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

[Arcademan]

WWE Superstars results: 5-21-09

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

1 -- ECW champion CHRISTIAN vs. TOMMY DREAMER

Slow, but good opening with the wrestlers feeling each other out. Dreamer went after the injured knee from his ECW TV match, then Christian knocked Dreamer to the outside. Christian missed a dive, though, and gripped the knee. Dreamer took advantage with a cannonball dive off the apron leading to a commercial.

Back from break, Dreamer had Christian in a knee bar on the mat. Christian tried to counter with an inside cradle, but Dreamer escaped. Very quiet match call from Striker and Mathews again. Annoyingly quiet. Like I keep hearing the humming of the arena's fan insulation in the background during restholds. Dreamer wanted a bulldog at 9:00, but Christian ducked and slammed Dreamer for a two count. They went into a pinning exchange at 10:00 with Dreamer nearly scoring a three count that even got a reaction from Mathews. Christian then gingerly went up top, but Dreamer cut him off and landed a superplex.

Both men exchanged control, then Christian landed the pendulum kick out of the corner before going up top again. He wanted a diving headbutt, but Dreamer rolled out of the way in time. Jack Swagger then came down to ringside dressed to wrestle. Dreamer stared down Swagger, then Christian attacked Dreamer from behind. Christian turned his attention to Swagger, who jumped to the apron. Christian yanked him inside the ring and the ref called for the bell. No Contest was the official ruling, which pleased Swagger after he ruined the match. Christian and Dreamer shook, but Dreamer pulled the title belt back to show Christian he still wants the title.

WINNER: No Contest in 12:00. Looks like the set-up for a three-way title match at Extreme Rules. This was a very frustrating match on TV. Live, it was probably better. Announcers were asleep for most of the match, they acted like they didn't even care about the finish, and it was just like, "oh, well, Dreamer didn't win the match, no worries he only has three weeks left in WWE in the storyline." Announcers came across like they didn't care and they didn't build up the significance of the moment. (*1/2)

2 -- WILLIAM REGAL vs. KOFI KINGSTON

Kofi had a big smile, which Regal tried to wipe off his face. Announcers talked about Kofi trying to move up the ladder on Raw past Regal, which Regal has taken umbrage to. Apparently that's the only purpose to the match other than the basic idea of putting two stars on TV to give them in-ring exposure and focus for five-to-ten minutes. Would be nice to see an actual storyline "pecking order" rankings that WWE could point to on a weekly basis where a wrestler wins a feature TV match and moves up the storyline rankings to earn more title match or main event opportunities. Something tangible to give a basic singles match like this a purpose. Back to the action where Regal played to the crowd after a nice move, but he allowed Kofi to wake up. Regal then walked right into the Buzzsaw Kick and Kingston made the cover for the win.

WINNER: Kingston in 5:00. Fine singles match. Regal was aggressive and Kofi showed off his high-flying arsenal. Good mid-card showcase, but, like I said, no real purpose other than getting two guys on TV. (*1/4)

3 -- CHRIS JERICHO vs. C.M. PUNK

Loud chant for Punk after the opening bell. Punk fired off an elbow smash early on, then Jericho tried to roll to the floor, but Punk brought him back into the ring and kicked him square in the chest. Crowd from Louisville on Monday night was hot for the action. Jericho then hid behind the ref and he used the momentary distraction to thumb Punk in the eye to gain an advantage. Crowd hot trying to rally Punk, who came back with a modified tarantula in the corner. Paging Tajiri. Punk then landed a springboard clothesline for a two count. He teased the G2S, but Jericho elbowed out and kicked Punk in the leg to cut off Mr. MITB. Punk rolled to the apron to recover, then Jericho landed a springboard dropkick to clear Punk to the floor. Jericho smirked to the crowd leading to break.

Back from break, Jericho wrapped up Punk in the abdominal stretch. Almost miss the old ab stretch spot where the heel grabs the ropes once, ref doesn't see it, grabs it a second time, ref doesn't see it, then grabs it a third time, and the ref sees it. Always a great spot. I think D.H. Smith tried that on Tuesday, but he wasn't close enough to the ropes. Jericho then missed with a corner charge and Punk fired back with kick strikes all over the body. Punk landed a leaping leg whip, then a high knee in the corner, and running bulldog, but Jericho kicked out at two. Great sequence.

Punk then went up top in a hurry and nailed a crossbody block, but Jericho kicked out again. Punk went back to kick strikes, but Jericho landed a running enziguiri. Nice. He made a cover, but Punk kicked out. Punk came back with another G2S attempt, but Jericho slipped out. Jericho then tried to nail the Lionsault, but Punk had it scouted with the electric chair. He tried to transfer into G2S, but Jericho slipped down into a Walls of Jericho attempt. Punk countered it right into a small package for the three count and the win. Awesome.

WINNER: Punk in 14:00. What a match. Excellent work from both men and some great nearfalls, counters, and reversals that the audience was totally sold out for. Jericho has been a star in the ring his last two matches despite taking losses. Lesson in there about how to stand out as a top worker even if you're booked to lose. (***1/2)

[Arcademan]

TNA Impact! Results: 5-21-09

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

1 -- X Division champion SUICIDE & DANIELS vs. MOTOR CITY MACHINEGUNS (ALEX SHELLEY & CHRIS SABIN) vs. LETHAL CONSEQUENCES (JAY LETHAL & CONSEQUENCES CREED)

Announcers argued about the Suicide vs. Daniels identity, then focused on the Main Event Mafia ongoing drama and storylines. Meanwhile, some spots happened in the ring as the Guns double-team dominated Daniels in their corner. More spots, then three-way action broke out in the ring. Suicide tagged in and cleaned house, then more action broke out in the ring. Shelley nailed a frog splash on Suicide, but Daniels broke up the pin. More spots. No one selling anything. Daniels took out Lethal on the floor with a springboard moonsault, and in the ring, Suicide nailed Shelley with a modified codebreaker for the pin and the win.

WINNERS: Suicide & Daniels in 6:00. A whole lot of fast-paced spots to get some athleticism and X Division action on the show. At times, seemed like the wrestlers were just doing stuff to do stuff without any purpose. Hey, let's do a double kick to the head. Why? I don't know, just do it. Okay! (*1/2)

2 -- STING vs. ERIC YOUNG

Funny how things change. Two months ago, Sting hand-picked Eric Young to represent him in the go-home show before a TNA PPV. Young came out first and clapped for Sting, who approached him and patted him on the shoulder. Bell sounded and they adhered to the Code of Honor. Sting clotheslined Young over the top rope to the floor early on and Young clutched his stomach in pain. Back in the ring, Sting whipped him back over the top rope to the floor. Young tried to fire himself up to get back in the ring, then he slid in underneath Sting and fired off a comeback. Sting cut him right off, though, and slapped on the Scorpion Deathlock. Young tried to reach the ropes, but Sting yanked him back to center ring for a tap out win. Announcers said it could be the last time for Sting on Impact if he retires. Announcers barely spent any time on that angle, so not a selling point for Sunday. Young was mad post-match.

WINNER: Sting in 4:00. Just a basic singles match to enhance Sting going into the PPV main event and continue to frustrate Young for his "Chris Harris" storyline on the undercard that is going absolutely nowhere. (*)

3 -- KURT ANGLE vs. MATT MORGAN

Morgan came out on stage sporting his wizard cape before dropping it on stage. After The Wizard came out, Angle made his way to the ring with a rose in hand. Thought he was giving Morgan a present, but Angle dropped the rose on the mat before locking horns with Morgan. Morgan knocked Angle to the floor and gloated about being in control before they cut to an early break.

Back from break, Morgan was in control working on Angle, who was apparently the default babyface in the match. Morgan scored a nearfall, then Angle countered a follow-up move with the anklelock in center ring. Morgan tried to fight the hold, then he kicked Angle away. Morgan came to his feet and landed an overhead slam with no sign of the anklelock effecting him. Morgan wanted the Hellevator suplex, but Angle countered with a small package for the pin and the win. Post-match: Angle shook Morgan's hand and pointed toward Morgan, apparently impressed with Morgan.

WINNER: Angle in 6:00 of TV time. Fine match. Had some good moments with Angle doing his best to elevate Morgan by giving him a close nearfall or two. (*1/2)

4 -- SAMOA JOE vs. JEFF JARRETT

Joe met Jarrett on the entrance ramp and took the brawl over the guardrail to the floor. Joe sent Jarrett into the customary PPV poster on the base of the grandstands before taking the brawl into the stands. Joe continued to blast Jarrett before whipping him over the guardrail back to ringside. Joe targeted the tape job with stiff-looking kicks that put Jarrett on the floor. Ref Slick Johnson tried to block Joe's offense, so Joe chucked him aside to continue beating down Jarrett. Joe slapped on a submission hold to tear the hamstring, then ref Hebner showed up to call for the match to be thrown out.

Joe picked up a chair and rammed it into Jarrett's injured leg. A.J. Styles then jogged down ringside and lightly pushed Joe away to check on Jeff. Joe shoved Styles, then they started to brawl ringside. Security eventually showed up to separate them as Jeff continued to sell the injury. Joe and Styles had a pullapart brawl to end the segment. Should be a good PPV match on Sunday. Probably will sell some buys... What? They're not facing each other?

WINNER: No Contest in 2:00. Wild brawl, then a pullapart brawl to apparently set up Joe vs. Styles at Slammiversary. Too bad TNA glossed right over Joe vs. Nash and Styles vs. Booker on Sunday. They apparently gave up on that. Meanwhile, Jarrett has his "out" for not winning on Sunday or he has the "epic overcoming the odds and stacked deck" card if he wins the TNA Title on Sunday. (n/a)

5 -- TNA World Hvt. champion MICK FOLEY vs. ROCKY BALBOA CUT-OUT

Foley had a stare down against the cut-out and the Security guy stood behind it to land some punches. Foley had enough and Hulked Up before landing successive right hand blows and a suplex. Old man was cheering Foley, apparently not sure of his role on the show. Or, perhaps, where he was. Foley with a piledriver, then he blew himself up running the ropes. Foley with an elbow drop, then a cover for the win. Old man apparently didn't get the point of the whole deal.

WINNER: Foley in 2:00. Good ol' fashioned promise-and-underdeliver, but that was expected. Whole program is built around the idea of getting heat on Foley for being a nutcase who promises the world in the opening, then delivers beachfront property in the Gulf of Mexico, but it makes TNA look bad in the process. Jarrett is positioned as the "voice of the fan" defending against these intentionally stupid storylines, but he comes across like such a Grumpy Gus that it might be difficult for some fans to buy into this.

Post-match: Foley thanked Rocky for his work. He thanked TNA and the fans. Greatest night of his life. Foley lifted up the TNA Title belt after his mock Rocky victory speech. Jeff Jarrett's music hit and SuperJarrett limped to the ring. Take that, Samoa Joe. Now lug Nash around on Sunday. He's done hearing Foley's crap. He's made a mockery of the promotion, then he punched Foley in the face and pounded the crap out of Foley. Angle then stormed the ring and gave Jarrett the Olympic Slam. He slapped on the anklelock before Sting walked to the ring. Foley had a chair in hand now. Angle and Sting talked, then Foley blasted Sting with a chair. Meanwhile, Jarrett got Angle with the Stroke. Foley then blasted Jarrett with a chair shot. Foley the last man standing in the ring going to the PPV on Sunday.

[Arcademan]

WWE Smackdown Results: 5-22-09

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

1- RICKY ORTIZ & CHARLIE HAAS & SHELTON BENJAMIN vs. JOHN MORRISON & CRYME TYME

Not sure where Ricky’s heel turn came, but Todd Grisham did hint that his motivational techniques were wearing on other superstars. Remember when Miz & Morrison had their heated feud with Cryme Tyme? Grisham mentioned Ortiz’s football background, noting that he played in the NFL and NCAA, but not revealing that he also played in the XFL. Morrison and Ortiz were in there and once Morrison got the advantage, he tagged out to Shad. Eventually, Ortiz got the best of JTG and tagged out to Haas. JTG dropkicked Haas to the outside and the faces chased the heels off the apron. The heels had to regroup as the show went to break.

Back from break, Shelton was working over JTG after some double-teaming by the heels during the break. All three heels got time in the ring against JTG. Hammerlock slam on JTG by Ortiz for two. JTG tried to fight back against Shelton and was successful, but he couldn’t get by Benjamin to make it to his corner for a tag. Benjamin held onto the leg while trying to make a tag of his own. JTG mule kicked Shelton and Haas came in. JTG and Haas had a confusing spot where it wasn’t clear whether JTG made the hot tag or not. The ref ruled he did- not sure if that was by accident since he was so close or what, but it kind of took the luster off of the situation. Things broke down until it was back to Morrison vs. Haas. Morrison landed on his feet on a Haas suplex attempt, then he hit the Starship Pain for the win.

WINNERS: Cryme Tyme & Morrison, at 10:22. Solid enough match.

2- MICHELLE MCCOOL vs. GAIL KIM- DIVAS CHAMPIONSHIP #1 CONTENDER MATCH

As usual, Fox was at ringside with McCool. The women had a shoving match with Michelle getting the better of it. Kim tried a crucifix roll-up, but ended up arm-dragging McCool down. To the outside, where Michelle took Kim knee-first into the ring-post. Back in the ring, Michelle smelled blood and went right after that knee. Kim locked Michelle in a submission move, with Flying Dragon according to Grisham. The head of Michelle was scissored by Kim and her arm was locked. McCool got out of it and again went back to the knee, including pulling Kim out of the ring by it. Kim landed on the outside with a thud. Gail fought back with right hands, but Michelle dropkicked her in the knee. Heel kick by Kim, then a neck-breaker for a near-fall. As Kim planned to go to the top, Fox got involved without the referee’s knowledge. Kim shoved her into the ring-post face-first, but the pause allowed Michelle to recover and eventually hit the Faith-Breaker for the win.

WINNER: McCool, at 4:25. Another good match between these two ladies. McCool vs. Melina makes the most sense at this point.

3- CHRIS JERICHO vs. CM PUNK

Punk got an early bodyslam and stomp in on Y2J. Jericho missed a springboard dropkick and fell to the outside. Punk got Jericho on his shoulders for the GTS, but Jericho countered and struck with a forearm to the back of the head. Rear chinlock by Jericho but Punk came back with some spot-on kicks and a cover got two. Punk came off the top and Jericho kicked the rope, causing Punk to fall. Show went to break with both men down.

It was all Jericho upon return. He seemed to be getting cocky, though. JR did say that Punk got quite a bit of offense in during the break. Trash talking by Jericho, then a corner clothesline. Punk headbutted Jericho down as both men were on the top. Flying cross-body, but Jericho rolled through for two. Enziguiri missed and Punk rolled him up for two. Punk appeared to be going for his running knee in the corner, but Jericho fired out with a dropkick. Punk shoved Jericho off on a bulldog attempt, and Jericho ended up crotch-first into the middle rope. Knee to the back of the head by Punk. Jericho again got out of a GTS, but got him up a second time. Jericho rolled down Punk’s back and attempted to lock in a Walls of Jericho. Inside cradle by Punk, countered by Jericho back into a Walls. Punk reached the rope to break the count. He came back with a GTS, but Jericho rolled out of the ring. Umaga then came out with a strap in hand and attacked Punk, drawing the DQ.

WINNER: Punk via DQ, at 11:36. Another above-average TV match for these two.

4- DOLPH ZIGGLER vs. R-TRUTH

Big hip-toss from Truth, but Ziggler hung him out to dry throat-first over the top rope. Suplex by Ziggler for only one. Ziggler missed a charge in the corner and Truth came back with some rights and a heel kick. Facce-first into the canvas went Dolph. Scissors kick to Ziggler for two. Truth went to the top, but Ziggler pulled him down by his legs and hit his finisher for the win.

WINNER: Ziggler, at 2:29.

As Ziggler headed to the back, Great Khali came out, walking with a purpose. Ziggler was forced to go back into the ring, where Truth leveled Ziggler with a spinning flying forearm. Ziggler though, was able to high-tail it through the crowd before Khali could get his hands on him.

5- JEFF HARDY vs. EDGE- WINNER NAMES THE STIPULATION FOR THEIR MATCH AT EXTREME RULES

The two had a bit of a feeling-out process at the outset, with neither man getting a clear advantage. Edge took a breather when he felt like he was in trouble. He tripped Jeff up but Edge couldn’t capitalize. JR made it a point that Edge is trying to concuss Hardy. Jeff worked a head-lock on Edge as JR made a few basketball metaphors. Jeff bounced Edge’s head off the turnbuckle ten times. Dropkick in the corner, but it may have hurt Jeff on the landing. Kick to the head by Edge. He seemed to be the fresher man as the show went to break.

Edge concentrated his attack on Jeff’s skull, kicking him a number of times in the head in the corner of the ring. Jeff came back with an elbow in the corner, then a Whisper in the Wind. He nearly got a pinfall off of it. Flying forearm by Hardy, shades of Tito Santana. Face-first suplex and the shirt has come off, folks. Hardy went to the top, but Edge crawled a safe distance away. Edge with a neck-breaker on Hardy for two. Edge, to the top, but Hardy met him with a standing dropkick. He baseball slid Edge out of the ring. Flying crossbody over the top by Jeff. Back in the ring, Jeff landed a second-rope leg-drop for two. Edge shoved off a Twist of Fate attempt, but Hardy rolled Edge up after a spear miss for another near-fall. Backslide by Edge for two. Grisham compared this match to a game of chess. Finally a Twist of Fate for Hardy, who then crawled to the corner and up the turnbuckle. Edge caught him with a right hand though, crotching him on the top rope. Jeff fought out and knocked Edge to the canvas. Swanton hit and Jeff won it.

WINNER: Hardy, at 15:42. Great match, made more intriguing by the stipulation and the concussion storyline.

-After showing a replay of important moments in the match, Grisham met Jeff in the ring for the reveal of what Jeff has decided for a stipulation. Jeff said he’d be climbing a ladder to win the title, so it’ll be a Ladder Match.

[Arcademan]

TNA Sacrifice PPV Results: 5-24-09

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

Pre-Show Report

A -- KIYOSHI vs. AMAZING RED

Red took the initial advantage by knocking Kiyoshi to the outside and landing a corkscrew twisting splash for the first highspot of the night. Red took his time getting back in the ring, allowing Kiyoshi to cut him off. Don West interjected that he spent a good amount of time talking to Kiyoshi pre-show in Japanese to calm him down. Mike Tenay was ready to strangle him. Red made a comeback at 5:00, then "fed off the crowd" for a leg lariat resulting in a two count. Kiyoshi then came back with a turnaround suplex for a two count, which Kiyoshi sold with frustration. He called for the end and went for a moonsault, but Red moved and Kiyoshi ate the mat. Red nearly botched a turnaround DDT, then followed with a standing moonsault for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Red in 7:00. Good pre-PPV opener to warm up the crowd. (**)

1 -- MOTOR CITY MACHINEGUNS (ALEX SHELEY & CHRIS SABIN) & SHEIK ABDUL BASHIR vs. LETHAL CONSEQUENCES (JAY LETHAL & CONSEQEUENCES CREED) & ERIC YOUNG

Savage...er...Lethal showed up in an old school silver cape that expanded across his wingspan. Lethal also sporting the 1980s Savage red trunks with white stars. Predictably, the odd-ball trio of Sheik & Guns broke down as they were working on Creed. He wanted a hot tag to Young, but Young no-sold a tag as West complained about Young "ruffling some feathers" backstage. Young eventually joined the action with a double suicide dive with Creed on the Guns. Back in the ring, Lethal gave Sheik a sit-out slam for a close two count. Nice nearfall. Lethal then wanted a top rope elbow drop, but Shelley cut him off and landed a brainbuster. Shelley went up top himself, but Creed cut him off. Action broke down into a six-way brawl as West complained about the ref losing control of the action. More highspots ensued. Young then clotheslined someone inside out. More spots. More people flying around the ring.

Bashir landed a top rope frogsplash at 11:45, but no one knew who was legal or what the heck was going on, so everyone stood around. More standing around before Guns landed a double-team kick combo on Creed. Young then set up a double Death Valley Driver on the Guns and connected, but Bashir knocked Young to the floor. Lethal then tried to sunset flip Bashir, but Bashir grabbed the ropes. Ref saw it and kicked Bashir's hands off the ropes, allowing Lethal to score a pin for the win. Afterward, West blew a gasket out of disdain for the ref assist. Young was confused and didn't know how to react. He didn't want to take part in the celebration.

WINNERS: Lethal & Young & Creed at 13:55. Opening highspot fest that was just a bunch of guys flipping around the ring like an independent show match where no one is selling anything. I'm sure they were instructed to be a bunch of highspot monkeys because that's what TNA pigeonholes them as, so I don't want to criticize the wrestlers for working hard, but this was just a bunch of spots. (**)

2 -- TAYLOR WILDE vs. DAFFNEY -- Monster's Ball match

Lots of weapons early on. Taylor went to her Canadian roots to smash Daffney with a hockey stick early on. Taylor finished her off rather quickly with a slam onto a trashcan for the win. Post-match: Daffney recovered as Dr. Stevie stormed the ring to spread out thumbtacks in the ring. Lauren and Abyss then ran to ringside and Abyss gave Stevie the Black Hole Slam into the tacks to end the segment.

WINNER: Taylor in 2:00. Short match promoting the undercard storyline that will assuredly continue on TV. (n/a)

3 -- X Division champion SUICIDE vs. CHRISTOPHER DANIELS -- X Division Title match

Before the match, they had a nice handshake before squaring off across the ring. Crowd quiet early on as Don West continued to talk and talk and talk about the Suicide/Daniels/Curry Man conspiracy theory. West covered for the quiet crowd by saying the audience is split on whether they want Fake Daniels or Real Daniels to win. Both men struggled to work around Suicide's limited peripheral vision, then Daniels knocked Suicide to the floor, only to take a knee to the gut on a springboard moonsault attempt.

Chris Sabin eventually came to ringside as West continued to complain about the conspiracy theories involved here. Meanwhile, Shelley blasted Suicide in the ring with a codebreaker. Daniels pretended like he wasn't paying attention, then he went into the ring and covered Suicide for the easy pin and the win.

WINNER: Daniels at 12:10 to capture the X Division Title. Just a basic filler undercard match. Very disappointing X Division Title match with Don West walking a fine line between an annoying "heel announcer" and trying to get a rise out of Internet fans who enjoy listening to conspiracy theories. (*1/2)

Post-match: Daniels took the mic after watching the replay and said he doesn't want to win the X Division Title like that. He asked Suicide for five more minutes. Seriously, they asked Suicide if he wanted five more minutes. Naw, he doesn't care about the belt. After milking it, Suicide accepted. So, is Daniels still champ or does it revert to Suicide?

3b -- CHRISTOPHER DANIELS vs. SUICIDE -- X Division Title match -- five-minute OT

West was also confused by this, as he asked Tenay what happens if no one wins in the five-minute OT. Tenay said it goes back to Suicide. He didn't sound very convincing. Perhaps they should have a shoot-out. West said they're getting close to the LeBron James last-second shot time. Too soon for Orlando fans. Daniels connected with the Best Moonsault Ever at 4:35, but Suicide rolled through into a pin attempt. Clock counted down to zero with Suicide scoring a nearfall on Daniels. Suicide retains the X Division Title apparently. Daniels handed over the title belt to Suicide as West complained about there being a double-cross.

WINNER: No Contest at 5:00. Five more filler minutes. This whole program is so far out there in outer space. Just give us two men with one issue and let them wrestle out the issue in the ring. I just don't care about these "conspiracy theories" that West talked about for...ev...er in this 17-minute segment. It was over-kill. (*)

4 -- KNOCKOUTS champion ANGELINA LOVE vs. AWESOME KONG

Kong out first, then Angelina slowly entered the ring not wanting to aggravate the monster to start the match. She tried to duck into the corner, but Kong pulled her out and rammed her into the turnbuckle. Angelina tried to run away to the floor, but Kong followed and rammed her into the guardrail. Angelina finally took control on the floor and tried to get a count-out, but Kong made it back into the ring where she took an aggressive pummeling from Kong. Angelina then tried to high-tail it out of the ring, but Raisha Saeed stopped her in her tracks and Kong brick-walled her onto the floor. Back in the ring, Kong had a pin, but she pulled up at one to inflict more damage. She missed with a top rope dive, then Angelina rolled to the outside and grabbed a gimmick. Raisha cut her off, though, and Kong accidentally rammed Raisha off the apron. Angelina used the pepper spray behind the ref's back, then she rolled up Kong from behind for the win. Kong isn't going to be too happy with Raisha. Post-match: Kong scooped up Angelina and gave her another brick-wall bump. She then finished off Angelina with the implant buster in center ring to get her back. Oops, not done yet. Kong dragged Angelina back into center ring and gave her another implant buster for two exclamation marks.

WINNER: Angelina at 5:57 to retain the Knockouts Title. Fine title match. Good storyline played out in the ring where there was an issue and the heel managed to keep the belt by hook or by crook. Fine pro wrestling match despite the outside interference. (*1/2)

5 -- SAMOA JOE vs. KEVIN NASH

Nash came out first and Don West said Nash has been in the gym getting prepared for this, based on his physique improvement. Samoa Joe then came out and Nash took his time re-entering the ring so Joe could work himself up. Nice "veteran heel" move in the storyline context. West referenced the consultant to Joe. Bell sounded as the announcers talked about Joe losing his edge, which made him take his violence to a whole 'nother level. Nash landed a big boot in the first minute. Match moved to the floor where Nash tried a chair shot, but Joe ducked and smashed Nash with a chair. Nash came up busted open and the action returned to the ring. Joe nailed an enziguiri kick, but Nash came right back with a sidewalk slam. Joe then came back with a sleeperhold and Nash grabbed the ropes for a break. In the interim, though, Nash landed a mule kick behind the ref's back and scored a nearfall. Joe came back with a running kick and running sentaun, but Nash kicked out. Joe then slapped on the rear naked choke and Nash tapped out in five seconds. Joe with a clean victory over Nash.

Post-match: Joe grabbed Nash and put him in the Bryan Danielson choke hold to land elbow strikes to the neck. Security and refs ate right hand punches, then Joe went back to Nash and landed forearm strikes. Crowd not sure how to respond. Security eventually sent Joe away and Joe grabbed his towel on the way out. Scott Steiner then rolled into the ring and checked on Nash, who sold the beating.

WINNER: Joe at 8:05. Nice singles match. Two men. One issue. No funny stuff, just a good, competitive wrestling match. Post-match continues to make Joe a "shades of gray" character when the audience has no reason to cheer him, but they're tentative to boo him because of his amazing run in the past. (**1/2)

Continued in next post...

[Arcademan]

TNA Sacrifice PPV Results: 5-24-09

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

Continued from previous post...

6 -- BEER MONEY, INC. (ROBERT ROODE & JAMES STORM) vs. BRITISH INVASION (DOUG WILLIAMS & BRUTUS MAGNUS w/Rob Terry) -- Finals of Team 3D Tag Team Tournament #1 contendership

Ray with more talk of TNA offering the best tag team in wrestling. He said he likes what he sees from Doug Williams and expects him to help Brutus and Terry advance in TNA. Brutus tried to dump Storm over the top rope, but Storm held onto to the top rope, Roode poured him a brew, and Storm skinned the cat back into the ring to spew the brew into Magnus's face. Beer Money definitely popular with the crowd as babyfaces. British Invasion recovered on the floor, then Roode launched Storm over the top rope with a three-man splash. Don West kept agreeing with Team 3D on all of their commentary, which was pretty awesome. Ray called out West, but West shifted it back to trying to call a serious match here, fellas. One step ahead. Ray said they love tag tournaments like the Crockett Cup and it was a big deal for them to pull out $100,000 for this tournament. West chimed in that it's only like $50,000 after taxes.

Storm made a hot tag to Roode at 8:00 and Ray mixed up the Beer Money wrestlers. Action broke down, then Williams nailed a lift-up European Uppercut on Roode, but Roode kicked out. BI wanted to finish off Roode, but Storm broke it up. Roode dumped Brutus to the floor, then Storm nailed a top rope huracanrana leading to Roode hit a frogsplash. He had the pin, but Terry pulled ref Hebner out of the ring. West comically demanded he be tossed from ringside, chiming in with Team 3D. Beer Money was in jeopardy as Williams introduced the stolen LAX briefcase, but Roode yanked the case and clocked Williams. Hebner made the cover and scored a pin for the win. Post-match: Team 3D entered the ring and shook hands with Beer Money. In typical TNA fashion, trophy presentation is this Thursday on Impact. Don't even get the trophies tonight. Guess they need to make sure the giant check clears.

WINNERS: Beer Money at 10:43. Good tag match with a hot crowd. The usual TNA run-around, interference, etc., but the crowd made up for it by being very involved. This was West at his best as a heel announcer. It was great. (***)

7 -- Legends champion A.J. STYLES vs. BOOKER T (w/out Sharmell) -- Legends Title match -- I Quit match

Styles was in control early. West did his classic heel line about Booker letting Styles get his offense in to give him a false sense of security before making the comeback. Booker dropped Styles throat-first across the guardrail, then Styles breathed into the mic without saying I Quit. West said perhaps he was trying to, but he couldn't produce the air to say the two words. Nice from West. After Booker worked on Styles for a while, they went into a standing exchange of right hand blows, then Styles ducked a right and nailed the Pele kick. Nice sequence. West complemented Styles on the comeback and said he can't tell you how many times he's screamed that move out. Styles then gripped Booker and landed forearms. Booker was not quitting. "Hell naw, man," Booker said. Styles then knocked Booker to the floor and followed with a plancha on the ground. Nice spot. Booker didn't give up. Styles then rammed him into the ringpost and rolle him back in at 15:00. Booker wouldn't give.

Styles regrouped on the apron, then Sharmell came to ringside and shouted instructions to Booker. Styles landed a flying forearm smash as Sharmell encouraged him not to quit. Styles wanted the Clash, but Sharmell jumped on the apron. Booker tried to take advantage, but he accidentally bumped Sharmell off the apron. In the confusion, Styles grappled Booker and put him in a nice-looking MMA submission trying to separate the shoulder. Booker refused to give. Jenna then came down to ringside with a towel in hand. Jenna tossed the towel into the ring and the ref called for the bell. Jenna screamed at Sharmell that she was just trying to help, but Sharmell was having none of it. Styles took his belt and was initially upset with the finish since he didn't get Booker to quit, but he celebrated with the title. Crowd was disappointed with the finish, which hurt Styles's moment.

WINNER: Styles at 16:47 to retain the Legends Title. Best match of the PPV until the finish with Sharmell-Jenna continuing their feud on my PPV TV. Keep it on free TV, but don't put that dumb storyline on pay TV. As usual, TNA tries to find a way out of a stipulation. Sucks to rant on that, because the match was awesome and one of Booker's best performances in years. (***3/4)

8 -- TNA Hvt. champion MICK FOLEY vs. JEFF JARRETT vs. STING vs. KURT ANGLE -- TNA World Title match

Jarrett and Angle paired off against each other early on. Cactus and Sting battled through the crowd, up the stands, and to the entranceramp where Foley landed a piledriver on the ramp. Angle put Jarrett in the anklelock, then Foley tried to help Angle by putting Jarrett in the Mandible Claw to make Jarrett tap and lose his votes, but Angle jumped Foley and knocked him to the floor. Foley rolled to the outside, then decided to join commentary to say he's taking a little breather-oonie until absolutely necessary to sneak in there for the win. Jarrett took a double-team beating from the Mafia, then Sting and Angle accidentally bumped into each other. After the contact, Sting shoved Angle, who tried to apologize. Angle then eye-raked Sting and landed a series of German suplexes. Sting and Jarrett were down, then Angle slowly looked around for Foley. He walked over the announce table and landed a running flip dive clear over the announce table into Foley's lap. Angle dragged Foley into the ring, then four-way action broke out.

At 11:00, Foley came to life and pulled out Socko II and III. Jarrett ate II and Sting ate III, then tried to cover both men with their shoulders on the mat, but Angle snuck in behind him and slapped on the anklelock. Foley escaped and bumped the ref in the process. Sting had a visual pin on Angle. Jarrett then KO'ed Sting with the guitar and scored a visual three count. Foley then cracked a chair over Jarrett's head and scored a two count with the ref to life. Everyone took a break, then Angle put both Sting and Jarrett in the anklelock until Foley broke it up. Foley DDT'ed Angle, then made the cover, but Sting broke it up.

Again, Foley vs. Sting and Angle vs. Jarrett. Jarrett took Angle up top and nailed The Stroke off the top into the face of the chair. Sting then snuck in behind Jarrett and covered Angle for the pin and the win to become leader of the Mafia. Afterward, Jarrett sold deep thought pondering the new role for Sting. Foley, meanwhile, took the title belt and dragged himself up the entranceramp. Sting then leaned over Angle's fallen body and talked to him. Tenay asked what new changes will take place as Foley clutched his title belt like a lost teddy bear to close the show.

WINNER: Sting at 15:01. Good main event. They used props and the four-way format effectively to create movement and build drama for each nearfall leading to the finish. Nice to see a legit finish, although the overall problem with this match was the TNA Title belt being a secondary or fourth-most-important element of the match. Title belt should always be the most-important when the title is on the line in a match. That was an inherent flaw in the match, but that doesn't take away from strong PPV main event performances from all four. (***1/2)

[Arcademan]

WWE RAW Results: 5-25-09

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

Opening sequence 'yak with Vince' was over 14 minutes long.

1 -- Divas champion MARYSE vs. KELLY KELLY -- Divas Title match

The action moved to the floor early on where Maryse smashed Kelly into the announce table. Maryse then pushed her over the announce table and apparently that was enough for a DQ. Post-match: Maryse went back into the ring, then Kelly tried to attack her, but Maryse escaped.

WINNER: Kelly Kelly via DQ at 3:25; Maryse retains Divas Title.

2 -- MATT HARDY vs. WILLIAM REGAL vs. KOFI KINGSTON -- #1 contender match to U.S. Title

Matt Hardy pulled a Mick Foley and excused himself from the match early on to wait for his opportunity. Kofi and Regal then had a miscommunication on an apparent Russian legsweep. Who knows what they were going for. Kofi wanted the boom-boom leg drop, but Matt tripped him from the floor. Matt then snuck back into the ring after a double clothesline and scored a double nearfall. MVP then came walking down to ringside to get a closer look at the action. Hardy in control going to break.

Back from break, Regal was working on Kofi. MVP now on commentary. Regal tried to pin Kofi, but Matt rolled him up from behind for a two count. MVP said all three potential opponents are dangerous and he wants to face the best of the best. Hardy then dumped Regal to the outside and focused on Kofi. He nailed a neckbreaker, but Regal re-entered and broke up the pin. Regal and Kofi then exchanged European uppercuts before Matt landed clotheslines on both men. Regal then smashed Matt's cast-covered hand to the mat and Matt rolled to the floor selling pain. Matt came right back in, knocked Regal to the floor, but then Kofi fired off a round of leaping clotheslines on Matt before landing the boom-boom leg drop for a two count.

At 8:30, Kofi jumped onto Matt in the corner, but Regal grappled him from behind for an exploder suplex. Matt with the side-effect on Regal for another two count. Matt with the side-effect on Kofi, but another two count. Matt wanted the Twist of Fate on Regal, but he countered with a side belly-to-back suplex. Regal then lowered his kneepad for a running strike on Kofi, but Kofi surprised him with the Jamaican Buzzsaw for a two count when Matt broke it up. Matt missed with a cast shot, then Kofi nailed him with the Buzzsaw kick for the pin and the win.

Post-match: They showed MVP smiling from ringside. He said he's looking forward to the match-up next week. Kofi then slipped out of the ring and approached MVP at the announce table. MVP stood up smiling and Kofi did the boom-boom hand clap in front of MVP. They exchanged smiles as MVP said he looks forward to giving Kofi that title shot.

WINNER: Kofi at 9:48 to earn U.S. Title shot next week. Really sloppy first-half of the match, then a very nice flurry to end the match. Kofi picking up the win should set up an interesting match next week. A contrast in styles could make for a great match. (**1/2)

Flair/Orton segment with the return of Mr. Kennedy: over 7 minutes long.

3 -- CHAVO GUERRERO & BETH PHOENIX vs. SANTINO MARELLA & MICKIE JAMES

Man on man and woman on woman here, then Santino and Chavo got caught up brawling during the divas portion of the match. The distraction allowed Mickie to roll up Beth from behind for the win. Chavo in trouble. Post-match: GM Vickie came out on stage sporting the Miss WrestleMania crown. She confidently said Chavo will be in her corner at Extreme Rules. Santino said he a ton of ideas for their Extreme Rules PPV match. Leaning Tower of Pisa Pepperoni match. Or a Pasta Primavera on a Pole match. Vince Russo special? Santino then decided on a Hog Pin match. No pop. That's right, oink oink oink, you're going to be with the pigs. Ross said he's seen a Hog Pin match and you don't want to be near it. It smells really bad.

WINNERS: Mickie & Santino at 1:37. Basic deal to set up the Extreme Rules deal to continue this well-played-out storyline. Hopefully this will be the blow-off match to this feud. Hopefully. (n/a)

4 -- THE BRIAN KENDRICK & FESTUS vs. GOLDUST & HORNSWOGGLE

Hornswoggle didn't want to start, but Goldust sent him into the ring to face off against Festus. Kendrick told Festus to hit him, but Festus didn't do anything. Kendrick then slap-tagged himself into the match and beat up Hornswoggle before Horny landed a swinging DDT. Goldust then tagged in and went after Kendrick. Kendrick slapped Festus, which upset Festus and allowed Goldust and Hornswoggle to double up on Kendrick, leading to Goldust hitting a turn-out facebuster - the Final Cut - for the pin and the win.

Afterward, Kendrick was upset with his latest pick for The Partner. Festus was motionless since the bell rang, so Kendrick grabbed a chair and brought it into the ring. Kendrick measured Festus for a chair shot, but Primo rang the ring bell, so Festus snapped to attention and scared Kendrick out of the ring.

WINNERS: Goldust & Hornswoggle at 2:13. Another filler TV match. The last half hour has really dragged. (n/a)

5 -- LAKERS (JOHN CENA & JERRY LAWLER & U.S. champion MVP & BATISA & MR. KENNEDY) vs. NUGGETS (WWE champion RANDY ORTON & TED DIBIASE, JR. & CODY RHODES & BIG SHOW & THE MIZ)

Back and forth action starting with Lawler against Rhodes. Ross had a flashback to the territory era saying those two last names. Cut to break with both teams gaining and losing control.

Back to Raw where DiBiase was working over MVP in center ring. MVP wanted a hot tag, but Miz flew across the ring to cut him off. Mr. Kennedy finally took the hot tag and landed right hand blows. Kennedy was then knocked to the floor and the heels smashed him into the guardrail as the ref tried to control ten men at one time. Kennedy continued to take a beating back in the ring as the heels tagged in and out to work him over.

Cody came in and Ross said he will no doubt have a different pace than Big Show. Nice way of saying he's the Big Slow. Crowd tried to fire up Kennedy with a "Let's go Lakers" chant, but the heel Nuggets put baby in the corner to continue working him over. Orton came in and slowly worked over Kennedy, settling for a reverse chinlock. There's ten men in this match and they're going with a reverse chinlock to continue working on Kennedy. Need Lucha Libre rules here to keep the action moving. Kennedy finally escaped Orton's clutches and made the hot tag to Cena. Cody also took a tag. Cena exploded on Cody with shoulder tackles before hitting the sit-out slam and setting up the Five Knuckle Shuffle, only to tag in MVP for a double team You Can't See Me and Ballin' elbow drop. Nice spot. Lawler then entered with a VINTAGE punch to clear out the heels. MVP with the Playmaker on Cody for the pin and the win.

WINNERS: Lakers at 16:06. Send 'em home happy match to put the exclamation point on WWE's anti-Nuggets week. So ridiculous they had an extended beat down on Kennedy with ten men in the match. There has to be a balance between TNA's highspot fests and WWE's "isolate someone for eight hours" formula tag matches, especially with four men on the apron. Match didn't sell a PPV, but they have one more episode of TV to take care of that. (**1/2)

[Arcademan]

ECW on SciFi Results: 5-28-09

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

1 -- KOZLOV vs. RUSS TAYLOR & JOEY MUNOS

Mathews said Kozlov is unde-fleated on ECW and he requested this two-on-one match to show his superiority as a fighting force. Kozlov knocked Joey to the floor, then Russ tried to get himself some, but Kozlov head-butted him in mid-air. Kozlov with a front bear hug toss for the pin and the win. No post-match promo? Apparently Kozlov was tired from the work-out.

WINNER: Kozlov in 2:00. Yay, another squash for Kozlov. Book that real punching bag against Kozlov and let's see how tough he really is. (n/a)

2 -- EVAN BOURNE vs. MARK HENRY (w/Tony Atlas)

Bourne tried to run away from Henry, but Henry cornered him and smashed him into the gut. Henry took his sweet time wearing down Bourne as Atlas shouted instructions. Striker filled us in that the initials on the outfit mean "Somebody's Gonna Hurt Somebody." Nice to know. Henry continued to slow this down, taking away Bourne's offense and any interest in continuing to watch the match. Bourne tried to make sure people didn't click away with knee strikes before landing kicks to the back and front. Bourne landed an enziguiri from his knees that knocked down Henry, then he went up top as the audience came to life anticipating a Shooting Star. Henry rolled to the outside, though, and Bourne landed a big double-knee smash that knocked down Henry. Ref was focused on-camera, so you knew a count-out was coming. Bourne gathered himself and ran off Henry's back into the ring at nine. Henry couldn't make it back in, so he was counted out, giving Bourne the win. Mathews sold it as a career-defining moment for Bourne getting a victory over Henry. Henry chucked the ring steps around the ring in frustration before shouting back to Bourne that he's lucky to be alive.

WINNER: Bourne via count-out in 7:00. Dragged in the beginning before a fine finish with the tease of the Shooting Star Press and Bourne finding a way to win without really winning to continue the program. (*)

3 -- JACK SWAGGER & HART DYNASTY (TYSON KIDD & DAVID HART SMITH w/Natalya) vs. ECW champion CHRISTIAN & TOMMY DREAMER -- handicap match

Striker said Finlay would be out here if doctors cleared him, but it's difficult to do simple tasks with just one eye. Striker gave us an eye exercise to try looking at the TV screen with just one eye. Ah, the old "find out which eye is your dominant eye" trick. I remember that one. Cover one eye and see which one focuses on the object without it moving. Or, is the dominant eye the one where you object shifts? I never could remember. Dang it Striker. Anyways, match started with HD working over Christian. Smith looked kind of silly with black trunks and pink kneepads. Swagger then tagged in and tossed Christian to the mat with a waistlock. Christian finally made a comeback on Swagger and tagged in Dreamer, who told Christian how this tag team operation was going to work.

Dreamer, showing more aggression tonight, pounded Swagger into the corner. Mathews reminded us that Dreamer's contract expires at Extreme Rules after he signed a one-day extension. He's gone if he doesn't win the title. He should have waited until the day of the PPV and pulled a Jeff Jarrett to demand a lump sum payment. Anyways... Dreamer and Christian exchanged words, which lulled Swagger into a false sense of security and they dumped him to the floor. Champ and Dream took out the Dynasty on the floor, then Christian splashed Swagger on the outside. Christian rolled Swagger back into the ring and made a cover for a two count. Dynasty took control in a quiet arena as they cut to break.

Back from break, Dreamer was in control trying to finish off Swagger, but Swags reversed the Dreamer DDT into a belly-to-belly suplex. Smith then tagged in to begin working on Dreamer. Kidd came in for a few moments to scream at Dreamer before Smith re-entered for a long-standing vertical suplex to wear down Dreamer.

Smith went back to work on Dreamer to ground him and prevent a tag to Christian. Swagger came in and knocked Christian off the apron, but Dreamer broke free from HD facing Kidd. Christian finally took the hot tag at 17:30 to little or no reaction. Crowd dead for this. Kidd tried a suplex on Christian, but Christian blocked and nailed the pendulum kick out of the corner. Christian nailed a second-rope European Uppercut before clearing HD off the apron to go up top. He wanted a top rope missile dropkick and he connected for a two count when Smith broke it up. Dreamer then clotheslined Smith and himself over the top rope. Meanwhile, Swagger took a tag and shoved Christian shoulder-first into the ringpost. Swagger followed with a gutwrench powerbomb on Christian for the pin and the win.

WINNERS: Swagger & Hart Dynasty in 19:00. Long, drawn-out tag match that lost the crowd half-way through. The crowd wasn't into the show anyways, so not a big deal. Match was a decent TV showcase for all five men, including Dreamer with his new intensity. But, it had a little bit of that Raw ten-man tag side effect of everyone canceling each other to some degree. Still, HD shined at the end of the day and Christian was put in jeopardy to set up the ECW Title match in two Sundays. (**1/2)

[Arcademan]

WWE Superstars Results: 5-28-09

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

1 -- Unified tag champs PRIMO & CARLITO COLON vs. CHARLIE HAAS & SHELTON BENJAMIN -- non-title match

Nice, quick pace to this one early on. Carlito and Primo flew in and out of the ring exchanging tags before Primo escalated the action at 4:00 with a run-up huracanrana on Shelton. Primo then dumped Shelton to the apron, but Charlie ran interference and Shelton yanked Primo's left arm across the top rope. Tag champs in trouble going to break.

Back from break, WWE gave us a nice close-up of Primo's face as Haas was working him over on the mat. Heels continued to work on Primo's left arm and shoulder since he's a lefty. Haas with a sick-looking shoulder wrench making Primo's shoulder touch his ear. Nice spot where Shelton caught Primo off the ropes and tossed him high up into the air. Cryme Tyme's music interrupted 12 minutes into the match and they came out on stage to distract Shelton. Primo tried to roll up Shelton from behind, but Shelton kicked out. Primo finally made the hot tag to Carlito as Cryme Tyme added their soundtrack to the match. Carlito landed a springboard elbow smash as Cryme Tyme talked trash to Shelton, who was on the apron. Carlito then executed a sweet springboard backflip over Haas's shoulders into position for the backstabber for the pin and the win. Post-match: tag champs hugged it out with Cryme Tyme for their assist in securing the victory.

WINNERS: Primo & Carlito in 14:00. Nice, physical tag team action. Carlito's finisher on Haas was a potential stand-out moment on this week's show. Looked a bit choreographed, but it still looked very impressive. Cryme Tyme helping the champs was fine for the purpose of getting them on TV. (**)

2 -- JACK SWAGGER vs. FINLAY

Swagger was aggressive early on, then Finlay tried to attack him from the middle rope, but Swagger pushed Finlay off the top to the floor. Finlay's wrist broke his fall and he sold an injury before returning to the ring where Swagger grounded him on the mat. Swagger shoved Finlay into the ropes, then Finlay bumped Swagger over the ropes to the floor. Finlay tried to follow up, but Swagger rammed him back-first into the ringpost. Back in the ring, Swagger showed off his power with a running powerslam off the top turnbuckle, then to the mat for a nearfall. Swagger distracted himself teasing use of the shillelagh, which gave Finlay an opening. Swagger avoided the Celtic Cross, though, and nailed the gutwrench powerbomb for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Swagger at 5:00. Good showcase of Swagger's physical abilities to balance the high-flying athleticism in the opening match. (*1/2)

3 -- JOHN CENA vs. TED DIBIASE, JR.

Cole told us Cena has a lot of things on his mind, like the Submissions Match against Big Show at Extreme Rules. Lawler said Cena needs to focus on his opponent tonight. Lawler then stacked the deck against Cena for ER that he doesn't recall Show ever submitting before. As for the match, DiBiase and Cena exchanged control in the opening minutes. DiBiase then tried a cross-body block, but Cena rolled through and did a squat into FU position, but DiBiase escaped and rolled to the floor. Cena chased and DiBiase rammed him into the ring steps to take control going to break.

Back from break, DiBiase was in control. DiBiase cut off Cena's comeback with a standing dropkick, eliciting more comments from Lawler that DiBiase is an Orton clone. Cena then made his full comeback with the Cena Combo of shoulder tackles, sit-out, and Five Knuckle Shuffle. Cena teased the FU, but DiBiase escaped with elbow strikes and landed a powerslam for a two count. Nice aggressiveness fm DiBiase. Cena came back with a back body drop, then he wanted the FU again, but DiBiase grabbed the ropes and landed an elbow to the face.

DiBiase then flew off the second rope with a flying clothesline before executing a knee-drop shoulder breaker/gutbuster for a two count. Cena rolled to the ring apron to buy some time, then both men went up top. Cena knocked Ted off the top before hitting the guillotine leg drop from a long distance. He instantly slapped on the STFU and DiBiase tapped in less than two seconds. Cena smiled for the crowd and celebrated the victory to wrap up the show.

WINNER: Cena in 12:00. Everyone knew Cena was winning, so it was a matter of making DiBiase look good in the process. I thought DiBiase had a very nice showing in a showcase singles match. DiBiase and Swagger wrestle a similar style, but still have their own differences to be stand-out young stars on the rise. I imagine this won't be the last time we see Cena vs. DiBiase in a TV main event. (**1/2)

[Arcademan]

TNA Impact! Results: 5-28-09

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

1- AMAZING RED vs. SUICIDE- X-DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

What has Red done since his return to earn a title shot? Red went for his first pin attempt of the match off a bodyslam from Suicide. Suicide though turned him inside-out with a clothesline. They went to a split-screen to show the Main Event Mafia arriving earlier in the day. Sting headed the line as Sharmell and Jenna were continuing their argument, and Kurt Angle was last, with his head hung in disappointment. At 2:00, Suicide signaled for the end, but Red dodged a move in the corner and Suicide hit him with a dropkick. Red hit a DDT after countering a tilt-a-whirl and both men were down. He caught fire at 4:00, with a dropkick in the corner and a pin attempt. He set up for Code Red but Suicide flipped him over in a nice move, but only got two. Red rolled Suicide up for a near-fall. Crowd was chanting “Let’s Go Red.” Out of nowhere, Suicide landed the Suicide Solution for the win.

WINNER: Suicide, at 5:18. An OK match, but with no hype and no reason given for Red to have the shot, this just felt like a throw-away.

2- DOUG WILLIAMS vs. CODY DEANER- LADDER MATCH WITH X-DIVISION TITLE BRIEFCASE AT STAKE

Williams took Deaner down immediately, then started to climb the ladder. Deaner hooked his leg as Tenay sent out condolences to Homicide, who had a death in the family and wasn’t in the arena to accept this challenge and try to get his briefcase back. Williams had Deaner in a head-lock, then landed a European Uppercut. ODB was at ringside cheering on her man. Williams toyed with Deaner caught in the corner. Williams again climbed the ladder, but Deaner leaped off the second rope and nailed Williams in the back, knocking him off the ladder. Deaner couldn’t take advantage though and Williams was back on offense in no time. Williams slammed Deaner right on the ladder. The Brit missed a knee-drop though and Deaner attempted to set up the ladder, but Williams cross-bodied himself onto Deaner and the ladder. Williams got back-dropped onto the ladder. Magnus and Rob Terry took hold of the ladder at ringside and Deaner dropped Williams over the top rope and onto them. ODB slipped the ladder in to Deaner and Deaner got hold of the case, but Williams made it in in time to push the ladder over and Deaner took a scary bump off the ropes and to the outside. Williams got to the case with ease.

WINNER: Williams, at 5:12. Match featured a couple big bumps but Deaner isn’t a serious threat anyway.

After the match, Kiyoshi and Sheik Abdul Bashir came to the ring to celebrate with the British Invasion.

3- ANGELINA LOVE vs. SOJOURNER BOLT- KNOCKOUTS CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

Bolt went for a few quick pins to no avail. Drop-toe hold into the middle turnbuckle went Bolt. Love did some choking in the corner. Bicycle kick by Love right to Bolt’s face for two. Nice move. Bolt fought back with right hands, then a slap. Face-first went Love to the mat as Bolt appeared to be losing her pants. Madison Rayne got on the apron to distract Earl Hebner while Love sprayed what I presume is hair spray in Bolt’s face, then hit her finisher for the win.

WINNER: Love, at 2:33.

4- ERIC YOUNG vs. JEFF JARRETT- KING OF THE MOUNTAIN QUALIFYING MATCH

Jarrett landed a dropkick at the outset, then Young came back and did the same. Inverted atomic drop and a flying forearm by Young as I had visions of Shawn Michaels’ finishing sequence. Roll-up by Jarrett for two. Flip sell in the corner by Young but Jarrett got the best of him and went for a figure-four. Young instead got a small package for two. Young caught Jarrett in a powerbomb for two. Young missed a moonsault and Jarrett came back with The Stroke, but Eric put his foot on the rope. Wheelbarrow attempt by Young but Jarrett turned it into a roll-up for the win.

WINNER: Jarrett, at 3:25.

Young was visibly upset after the match but he offered a handshake. You can see where this one is going. Jarrett shook hands and Young left. I guess not. Jarrett called him back in and prompted the fans to cheer for him. They hugged then Young went after the leg. Ah, I was right. Young focused his attack on the leg and went to the top rope, elbowdropping that leg. He stood over Jarrett and seemed to be in some sort of trance.

5- AJ STYLES vs. DANIELS- KING OF THE MOUNTAIN QUALIFYING MATCH

West played up these two knowing a lot about each other and having a long history during the match. Nice dropkick by Styles sent Daniels crawling to the apron. Styles caught Daniels on the outside of the ring, then they went to break about 2:00 in.

Styles with a neck-breaker for two on Daniels. Rear chin-lock on Daniels as the crowd did dueling chants for Styles and Daniels. Styles was hung over the second rope and given a neck-breaker right into it in a sweet looking move. Daniels rolled Styles back into the ring but missed a cross-body off the top rope. Springboard flying forearm from Styles. Hard clothesline by AJ and a spinning back kick (and a beauty). Powerbomb by Daniels for two. “This is awesome” chant from the crowd for that. Daniels said it was over. BME was no good but he landed on his feet, only to be greeted with the Pele kick. Styles tried the Styles Clash, but it was reversed. Angels Wings attempt, but Styles turned it into a hurricanrana with a roll-up for the pin.

WINNER: Styles, at 8:43. Good, but ultimately forgettable match.

Through the crowd came Shane Douglas after Styles left the ring. He wrapped a chain around his hand and belted Daniels with it. Douglas left through the crowd as Styles made his way back to the ring to check on Daniels, who was bleeding from the mouth.

[Arcademan]

WWE Smackdown Results: 5-29-09

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

1- R-TRUTH & THE GREAT KHALI vs. MIKE KNOX & DOLPH ZIGGLER

Truth rapped his way to the ring with Khali and Singh. Khali even gave a few “what’s up!” shouts. Then all three of them danced in the ring. Quite a sight indeed. Truth started the match against Ziggler. Nice roll-up by Truth for two, then a hip-toss. He’s got extra springs in his boots tonight. As soon as Khali tagged in, Ziggler tagged out. Big boot from Khali. That was the extent of his involvement, as he tagged back out. Truth got caught with a big clothesline. JR mentioned that Ziggler graduated from Kent State with a pre-law degree. Ziggler and Truth collided in mid-air as they both went for a cross-body 3:00 into the match. Both men made tags and Khali got the best of Knox. Ziggler tried to fly off the top rope, but Khali caught him by the throat. This allowed Knox to try to get the upper-hand. It was unsuccessful. After a back-kick by Khali, they showed Ziggler leaving the ringside area. Khali Bomb on Knox and it was academic from there.

WINNERS: Khali & Truth, at 4:07. Khali has become almost watchable in the ring. Combine that with Truth’s abilities and it made for a decent little match.

2- MELINA vs. ALICIA FOX

Fox was accompanied by Michelle McCool. She also has music that sounds like part of the opening of Nelly’s “Hot in Here.” Melina did the Matrix to avoid a clothesline, then kicked Fox from that position. McCool provided some distraction on the outside, allowing Fox to kick Melina hard through the ropes. Back-breaker by the former wedding planner and that got a one-count. Melina used her flexibility again to get the best of Alicia. Side-kick to the mid-section got two. McCool got on the apron and allowed Fox to knock Melina off the top rope. Melina though for some reason didn’t really sell it much and went back on offense, finishing off Fox with her split-legged neck-breaker.

WINNER: Melina, at 2:32.

3- UMAGA vs. JOHN MORRISON

Umaga used his strength to his advantage early on. He missed a charge in the corner, but came back to shoulderblock Morrison down. Back-and-forth in the first minute or two, as Morrison low-bridged Umaga to the outside. Springboard cross-body by Morrison found the mark. Back in the ring, a sunset flip attempt failed, but Umaga also whiffed on a sit-down splash. Just as Morrison got momentum, he was thrown in the air and came down in a Samoan drop. Morrison rolled out of the ring as the show went to break.

Umaga had Morrison in a rest-hold back from break. It seems like that’s the new thing now, like going out of the ring was a signal to go to break, lots of times when they come back I feel like the guys are sitting in a hold. Umaga hung Morrison out gut-first on the top rope, then superkicked him to ringside. Morrison tried to get back on offense in the ring, but Umaga turned him inside-out on a clothesline. Nerve-hold applied by Umaga. Crowd got a little into it, but not completely. Morrison came back with a Pele kick (as called by JR), but was side-slammed down by the former Three Minute Warning member. Another nerve hold, working the left arm as well and the crowd seemed to get restless. Morrison countered another side slam with a DDT. Cover got two. Morrison started to come on, but a thrust to the throat sent Morrison back down. To the outside, Umaga grabbed the strap and hit Morrison with it, drawing a DQ.

WINNER: Morrison, by DQ, at 12:57. Solid match, despite the rest-holds. They were kept relatively short and the action outside of them was very good.

4- CRYME TYME vs. SHELTON BENJAMIN & CHARLIE HAAS

This match is taking place because of the situation that occurred on last night’s WWE Superstars program, where a Cryme Tyme distraction allowed the Colons to beat Haas & Shelton. Haas showed good aggressiveness in pounding away at JTG on the mat. Haas tried to fight out of the corner as JTG laid in the shoulders. Shad came in, but Haas got his feet up on a charge attempt by Gaspard. Benjamin applied a waist-lock to Shad but couldn’t do anything with it. Flying shoulder tackle by Shad. The heels were able to do some double-teaming when the ref was occupied with Shad in the opposite corner. JTG was in a bad way as they went to break.

Haas was working on keeping JTG away from his corner upon return. What’s the deal with the faces in tag matches always being in the top left of the TV screen, and the heels always being in the bottom right corner? Shelton came in and kept up the attack on JTG. Charlie was yelling “let me have some!” from the corner so Shelton did make the tag. He slapped JTG in the head, telling him he cost them their match last night. JTG came back with some right hands, but that didn’t last long. JTG fought out of a neutral corner, then dodged a splash attempt. German suplex by Benjamin and JTG finally came back against Haas. Both men were down at the 10:00 mark. They were able to make tags and Shad cleaned house. The fans weren’t as in to Cryme Tyme as I expected. JTG took out Haas but Shelton hit Paydirt on Shad for the win.

WINNERS: Benjamin & Haas, at 11:31. Another above-average tag match. There will be three on the show, counting the main event. That’s odd for a company that doesn’t like tag teams.

5- EVE TORRES vs. LAYLA

JR mentioned that this match has NBA ties: Eve was a dancer for the LA Clippers and of course, Layla was on the dance team for the Miami Heat. According to JR, she even has a championship ring from the 2006 season. The girls rolled around on the mat pulling each others hair, and they even rolled to ringside. Layla slammed Eve’s back against the apron. She continued to work on Eve’s back and an early cover got two. Hair toss by Layla, then she stretched out Eve’s arms and back. Dropkick to the back this time and another two-count. Both ladies went face-first on the mat, grabbing each other’s hair. Eve fought back with forearms and landed a few clotheslines. Dropkick on Layla and a sunset flip got two. Cross-body by Layla, but Eve rolled through and picked up the victory.

WINNER: Eve, at 3:11. Not quite bowling-shoe ugly, but close. But they are gorgeous, so that made it a little more palatable.

6A- EDGE & CHRIS JERICHO vs. REY MYSTERIO & JEFF HARDY

Jericho didn’t come out when he was announced, but I’m assuming he can join the match at any time. On his way to the ring, Rey got attacked by one of the fans he bumped heads with in the crowd, and who was wearing a Rey mask and a t-shirt. He hopped over the railing and it was revealed to be Jericho. He tried to un-mask Rey, but Jeff Hardy ran down just in time to make the save. He checked on along with refs and medics as the show went to break.

6B- EDGE & CHRIS JERICHO vs. JEFF HARDY- HANDICAP MATCH

Ring announcer Justin Roberts said Hardy agreed to the contest as a handicap match. Hardy tried to put Jericho away early, using some of his signature moves and he went for a Swanton under a minute in. Edge caused a distraction and Jeff hit him instead with a double axe-handle. Hardy propelled himself to Edge on the outside. Jericho, the legal man, took out Hardy before he could get back into the ring. Jericho dropped a knee on Hardy’s head back in the ring and proclaimed “that’s it!” It was not. Y2J tagged Edge in and he got a kick to the gut on Hardy. I guess they figure we’ve seen Hardy vs. Edge so much in the past, it wouldn’t hurt to give away some more in-ring action between the two in the weeks leading up to Extreme Rules. Tag in to Jericho, who taunted Hardy, and Jeff tried to come back. Didn’t work, but he did get his knees up on a Lionsault attempt. Edge came in but Jeff corralled him with a clothesline. Mule kick landed right in Edge’s chest. A set of clotheslines by Jeff and then a corner dropkick. Twist of Fate was no good, but Jeff pushed Edge into Jericho. A roll-up by Hardy got two, then Jericho got illegally involved. Whisper in the Wind took down both men. Twist of Fate (sorta) on Jericho, but Hardy turned around and right into a spear, followed by a pin.

WINNERS: Edge & Jericho, at 7:10.

Edge went under the ring after the match and retrieved a ladder. He rammed the ladder straight into Hardy’s face. Edge then slammed it on Hardy’s body. He took the belt and stood on the ladder, which was on the ground with Hardy laying in between the two sides. Quite the visual there. A replay of the finish of the match and Edge’s ladder-related attack were shown. Medics tended to Hardy as Edge celebrated.

[Arcademan]

WWE RAW Results: 6-1-09

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

1 -- BATISTA vs. CODY RHODES -- steel cage match

Batista pounded Cody left and right to start things off, so Cody tried to climb the wall to get out, but Batista yanked him back down to the mat. He landed a spear at 2:00, then Orton slowly made his way down to ringside as the kiddos near the arena mic screamed in horror at the sight of Orton ringside. Cody tried to take advantage of Orton's distraction to escape by climbing out, but Batista grabbed him and delivered a Batistabomb out of the corner. Batista made the cover for the pin and the win. He then paraded around the ring before staring down at Orton to give him a warning message.

WINNER: Batista at 3:15. Dominating victory for Batista to set up the Extreme Rules title match. Cody seems to be in that role of being presented with the main eventers, but simply to bump around for them. DiBiase is being protected considerably more right now. (*)

2 -- Divas champion MARYSE & BETH PHOENIX vs. KELLY KELLY & MICKIE JAMES

Typical back-and-forth exchanges in this one. Beth and Mickie brawled to the floor, leaving Maryse and Kelly. Maryse nailed a DDT with an extra whip (to match her trademark hair whip) on Kelly for the pin and the win. Maryse celebrated post-match.

WINNER: Maryse & Beth at 2:50. Your basic three-minute Divas match.

3 -- Unified tag champions CARLITO & PRIMO COLON vs. WILLIAM REGAL & MATT HARDY

Hardy still sporting the cast over the broken hand. Cole said he's still hearing questions in the locker room that Hardy is milking the injury and he's not really injured. To make this match seem somewhat important, Cole said that if Regal & Hardy win, they receive a future tag title shot. Hardy started off against Primo, then Hardy and Regal double-teamed him while exchanging a few choice words for each other. Carlito finally took a much-needed hot tag to liven this up. Hardy then accidentally blasted Regal with the cast allowing Carlito to nail Regal from behind with the backstabber for the pin and the win. Afterward, Regal and Hardy jawed at each other and teased coming to blows, but no contact.

WINNERS: Primo & Carlito at 4:20. Really slow paced tag match as Primo took a beating for a while. Just a chance to get the tag champs on TV for another win and to build tension between Hardy and Regal for whatever purpose that will serve down the road. (3/4*)

4 -- THE MIZ & BIG SHOW vs. JOHN CENA & CHAVO GUERRERO

Cena and Show faced off center-ring to start things off, but the ref never called for the opening bell. So, apparently it's an unsanctioned match. In any event, Show pounded Cena down to the mat to start things off. He stalked Cena for a submission hold, but Cena squirmed underneath Show and went for the STF. Cena couldn't apply it, though, and Show flung him to the outside. Show stalled the ref, then Miz punched Cena on the floor. Show didn't want any help, so he ran after Miz and told him not to touch Cena. Cena slowly made his way back into the ring, then he tried to counter a splash with a scoop slam, but Show fell on top of Cena for a two count. Miz then blind-tagged himself into the match as Show bounced off the ropes, which certainly didn't please Show. Miz tried to sneak in a pin, but Cena kicked out. Miz then landed his trademark clothesline in the corner before stomping a mudhole in Cena for another two count.

Cena fought back at 3:30 with right hands, then he set up the ol' Cena comeback combo leading to the Five Knuckle Shuffle on Miz. Cena wanted the FU, but Show blind-tagged himself into the match. Ref didn't see the blind tag, though, and disallowed Show's involvement. Show simply re-set the action for Miz to tag him in, but Miz wanted no part of a tag. Miz turned around and Show blasted him with the Big Punch from the apron. Miz was KO'ed, then Chavo blind-tagged himself in for his first involvement in the match and covered Miz for the pin and the win.

Post-match: Chavo jumped up and down celebrating, then Cena gave him the FU in the corner. Show licked his lips eager to go after Cena and he gave Cena the Big Punch to KO Cena. Kids and women screamed as Show stalked Cena for a submission hold. Show put Cena's lifeless body in the Camel Clutch and locked it in for a good while before releasing the hold.

WINNERS: Chavo & Cena at 4:53 unofficial time. Unique tag match to set up Show vs. Cena at Extreme Rules in the Submission match. Certainly stacked the deck against Cena for Sunday with him appearing to have no chance of slapping on a submission on Show, or avoiding Show's Big Punch and Camel Clutch. Not sure if it's going to convince anyone to spend $40, but by-the-book WWE PPV build. Miz kinda-sorta benefited by getting over his personality, but he was more of a bystander for this. (*1/2)

5 -- U.S. champion MVP vs. KOFI KINGSTON -- United States Title match

Kofi came out, then MVP second as the announcers talked up the Prom deal with MVP and Sherri Shepherd. "I never got to go the prom," Cole said. That's just too easy. I'm moving along. Bell sounded and the babyfaces did their feeling out process with big smiles trying to test each other out. Slow build, then Kofi pulled out a series of pin attempts for nearfalls. Kofi then executed a leaping dropkick and told MVP he's "that close" to winning. Cut to break with Kofi confident.

Back from break, MVP was in control. Kofi nailed a leaping elbow smash to comeback, then he jumped on MVP's shoulders in the corner to execute a rolling huracanrana for a two count. MVP then popped up and nailed a big boot to the face for a two count of his own. MVP followed with the Ballin' elbow drop for another nearfall. Kofi blocked a corner splash with a pendulum kick, then he went up top, but MVP crotched him and executed a big superplex. Both men crashed down hard with MVP taking a blow to the back of the head on impact. MVP and Kofi then had a classic rolling pin attempt exchange on the mat with neither man able to secure a pin. Double clothesline and both men fell to the mat to recover.

They came to their feet at 10:00 and started exchanging blows. Kofi rebounded off the ring ropes into MVP, who nailed a German Suplex with a bridge pin, but Kofi kicked out. Kofi then came back with a sick rolling frontslam, but MVP kicked out. MVP tried to come back with the Playmaker, but Kofi escaped and tried to hit the buzzsaw kick, but MVP ducked. Kofi then hopped on MVP's shoulders for a reverse huracanrana, but MVP tried to roll him up, only to have Kofi roll through and pin his shoulders for a three count.

Post-match: Kofi celebrated the title victory and MVP grabbed the U.S. Title belt. He handed it to Kofi, who accepted with a big smile. MVP was shown smirking on the floor like he couldn't believe Kofi beat him tonight. Kofi did the boom-boom handclap to celebrate as Cole called him the future of Raw.

WINNER: Kofi at 11:18 to capture the U.S. Title. Excellent title match. Probably hit 85 percent of the "medium-to-hard" spots they were going for and pulled off a very good match. Crowd was quiet for the most part, but that's been the case throughout the show. Interesting to see the title switch, as WWE is so "hot and cold" with Kofi's push. We'll see how this is followed up. (***)

6 -- SANTINO MARELLA vs. VICKIE GUERRERO

Santino picked up a bucket of slop and threatened to hit Vickie with it. Crowd screamed as William Regal and Matt Hardy stormed the ring. Santino spun around and "accidentally" flung the slop everywhere, landing on Regal, the cameraman, and the announcers. Regal sold it for a while so the crowd could get a good laugh, then Hardy and Regal beat up Santino. Hardy landed a Cast Shot on Santino before Regal and Hardy put Santino in position to accept more slop on the mat. Vickie cackled as she grabbed another bucket of slop and teased Santino's lifeless body with more punishment. She slowly dropped some slop on Santino's scrotumus region before slowly pouring it out on Santino's face, neck, and eyes. She covered Santino's torso with slop while cackling. Lawler said every pig has its day, like every dog has its day. Vickie put her foot on Santino's chest to close the segment.

WINNER: Bell never sounded. Ref was as useful for this segment as an incompetently-booked TNA ref. Just a mid-ring "filler attempt at comedy" segment to promote the slop fest on Sunday.

[Arcademan]

ECW on SciFi Results: 6-2-09

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

1 -- EVAN BOURNE vs. MARK HENRY (w/Tony Atlas)

Striker incorporated a "Finding Nemo" reference into the opening sequence, saying Bourne shouldn't stray too far away from his safety zone when trying not to be eaten by Henry. Henry grounded Bourne, then bent Bourne's back against the ringpost to stretch him out. Henry continued the Big Show formula match of landing a move, walking around, then landing another move. Henry then wanted a big splash off the ropes, but Bourne rolled out of the way just in time. Bourne came back with kick strikes before landing a double-foot dropkick for an ill-advised pin attempt that Henry escaped by bench-pressing Bourne across the ring.

Henry then overhead tossed Bourne over the top rope to the floor. Ref told Henry not to follow on the outside, meanwhile, Atlas tried to interfere. Ref turned around and saw Atlas grabbing Bourne, so he called for a DQ, giving Bourne the win. Afterward, Henry was dumped to the floor and then he chewed out Atlas for always screwing things up. Atlas simply hung his head in shame to take the verbal beating.

WINNER: Bourne via DQ in 5:00. Bourne picks up a second straight win over Henry without really winning. Slow-paced match that briefly showcased Bourne. WWE just doesn't know what to do with him long-term right now. As a result, they're going back to teasing the Henry-Atlas break up that started seemingly forever ago. (1/2*)

2 -- ZACK RYDER vs. DUSTIN CARWILE

Announcers as quiet as the crowd to start. Ryder adjusted his hair, then nailed a missile dropkick off the top rope. He followed with a reverse Fameasser (the back of Carwile's head snapping off Ryder's shin as Ryder falls backwards). Ryder with the pin for the win.

WINNER: Ryder in 2:00. Just a match. Ryder is narcissistic, likes his hair, and does Woo Woo Woo. Announcers simply didn't have any talking points to do anything with this to enhance Ryder's character. (n/a)

3 -- TOMMY DREAMER vs. PAUL BURCHILL (w/Katie Lea)

Katie with a slight distraction early on allowing Burchill to take control with a mat hold. Mathews tried to create dialogue about BurchLea being from Chelsea, England, but Striker just balked at the topic choice and they moved back to calling the match. It's like Mathews and Striker are on a blind date each week where one tries to start a topic, but the other roadblocks it, then they pause for a while trying to think of what to talk about next. Anyways, Burchill took Dreamer to the corner and stomped him down with boots to the chest. Dreamer then reversed a whip and nailed a Russian legsweep. Dreamer with a running bulldog for a two count, then Dreamer nailed a reverse DDT. He made a cover, but Burchill's hand was underneath the ropes.

Burchill came back with a fallaway slam for a two count. He stalked Dreamer for a corner splash, but ate the corner turnbuckle instead. Dreamer followed right up with the Dreamer DDT for the pin and the win. Afterward, Dreamer sold a ton of enthusiasm for potentially his final ECW TV match. Dreamer soaked it all in before pointing to the crowd to thank them for their support.

WINNER: Dreamer in 6:00. Another slow-paced match, but the crowd warmed up a little near the end. Burchill was good in his role, but he's still just a mid-card brute without any sense of purpose on ECW TV. Couldn't even tell you the last time he won a match. (*)

4 -- ECW champion CHRISTIAN vs. TYSON KIDD (w/Natalya and D.H. Smith) -- non-title match

Slow build with each man feeling the other out before Christian landed a leg whip off the ropes to send Kidd to the corner to recover. Kidd went to the mat with an armbar, but Christian slipped out and stood off against him. They grappled again and ended on the floor. Christian was momentarily distracted by the Harts, which allowed Kidd to shove Christian back-of-the-head-first into the ring steps. Cut to break.

[Commercial Break]

Back from break, Kidd was in control. He pulled out a move from Lance Storm's book with a rolling half-crab in center ring. Ref Chioda violently asked Christian if he wanted to give up, as if he was mad at Christian for even being in the hold. Christian didn't give up, but opted for a surprise small package roll-up for a two count. Kidd then went back to the mat and demanded Angry Ref ask Christian if he wanted to give it up. Christian didn't, then he made his comeback by shoving Kidd's throat into the bottom rope by standing on his neck. Christian then nailed a missile dropkick and made a cover for a two count. Crowd alive 59 minutes into the show. Christian teased the Killswitch, but Kidd blocked. Kidd then blocked a sunset flip attempt with a pin and scored a two count.

Kidd kicked Christian in the gut, then back, then wanted a running codebreaker, but Christian countered with a sit-out bomb for a two count. Christian flipped Kidd to the apron, then Kidd wanted a springboard move, but Christian mid-air countered with a powerslam for another nearfall. Christian with the pendulum kick, then he went up top, only to have Swagger came out on the ramp for a closer look. The distraction allowed Kidd to knock Christian off the top rope and nail a nice-looking guillotine leg drop. Cover only resulted in a two count, though. Swagger then approached the ring steps to loud screams of horror, but Tommy Dreamer ran to ringside to loud cheers and he knocked Swagger into Smith. Dreamer nailed a cannonball dive onto Smith and Swagger, but Kidd kicked Dreamer through the ropes. After the melee calmed down, Christian and Kidd regrouped for their finishing sequence with Christian nailing the Killswitch in center ring. Christian with the pin for the win.

WINNER: Christian in 16:00. Very nice second-half to the match after the two pros built a slow story to let the crowd warm up to the action. Swagger and Dreamer's involvement enhanced the match and completed the strong second-half of the show trying to sell Extreme Rules on the basis of the three-way ECW Title match. (***)

Post-match: Dreamer came into the ring clapping it up for Christian, who accepted his ECW Title belt and showed it off to the crowd. Christian and Dreamer finally came face-to-face and Christian held out the ECW Title belt for Dreamer to get a good look at it. They seemed to bury last week's disagreement with respect going to Sunday, but Dreamer spun Christian back into his grasp for a Dreamer DDT center ring. Crowd booed initially, then cheered slightly as Dreamer did his arms-extended E-C-W pose center ring. Dreamer in control going to Sunday.

[Arcademan]

WWE Superstars Results: 6-4-09

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

1 -- GOLDUST & HORNSWOGGLE vs. THE BRIAN KENDRICK & JAMIE NOBLE

Before the bell, Hornswoggle grabbed Kendrick's jacket and ran around ringside with it on. Lawler equated Kendrick to a little person, saying Kendrick was more upset that it fit Hornswoggle rather than him actually stealing it. Goldust towered over everyone in here. Hornswoggle took a tag to work on Kendrick, who cut him off then did the "stop slapping yourself" thing eight year-olds kids do to each other. Goldust took a hot tag at 3:00 and whipped Kendrick around the ring. Goldust then suplexed Noble over the top rope to the floor and Hornswoggle ran off the apron with a cannonball dive onto Noble. Kendrick tried to nail Goldust with Sliced Bread, but Goldust escaped and hit a facebuster. Horny then took a tag and nailed the Tadpole Splash on Kendrick, who quietly and quickly pulled Hornswoggle onto him after Horny overshot the finish. Horny with the pin for the win.

WINNERS: Hornswoggle & Goldust in 4:00. Well, the crowd sounded reasonably excited for the action. Kendrick and Noble were virtually turned into midgets, which won't help them build any credibility to be viable threats as heels. Good news is they're on TV and creative has something for them right now. (*)

2 -- TOMMY DREAMER vs. D.H. SMITH (w/Hart Dynasty - Tyson Kidd and Natalya)

Christian said he didn't appreciate Dreamer dropping him on his head at the end of ECW on Tuesday. He said Dreamer is obviously feeling the pressure and he brought this "quest" on himself, so he's lashing out against him with the sand running out of the hour glass. Dreamer held control in the first two minutes, then Smith went to the floor to recover, only to have Dreamer dropkick him to the floor in front of the announce desk. Smith rammed Dreamer into the ring apron, then Smith and Kidd approached Christian, who asked them what their problem is. Dreamer took advantage by nailing a clothesline on the floor. Cut to break.

Striker wanted to get to the bottom of the issue with Christian "cheating" to beat Jack Swagger the last two times they faced each other. Christian said Striker might call it cheating, but he calls it savvy. Christian said Swagger shows up and sees ropes and canvas, but he sees a chessboard and he's always moving, adjusting, changing on the fly. Christian said he gets the vibe that some people want to see Dreamer win on Sunday, but probably only because they don't want to hear him cry through another farewell interview. Zing!

Back to the action where Smith was in control working over Dreamer on the chessboard. Smith went up top, but missed with a dive and Dreamer began his comeback. Dreamer then applied a Texas Cloverleaf center ring. Dynasty tried to run interference, but Christian yanked a chair away from Natalya. In that confusion, Kidd smashed Dreamer with a boot and that was apparently enough for Smith to make the cover for the win. Post-match: Christian surveyed the damage, which he inadvertently created. Dreamer recovered on the mat, then glared to the floor where Christian was holding his ECW Title belt.

WINNER: Smith in 9:00. Christian was great on commentary. He was 1,000 percent better than those infamous guest commentary moments in TNA when he was the babyface NWA World champion and would say absolutely nothing. Match was okay. Build-up to Christian vs. Dreamer vs. Swagger on Sunday was solid. Nice follow-up on ECW. (*1/4)

3 -- JEFF HARDY & R-TRUTH vs. CHRIS JERICHO & DOLPH ZIGGLER

Grisham gave us some info that Truth told him before the show it's a dream come true to team with Hardy since both of them are from North Carolina. Jericho told Dolph to start things off and Dolph took Jeff to the floor where he ran distraction, allowing Jericho to yank Jeff off the apron into the side of the ring. Dolph took advantage by going back to work on Jeff in the ring. Jeff escaped at 3:00 and tagged out to Truth, who showed off his trademark high-flying offense. Nice sequence, then Jeff tagged in and nailed Jericho with the Whisper in the Wind. Truth re-entered to set up Jeff for the run-off-the-back leg whip in the corner. Dolph then surprised Truth from behind with a dropkick that allowed Jericho to take control. Cut to break.

Crowd was hot back from break with Truth fighting back against Ziggler, but then he ran into a clothesline from DZ. Jericho tagged in and vehemently demanded to know, "What's up, Truth?" He told him what's up: a slap to the face. Jericho followed with an enziguiri kick and ref Armstrong was a bit slow on his cadence counting a pin, so Jericho let him know about it. Dolph and Jericho exchange tags a few more times, then Hardy took a hot tag at 11:00 and scored a nearfall on Ziggler. Hardy then hit Ziggler with the Whisper in the Wind, but Jericho broke up the pin. Truth clotheslined Jericho to the floor, then flew to the outside with a big dive to take out Jericho. Back in the ring, Hardy dropped Ziggler with the Twist of Fate. Hardy then went up top and nailed the Swanton Bomb for the pin and the win as the crowd was on the verge of exploding.

WINNERS: Hardy & Truth in 12:00. Very exciting match to conclude the show. The combo of two established main eventers with two mid-carders looking for noteworthy TV exposure made for a good dynamic. Crowd was hot no matter what combination was in the ring and the finishing sequence played out nicely to set up Hardy vs. Edge at the PPV. Well done. (***)

[Arcademan]

TNA Impact! Results: 6-4-09

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

1- KIYOSHI & SHEIK ABDUL BASHIR vs. DANIELS & SUICIDE

It’s worth noting (maybe) that an ad for Stacker 2- Six Hour Power is in the middle of the canvas in the ring. Daniels with a suplex on Bashir, then a legdrop off the top by Suicide. Bashir took over and choked Suicide in the corner, with an assist from Kiyoshi. Tenay plugged the appearance at Slammiversary of Detroit Tigers OF Curtis Granderson, who will be in charge of watching the title belt during the King of the Mountain match. The hot tag was made to Daniels, who was able to fight off Bashir and Kiyoshi. Then some double-teaming by the faces, with a Suicde Samoan drop front-roll and a springboard moonsault from Daniels for two. His pin was interrupted by Bashir. Suicide slingshotted himself onto Bashir on the outside, who held his leg in pain as Slick Johnson checked on him. Then, the Motor City Machine Guns and Lethal Consequences attacked Suicide. As Daniels was going to finish off Kiyoshi, Shane Douglas came out and nailed Daniels in the head with a chain. Bashir threw the ref in the ring and the heels got the pin.

WINNERS: Bashir & Kiyoshi, at 5:17. Way too much going on at the end there.

2- CONSEQUENCES CREED & CHRIS SABIN vs. BEER MONEY, INC.

Sabin got double-teamed by Beer Money with a suplex as Tenay accused Don West of watching to much “Lie to Me” given his penchant for conspiracy theories and no one telling the truth. Creed tagged in and got tagged by James Storm. They traded right hands but Sabin pulled Storm down by the hair when he went off the ropes. Sabin spit at Robert Roode as West said Sabin reminds him of himself 20 years ago. Now that’s funny. Creed used his athleticism to take down Storm and the odd-couple pairing continued on offense with quick tags. They both went for a springboard move at the same time though, and hit each other in mid-air. That allowed Roode to tag in and take out Sabin, then hit a spinebuster on Creed for two. Storm dispatched of Sabin as Creed and Roode collided in the ring. The British Invasion came out and wanted to get involved, but Team 3D fended them off. Sabin accidentally kicked Creed in the corner, then Storm hit a nice Superkick on Sabin. DWI finished it on Creed.

WINNERS: Beer Money, Inc, at 5:12. Good enough match that raised the question whether MCMG and Lethal Consequences will be able to work together at Slammiversary..

3- DAFFNEY vs. TAYLOR WILDE

Tenay said when she was Governor Palin, she transferred into her alter-ego of Daffney. Shouldn’t it be the other way around? West got another zinger in on Tenay- West: “Taylor is the girl you bring home to your mother....then leave her there while you sneak out with Daffney!” Tenay: “So where does that leave Awesome Kong?” West: “Hopefully at your house.”

Not long after the match started, Dr. Stevie and Raven came to ringside. Daffney looked like she scratched Taylor’s back quite hard, then hit a flying elbow on her in the corner. Taylor went to the top and hit a dropkick after Daffney missed an elbowdrop. Roll-through into a pin for two. Taylor went to the second rope but Dr. Stevie provided a distraction that allowed Daffney to taker her out and hit her finisher, the Lobotomy (a spinning Perfect-Plex) for the three.

WINNER: Daffney, at 2:09.

Daffney continued the beat-down at the behest of Stevie and Raven until Lauren made the save and covered Lauren in the ring to prevent further damage. Raven got on the mic and talked about fans waiting for his re-uniting with Stevie. He said he’s come to help take out Abyss for not following doctor’s orders.

4- MATT MORGAN vs. JESSE NEAL

They showed Jesse’s parents in the crowd. He wrestled in a long-sleeved tee and a pair of gym shorts. He got a roll-up on Morgan out of the corner, but Morgan landed a back suplex. Morgan hit a series of back-elbows on Neal in the corner, then bowed for the crowd. Sidewalk slam, then he threw Neal face-first into the top turnbuckle as Rhino coached him from ringside. Standing dropkick from the Blueprint. Cover got two, as Morgan picked him up by the hair. Morgan trash talked Rhino, allowing Neal to get a few punches in. He made the mistake of whipping Morgan off the ropes, and Morgan retaliated with the Carbon Footprint for the win.

WINNER: Morgan, at 2:46. Decent mid-card angle they’ve got going on here. Although I don’t get Rhino looking so pissed at ringside.....it was his first match and it was against Matt Morgan, cut the kid some slack.

5- KEVIN NASH vs. SAMOA JOE- KING OF THE MOUNTAIN QUALIFYING MATCH UNDER LETHAL LOCKDOWN RULES

Joe hit Nash with a road sign upon return from break. He peppered Nash with about a dozen rights in the corner. Nash’s back was covered with welts thanks to the kendo stick. Nash got a shot in and tried to climb the cage. Oh, he was going for a trash can lid. He cracked Joe in the head with it, and again. After a third shot, he got two on a pin. Joe got back to his feet first and gouged the eyes of Nash. Nash came back with another lid shot. He whiffed with the stick and Joe was able to hit a kick to the face, then a senton on the big man. Joe grabbed a hockey stick and wailed Nash in the back with it. Lateral press, and he picked up the victory.

WINNER: Joe, at 9:01. A decent garbage brawl. Better than I expected.

Joe got on the mic after the match and said, “It is done."

[Arcademan]

WWE Smackdown Results: 6-5-09

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

1- SHELTON BENJAMIN vs. JOHN MORRISON

Morrison tripped up Benjamin in the corner, then appeared to attempt a split-legged moonsault, but Shelton crotched him on the top and got a dragon-screw leg-whip. Benjamin continued to work the left leg of Morrison. Morrison fired back at the 3:00 mark with a sudden enziguiri. Jumping heel kick by Morrison for two as he continued to sell the leg/knee area. He ran over Benjamin with a knee to the face that got a two-count. Springboard kick missed and Benjamin capitalized with a half-crab. Tilt-a-whirl DDT by Morrison and the move, which can look clunky, looked silky smooth. Starship Pain ended it.

WINNER: Morrison, at 4:51. Fine five minute match, but doesn’t really advance this feud at all. It’s been treading water lately, it seems.

2- CHRIS JERICHO vs. R-TRUTH

Truth got the best of Jericho off the bat, so Jericho went to ringside. Truth came over the top with a suicide dive. Truth went to the top, but Jericho hit the ropes to crotch him. Jericho then dropkicked him to the mat on the outside. Back in the ring, he started kicking Truth in the upper part of the body. Jericho taunted Truth in a rest-hold, yelling “What’s up now, huh?” and also demanding the ref “Ask him what’s up!” Lionsault missed from Y2J, but Truth’s kick missed as well. Roll-up from Truth for two. Jericho tried to turn him for the Walls of Jericho but Truth got monkey-flipped onto the second rope. He came off but dove right into a Codebreaker (not a great one either) for the pin.

WINNER: Jericho, at 3:47.

3- CM PUNK vs. UMAGA

This has to be one of the least-interesting feuds in quite some time. Punk tried to take Umaga down by the leg, but Umaga shoved him off. Punk still went to work on the leg and threw Umaga shoulder-first into the ring post, then came off the top with a cross-body (as Umaga was half-way down to the mat when Punk landed on him) for a two count. Show then went to break.

Punk was continuing work on the leg out of break, and hit an enziguiri that sent Umaga out of the ring. Punk tried to catch Umaga napping, but he came off the top and Umaga got him with a Samoan Spike, then was thrown into the barricade in a nasty move. Back in the ring, time for an arm-bar by Umaga. He also dug his fingers into Punk’s gut. Hard into the turnbuckle went Punk, then down on both knees and Umaga clotheslined him down. More stretching from the Samoan. Punk used his vaunted strikes to break out, but then was put back down with a superkick. Punk came off the top again, and again Umaga was half-way down when Umaga got to him. Foolishly, CM Punk tried a cross-body and Umaga caught him, then slammed him down with that swinging tree slam. The big man dragged Punk into the corner and gave him a few punches to the head. Umaga missed a running butt charge and Punk landed the running knee in the corner, but Umaga shoved him away. Umaga grabbed the straps, but the ref stopped him from using them. He turned around and right into a GTS (the camera switched angles at the last second as Umaga got his hands and arms up to protect himself from a clean shot) and a pinfall.

WINNER: Punk, at 12:27. I hope this doesn’t mean Punk is losing on Sunday. Match had its moments.

4- MELINA & GAIL KIM & EVE TORRES vs. MICHELLE MCCOOL & ALICIA FOX & LAYLA

The faces worked Alicia’s arm, but Fox jumped over Kim in the corner. She celebrated too long though and Kim hit a hurricanrana. Dive into the stomach by Kim, then a cross-body off the top for two. Fox tagged out to McCool. Kim was up for a hurricanrana, but McCool tossed her over her head and to the mat. Then she pounded away at Gail’s face until Maria broke it up. Layla was the victim of a drop-toe hold in the corner. Melina tagged in and cleaned house on Layla. Dobule-knee to the gut of Layla in the corner. Face-plant for a two-count. Fox distracted Melina coming off the ropes and the rest of the faces went over to the opposite corner to fight it out. McCool took the opportunity to get a free kick in on Melina, then Layla hit her unique neck-breaker and picked up the surprise win for her team.

WINNERS: McCool, Fox & Layla, at 3:16. Interesting decision there. I thought they’d tease more of a Maria feud with one of the heels.

5- THE GREAT KHALI vs. DOLPH ZIGGLER

They showed what happened last month when the two met in singles competition. Khali pounded away on Ziggler in the corner. The fight went to the outside, where Khali had the advantage until he missed a chop on Ziggler and his hand collided with the ring post. But he was able to chop Ziggler back into the ring. Ziggler broke out of a choke and dropkicked Khali into the corner. He got frustrated when he couldn’t deal with Khali, then was elbowed and booted down. Khali set up and hit the Punjabi Plunge. Lights out.

WINNER: Khali, at 2:49. At least JR still thinks Ziggler will be a “big time player” on Smackdown. That’s gotta count for something.

6- REY MYSTERIO vs. EDGE

Rey was very cautious while greeting fans on his way to the ring. An elbow by Edge dropped Mysterio, then he ptu the boots to him in the corner. Edge flung Rey through the bottom rope, but Rey as usual flipped and got back to his feet. Why do people keep trying that with him? Edge tried whipping him into the steel steps, but Rey somersaulted over them and landed on his feet, kicking the steps into Edge’s legs. He then landed a seated senton on the Rated R Superstar. The show went to break with both guys still on the outside.

Back from break and back in the ring, Rey still had control of the match-up. JR said Rey’s “physical hysteria” is what has led to him staying on offense through the break. Just as I type that, Edge side-stepped a Rey charge and ran his shoulder into the ringpost. Hard Irish whip into the turnbuckle by Edge and Rey collapsed face-first into the mat. Crowd chanted “619" as Edge stalked Rey in the ring. Rey went into the buckle again but got his feet up on an Edge charge. After a headscissor take-over, Edge tried sunset flip unsuccessfully, then Rey kicked him in the face and got a two-count. Rey rolled up Edge after Edge tried an Electric Chair and Rey had him down for the three, but the ref only counted two as Edge was late flipping things over. Did not look good. After exchanging another series of roll-ups, Edge sent Rey face-first into the mat. Both men stayed down as the show went to the final break.

Edge jumped on Rey’s back with Rey hung throat-first over the middle rope and got a two-count off of it. Edge sent Rey in the air, but Rey came down with a face-buster. Both men were on the top rope and Rey knocked Edge off, then came down with a hurricanrana on Edge, who rolled back out to ringside. Rey then bounced off the ropes and dove through the ropes and onto Edge. The World Champ was thrown back into the ring. Springboard legrdop by Mysterio for two. Springboard cross-body for another near-fall. Edge got Rey on his shoulder, but Rey countered into a DDT for two. Springboard hurricanrana attempt, but Edge blocked it and locked in a Sharpshooter. Mysterio was able to get to the ropes. Rey kicked Edge into position for a 619, but Edge got out of it and was positioned again. Edge caught him and turned it into a backbreaker. Schoolboy though for Rey got another two-count. This is tiring me just watching it. Finally he set him back up and hit a 619. Edge got out of the way- Rey landed on his feet, turned around and got speared. Fin.

WINNER: Edge, at 19:09. Well, what can you say. Just a great match between two pros who know how to put on a 20-minute TV match.

Edge went under the ring and got a ladder. He brought it into the ring, but Jeff Hardy came out with a chair and wailed it against the ladder, sending it into Edge. Twist of Fate on Edge, then Jeff set up the Ladder and hit a legdrop on the champ. Jeff celebrated as they showed a replay of his legdrop. The final image was Jeff on the ladder, holding the belt over his head.

[Arcademan]

WWE Extreme Rules PPV Results: 6-7-09

Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Caldwell's on-going report).

1 -- U.S. champion KOFI KINGSTON vs. WILLIAM REGAL vs. MATT HARDY vs. MVP -- U.S. Title match

Bell sounded and all four men stood around to feel out the match. Hardy and Regal then took each other to the floor, leaving Kofi and MVP in the ring for a "good sportsmanship" exchange. Suddenly there was a car wreck involving everyone except Hardy, so he slipped into the ring and tried to pin any of the three, but they all kicked out. Hardy dominated, then Kofi surprised him with a clothesline. He then double slammed Hardy and Regal and hit the Boom Boom leg drop on both men. Nearfall only, though. Kofi then dropkicked MVP through the ropes. Regal snatched Kofi from behind for a t-bone suplex into Hardy that looked off, then MVP Chono booted Regal in the face. MVP nailed Hardy with a flurry of rights before hitting a knee drop. MVP wanted to go Ballin' on Hardy and he connected, but Regal broke up a pin and smashed MVP in the corner with a running knee. Regal grunted into an Irish whip to the ropes on Kofi, but Kofi rebounded off the ropes into the Jamaican buzzsaw kick on Regal for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Kofi at 6:38. Chaotic match. Felt like they were trying to get a ton of spots in with only six-to-seven minutes to work with. Had some cool moments, but really seemed like too much in too little time. This was a WWE PPV opener, not a TNA opener, right? (*1/2)


 
2 -- IC champion REY MYSTERIO vs. CHRIS JERICHO -- Intercontinental Title match -- No Holds Barred

Bell sounded and Rey jumped Jericho right off the bat. Match moved to the floor where Rey rammed Jericho into the announce table, then picked up the table cover and smashed Jericho with it. Rey blasted Jericho into the ring steps, then hit a splash off the top rope on the floor. Rey in control as they moved back into the ring where Rey scored a two count on a roll-up, then Jericho rolled through into a pin with a hook of the tights for a two count. Jericho tried to follow with a roll-through on a sunset flip into the double-foot dropkick, but Jericho with a sweet counter into an inside cradle for a two count. Jericho popped up and smashed Rey in the head. Rey played dead, then Jericho chucked Rey stomach-first across the mat through the ropes and into the guardrail on the fly.

Match moved to the floor where Jericho suplexed Rey onto the ring padding before bringing him back into the ring for a two count. Jericho tried to remove the mask, but Rey covered his face just as Jericho teased the exposure. Jericho then missed with a corner splash, but ate the ringpost and fell to the floor. Rey measured Jericho and hit a suicide dive around the corner turnbuckle on the floor. Sweet. Back in the ring, Rey with a head scissors followed by a huracanrana for a two count. Rey set up the 619, but Jericho caught Rey in mid-air with a spinning backbreaker for a two count. Great sequence. Jericho then blocked another huracanrana and Rey avoided a Lionsault. Rey hit a reverse 619 on Jericho, then went for his trademark springboard finish off the top, but Jericho nailed an amazing codebreaker counter in mid-air. Goodness. Jericho sold needing extra time to make the cover after his finisher, allowing Rey time to kick out.

Jericho, stunned, went to the floor and grabbed a chair. He smacked it against the ring steps to give the prep code to Rey, who came to his feet and dropkicked the chair kinda into Jericho's face. Effect was more important than actual contact. Rey then picked up the chair and did an RVD running surfboard on Jericho for another nearfall. Fans on their feet as Rey set up the chair in the corner to give Jericho a drop toe hold into the chair. Rey then tried to run off the chair onto Jericho, but Jericho countered with the Walls of Jericho. Rey was close enough to the chair, though, to pick it up and smash Jericho in the face to escape. Rey then wanted the 619, but Jericho countered in mid-kick by ripping the mask off. Rey was concerned with losing the mask, so Jericho rolled him up for the pin to grab the title. Afterward, Rey covered his face and rolled to the floor. Jericho then held up the IC Title and Rey's mask, following up on his guarantee to grab both.

WINNER: Jericho at 14:43 to capture the Intercontinental Title. Excellent undercard match for the second straight WWE PPV. They used the gimmicks and floor effectively with another round of terrific counters and reversals. Follow-up on Smackdown should be interesting. (***3/4)
 
3 -- UMAGA vs. C.M. PUNK -- Samoan Strap match

They had a video game-like graphic in the top right corner of the screen showing both wrestlers needing to touch all of the turnbuckles successively. Umaga is Red light and Punk is Green light. Graphic a bit behind the action as Ross tried to explain that a new sequence would have to be started each time there's a "reset." Action started with basic tease spots before Punk hit three turnbuckles, only to have Umaga yank him back into a clothesline to prevent him from touching the fourth turnbuckles. Umaga tried to the four-spot, but Punk yanked him over the top rope to the floor. Reset those red and green lights. Punk then did a tug of war trying to reach all four turnbuckles as Umaga pulled him from the floor. Umaga blocked four, then went up top, but Punk yanked him off the top to the mat. Punk tried the four-play again, but Umaga tug-of-warred him across the ring. In the process, Punk countered a Samoan Spike attempt with the Go 2 Sleep, then he fell backward into the fourth turnbuckle to touch all four in succession for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Punk at 8:59. "Just there" match. Crowd bought into some of the "nearfalls" at the end, so that was good. Match won't be remembered, though. (*1/4)
 
4 -- ECW champion CHRISTIAN vs. TOMMY DREAMER vs. JACK SWAGGER -- ECW Title match -- Hardcore Rules match

Bell sounded and Swagger slipped to the outside to play cat and mouse with Dreamer, who took a fist to the face from Swagger. Back in the ring, Swagger gave Dreamer a back drop and Dreamer rolled to the outside. On the outside, Dreamer grabbed some weapons. Christian also grabbed some weapons. Striker called Dreamer's trademark weapon a Singapore stick. LOL. Mathews told him it's a Singapore Cane. Christian and Dreamer then blasted Swagger from both sides with canes and sticks and trashcan lids. Dreamer then gave Christian a pumphandle slam using the Kendo stick in the crotch. Swagger recovered and blasted Dreamer into the corner, but Dreamer back dropped Swagger over the top rope to the floor. Dreamer picked up a trashcan, then did his rolling Cannonball dive off the apron onto both Swagger and Christian.

Back in the ring, Dreamer measured Swagger for the "E-C-W chest pound" basement dropkick, but Christian cut him off from the floor. Christian then slipped into the ring and stole Dreamer's ECW basement dropkick on Swagger. After Christian and Dreamer battled, Swagger recovered and smashed Christian with a Kendo stick. Swagger then press slammed Christian for a two count. Swagger went to the corner to remove the top turnbuckle, but Dreamer blasted him from the floor with a stick shot. Dreamer re-entered the ring and slammed Christian onto a trashcan lid. He missed with an elbow drop, though, as the crowd chanted for tables. No tables, though.

Swagger and Dreamer introduced more weapons into the ring, including a big red STOP sign. Dreamer then took a belly-to-belly suplex from Swagger, who introduced a wrestling hold into the match. They set up a Tower of Doom spot in the corner and Christian powerbombed Swagger, who suplexed Dreamer onto a trashcan. Swagger then put Christian into the exposed steel, but Dreamer blasted Swagger with the Kendo stick from behind. Dreamer then grappled Swagger and nailed the Dreamer DDT in center ring. Dreamer with the pin for the win to capture the ECW Title. He did the big celebration in-ring, then in the crowd. Nice moment.

WINNER: Dreamer at 9:40 to capture the ECW Title. Nice match using the gimmicks and stipulations while playing off the ECW Title quest storyline for Dreamer. Dreamer did his part leading to the PPV selling this as his last possible WWE match, so it made the finish seem that much more surprising. Well done. (**1/4)
 
5 -- Miss WrestleMania VICKIE GUERRERO & CHAVO GUERRERO vs. SANTINO(A) MARELLA -- Hog Pen match

Chavo took a bath in the mud early on, but he knocked down Santina. Chavo thought Santina was done, so Vickie came in to make the pin. Santina popped up to life, though. Chavo tried to slop Santina with a bucket full of pig feed, but Santina ducked and Vickie was slopped by Chavo. Santina then slopped Chavo and punched the bucket into Chavo's face. Santina KO'ed Chavo, then made the cover on Vickie for the pin and the win. Afterward, Vickie and Chavo yelled at each other with Vickie taking out her frustration on Chavo. Santina celebrated as the crown was re-awarded to him/her/it.

WINNER: Santino(a) at 3:30 to capture the Miss WrestleMania crown. Please, oh please, let this be over with so Santino can return to the babyface program where he discovers his ability to wrestle. "Buffer" segment to allow the announcers to get all of their dumb jokes out of the way. (n/a)
 
Continued on next post...

[Arcademan]

WWE Extreme Rules PPV Results: 6-7-09

Continued from previous post...

6 -- WWE champion RANDY ORTON vs. BATISTA -- WWE Title match -- Steel cage match

Bell sounded and Orton quickly jumped to the cage wall and tried to climb over. Batista yanked him down, though. Nice tease early on, playing off rumors of Batista being injured and this possibly being a short match. Batista then went to work on Orton with shoulder thrusts in the corner. Orton then tried to slither out the cage door, but Batista pulled him back inside the cage by his ankles. Orton stomped down on Batista in the corner before contemplating his next move. Batista took advantage of Orton's pause by hitting a spinebuster. Batista wanted the B-Bomb, but Orton back dropped Batista into a cage wall. Orton then teased leaving the cage, but he measured Batista for The Punt. Batista moved, though, and Orton tried to Spiderman the wall. Batista countered by grappling Orton for the Batistabomb, but Orton slipped out. Tease of the RKO, then Batista re-grappled Orton and delivered the Batistabomb. Batista then made the cover and scored the pin to capture the WWE Title. Whoa. Batista took the belt and headed up the stage while Orton sold frustration. Batista struggled to lift his right arm a little bit celebrating with the title belt.

WINNER: Batista at 7:10 to capture the WWE Title. Seems like forever since Batista won World Title gold. You also wouldn't think they would put the WWE Title on an injured wrestler, so we'll have to see where this is going, especially when Orton gets his re-match. Nice match, albeit short for Raw's title match. Quick pace made for a good story. (**)

7 -- JOHN CENA vs. BIG SHOW -- Submissions match

Show with an early clothesline, then he teased the Camel Clutch, but Cena snuck underneath Show and went for the STFU. Couldn't apply it, though, and the two men went back to their corners to re-think strategy. Show quickly regained control and landed a running splash in the corner. Cena avoided another splash, then Cena seemed to be setting up his FKS combo with a running bulldog, but Show blocked the bulldog attempt by shoving Cena clear across the ring to the outside. Cena tried to come back with a shoulder tackle, but Show shooed him away like a fly to end that noise. Show then applied the Masterlock and Cena slowly broke free, but Show grounded him with a headbutt. Cena blocked another corner charge and hopped on Show's back for a sleeperhold. Show fought, but he eventually fell to one knee. Show sold sleep, but then slammed Cena to escape. Show woke up very quickly and nailed an overhead toss facebuster out of the powerbomb position.

Show then stalked Cena to begin his formula match of the one move, walk around, one move, walk around. Show palmed Cena's head ala Khali before taking Cena to the ropes to squeeze the life out of Cena. Show did the step-on-the-chest-and-walk-off spot before going to the second rope for a Vader Bomb. Cena moved, though, which popped the crowd. Cena then wanted the Hogan-to-Andre scoop slam, but Show fell on top of Cena and locked in a submission hold ... I think. Looked like he was hugging him. Cena broke out, then Show wanted a chokeslam, but Cena blocked, so Show dumped Cena over the top rope to the floor. And we continue slowly but surely. At 12:00, Show followed to the outside and picked up Cena to ram him ribs-first into the ringpost. More work on the stomach and ribs. Crowd quiet. Lawler said a hush has come over the crowd. Back in the ring, Show went to the resthold of all restholds...the abdominal stretch. Show clutched Cena's ribs to make it look good.

Cena broke free, then nailed a DDT. Cena then went for the STFU, but Show kicked him out of the ring. Cena then tried a top rope move, but Show caught him in mid-air for a bear hug. Cena broke free, then hit a flip-over facebuster. He then set up the Five Knuckle Shuffle after brushing the dirt off his shoulder. Show popped up and wanted a chokeslam, but Cena countered with the FU in center ring. Crowd like "what next?" Cena then tried the STFU again, but Show elbowed him in the face. Looks like he could have done the Rings of Saturn after the FU. Show then came to his feet and landed the big ol' KO punch. Cena rolled to the floor selling a headache as he was sprawled out on the ground. On the floor, Show tried to ram Cena into the ringpost, but Cena blocked and rammed Show into the ringpost. Cena then ran up top and hit the guillotine leg drop as Show was underneath the ropes. Suddenly, Cena slapped on a unique STF with Show's leg in between the ropes so he could put his entire body around Show's neck with the other part of the STF hold. Camera zoomed in tight as Show tried to fight the hold. Looked like the "Gas man" from Dumb & Dumber just as he was sweating and calling for his meds with Harry & Lloyd in the diner. Show, on the verge of passing out, finally gave up on trying to fight the hold and he tapped out. "John Cena with another miracle!" Cole declared.

WINNER: Cena at 19:00 via submission. Up and down match with a dramatic conclusion that the crowd really bought into. Had some moments where I'm thinking, "Gosh, this is so boring, grrrr" followed by some intriguing sequences. Tough match to evaluate. Either you were bored out of your mind or intrigued waiting to see how Cena would keep escaping and how he would eventually win the match so you knew SuperCena was winning. (**1/2)

Concluded in next post...

[Arcademan]

WWE Extreme Rules PPV Results: 6-7-09

Continued from previous post...

8 -- World Hvt. champion EDGE vs. JEFF HARDY -- World Title match -- Ladder match

Announcers talked up the history of ladder matches as Ross said no one is more proficient in the ladder match than Edge and Hardy. Grisham then referenced Shawn Michaels, thankfully, and the WM X ladder match with HBK and Razor Ramon (Scott Hall). Match moved to the floor where Edge dropkicked a ladder into Jeff. Back in the ring, Jeff back-dropped Edge over the top rope with Edge landing arm-first across a ladder. Jeff quickly set up a ladder and went climbing for the title, but Edge cut him off from behind. Jeff then got tangled up in the ladder after Edge shoved him into it. Edge then wanted the spear into a ladder, but Jeff moved and Edge ate the ladder rungs. Jeff then did hit lift-up corner dropkick sending the ladder into Edge's face. Edge came right back with a Sharpshooter inside the ladder, causing Jeff to scream out in pain. Edge then climbed the ladder, but Jeff dropkicked the ladder and Edge took a flat-back bump right on the mat with his legs cut out from under him. Hardy then set up a ladder upside down and he gut-bustered Edge across the deals that hold up a ladder. Crowd reacted for that first-time-ever-I-think spot.

At 10:00, Jeff pulled out a big ladder and dropped Edge in center-ring with the Twist of Fate. Hardy then measured the opportunity and scaled the big ladder with his eyes on the World Title prize hanging above the ring. Edge got up, though, and watched as Jeff tried to swing onto the title belt. Jeff had his hands on the belt, but he couldn't yank it down, so Edge yanked him down without the title belt. Jeff sold a leg injury, then Edge went back on the offensive. Jeff quickly recovered, though, and walked up the giant ladder for a Whisper in the Wind on Edge. Jeff rolled over to the ring apron and picked up his time cue from the ref ringside before grabbing another ladder. He rolled it into the ring and set it up next to the giant ladder. Hardy then clotheslined himself and Edge over the top rope just because. On the floor, Edge set up a ladder across the ring apron and guardrail. Edge wanted a suplex across the horizontally-positioned ladder, but Jeff whipped him into the guardrail. Edge then whipped Jeff into the ring steps.

At 15:00, both men exchanged control once again on the floor. Ross talked about both men willing to shorten their lives careers for the World Title gold. Jeff then put Edge on the horizontally-placed ladder and set up another ladder nearby. Hardy teased a dive, but Edge got up and they battled up on the ladder Hardy was on. Gradually, they tipped the ladder over together and both men crashed right through the h-p-ladder. Hardy's knee took the direct impact and his shoulder took the secondary impact. Right shoulder took the impact on the fall from the ladder to the ground. Yeoch. Several replays later, both men were back in the ring battling. Hardy started climbing and he had one hand on the belt, but Edge was on the giant ladder. Hardy saw him and blocked a mid-air spear with a mid-air Twist of Fate down to the mat. Not perfect, but looked pretty good nevertheless.

Just before 20:00, Hardy and Edge teased a race to the top. Edge knocked Hardy off the ladder, causing screaming from the crowd, then Hardy pulled Edge's legs through the ladder while standing underneath the ladder. Edge was trapped with his legs dangling through the rungs of the ladder. Hardy then scaled the ladder and retrieved the World Title belt to a roar from the crowd. Edge paused his leg-dangling in disbelief, then Hardy stared down at him with the title belt in hand.

WINNER: Hardy at 20:10 to capture the World Hvt. Title. Epic ladder match. They really made great use of the stipulation and props at their disposal. Both men took some risks that will be looked at as foolish ten years from now, but in the moment of trying to live up to the main event billing for the match, they pulled off a great story. Whether it was worth the risk of debilitation down the road is a debate for another article. (****1/2)

Post-match: Jim Ross entered the ring to interview Edge or Hardy, but C.M. Punk's music suddenly hit. Well, well, well. Punk came down to the ring and cashed in the MITB briefcase. Hardy was stumbling around and not in position to wrestle. Ref told him to give up the title belt. Bell sounded.

9 -- World Hvt. champion JEFF HARDY vs. C.M. PUNK -- World Title match

Is this match official without it being contested without a gimmick? Bell sounded and Punk nailed the G2S, but Hardy kicked out. Oh snap. Punk was shocked. Hardy then tried to pin Punk with an inside cradle, but Punk kicked out. Punk then kicked Hardy in the head and went for the G2S once again. Punk made the cover and scored a pin for the win. Punk is World champion once again. He flashed a "two" to the hard camera and celebrated with the title. Crowd booed this title change a little. Ross said Hardy's body will never be the same again on the same night he became World champion. Hardy, who was WrestleMania Nine'ed by Punk playing Hogan, was out cold as they replayed the finish. Really pushing it close to the full three-hour mark. Final shot of Punk celebrating with the title belt to conclude a chaotic main event situation. Punk danced around the ring with the title belt to close the PPV four minutes before the top of the hour.

WINNER: Punk at 1:00 to capture the World Hvt. Title. Well, that sure shakes things up on the Smackdown brand. Chaotic, furious finish to the PPV. Who does Punk feud with now? Do Jericho and Edge get title re-matches? Perhaps a three-way at The Bash. (n/a)

[Arcademan]

WWE RAW Results: 6-8-09

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

Legacy beat crap out of Batista and 'break his arm' (which explains his real-life injury)

1 -- U.S. champion KOFI KINGSTON vs. WILLIAM REGAL -- non-title match

Regal quickly on the offensive and he called out to the crowd that Kofi's pathetic just like the audience. Lawler sold concern over Batista, saying he couldn't get over it right now. He then said some of the folks in the locker room think Kofi had a fluke win over MVP last week. Kofi blasted Regal with a leaping kick to the head, then he hit the Boom-Boom leg drop for a one count. Regal then tried to come back with the exposed knee smash, but Kofi moved. He wanted the Buzzsaw kick, but Regal moved. Kofi then came right back with a second attempt and he connected. Kofi with the pin for the win. Cole called him the future of Raw.

WINNER: Kofi at 2:05. Predictably (and unfortunately) short TV match. Really doesn't help establish any sense of significance to the Inter...er...United States Title if it's given very light TV time in what's presented as a filler second quarter-hour segment. (3/4*)

2 -- Divas champion MARYSE vs. KELLY KELLY -- Divas Title match

Basic set-up with Maryse in control early, then Kelly made a comeback including a close nearfall following a sunset flip. Kelly went high-risk, but Maryse blocked and nailed her hair-flippin' DDT for the pin and the win. After Maryse won, Mickie stood up from the announce table and stared down Maryse, who tried to slap around Kelly after winning. Mickie made the save, then Maryse blew Mickie some faux kisses to re-continue their storyline leading to a potential title match down the road again.

WINNER: Maryse at 3:05. About what you would expect for this three-minute title match. (1/2*)

3 -- GOLDUST & FESTUS & SANTINO MARELLA (w/Hornswoggle) vs. JAMIE NOBLE & BRIAN KENDRICK & CHAVO GUERRERO

Kendrick was the poor victim in the ring when Festus snapped on him when the bell rang. The six-feet-and-under basketball team took a beating from Festus, but they got hold of Goldust and isolated him. Santino then made a tag and discovered his super powers to wrestle. Santino talked trash to Noble, who took an STO before the heel shorties broke up the pin. Festus gave chase on the floor and blasted Chavo. Kendrick then rolled Hornswoggle into the ring as the whole thing fell apart. Horny then backed up into Noble, who threatened him only to have Horny step on his feet. In the chaos, Santino rolled up Noble from behind for the pin and the win.

WINNERS: Oddities at 3:50. Didn't do anything for the heels presented on an equal level as the midget and freaks. Just a match to continue building up the Oddities v.2. This is the annual post-Draft time period when WWE forgets about building up credible mid-card heels and just throws them out on TV to where they're glad just to have work. (*)

4 -- MVP vs. MATT HARDY

Lawler said Matt told him that he re-injured his hand at the PPV. Cole apparently shot him a look that Lawler's too gullible. Match started with Hardy in control after he yanked MVP off the middle rope to the mat. Hardy then landed a running splash to the back as MVP was draped over the middle rope. MVP fought back and landed a jawbreaker across his knee. He followed with the Ballin' elbow drop for a two count. MVP missed with a Chono boot in the corner, then Matt mounted him for ten cast punches. MVP blocked, though, and went to work on the injured right hand. MVP followed with the Playmaker for the pin and the win.

WINNER: MVP at 3:51. Crowd quiet for this one, but don't blame the wrestlers. Blame WWE for zero pre-match hype, giving the live audience an unspoken cue to take a breather and just watch the match without reacting or emotionally investing. As a result, match didn't hold much importance on the show, which is unfortunate. (*)

Next week: 3 hours, 3 brands, 3 championship matches, 3 hours. 3-For-All. Cole and Lawler said the WWE Title match will be defended next week, but they don't know who will be champion. Announcers recapped the Extreme Rules PPV last night, focusing on the Edge vs. Hardy ladder match. Showed Hardy holding up the World Title belt, but then there was C.M. Punk cashing in his MITB case. Still photo showed a menacing, heel look on Punk's face as he nailed the G2S on Hardy.

5 -- Unified tag team champions PRIMO & CARLITO COLON vs. TED DIBIASE, JR. & CODY RHODES -- non-title match

Match was joined in progress with Cody working on Primo. Primo then made a tag to Carlito, who came off the top rope with a springboard fist smash on Cody. Carlito hit a kneelift into a clothesline, then missed with a moonsault, but hit a standing dropkick for a two count. Action broke down a bit, then Cody nailed Carlito with a right hand smash for a two count. Legacy isolated Carlito as the crowd came to life rallying behind Carlito. Didn't help, as Legacy went back to work on Carlito. Primo finally took a hot tag at 6:30 and worked over DiBiase. Primo with a big flurry of offense before nailing a cross-body block on DiBiase for a two count. Action broke down, then Cody yanked Primo across the top rope behind the ref's back. DiBiase then hit Dream Street on Primo for the pin and the win. They'll get a future tag title shot.

WINNERS: DiBiase & Rhodes at 7:25. Okay tag match. Again, no live pre-hype meant the crowd wasn't going to buy into the action because it wasn't presented as an important match-up. Primo added a nice dose of athleticism, but match wasn't memorable. (*1/2)

6 -- WWE champion BATISTA vs. RANDY ORTON (w/Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase) -- WWE Title match

Ref started his ten count, but they cut to a shot of the ambulance returning to the building. Ref waved off his count, wanting to see if Batista had returned. Apparently match was over. Kinda. Who knows. WINNER: No Announcement at 0:20 milked seconds. (n/a)

End of show: Triple H pops out of ambulance, runs to ring and beats crap out of Orton, more or less...

[Arcademan]

ECW on SciFi Results: 6-9-09

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

1 -- EVAN BOURNE vs. TONY ATLAS (w/Mark Henry)

Bourne was distracted by Henry's presence ringside early on, allowing Atlas to take control. Bourne then came back with a dropkick and a standing moonsault for a two count. Henry was just pacing around ringside not too impressed with his teacher/nutrition specialist. Bourne hit a running single arm DDT, then he went to the corner. Bourne up top to nail the Shooting Star Press for the pin and the win. Henry remained unimpressed, but he did something about it by clobbering Bourne from behind. Henry then nailed the World's Strongest Slam and started laughing at Bourne's plight. Bourne then pulled himself up selling internal injuries.

WINNER: Bourne in 4:00. This program is not helping or enhancing Bourne's character one bit. Abandon program. Abandon program. (1/2*)

2 -- VLADIMIR KOZLOV vs. LUKE HAWX & CHRIS LEWIE

Kozlov beat the crap out of the red-trunks dude, then gave yellow trunks a front-slam, the Iron Curtain, for the pin and the win. Kozlov then smiled to no one in particular and celebrated in two out of four corners. What...the...heck?

WINNER: Kozlov in 2:00. Why is Kozlov smiling? Did he finally get the best of the punching bag from his training videos? (Send your best serious, inane, not-serious, or ludicrous answers to the question, "Why is Kozlov smiling?" to pwtorch@gmail.com)

3 -- JACK SWAGGER & CHRISTIAN vs. HART DYNASTY (DAVID HART SMITH & TYSON KIDD w/Natalya)

Swagger told Christian he was going to start things off, then Christian entered the ring and worked on Kidd. Swagger then blind-tagged himself into the match to ground Kidd. Christian wanted a tag, so Swagger slapped him off the ring apron. Ref called it an official tag. Christian said, "fine," and landed a dropkick on Kidd. Swagger then pushed Christian across the ring and Christian fell into a kick from Kidd. Dynasty began working over Christian as Swagger sarcastically pointed to Christian as if to tell the audience he isn't all that great right now. Great heel move after Swagger put Christian in a position to fail.

Back from break, Smith put Christian in the classic British Bulldog delayed vertical suplex to get the blood rushing to the head before delivering the move for a two count. Kidd then tagged in and set-up a moonsault that woke up the crowd, but Christian moved and Kidd ate mat. Swagger extended his hand for a tag, then Christian pulled his hand away and slapped Swagger across the face. Christian fired up on Smith and delivered a forearm smash before going into a rolling pin exchange. Christian then hit the pendulum kick out of the corner before nailing a Tornado DDT for a two count.

Christian went up top, took a look at Swagger, then missed with a top rope diving headbutt. Kidd tagged back in and missed with a double foot stomp before Christian grappled him. Kidd blocked the Killswitch, but Christian followed with a sunset flip for a two count. Natalya tried to get involved, which caused chaos. Swagger then smashed Christian throat-first across the top rope allowing Smith and Kidd to hit the Hart Attack combo on Christian for the pin and the win.

WINNERS: Hart Dynasty in 12:00. Okay tag match before a great exchange between Christian and Kidd at the end. Swagger was great doing just about nothing, but carrying himself as the star of the match. We don't know anything about Smith, so he comes across like just another big guy who does big-man moves. They really need to give him a chance to let the personality shine. Kidd was fine, but it's as if Smith's non-descript character zaps the personality out of him as well. (**)

Post-match: Swagger stomped on Christian, then Smith and Kidd stomped Christian. Suddenly, Tommy Dreamer stormed the ring with a Kendo Stick in hand to clear the ring of Swagger and HD. Christian was alone in the ring as the announcers speculated why Dreamer would help Christian. Dreamer pointed his "stick" towards Christian, then stood his ground in the ring. With the heels out of the picture, Dreamer stared down Christian, who recovered in the corner. Dreamer vs. Christian this Monday on Raw. I can't recall another time on WWE's version of ECW where Dreamer has come across more like a star than right now. Good build-up of Dreamer's character continues.