashing the jacks on the outside. The jacks eventually rolled Cena back into the ring, then joined Cena in the ring to maul and dismantle Cena and Sheamus, causing chaos.

WINNER: No Decision when the brawl occurred at 15:10. This was a match made for the DVR with an extended, extended beat down on Sheamus.

Suddenly, babyfaces stormed the ring, led by WWE champion C.M. Punk. The faces cleared the ring until Great Khali finally hit the ring a minute later. In the chaos, Cena left the ring and went up the ramp looking for Big Show. Bodies flew in and out of the ring before Punk took control in the ring.

WWE cut backstage to show Cena finding Laurinaitis and demanding to know where Big Show is. Laurinaitis shouted that he doesn't know, but if he touches him, he'll fire him. Cena stood his ground and clenched his jaw before turning around to take a big KO Punch from Show. Show stood over Cena, then walked down the hallway as the show ended four minutes past the top of the hour.

[Arcademan]

WWE NXT Results: 5-23-12

Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to James's complete report).

1 - DERRICK BATEMAN vs. JINDER MAHAL

Bateman plays to a "U-S-A!" chant and takes Mahal down. After some back-and-forth, Bateman goes on sustained offense. Mahal regains control. The crowd is really behind Bateman, but it is more xenophobic than anything else. Bateman counters a suplex with a lateral press and he turns up the pace. Running neckbreaker from Bateman for a two count. Big corner splash and a missing dropkick gets a nearfall for Bateman. Mahal with a variety of knees, then the Camel Clutch and Bateman taps.

WINNER: Jinder Mahal in 6:30. The pacing of this match was just off. I feel like it didn't get moving until Bateman's final comeback and the ending seemed to come from nowhere.

2 - PERCY WATSON vs. HEATH SLATER

Slater shoves Watson, then runs to the ropes to start the match. Watson shows off his speed and power, and it looks like he has a couple of new moves in his skillset.

Slater has a stretch of offense, but he can't put Watson away. Watson gets his boots up on a top rope move from Slater to turn things around. Percy fires up the crowd and lands the Highsman for a nearfall. Watson lands on his feet after a suplex, and scores the Percycution for the win.

WINNER: Percy Watson in 6:30. Another match that didn't really get in gear until the very end. I've seen much better from both. The format of this show has fallen apart in the last two weeks, and they didn't mention one word about the "Percy Watson ambushing people" story in the slightest.

3 - ALICIA FOX vs. MAXINE

Maxine overpowers the much-taller Fox at the beginning, but Fox returns the favor. Fox shoves Maxine down, so Maxine tries a Thesz Press Press, but Fox forgets to fall backwards, and then remembers. Maxine's offense draws a crowd reaction. Fox can't get traction. Fox begs Maxine to leave her hair alone. Fox elbows out of a chinlock and starts a comeback, but Maxine cuts her off. Maxine wants a running crossbody, but Fox hits a dropkick. Fox with a bridging suplex for a nearfall. Fox with a roll-up for two, then Maxine slips through and puts on the Dragon Sleeper with scissors on the mat. Fox taps out.

WINNER: Maxine in 6:15. Not only was that long by Divas match standards, but the trite "booking 101" formula was broken, as the person who had the bulk of the offense actually won. Maxine has her in-ring psychology down well, and carries her character nicely in the ring - you really get a sense of who she is. The size difference made the win impressive, too. I very much want to see Maxine spend some time with Natalya or Beth Phoenix.

4 - GREAT KHALI & EZEKIEL JACKSON vs. DREW MCINTYRE & JOHNNY CURTIS

Curtis and Khali to start, vintage Khali offense. The two teams go back-and-forth for a few minutes. Jackson dumps McIntyre and Curtis outside.

Jackson is still controlling the action out of the break with a series of bodyslams on Curtis. McIntyre chopblocks Jackson on the apron, and they isolate Jackson for a bit. Jackson bodyslams his way to freedom and Khali comes in. Khali sends McIntyre out of the ring and a Punjabi Plunge on Curtis ends the match.

WINNER: Great Khali & Ezekiel Jackson in 9:15. Does anything need to be said other than "it was a 9-minute match with Ezekiel Jackson and The Great Khali?"

[Arcademan]

WWE Superstars Results: 5-24-12

Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to james's complete report).

1 - TYSON KIDD vs. ANTONIO CESARO (w/Aksana)

The match starts with the combined technical acumen that you would expect from this pair on-display. The larger Cesaro uses power combined with holds, but Kidd counters with speed. Matt Striker refers to Cesarso's "Chikara style." Is he allowed to say that? Delayed gutwrench suplex from Cesaro to show off his strength. Cesaro's work in the corner looks nasty. The crowd is getting behind Kidd, but Kidd can't get offense against the larger Cesaro. Kidd breakdances on a standing Cesaro and transitions to a roll-up to start a flurry of offense.

Kidd wants the Sharpshooter, but Cesaro gets out, so Kidd kits a big leg drop to the face. Kidd with a top-rope blockbuster for a two count. Cesaro tries to rip Kidd's ear off when Kidd tries the Sharpshooter again. Cesaro manages to stand up tall against a tornado DDT attempt, throw Kidd in the air, and then uppercut him - it looks like a Mortal Kombat juggle. Cesaro with his reverse pumphandle front suplex for the win.

WINNER: Antonio Cesaro in 7:30. This is a beautiful match. If I see this pairing on June 5, my ticket price will be justified.

2 - WWE tag champions KOFI KINGSTON & R-TRUTH vs. JTG & MICHAEL MCGILLICUTTY - non-title match

JTG is continuing his new style. JTG and Kingston start off, and Kingston with a monkey flip to send JTG half-way across the ring. Kingston and R-Truth double-team JTG, then the heels isolate R-Truth for a stretch. McGillicutty shows off a number of moves that are new to him. Double tag out and Kingston goes nuts on McGillicutty. Boom Drop and Kingston calls for Trouble in Paradise, but JTG pulls McGillicutty from the ring and uses handmotions to explain that Kingston was about to finish him. Kingston dives on them both.

R-Truth with control out of the break. Double-heel kick from the tag team champions for a nearfall. McGillicutty forces a whiff on Trouble in Paradise to draw Kingston out of the way and JTG runs interference for McGillicutty. Kingston takes punishment in the opposing corner. JTG is like an rabid animal on offense, drawing the crowd into Kingston's corner. Kingston manages a hot tag and Truth flattens JTG with offense. The action breaks down and Truth shrugs off the Mugshot and counters with the Little Jimmy (nee "What's Up?") for the win.

WINNER: Kofi Kingston and R-Truth in 11:30. Very nice match. Up until JTG's disappearance from the ring and subsequent return, he was only one step above Khali in my book of "boring wrestlers." He has done an absolutely astounding job at turning his in-ring work around, and his wrestling tonight was very, very entertaining. He acted like a man on a mission and delivered very believable offense. The pairing with Michael McGillicutty is potentially good long-term.

3 - ZACK RYDER vs. HEATH SLATER

Josh Mathews accidentally calls Slater "the party starter," which is Curt Hawkins's gimmick. Slater mocks Ryder and Ryder refuses to take it lying down. Slater has some nice, crisp offense.

Ryder is struggling to get traction after the commercial, and there's some blood in Slater's mouth. Ryder counters a top-rope move with a flapjack and Ryder goes on the attack. Broski Boot for a nearfall. Ryder wants a Rough Ryder, but Slater plants him face-first into the turnbuckle and hits a neckbreaker for a nearfall.

They fight on the turnbuckle and Ryder sends Slater to the mat, then a missile dropkick for two. Ryder goes to the top and Slater jumps up for his patented snap powerslam for a nearfall. Slater wonders how he can get a three count, and just beats on Ryder in the corner. Ryder gets boots up, and lands the Rough Ryder for the pin.

WINNER: Zack Ryder in 10:30. This was an enjoyable match. Heath Slater has the ability to draw heat with his in-ring mannerisms, which is good since he never gets any mic time. Slater also regrew his hair, and grew a bit of a beard, which makes him look a bit more heelish for some reason.

[Arcademan]

TNA Impact Wrestling Results: 5-54-12

Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Turner's complete report). Condensed here to in-ring results only.

1 -- TNA Knockouts tag champions ODB & ERIC YOUNG vs. TNA Knockouts champion GAIL KIM & MADSION RAYNE -- non-title match

Kim and Young started the match with Young putting Kim in a headlock. He put her in a bear hug, which caused ODB to get jealous and demand to be tagged in. ODB hit a fallaway slam as the show cut to commercial.

The show came back with Kim hitting a flying clothesline on ODB. Kim tagged in Rayne, who got in some offense for a two count. Rayne tagged Kim back in, and they tried to use some double-team offense, but Rayne walked away, which caused Kim to get angry with her.

Young got into the ring, took of his pants, and started hitting armdrags on both Rayne and Kim. ODB once got upset at Young, and asked him if he took his pants off because he was planning on knocking the girls up. Young tagged ODB into the match, and she tried to hit another fallaway slam, but had her legs pulled from under her and held onto by Rayne, allowing Kim to pick up the victory.

WINNERS: Kim & Rayne via pinfall at 6:35. The match was fine for what it was, and I assume this will probably lead into Kim feuding with ODB. I mean, she doesn’t really have anyone else to work with who has been on television recently.

2 -- ROB VAN DAM vs. GUNNER

RVD and Gunner exchanged blows on the outside with Gunner getting the better of the exchange, slamming RVD’s head on the ring apron. He threw a chair into ring, and before he could use it RVD caught him with a spinning heel kick and the Rolling Thunder. Gunner came back with an elbow off an Irish whip for a two count. RVD caught Gunner with yet another spinning heel kick, and followed it up with a very long Five-Star Frog Splash for the win.

WINNER: Rob Van Dam via pinfall at 2:50. Short match that fell short of a squash match on the merit that Gunner got some offense in. It was weird to see him lose so fast, but I’m not as high on him as some people seem to be, so I wasn’t affected much by the decision.

3 -- TNA Television champion DEVON vs. GARETT BISCHOFF -- TNA Television Title match

Devon got Bischoff in a few holds before following up with a spinning dive as the crowd chanted “Devon.” The crowd then began to chant, “We want tables,” as Devon and Bischoff stared at each other. Before they could get back into it, Robbie E. and Robbie T. came out to beat on Devon, which caused the referee to call for the disqualification.

WINNER: Devon via disqualification at 1:50. I applaud TNA for sticking to their guns about the Television Title being defended on a weekly basis. That being said, the four wrestlers that were featured in this segment are probably at the bottom of the totem pole of wrestlers I care about.

4 -- TNA X Division champion AUSTIN ARIES vs. JOEY RYAN -- Gut Check non-title match

Ryan quickly caught Aries with an armdrag, and then proceeded to sleazily gloat in the corner. Aries came back with some offense, and did some gloating of his own. Ryan went to the outside, but was caught with a cross-body from Aries over the top rope to the outside.

Inside the ring, Aries yanked on Ryan’s chest hair, but was caught with a dropkick for a two count. Ryan tried to go for the pumphandle slam, but Aries countered with an elbow. Eventually, Ryan hit a pumphandle suplex for a two count. Aries came back with a running dropkick in the corner, and followed up with the brainbuster for the win.

WINNER: TNA X division champion Austin Aries via pinfall at 4:08. Being from Southern California, I have had the privilege of seeing Ryan wrestle countless times. I was really excited to see him on Impact, but I wish the audience’s first impression of Ryan reflected the work ethic and charisma he puts forth every month at PWG shows. That being said, it was a fine television match, and Ryan looked totally competent in the Impact Wrestling setting. I hope Ryan gets the nod.

5 -- TNA World Heavy champion BOBBY ROODE vs. A.J. STYLES -- TNA World Heavyweight Title match

Roode and Styles exchanged some offense that boiled over into a series of Irish whips with Styles getting the better of Roode with a dropkick. Roode rolled to the outside as the show cut to commercials.

Back from the break, Roode threw Styles into the ringpost, causing him to fall outside. Roode followed Styles outside and threw him into the ringpost again before throwing him back into the ring for a one count. He beat on Styles while the announcers questioned whether Styles’s mind was preoccupied with the drama surrounding him, Kazarian, Daniels, and Dixie Carter.

Roode charged at Styles, but was met with a back body drop to the outside. Styles followed Roode to the outside and ran at him, but Roode caught him with a sick-looking hip toss into the ring steps. The screen split to show Hogan being informed that his guest had arrived.

The show came back with Roode hitting a suplex and a knee drop for a two count. Roode locked Styles in a chinlock, but Styles was able to come back with a springboard forearm for another two count. Roode tried to go for a superplex, but Styles knocked him off and hit a missile dropkick. Roode and Styles went through another series of exchanges, this time Roode came out on top with a spear that sent Styles back-flipping. Styles came back with some kicks and tried to hit the Styles Clash, but Roode countered with the spinebuster and the fishermen suplex for a close two count. Roode attempted another fishermen suplex, but was caught with a Pele Kick from Styles. Styles went for a springboard 450 that saw Roode putting his knees up. The Champ followed up with another fishermen suplex for the pin.

WINNER: Bobby Roode via pinfall at 21:27 to retain the TNA World Heavyweight Title. The match was a little slow at first, but that could have been the fault of a pair of commercial breaks. Towards the end, it turned out to be one heck of a match, and the best part about it was the fact that Roode beat one of TNA’s mainstay “stars,” A.J. Styles, clean. A heel that wins clean, wow, it’s been a long time since wrestling fans have had one of those.

[Arcademan]

WWE Smackdown Results: 5-25-12

Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Parks' complete report). Condensed here to in-ring results only.

1 – CHRISTIAN vs. HUNICO

Match began right after the break. Hunico showed some fire, but fell victim to a back body-drop. A distraction by Camacho outside the ring led to Hunico shoving Chrisitan into the ring post. A dive put Christian down again. Back in the ring, a pin attempt by Hunico garnered him a two-count. Christian came back with a face-plant. Hunico caught a Christian second-rope dropkick and pulled out a jackknife cover for two. Second-rope flying elbow. Camacho dropkicked off the apron by Christian. That led to Hunico trying his finish, but Christian countered and h it the Killswitch. To the top he went, and a frog-splash got the pin.

WINNER: Christian, at 3:02. Good enhancement win for Christian, though the lack of an actual turn back to babyface is bothersome. How are fans supposed to relate or even understand his character if they don’t understand his motivations or if his actions from one show to the next don’t make sense?

2 – THE USOS vs. TITUS O’NEIL & DARREN YOUNG

They showed the two teams arguing backstage earlier in the day, with the Usos making fun of Young and O’Neil’s repeating sing-songs, and Young and O’Neil mocking The Usos’ tribal dance. Double headbutt to O’Neil from the Usos. Another quick double-team move followed. O’Neil fought out of the face corner and Young kicked Jey behind the ref’s back, leading to Young getting the tag and the heels doing some double-teaming of their own. Booker continued making fun of Cole’s physique, which began on the show last week (or thereabouts). Hot tag to Jimmy at about the 2:00 mark. Running butt splash in the corner on Young, but O’Neil broke up the pin. Jey and O’Neil brawled outside the ring. Jimmy connected on a superkick and went to the top. A distraction by O’Neil led to Young knocking Jimmy off the top rope. He heels hit their double-team finish for the pinfall.

WINNERS: O’Neil and Young, at 3:13. They fit a lot of action in that time-frame. I could barely keep up typing what was going on, and I did not expect that proclamation to come during an Usos vs. O’Neil & Young match.

3 – BRIAN EDWARDS & KEVIN BENDL vs. RYBACK

The jobbers got the mic and insulted Wilkes-Barre and Ryback, saying Ryback has never beaten two guys at once. Their promo was thankfully interrupted by Ryback’s music. Ryback was sporting a black eye, and he even got some pyro (once in the ring – so we didn’t see it). As the bell rang, Ryback picked one up and knocked him into the other. Hard spinebuster on Bendl, then a powerbomb. He clotheslined Edwards, folding him in half. Ryback got both men up for his finisher at the same time. He then pinned both.

WINNER: Ryback, at 1:28. I say he’s impressive every week, but this was a little something extra.

4 – SANTINO MARELLA vs. RICARDO RODRIGUEZ

How did they not book this as a Tuxedo match? Rodriguez, who came out in his suit, introduced himself. Rodriguez did a drop-down then a leap-frog. They did a cris-cross but Santino stopped and just watched Ricardo. Afterward, Santino took Ricardo’s pulse and gave him an airplane spin. Santino laughed so hard he lost his balance and fell out of the ring. Marella climbed under the ring so Rodriguez, thinking he was smart, checked for him on the other side. But Santino came out the original side with his Cobra, and struck Rodriguez when Ricardo finally turned around.

WINNER: Marella, at 1:52. Well, the announcers thought it was hilarious.

4 – SHEAMUS vs. JACK SWAGGER

The two men fought hard over a lock-up. Neither man got a clear advantage a minute into the match until Sheamus connected on a few hard right hands. He hit a diving shoulder tackle off the top rope on Swagger. Swagger tried to take a break but Sheamus ran him over. Vickie Guerrero got the attention of the ref, allowing Sheamus to be distracted and for Swagger to trip him up on the apron. Sheamus held his foot in pain on the outside as they went to break a little over 2:30 into the contest.

They returned at 5:59 with Swagger stomping on the injured appendage of Sheamus. Swagger got to show off his unique style and move-set in working over his opponent’s ankle. Sheamus worked his way to his feet and began his comeback at 8:25. Hard forearm shots to the chest of Swagger, and Sheamus had a glint of evil in his eye. He suplexed Swagger into the ring and made the cover, getting a two-count at 9:14. Brogue Kick missed and Swagger dove, taking out the leg. Vader Bomb for two at the 9:55 mark. Sheamus finally connected on the Brogue Kick for the win.

WINNER: Sheamus, at 10:34. Better match between these two than I expected.

5 – YOSHI TATSU vs. DAMIEN SANDOW

Tatsu attacked as soon as the bell rang, but Sandow hid between the ropes, demanding the referee do his job. Sandow aggressively went after Tatsu with knees to the mid-section, then a side Russian leg-sweep. Neck-tie neck-breaker by Sandow for the win. He did a cartwheel in celebration after the match.

WINNER: Sandow, at :45. Good size and look for Sandow at least. Too early to tell much about his in-ring chops, except for what is known about him in FCW.

6 – KANE vs. ALBERTO DEL RIO vs. RANDY ORTON – TRIPLE-THREAT, #1 CONTENDER MATCH

Rodriguez was back out to handle the ring introduction for Del Rio, but God bless him, he was still selling the effects of the Cobra. Del Rio was the first to exit the ring, courtesy of Orton, 12 seconds in. Low dropkick by Kane on Orton. Cover got two. Del Rio came back to make sure neither Kane nor Orton were able to establish much momentum. Kane though ended up putting Del Rio and Orton to ringside. He attacked both men out there, but Orton turned the tables on both. He bounced Kane’s head off the announce table, then tried to go for his vintage DDT. Before he could, Del Rio leapt up on the apron and kicked Orton in the head. All there men convalesced as they went to break at 2:18.

Back at 5:15 with Kane hammering away on Del Rio in the corner. He was also having his way with Orton. Del Rio’s chance to shine was next, as he choked Orton in the corner. Orton though dropkicked Del Rio off the apron at 6:27. Sidewalk slam by Kane on Orton for two. Orton with a few rights to Del Rio, then a clothesline. Powerslam on Kane, then one for Del Rio. Kane was clotheslined over the top rope. Rope-assisted DDT by Orton on Del Rio. He set up for the RKO, but Orton was shoved off. Kane picked Orton’s ankle, pulled him out of the ring and threw him into the ring steps. Kane choked Del Rio over the top rope, but missed a clothesline off the top. Kane chokeslammed Del Rio, but Bryan again came out. This time he got on the apron with a chair. Their eyes met, neither sure what to do. Bryan left the apron and ran to the back as Kane tried to give chase. He didn’t’ get far though and went back into the ring. Bryan came back out again and again Kane saw him as he was about to get into the ring. That distraction allowed Orton to RKO Kane. Del Rio broke up the pin attempt and pinned Kane himself for the three-count.

WINNER: Del Rio, at 10:16.

The finish was replayed, then they showed Del Rio and Rodriguez celebrating atop the ramp. From behind though, Sheamus attacked. He laid Del Rio out with a shot to the back of the head. He promised to kick Del Rio’s head off at No Way Out. The show ended with Sheamus standing over Del Rio.

[Arcademan]

WWE RAW Results: 5-28-12

Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Caldwell's complete report). Condensed here to mostly in-ring result. No personal comments from me as I've yet to see the show.

1 -- U.S. champion SANTINO vs. ALBERTO DEL RIO -- non-title match

The bell sounded and Del Rio tattooed Santino with kicks and stomps. Del Rio then missed with a corner attack and Santino scored with successive moves. Santino tried the Cobra, but Del Rio kicked Santino in the gut and slapped on the cross arm-breaker. Santino immediately tapped out to end the match in less than a minute. Post-match: Ricardo announced Del Rio as the winner in Santino's face over and over. Del Rio then stuffed the Cobra in Santino's mouth to conclude the segment.

WINNER: Del Rio via submission at 0:50.

2 -- WWE tag champions KOFI KINGSTON & R-TRUTH vs. JACK SWAGGER & DOLPH ZIGGLER (w/Vickie Guerrero) -- WWE Tag Title match

Truth's opening strategy was doing a lot of dancing to throw Swagger off his game. The tag champs then double-teamed Ziggler and knocked him to the floor. Kofi & Dolph celebrated their first quarter victory at the expense of the heels before Raw went to commercial.

Back from break, Swagger was working over Kingston in the ring as Vickie screamed on the outside. Cole noted the challengers took control of the match during the break. Kofi tried to make a comeback out of the corner, but the heels continued to double-team. Truth took a hot tag at 6:20 and cleaned house before delivering a DDT to Swagger for a two count. All four men found themselves in the ring, then Kofi cleared Zigs to the outside. Truth then dropped Swagger with the Little Jimmy for the pin and the win.

Post-match: Ringside, Vickie was beside herself as the champs celebrated in the ring. After the champs left, the camera stayed with the heels selling anger. Dolph Ziggler said he's better than this and slammed his hands on the mat before leaving the ring. Vickie tried to console Swagger, who called after Dolph on the way out.

WINNERS: Kofi & Truth at 7:06 to retain the Tag Titles. Time for Ziggler to find his way on his own again?

3 -- WWE champion C.M. PUNK vs. DANIEL BRYAN -- non-title match with title ramifications

The wrestlers felt each other out as Cole noted their backgrounds starting out on the independents before "making it big" in WWE. The announcers also plugged Show-Clay coming up later, including a reference to Clay's 20+match winning streak. Bryan and Punk continued to feel each other out and trade control before Bryan knocked Punk to the outside and shouted, "Yes!" Bryan measured Punk for a move on the outside, but Punk avoided and followed with a turnaround cross-body from the second rope. The two men sold on the outside, then A.J. suddenly came down the ramp for the TV version of this match-up. Punk stared at A.J., who gleefully clapped while wearing a C.M. Punk t-shirt, then Punk rolled Bryan back into the ring prior to a break.

Back from break, Punk was stomping away at Bryan while A.J. peered over the top of the ring apron from the outside. A.J. sold concern when Punk missed with a turnaround splash attempt, then Bryan dropkicked Punk across the ring. Bryan followed with a submission working over Punk's left arm before arm-snapping Punk. "Yes! Yes! Yes!" Bryan shouted before nailing a running dropkick in the corner for a two count. Bryan followed with a Northern Lights suplex for a two count before wearing down the left arm/shoulder again.

Punk broke free before the two men slowly came to their feet to engage in another exchange. Punk built some momentum with one good arm, but couldn't put Bryan away. Bryan came back with European Uppercuts before they fought to the corner at 13:00. Punk wanted a springboard maneuver and connected with a flying clothesline for a two count. Punk, exhausted, slowly set up Bryan for a top-rope move as A.J. turned her head to sell inner conflict. Bryan then crotched Punk on the top turnbuckle before delivering a big superplex after pausing to let the audience soak it up. Bryan made a cover, but Punk kicked out in-time.

Bryan went to the corner at 14:30 and tried to remove the turnbuckle pad, which brought A.J. to the apron to argue with the ref. A.J. inadvertently helped Bryan, who removed the turnbuckle pad, then told A.J. to get down. Next, Punk nailed Bryan with a kick to the face. Punk tried to follow with a corner attack on Bryan, but Bryan lifted Punk into the air and right into the corner turnbuckle. Bryan made the cover for a three count, with A.J. indirectly costing Punk the match.

Post-match: Bryan celebrated over and over as A.J. frowned. Bryan then turned around to find a chair shot from Kane. The crowd popped for the previously-dastardly heel Kane, who delivered a chokeslam to Bryan on the chair. A.J. then tossed a chair to Punk, who used it to destroy Kane before rolling him out of the ring. A.J. was smitten ringside. Punk stood tall in the ring as Kane retreated to the outside and Bryan disappeared.

WINNER: Bryan at 15:23 to unofficially become #1 contender to the WWE Title. Another match and another great performance. Bryan looked like he could have gone another 25 or 30 minutes out there. As for the Kane aspect of this, what a mess trying to explain how the audience is supposed to receive Kane. (***)

4 -- IC champion CHRISTIAN vs. THE MIZ -- non-title match

Miz nailed Christian with an early kick to the face for a two count that seemed to stun the crowd a bit. Miz followed with a corner kick as Rhodes accused Christian of sitting on the fence between classic and contemporary. Rhodes summed it up for Lawler that he's old. Miz continued to work over Christian as Rhodes said he will make the choice on when to cash in his IC Title re-match. Christian made a comeback before nailing a sit-out DDT. He then measured Miz for Edge's Spear, but Miz blocked with a boot to the face.

Rhodes slammed down his headset and stood up to distract Christian. Miz suddenly rolled up Christian from behind, but scored a two count only. As Rhodes walked away in the background, Miz measured Christian for the Skullcrushing Finale, but Christian shoved him off. Christian then nailed Miz with the Killswitch. Christian wasn't done, as he climbed up top for his new Frogsplash finisher. It was good for the pin as Rhodes watched on the stage.

WINNER: Christian at 4:15. Basic advancement of the Christian-Rhodes feud ahead of their eventual title re-match. Miz had a good showing this week, but ultimately is in the role of enhancing other stars before heading off to film Marine 3.

5 -- World Hvt. champion SHEAMUS vs. DAVID OTUNGA -- non-title match

Otunga was dominant early on, motivated by trying to impress Big Johnny. However, he started posing and lost his focus, which allowed Sheamus to make a comeback with successive clotheslines. Sheamus then hung Otunga out to dry on the ring apron to deliver ten successive forearm strikes to the chest as the announcers amused themselves with lawyer jokes. Sheamus followed with White Noise center-ring. Sheamus wasn't done, though, as he took Otunga's head off with a Brogue Kick for the pin and the win. Lawler said Del Rio should be paying attention ahead of their title match at No Way Out.

WINNER: Sheamus at 2:47.

- Apparently the main event match between Brodus Clay and the Big Show never took place. Kofi and R-Truth tried to help out Clay but all three got squashed by the Big Show.

[Arcademan]

WWE NXT Results: 5-30-12

Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to James's complete report).

1 - THE USOS vs. CURT HAWKINS & TYLER REKS - tag match

William Regal points out that Reks's and Hawkins's new pink and black outfits make them look like they wish they were Harts. Jey makes Reks look foolish, so Reks consults with Hawkins. Reks responds with power. Jey regains control, and The Usos isolate Hawkins. Jey superkicks Hawkins, but Reks pulls Hawkins from the ring. Jey hits a splash onto the pair at ringside then Jimmy does the same.

Jey is controlling Hawkins out of the break, and Reks has some blood on his face. Reks is finally able to get a tag and takes Jey down. Hawkins and Reks control Jey for a stretch. Jimmy finally gets a tag and shows fire. Jimmy gets distracted by Hawkins, though, allowing Reks to surprise him. Jey breaks up the tag, and Reks ties up Jimmy in the ropes, but Jey frees him. Hawkins gets involved and the ref is distracted by Jimmy trying to enter, too, allowing Hawkins and Reks to hit a new tag team finisher for the win.

WINNERS: Hawkins & Reks in 11:10. I pity the live audience that had to sit through what amounted to an 11-minute dark match between people they haven't seen on TV in a real role in years, with no build or anything. The match itself was fine, but I've seen these two teams go at it so many times on NXT, it's stale.

2 - TAMINA SNUKA vs. KAITLYN

They both try to use power against each other, but Kaitlyn fights out of a corner to take control. Kaitlyn uses her legs to control Snuka, but Snuka's strength keeps her in charge. Maxine gets comfortable on commentary and starts to rip into Kaitlyn. There's a brief exchange of chain wrestling. Kaitlyn with her leg full nelson hold, and Snuka taps.

WINNER: Kaitlyn in 5:00. The commentary was focused on re-igniting a feud between Kaitlyn and Maxine; I consider that a good sign.

3 - JUSTIN GABRIEL & PERCY WATSON & DERRICK BATEMAN vs. JTG & MICHAEL MCGILLICUTTY & JOHNNY CURTIS - six-man tag match

Watson and JTG start the match and go back-and-forth. Justin Gabriel comes in, and does not seem to be showing any ring rust. The action breaks down a bit, but the faces clear the heels from the ring to send it to break.

McGillicutty is controlling Bateman out of the break. Bateman is isolated, until Bateman rolls out from a top-rope knee drop from Curtis. Watson gets the tag and delivers a beating on Curtis, but a ref distraction lets JTG to dump Watson outside then get a tag. JTG taunts Watson while keeping him from making a tag. Watson is isolated as the heel team continues to distract the referee.

Watson with a hip toss to draw a double tag out. Gabriel with quick kicks on JTG, and a big roundhouse sends JTG to the mat. Gabriel with a wild sit-out suplex slam, and the action falls apart. Bateman with a suicide dive to clear the outside, and Gabriel takes the win with a top-rope leaping tornado DDT of sorts.

WINNERS: Justin Gabriel, Percy Watson, and Derrick Bateman in 12:00. Good match. Everyone made good use of their minutes.

[Arcademan]

WWE Superstars Results: 5-31-12

Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to James's complete report).

1 - ALICIA FOX vs. BETH PHOENIX

Fox tries an early attack, but Phoenix knocks her around. Phoenix shouts at the entrance for Divas champ Layla to come out, so Fox attacks her from behind. Phoenix lands outside, Fox follow and pays the price. Phoenix tosses her back in the ring and abuses her some more. Scott Stanford says that Natalya is the only person Phoenix gets along with right now.

Fox tries to fight back and Phoenix punishes her some more on the ropes and in the corner. Phoenix gets annoyed after Fox gets a two count on a roll-up. Phoenix wants a powerbomb, but Fox fights back then rolls down and into a pin for two. Fox with a flurry of offense. Fox whiffs a 450 leg drop, and gets the Glam Slam in return.

WINNER: Beth Phoenix in 4:45. It's mighty hard to boo Beth Phoenix when she's such a totally dominant monster and a smooth worker. They can't get heat on her like this, because the audience hasn't been given reason to care about Alicia Fox. I enjoyed watching Fox get dissected like a frog in high school biology class. This match needs to be on TV to build Phoenix up for the eventual match with Layla, Natalya, or Kharma after the countless matches of losing to roll-ups in the last year.

2 - ALEX RILEY vs. TENSAI (w/Sakamoto)

Tensai drags Sakamoto to the ring by his hair before the match. Tensai starts off strong. Riley hits a dropkick from ringside to Tensai, which enrages him. Tensai rips Riley apart in the ring. Riley refuses to submit to the nerve hold. Riley drops bombs on Tensai but Tensai's size and power is too much for Riley to overcome. Tensai with an ugly two-hand chokeslam then a running senton splash for the win.

WINNER: Tensai in 3:35. Alex Riley still gets these crazy crowd reactions, but he has no TV time other than in backstage segments. I don't know how he does it, but others in his position need to copy it. At least WWE recognizes that Tensai does not have any business on Raw; when will they recognize that Alex Riley does? Tensai has upped the tempo which aids the matches, but he's still hard to invest in emotionally. His character just is lacking.

3 - YOSHI TATSU vs. JINDER MAHAL

Tatsu's speed works for a moment, but Mahal catches him by the hair and lands a series of knee strikes to Tatsu's head. Mahal fires up his typical offensive routine. The crowd is firmly in Tatsu's corner. Tatsu gets in a number of kicks, but Mahal trips him on a spinning heel kick attempt. Tatsu gets a knee in the back and Mahal sits into a Camel Clutch for the tap-out victory.

WINNER: Jinder Mahal in 3:45. These two work together well (I've like previous matches between them), but Mahal really needs to change up his formula. He follows the same script every time, and the only difference is at what points his opponents get in offense. It gets old, despite the quality.

4 - IC champion CHRISTIAN vs. DREW MCINTYRE - non-title match

McIntyre's power gives him some control in the beginning. Christian gets a bit frustrated as McIntyre continues to dominate him. McIntyre telegraphs a back body drop, giving Christian a chance to make a comeback. The crowd is buying into Christian as a babyface despite the lack of back-story. McIntyre pushes Christian off the top rope and to the ringside and they cut to break.

McIntyre is stomping Christian in the ring. McIntyre with a slick belly-to-back suplex on Christian from inside the ring while Christian was on the apron. That's a unique spot and McIntyre should make it a signature move. Christian can't get traction, then is finally able to use his speed and smarts to gain the advantage. McIntyre blocks a sunset flip then catches a second-rope cross-body and immediately transitions to a sick backbreaker. Christian tries a schoolboy from a fireman's carry for two. Christian eats an absolutely brutal reverse Alabama Slam for a nearfall.

McIntyre eats the pendulum kick, then lands a massive DDT from the top to get a nearfall. Christian calls for the spear, but McIntyre catches it and turns it into an F5-like move for two. Christian blocks the Future Shock DDT and sends McIntyre into the ringpost. Killswitch from Christian and he lands the frogsplash for the win.

WINNER: Christian in 12:45. Outstanding match that deserves a replay. My big complaint is that this should have been on Smackdown, which has been sorely lacking in the "good match" department lately (especially with a star of Christian's level involved). With Randy Orton on the shelf, Smackdown needs all of the veteran babyface star power it can get. My lesser gripe is that McIntyre has been presented as a mid-card chump (at best) since the Elimination Chamber in 2011.

[Arcademan]

TNA Impact Wrestling Results: 5-31-12

Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Caldwell's complete report). Condensed here to mostly in-ring results.

1 -- TNA World Hvt. champion BOBBY ROODE vs. STING -- TNA World Title match that turned into a non-title lumberjack match

Sting flipped Roode upside-down in the corner early on before raking the champ's eyes. Taz noted there's a strong line-up of stars ringside as lumberjacks for this match-up. Roode tried to come back on Sting with chops, but Sting no-sold before teasing the Scorpion Deathlock, but Roode reached the ropes for a break. Sting then punted Roode to the outside and the face lumberjacks struggled to get him back into the ring. Apparently they're not used to the lumberjack concept. They got it right on the second try. Roode then turned the tables by knocking Sting to the heel side, and Sting took blows to the kidneys from the heel jacks.

Back in the ring, Sting knocked Roode to the outside at the feet of the faces, who quickly rolled him back into the ring. Roode then rolled Sting back to the outside and confusion ensued. They're really stalling here. Back in the ring, Roode rocked Sting around the ring with right hand blows before delivering a knee drop to the face for a two count. Roode went for a rear waistlock as the crowd tried to rally behind Sting. Sting eventually broke free, but Roode cut him off and continued the attack before chucking Sting to the heel side. Cue the music for a break 11 minutes into Impact as Sting tried to fight off the heels.

After a lengthy commercial, Impact returned with the action still going on in the ring. Roode stomped away at Sting as the announcers noted Roode was on the attack throughout the commercial. Roode then dumped Sting to the outside and the jacks began arguing amongst themselves. Back in the ring, Roode lit up Sting with chops before Sting started to no-sell. Sting delivered a Stinger Splash, then Roode bailed to the outside to the security of the heel jacks. Sting then splashed all of them before rolling Roode back into the ring.

In the ring, Sting teased the Scorpion Deathlock, but Roode countered into a Crossface. The crowd and face jacks tried to rally behind Sting, who eventually reached the bottom rope for a break. Sting then came back with a Scorpion Death Drop and applied the Scorpion Deathlock. After a few moments, Roode tapped out, making Sting the TNA World champion apparently. However, the announcers acted like they didn't know if it was for the title. Roode was shown clutching his title belt as Hulk Hogan's music played.

On-stage: Hogan said 53-year-old Sting is Impact's number one man. Hogan then booked the main event at Slammiversary - Roode vs. Sting. Didn't they just wrestle? Hogan said to add some icing on the cake, the World Title will be on the line. Roode freaked out in the ring as he clutched his title belt.

WINNER: Sting via submission at 13:39. This really dragged and confusion reigned with the match billed as a title match that apparently wasn't. Overall, the match just didn't click, and now they're booking the same match ten days later on the PPV.

2 -- X Division champion AUSTIN ARIES vs. CHRIS SABIN -- X Division Title match

Quick action early on before Aries took control with flying offense. Suddenly, the men engaged in a pinfall exchange before Aries kicked Sabin to the outside. Aries then came flying through the ropes with a suicide dive. Back in the ring, Sabin missed with a corner dropkick before Aries came off the top rope with a missile dropkick. Aries then missed with a corner dropkick and Sabin cleared him to the floor before landing a flying splash.

Back in the ring, Sabin executed a snap suplex after draping Aries across the middle rope. Sabin and Aries teased finishers before Aries suddenly rolled up Sabin for the pin and the win. Post-match, Sabin sold frustration as Aries sold intensity following his victory.

WINNER: Aries at 3:50 to retain the X Division Title. It's unfortunate there was no back-story to why this match took place since Sabin's first singles match post-Shelley's departure could have meant more. Early on, the match looked like a lot of flying around without purpose trying to pack a lot of action into a four-minute window.

3 -- TNA TV champion DEVON vs. JEFF HARDY -- TV Title match

As the match started, Tenay and Taz debated Joey Ryan's Gut Check chances. The two babyfaces felt each other out early on, then exchanged quick pins before coming to their feet for a standstill. Taz got excited about the MMA show coming up next as Devon cut off Hardy and took control of the action. Tenay then plugged comments from James Storm after this match. Suddenly, Hardy came off the top rope with a Whisper in the Wind for a two count. Devon came back with a flying neckbreaker out of the corner after cutting off Hardy, then both men sold on the mat.

At 3:00, the two men traded control before Hardy hit a Twist of Fate. After removing his shirt, Hardy climbed up top to hit the Swanton Bomb, but Robbie E. and T. hit the ring to attack Hardy. The ref called for the bell and Christy Hemme announced the match was thrown out. A week of hype and TNA makes a big production out of the voting for this finish? The faces then worked together to clear the heels from the ring. Rob Terry stood his ground on the outside as Robbie sold at his feet. The two sides squared off to conclude the segment.

WINNER: No Contest at 4:19. Why would anyone vote in a future poll when this is the result? Also, why didn't they cut backstage to show the writers and agents discussing the finish and arguing about whether it was a good booking decision to send the Robbies out to the ring to interrupt a match the viewers voted on?

4 -- TNA tag champion DANIELS vs. A.J. STYLES

The match started with a tie-up before Daniels slapped Styles across the face. Meanwhile, Taz talked about losing his cool with Joey Ryan and having the "character" and "gimmick," but not having the legs to go on the road. After a game of cat and mouse between Styles and Daniels, Daniels smashed Styles in the face with a right hand, bending Styles backward on the mat. Daniels then knocked Styles to the floor and Styles sold pain. Cue up the music and it's time for a break.

Back from break, Daniels was working over Styles as Tenay noted Impact is live throughout the summer. Daniels executed a springboard moonsault before going back to work with a mat-based submission. Styles suddenly came back with corner offense before dropping Daniels with a roundhouse kick. After both men sold on the mat, Styles fired up with strikes and elbows and forearms before putting Daniels in the Torture Rack into a pin attempt for a two count.

The match moved to the ring apron, where Styles nailed a springboard forearm strike. The two men countered each other before Styles set up Daniels for the Clash, but Kaz hit the ring apron to distract Styles. Daniels tried to roll up Styles, but Styles kicked out. Styles came back with a reverse DDT for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Styles at 10:33. Your typical Styles-Daniels match, which was used to set up the post-match...

Post-match: Kaz attacked Styles and took out ref Earl Hebner in the process. Kaz and Daniels beat up Styles for a while before Kurt Angle's music telegraphed his arrival to take out the heels. Angle made Kaz tap with the Anklelock, but Daniels snuck up behind Angle with a low blow. The heels followed with high/low on Angle. Kaz then tied up Angle in the ropes with a wire before Daniels took out Styles with a belt shot to the head. Kaz couldn't secure Angle's right arm, so Daniels KO'ed Angle with a belt shot.

Daniels then took a mic to address matters. He said they have shown the crowd pictures and videos, but they still don't believe them. Daniels said they have proof of the affair between Styles and Dixie. Daniels rolled a phone conversation between Styles and Dixie on meeting up this weekend. It sounds like they were planning a surprise birthday party for Dixie's husband. Dixie Carter suddenly stormed the announce position and demanded someone turn off the audio. She told the guys in the truck to push a button. The video cut to Spike graphics as Dixie's voice continued to be heard telling someone that he's finished before the show faded out to UFC programming.

[Arcademan]

WWE Smackdown Results: 6-1-12

Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Parks' complete report). Condensed to in-ring results and segments.

- Sheamus opened up the show. Otunga demanded an apology from him. Del Rio sided with Otunga and was given the choice of Superstar to wrestle Sheamus for his title later on. Brogue Kick to Otunga ended that.

1 – SIN CARA vs. HEATH SLATER

Cara was announced as an “international sensation” by Garcia. No trampoline entrance, but the blue lighting for the match was in full effect. Heath Slater was his opponent. Slater went on offense immediately. Twenty seconds in, Michael Cole claimed Cara looked “better than ever” after getting in one kick. Low expectations, I guess. Cara got the advantage on the outside of the ring, but Slater kicked Cara once they were back in. Cara broke out of a rest-hold and connected on kicks. Springboard back elbow by Cara. Springboard cross-body, but no cover. Headscisssors into a single-arm take-down for the win by Cara.

WINNER: Cara, at 2:24. The return of Cara raises the amount of athleticism on the show and, depending how he’s pushed, could help make up for the loss of Randy Orton on the face side.

2 – EZEKIEL JACKSON vs. DAMIEN SANDOW

Jackson was already in the ring. No mic work from Sandow on his way to the ring, but he did have a look of disgust on his face once the bell rang. He asked for a mic and claimed to once again be standing in front of an ignoramus, so he refused to participate in the charade. He got as far as the apron before Jackson pulled him back in. Jackson leveled a corner attack on Sandow, but Sandow avoided the Torture Rack. Knees to the face, then a side Russian leg sweep from Sandow. Elbowdrop got two. Jackson fired back with good-looking forearms to the face. However, Sandow hit his neck-breaker soon after for the victory.

WINNER: Sandow, at 1:37. A win allowing Sandow to continue to climb the ranks, and it can’t speak well for Jackson to lose so quickly.

3 – RYAN SHELTON & CHRIS LYONS vs. RYBACK – HANDICAP MATCH

The duo were billed from Tuscaloosa, Alabama. They did some sub-par mic work which allowed the announcers to laugh at them. They chanted “Roll Tide Roll” to get under the skin of the fans in Louisiana. Ryback picked one up in a bodyslam and kicked the other. Powerslam, then a powerbomb. He picked Shelton up for a powerbomb again, but first, ran him into Lyons. Clothesline took Lyons out of his boots, then a uranage to Shelton. He put both men up for his finisher and connected.

WINNER: Ryback, at 2:00. The jobbers certainly aren’t impressive, but they help make Ryback look good, and that’s what matters at this point.

4 – DOLPH ZIGGLER vs. SHEAMUS

Headlock take-over by Sheamus as Cole explained what happened with Ziggler and Jack Swagger on Raw this past week. The announcers noted a more serious side of Ziggler tonight with little show-boating. Since that’s the only personality trait WWE has focused on, they need to give Ziggler something else to make his character more three-dimensional if they want to give him a run as a serious heel. Ziggler kicked Sheamus in the head, but Sheamus grabbed him by the hair and tossed him out of the ring. They went to break 2:39 into the match.

Back at about 5:45 of the match. Sheamus with a hard knee-lift to Ziggler in the corner. Ziggler struggled to get free from Sheamus, holding the apron skirt and finally pulled himself out of the ring. Ziggler took over when Sheamus tried to go out after him. He dropkicked Sheamus off the apron and Sheamus bumped into the announce table on his way down. He got back into the ring at a count of seven. Ziggler worked a rear chinlock and did a little showing off by doing a headstand with Sheamus in the hold. Sheamus picked Ziggler up, putting him on his shoulders, but Ziggler got off and gave Sheamus an awkward DDT. High elbowdrop, but only a one-count at 9:29. More mat-work from Ziggler as Vickie screamed “finish him!” from ringside. The sleeper was avoided and Sheamus managed to catch Ziggler on the apron and pummel him with forearms to the chest. Suplex back in for two at 10:32. Back-breaker from Sheamus for another two-count. Sheamus went to the top rope, but Ziggler threw himself into the ropes to crotch Sheamus. Ziggler climbed up and gave Sheamus an X-Factor off the top. Impressive. Ziggler was shrugged off on a Zig Zag attempt and Sheamus hit his White Noise finish. But he wasn’t done, as he beat his chest in the corner, chanting “Brogue” and waiting for Ziggler to get on his feet. Out of nowhere, Swagger climbed up onto the apron. Sheamus knocked him off, then when Swagger got back on, Ziggler was shoved into him. He then walked into a Brogue Kick for the Sheamus win.

WINNER: Sheamus, at 13:08. Not always smooth, but still a good match.

5 – TITUS O’NEIL & DARREN YOUNG vs. SANTINO MARELLA & ZACK RYDER

O’Neil and Young were already in the ring, but they did an inset interview where they stumbled upon the tag-team name of Prime Time Players. Young took Marella down with a back elbow, then an elbowdrop. Tag to O’Neil, who front suplexed Young onto Marella. European uppercut by O’Neil. Santino got a surprise roll-up out of the corner for the three-count.

WINNERS: Marella and Ryder, at 1:17. I believe the roll-up was about the only bit of offense the faces got. This evens the match-up, as O’Neil and Young had beaten Marella and Ryder previously.

- After the match, Big Show attacks Santino and Ryder, pretty much destroying the two.

6 – CODY RHODES vs. TYSON KIDD

Kidd was already in the ring. Rhodes side-stepped a kick and hurled Kidd chest-first into the corner. Front-first suplex by Rhodes for a one-count. Kidd used the ring ropes to take Rhodes down with a wrist-lock. He couldn’t hook in the Sharpshooter and Rhodes hit the Cross Rhodes for the three-count.

WINNER: Rhodes, at 1:19. A win to build Rhodes back up, presumably for a shot at Christian’s IC Title.

7 – C.M. PUNK vs. KANE – WWE CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

Kane rag-dolled Punk into the corner and hammered away with right hands. Kane was low-bridged by Punk, who then dropkicked Kane through the ropes. He came off the top with a double axe-handle to the skull. Back in the ring, an uppercut by Kane put Punk on his back. Punk got Kane down and kicked at him to make sure he stayed down. Punk wrapped Kane’s arm around the ring-post in an effort to neutralize Kane’s finisher. Elbow strikes followed that. Punk had to back out of the corner or risk a disqualification as the referee reached the count of four, and Kane took advantage. Punk ended up getting dumped over the top, which surprised him. They took a break 4:39 into the match.

Back at the 8:53 mark of the match. Punk had Kane on his knees, trying to turn him over, unsuccessfully, only to decide more forearms to the back would have to suffice. Punk was knocked off the ropes by Kane and sent to ringside. A.J. came to the ring, concerned about Punk. Kane took the punishment to Punk outside the ring, then back in the ring, barely got a two-count. Punk walked into a choke at 11:36. Instead of finding himself on the receiving end of a chokeslam, he DDT’d Kane out of mid-air. Running knee to the face by Punk, then another one. Bulldog blocked and Punk missed a kick. Reverse DDT for two. Punk dove into Kane’s arms, but snuck out the back and felled Kane with a kick to the head. Cover for two at 12:49. Big boot by Kane for two. Irish whip then a clothesline in the corner by Kane. Punk gota boot up on a charge and bulldogged Kane. Punk lifted Kane for the GTS, but collapsed under the weight of the challenger. Low dropkick by Kane for a near-fall. Kane went to the top, but Punk kicked him on Kane’s way down. Punk went to the top and A.J. got on the apron. She was pointing frantically as Daniel Bryan ran to the ring. Cross-body off the top onto Bryan. He took Kane down again and hit the elbowdrop off the top for a near-fall. Springboard by Punk, right into an uppercut from Kane. Chokeslam attempt, but Bryan came off the top with a dropkick, catching each man with a foot.

WINNER: Double disqualification, at 16:08.

Bryan attacked Punk with kicks, but Punk exploded out of a corner with a clothesline. Bryan went up into the GTS, but Kane grabbed both men by the throat and hit a double chokeslam. As Kane’s music played, the theme of John Laurinaitis interrupted. He drove himself out on his scooter and declared a Triple Threat match for No Way Out. Why can’t his Raw appearances be that quick and to the point? A.J. knelt in the ring as Bryan and Punk both recovered from the attack. The show ended there.

[Arcademan]

WWE RAW Results: 6-4-12

Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Caldwell's complete report). Condensed here to in-ring results.

1 -- World Hvt. champion SHEAMUS vs. DOLPH ZIGGLER (w/Vickie Guerrero) -- non-title match

Lawler used the opening minutes of the match to give Cole pointers for his match against Cena later tonight. Sheamus dominated early on before Ziggler pulled down the top rope, causing Sheamus to fall to the floor. Sheamus then yanked Ziggler out of the ring to the floor. The two men traded control on the outside before coming to a standstill. Vickie screamed in Sheamus's face, allowing Ziggler to catch Sheamus by surprise with a running dropkick. They cut to break with Ziggler in control.

Back from break, Ziggler was wearing down Sheamus in the ring. Ziggler fought off a comeback attempt before continuing to target Sheamus's left arm and shoulder. Sheamus then went for a Polish Hammer that missed Ziggler, who sold it too early. Sheamus followed with a powerslam for a two count. Ziggler came back with a Fameasser and both men sold on the mat. Ziggler then came to his feet and climbed up top, but Sheamus cut him off. The two men traded control before Ziggler landed a second-rope Fameasser for a two count.

The two men reset at 8:30 with Sheamus blocking a sleeperhold attempt and nailing White Noise. Sheamus then set himself up in the corner and delivered the Brogue Kick square in the face. Sheamus with the cover for the win. After the decision, Vickie leaned on the apron and sold frustration over another loss for one of her clients.

WINNER: Sheamus at 9:08. Good showcase for Ziggler to keep him in the mix with top players while WWE figures out where to slot him long-term. Also, a nice win for Sheamus before Del Rio delivered a much-needed attack to look like a credible threat to the World Title. (**)

2 -- SIN CARA vs. HUNICO (w/Camacho)

Once the bell sounded, the mood lighting turned on as Cole recapped the history of Sin Cara vs. Fake Sin Cara (Hunico) going back to Smackdown last year. Sin Cara executed some high-flying offense to wow the crowd before Hunico took control after some action on the outside. Cara then came back with a dropkick off the ring apron before executing a springboard huracanrana. An armdrag followed, then a handspring back elbow smash. Sin Cara cleared Camacho off the ring apron before executing his spinning bottle-opener into a faceplant for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Sin Cara at 2:32. It just looked like a bunch of moves strung together at times. The crowd popped for a few moves, but there wasn't a sense that Cara is on his way to being a big player when WWE is desperate for top stars.

3 -- RYBACK vs. STAN STANSKY & ARTHUR ROSENBERG -- handicap match

Ryback started with some power offense before knocking them into each other like bowling pins. Ryback followed with a jackhammer, prompting light Goldberg chants. Cole called this embarrassing. Ryback followed with a big corner splash into a double clothesline. He said it's over. Ryback scooped up Rosenberg, then Stansky to deliver a double marching Samoan Drop for the pin and the win. WWE replayed the high points as Ryback watched in the ring. Back in the ring, Ryback demanded to be fed more.

WINNER: Ryback at 1:55.

4 -- WWE champion C.M. PUNK vs. KANE -- non-title match -- there must be a winner

Kane took control of the action and Punk sold repeated offense from Kane. Punk then knocked Kane to the outside and delivered a suicide dive. They cut to a shot of Bryan watching intently. Punk followed with a splash from the top rope to the outside. Back in the ring, Punk landed a top-rope cross-body, but Kane kicked out of a pin attempt and took control moments later. Coincidentally during a Punk match, WWE flashed a graphic for this week's international Raw tour after Punk talked about having been home for a total of 48 hours the last month in interviews over the weekend. Meanwhile, Cole and Lawler announced that Vince McMahon will kick off next week's three-hour Raw. Kane tossed Punk clear over the top rope to the outside, which led to a break five minutes in.

Back live, Cole was trying to convince Daniel Bryan to help him as Punk tried to make a comeback on Kane in the ring. A graphic flashed on the screen showing McMahon and Laurinaitis on Raw next week as Kane continued to work over Punk. Kane then went up top, and Punk dropped him with a running knee to the chin. Punk followed with another corner knee into a bulldog for a two count. Punk then went to the ring apron for a springboard clothesline that resulted in a two count.

Punk called for the end and tried the GTS, but Kane slipped out and dropped him with a big boot to the face. Kane then wanted the chokeslam, but Punk ducked underneath and nailed a neckbreaker for a two count only. The match moved up top and Punk knocked Kane to the mat before setting up for and connecting with a Macho Man elbow drop for another nearfall. Ringside, Bryan stroked his beard and slowly nodded his head, enjoying watching the two men tear each other apart.

The match moved back to the outside, where Punk landed forearm strikes. Kane then flung Punk into the barricade right next to Bryan. Punk slowly came back to his feet, then Bryan assaulted Punk from behind as the ref controlled Kane in the ring. Kane flung Punk back into the ring, where he went for the chokeslam, but Punk countered with a big kick to the head. Suddenly, A.J. came running down to ringside pointing to Bryan as causing interference. Bryan demanded A.J. get down. Suddenly, Punk came flying through the ropes with a suicide dive to Bryan.

Punk returned to the ring, but walked right into a chokeslam from Kane. Kane made the cover and it was good for the win. Cole noted if Kane does that in two weeks at No Way Out, he will be new WWE champion.

WINNER: Kane at 13:40. Solid TV match with some good nearfalls and decent story advancement ahead of the three-way title match. (**1/2)

5 -- WWE tag champions KOFI KINGSTON & R-TRUTH vs. CURT HAWKINS & TYLER REKS -- non-title match

The match was joined in-progress with Kofi sporting taped ribs and Truth sporting a taped-up shoulder from Big Show's attack last week. Reks wildly over-sold for Truth's offense before Hawkins attacked Truth from behind to allow the heels to take control of the match. Kofi and Curt then took tags, and Kofi delivered trademark offense while selling the ribs. The action broke down as Cole freaked out being told his match against Cena is next. Kofi then smashed Hawkins with Trouble in Paradise for the pin and the win.

WINNERS: Kofi & Truth at 3:59 of what was shown.

6 -- JOHN CENA vs. TENSAI (w/Sakamoto)

Tensai dismantled Cena early on as Cole stood up at the announce table and cheered on Tensai. Cena then made a comeback with a big clothesline taking Tensai over the top rope to the floor. Cena tried to inflict offense ringside, but Sakamoto attacked Cena from behind. Cena sold ringside as they cut to break with Cole shouting that Cena is going down tonight.

Back live, Cole was still cheerleading Tensai, who continued to work over Cena. Tensai missed with a corner attack, but came back with a single arm DDT as Cole stood up ringside pacing back and forth in his stance. Cole, obviously biased, said he thinks Cena should just lose so he can worry about Big Show at No Way Out.

The action moved to ringside, where Tensai bounced Cena's head off the announce table. Cole then slapped Cena, prompting Lawler to stand up and shove Cole down into his seat. Cena tried to re-enter the ring, but Tensai knocked him down to the floor again. Cole demanded Tensai take out Cena, then Cole trash-talked Cena as he sold on the floor.

Cena made it back into the ring before a ten count, then Tensai executed a suplex for a two count. Cole shouted at the ref to count faster, then Tensai went for a big running splash, but Cena moved. Cena then made his standard comeback as Cole sat with head in his hand. Cena delivered the Shuffle, then wanted the AA, and connected. Cena with the cover for the win as Cole sat dejected in his chair.

WINNER: Cena at 9:04.

7 -- JOHN CENA vs. MICHAEL COLE -- No DQ match

Cena whaled on Cole for 9 minutes. 'nuff said.

WINNER: Cena at 9:05. The live crowd ate up this virtual replay of Cena vs. Laurinaitis at Over the Limit, just with Cena scoring the pin after horsing around for most of the match. Also of note, Cole being over-the-top this week and the heavy emphasis on Jim Ross seemed like a set-up for Vince McMahon to change things up next week. But, it could also be a red herring, or simply a self-contained storyline for Cole to get his comeuppance and make Raw viewers "feel good" at the end of the show after the poor ratings last week.

[Arcademan]

ROH TV Results: 6-2-12

Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Radican's complete report). Condensed here to in-ring results only.

1 - - MIKE MONDO vs. ADAM COLE

Kelly said they didn’t know what was in store for ROH with Steen as champion. O’Reilly was out to scout Cole. He said he had an emergency to attend to, which is why he wasn’t in Richards’s corner in Toronto. Cole fired up on Mondo and wiped him out with a dive through the ropes. O’Reilly said Cole was one-dimensional. O’Reilly said Cole and lost to him and Elgin. O’Reilly talked about facing Cole at the “Best in the World” iPPV in a Hybrid Fighting Rules match, which can only end by knockout or submission. Mondo fired back inside the ring and went to work on Cole’s arm in the corner. Mondo tied up Cole’s hand between the turnbuckle. Mondo put the boots to Cole before he finally managed to free his arm. Mondo drove Cole head-first into the mat several times, but couldn’t get the pin.

Cole nailed Mondo with a kick from his back. He got to his feet and hit a series of blows on Mondo. Cole aggressively attacked Mondo in the corner and nailed him with several punches. They ended up on the outside and Mondo missed a spear and went crashing into the guardrail. Cole hit a cross-body off the top and Mondo kicked out. McGuinness said perhaps Cole didn’t get his usual elevation after tweaking his knee earlier in the match, which allowed Mondo to kick out. Cole countered Mondo and got a back slide pin for the win.

Winner: Adam Cole – Not much to the match, but the segment did a good job of setting up the O’Reilly-Cole match at “Best in the World.” O’Reilly talked a lot of trash on commentary and did a good job of portraying himself as a heel, although he needs to work on his inflection, which was flat a lot of the time.

2 - - TOMASSO CIAMPA (w/Embassy Ltd.) vs. NICK WESTGATE

Ciampa pounded on Westgate and nailed him with a running kick. Ciampa screamed that he wants Lethal. Westgate caught Ciampa by surprise with a dropkick, but Ciampa nailed with a pop-up knee strike. Ciampa hit several elbows and knees on the mat and the ref called for the bell.

Winner: Tomasso Ciampa – This was a good squash for Ciampa. I still can’t believe he lost his undefeated streak to Jay Lethal, but I digress. Ciampa’s post-match attack on Westgate was well-done.

3 - - CAPRICE COLEMAN & CEDRICK ALEXANDER vs. ANX (Rhett Titus & Kenny King)

The announcers said Coleman and Alexander could gain some momentum with a win here after picking up a couple of fluke wins over established tag teams recently. King and Coleman went for spinning kicks at the same time and came to a stalemate. Titus tagged in, but Coleman cut him off and tagged in Alexander. Alexander caught Titus with a dropkick. King ran into the ring, but Alexander nailed him with a kick and took out Titus with a moonsault to the outside. Alexander then wiped out ANX with a huge flip dive to the outside and the fans popped big. Coleman sent Titus outside moments later and went for a dive, but King cut him off. Titus went to work on Coleman inside the ring. The fans tried to rally behind Coleman as they went to commercial break.

They came back from break with ANX still in control of Coleman. They said Coleman had nearly tagged out during the break, but was unable to. They didn’t show a replay of that footage for some reason. Kelly said Steen is standing by and would speak after this match and Cornette would name his challenger. McGuinness talked about the difficult position Steen is in now that he’s the champion and everyone wants to knock him off the top spot. Coleman hit a DDT on King and tagged in Alexander, who ran wild on ANX. Coleman and Alexander isolated Titus, but King ran in. They took him out with a double dropkick and hit a tandem move on Titus, but King broke up the pin. King caught Alexander going for a springboard and hit a spinebuster. Coleman took out King, but Titus wiped him out with a discus lariat. King and Titus took out Alexander and Coleman with dueling kicks for a double nearfall.

Titus set up Coleman for the one night stand, but Coleman broke it up. After a rapid-fire exchange, Coleman & Alexander botched a tandem move and ANX hit the one night stand on Alexander for the win.

Winners: Kenny King & Rhett Titus – This was a good television match. Once again, Coleman and Alexander brought some excitement to their match and got the crowd behind them, but fell short to ANX. Kelly and McGuinness did a lot of talking about the upcoming segment with Cornette and Steen during the match.

[Arcademan]

WWE NXT Results: 6-6-12

Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to James's complete report).

1 - JEY USO vs. TYLER REKS

For some reason, Jimmy Uso did the war dance, but then disappeared for the whole match. Uso uses his speed to get early control, but Reks power puts him in charge. Reks goes into the ringpost and Uso lands sustained offense. Reks goes to the top and gets a side kick to the stomach for it. He crotches Uso up top, takes him off the ropes, and hits the Burning Hammer for the win.

WINNER: Tyler Reks in 5:00. Tyler Reks has a good look and agility for his size, but I think he needs to add some unique moves to stand out from a crowded pack.

2 - PERCY WATSON vs. JTG

JTG slows the match down with a chinlock out of the gate. Watson gets some fire and shows off his strength and agility, then JTG wails on Watson in the corner like a boxer. Watson comes back and looks a little cocky. JTG sends Watson out of the ring hard and shows off in the ropes. JTG with a new move, a jumping neckbreaker of sorts. JTG to the top rope, but Watson counters with a jumping knee lift to the face. Watson with the dropkicks and flying clotheslines, then an armdrag to set up the Highsman. JTG tries to make a comeback, but eats the Percycution for the loss.

WINNER: Percy Watson in 6:15. Right before the end of the match, the audience started booing Watson, and then took up a "JTG!" chant. This is why pre-match promos are so important, as the crowd had no idea who to cheer and who to boo, and were relying on a badly outdated understanding of JTG's character. JTG's in-ring continues to improve.

3 - TAMINA SNUKA vs. NATALYA

Natalya is sporting a new black lace over white outfit with a cape. Seeing it on TV, is looks even more like something Maryse would wear than it did live. She also got a very nice reception from the crowd.

Neither Diva can overpower the other. Lots of back-and-forth action here, and Natalya gets an opportunity to get a bit more fierce. She covers Snuka by sitting on her. Snuka's straps on her outfit get broken, and Striker makes a Jerry Lawler reference about "straps down." Natalya with a suplex - she wanted a delayed vertical suplex, but Snuka's height made it a bit unstable. Snuka is struggling to get traction. She finally gets her feet under her, and takes it to Natalya. She plants Natalya with a body slam and goes to the top, but Natalya rolls away before she leaps. Natalya wants the Sharpshooter, but Snuka kicks her out of the ring. Samoan Drop followed by the Superfly Splash for the win.

WINNER: Tamina Snuka in 6:30. They never really felt like they came out of second gear, and the crowd didn't know who to cheer or boo. Snuka has lacked TV time, and Natalya's been made out to be an incompetent chump in what little TV time she's received. I wonder if Natalya's new look indicates any changes going forwards for her character.

4. TYSON KIDD & JUSTIN GABRIEL vs. HEATH SLATER & JOHNNY CURTIS - Tag Team match

Slater and Kidd start; Kidd and Gabriel work together as a team, and Gabriel tries ripping Slater's arm off. Slater gets Gabriel in the corner and gets Curtis in. Kidd's slick springboard reverse subset flip gets two. Curtis and Kidd with some technical wrestling. Kidd manages to outwit Slater and Curtis at the same time. Kidd and Gabriel hit high-flying moves from the ropes to Slater and Curtis at ringside to lead into the break.

Curtis provides a distraction, allowing Slater to hit a snap powerslam to Kidd on the top turnbuckle. Kidd is isolated for a stretch. Kidd wants a tag badly, but Slater clears Gabriel from the apron, and he takes hard offense to Kidd. Slater goes nuts with frustration. Kidd dodges a knee drop from Slater, then a top-rope leg drop from Curtis and is finally able to tag Gabriel. Gabriel with piles of speed offense on Curtis. Slater breaks up the pin after a jumping Tornado DDT. Gabriel dodges a corner charge, Kidd tags in, and Gabriel sets up Curtis for a Hart Attack with a blockbuster instead of a clothesline from Kidd.

WINNERS: Kidd & Gabriel in 10:00. This was a great match live, and an excellent match with the benefits of commentary and good camera angles. I would love to see a lot more of this pairing... both teams, really.

[Arcademan]

TNA Impact Wrestling Results: 6-7-12

Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Caldwell's complete report). Condesned here to in-ring results only so no stupid AJ/Dixie affair stuff mentioned here.

1 -- CRIMSON vs. X Division AUSTIN ARIES -- non-title match

Tenay announced the four-way Knockouts #1 contender match will feature Tara, Mickie James, Velvet Sky, and Miss Tessmacher. Aries and Crimson went back and forth during the first two minutes before Aries snapped off a standing head scissors into a corner dropkick. Aries wanted a brainbuster, but Crimson tossed Aries to the outside. Aries then turned the tables with a suicide dive, prompting Tenay to claim Crimson's streak is in jeopardy. Suddenly, Samoa Joe came down to ringside as the referee occupied himself with a fly in the ring. Joe blasted Aries, then rolled him into the ring, where Crimson took advantage scoring a pinfall for the win.

Post-match: Crimson acted so proud of himself for the victory. He then claimed to have single-handedly beaten Austin Aries and said no one here in TNA can beat him. Crimson said he's been undefeated a lot longer than that "Goldberg guy." His music finally stopped and Crimson vowed to prove himself again at Slammiversary by issuing an open challenge. Tenay wondered aloud who will step up and challenge him.

WINNER: Crimson at 3:27.

2 -- VELVET SKY vs. MISS TESSMACHER vs. TARA vs. MICKIE JAMES -- #1 contender match to Knockouts Title

Of note is Brooke Tessmacher is officially back to Miss Tessmacher, due to Brooke Hogan joining the promotion. A few moments into the match, they cut to a shot of Gail Kim walking out on-stage for a closer look. As the action continued, TNA cut to break.

Back from break four minutes later, Gail was on commentary and the action was still ongoing in the ring. The action eventually came down to Velvet and Mickie James to sell a brewing rivalry over who will get attention in the Knockouts division. Tessmacher then snuck in a quick roll-up to score the win. On-stage, Gail stood up and applauded Tessmacher getting the win.

WINNER: Tessmacher at 10:30 to become #1 contender to the Knockouts Title.

3 -- TV champion DEVON (w/Garett Bischoff) vs. ROBBIE E. (w/Rob Terry) -- TNA TV Title match

A few moments in, Madison Rayne walked out on-stage and made herself look nice while watching the match. The announcers acted like Rayne was interested in Robbie to provide a misdirection to the audience. Meanwhile, Robbie dominated the proceedings as the crowd tried to rally behind Devon. Devon made his comeback with standard offense before Terry tripped him from outside the ring.

After Terry's interference, Garett and Terry got into it ringside before Devon and Robbie played a game of whether they could hold a small package for a world record. Eventually, Garett reversed the momentum for Devon behind the ref's back in a comedy spot to help Devon score the pin on Robbie. After the match, the heels tried to get at Devon and Garett, but they cleared the heels from the ring before standing tall.

WINNER: Devon at 2:50 to retain the TV Title. Quite possibly the most blatant "expose the business" moment of the year with that small package spot. They even replayed it as the Direct Impact of the Night.

4 -- TNA World Hvt. champion BOBBY ROODE & TNA tag champions DANIELS & KAZARIAN vs. STING & A.J. STYLES & KURT ANGLE -- six-man tag match

Sting and Angle quickly turned the tables and applied their submission finishers on Kaz and Daniels. This put a fright in Roode, who bailed from the ring. Kaz and Daniels escaped to the floor, then Roode tried to act like a leader organizing the heels and calling for a time-out.

Back live, the heels were working over Sting as the announcers discussed Styles not showing up for the match tonight following the opening segment. Taz recapped the opening segment and said perhaps it's something that should not be on TV, suggesting the laundry is too dirty as opposed to it being a terrible segment. Tenay and Taz then debated whether A.J. is the pro they thought he is. In the ring, Sting tried to make a comeback with a desperation Stinger Splash, but Roode moved and Sting ate the buckle. Chaos prevented a tag situation, then all of the heels hit the ring to gang up on Sting. The ref lost control of the action, but allowed all three heels to remain in the ring.

Suddenly, A.J. Styles hopped the guardrail and hit the ring to go after the heels. Angle then entered the ring without a legal tag and cleaned house as the ref let it all go. Angle suplexed Kaz over the top rope to the floor, then exited the ring. Back in the ring, Styles dropped Daniels with a Pele Kick. Styles and Sting were left in the ring, then Styles flip-dive splashed the heels on the floor. Back in the ring, Sting dropped Roode on the mat and slapped on the Scorpion Deathlock. Roode held on for a few moments before tapping out. The announcers suggested this could be the scene at Slammiversary, which would lead to a new World champ.

Post-match: After a replay of the finish, Sting grabbed the TNA Title belt and held it up in the air as Roode flipped out. Tenay gave the final hard sell for Slammiversary, promising an answer to whether there will be a new Hvt. champion Sunday night.

WINNERS: Team Sting via submission at 10:13.