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

[Arcademan]

WWE Tribute to the Troops: 12-19-09

Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link). All highlights reposted here.

1 -- REY MYSTERIO & MARK HENRY vs. C.M. PUNK & CARLITO

Rey and Henry took turns dominating the match, with Henry getting in most of the offense. Rey then took a hot tag when Punk and Carlito tried to isolate Henry for a bit. It didn't work out, though, and Rey did his comeback routine before hitting the West Coast Pop on Carlito for the pin and the win. Rey jumped in Henry's arms after the victory to celebrate.

WINNERS: Mysterio & Henry in 5:00. Fine warm-up match to set the tone for the babyfaces conquering evil to inspire the troops and the viewers watching on NBC. (*)

Video package: They aired a photo album-style video with snapshots of the wrestlers interacting with the troops in a variety of different settings.

In-ring: Eve was in the ring and she introduced Santa Clause for a special presentation. Out came R-Truth rapping in a giant Santa suit. Truth proceeded to cut a promo about Santa putting on a few pounds because of the cookies and sweets. He then asked for something sweet and out came Layla, Alicia, Kelly Kelly, and the Bella Twins dressed in Santa's Helper outfits. They tossed out presents and handed out kisses to the troops.

Obama video: 20 minutes into the show, President Obama's brief message aired that WWE posted on their site this weekend. No mention of WWE. Just a basic message aimed at the troops.

Video package: They aired a lengthy video on the wrestlers interacting with the troops during their stay in Iraq earlier this month to film the show. Good video rightfully focusing on the troops that took up about three or four minutes.

Video package: They aired a few shots of the Army in action. This led to a message from General Petreaus, who aimed the message specifically at WWE for showcasing the troops on the trip. This was a longer message than Obama's and WWE included various action shots of the soldiers in action. Some troops were given air time to send messages back home.

In-ring: U.S. champion The Miz came to the ring for a singles match against former tag partner, John Morrison. Morrison was shown with the IC Title, which he lost to Drew McIntyre at the TLC PPV. Cole added on commentary that it was taped as a champion vs. champion match, but "many of the viewers know" that Drew McIntyre is the new champ.

2 -- U.S. champion THE MIZ vs. JOHN MORRISON -- non-title match

Miz knocked down Morrison early on, then Morrison came back with a dropkick into a standing Shooting Star Press for a two count. Morrison went up top, but Miz shoved Morrison off the top rope to the outside. Miz in control back in the ring and he let the troops know about it. Morrison tried to make a comeback, but Miz rolled him up near the ropes and put his feet on the ropes to secure a pin for the win with additional leverage. Cole let the mainstream audience know that's not allowed in WWE.

WINNER: The Miz in 4:00. Basic singles match with the heel getting the upper-hand this time around. Fine. (*)

Video package: They rolled footage of John Cena's promo addressing the troops. Various shots of Cena through the years wrestling on behalf of the military. Good video showcasing Cena's dedication to the cause for six years. Up next: WWE Title on the line (not really) with Cena vs. Chris Jericho.

In-ring: Chris Jericho came to the ring for the main event title match. No promo. John Cena then came out with possession of the WWE Title belt. Cole said in the voice-over commentary that Cena lost the title to the "up-and-coming" Sheamus at TLC on Sunday. Eve handled the formal ring intros for Jericho (boos) and Cena (all cheers in front of a favorable audience).

3 -- JOHN CENA vs. CHRIS JERICHO -- WWE Title match without the title

The bell sounded and Cena wanted a clean lock-up to start, but Jericho kicked him in the knees to begin working over Cena. They rolled credits at the bottom of the screen for Dave Finlay as talent producer and John Laurinaitis as VP of Talent. Michael Cole was credited for WWE.com. The wrestlers weren't credited since they're not protected by any form of a union despite being actors in a scripted entertainment TV series. But that's a discussion for another time. Jericho was in control going to break.

Jericho was in control out of the break. Cena then made his standard comeback and blocked a Jericho comeback to hit the Attitude Adjustment center ring. Cena made the cover for the win with good overcoming evil two out of three times on the show.

WINNER: Cena in 8:00. Fine, standard singles match. Just some basic wrestling on the show tonight while rightfully focusing on the troops. (*)

Video package: They closed the show with another video package focusing on the troops with some clips sprinkled in of the wrestlers interacting with the troops. The video ended with shots of the troops saluting the U.S. flag and a rapid-fire look at how the "arena" was set up on the base for the show. The closing shots were of Rey Mysterio body-surfing the troops, John Cena standing amongst the troops, and a shot of the U.S. flag.

[Arcademan]

TNA Final Resolution PPV Results: 12-20-09

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

1 -- TNA tag champions BRITISH INVASION (DOUG WILLIAMS & BRUTUS MAGNUS) vs. MOTOR CITY MACHINEGUNS (ALEX SHELLEY & CHRIS SABIN) -- TNA tag title match
WINNERS: British Invasion at 11:50. Very good opening tag match. The highspots were in the context of the wrestlers trying to find any way to win a title match and the close nearfalls weren't over-done, but sold the Brits as being a tough tag team to defeat. (***1/2)

2 -- Knockouts champion ODB vs. TARA -- Knockouts Title match
WINNER: Tara at 5:40 to capture the Knockouts Title. Good, but brief title match. We'll see how Tara fares as champ. Another match with Awesome Kong seems inevitable. (*1/2)

3 -- FEAST OR FIRED match
WINNERS: Nash #1, Bashir #2, Samoa Joe #3, Rob Terry #4. Match time: 9:18. A bunch of spots, but some good "thrills" with the teases of who would grab the cases. Just fine. (*1/2)

4 -- TEAM 3D (BROTHER RAY & BROTHER DEVON) & JESSE NEAL & RHINO vs. HERNANDEZ & MATT MORGAN & SUICIDE & POPE D'ANGELO DINERO -- Elimination match
WINNER: Matt Morgan at 16:35. Fine match. This was above my personal expectations with a nicely laid-out multiple-man match. Morgan being re-established as a top star in TNA was a good move after TNA pushed him down the card. As for the three separate instances of chair shots to the head, I just don't get it. It's just sad, uneducated defiance. Not surprising from TNA and in a match featuring Team 3D. (**1/2)

5 -- SCOTT STEINER vs. BOBBY LASHLEY -- Last Man Standing match
WINNER: Lashley at 9:12. Another above-expectations match. They used the stipulation well, Steiner looked good in the ring despite an apparent leg injury, and Lashley actually looked half-way decent in the ring. Read: not as awkward. (**1/2)

6 -- RAVEN & DR. STEVIE vs. ABYSS & MICK FOLEY -- Foley's Funhouse Rules match
WINNERS: Abyss & Foley at 9:27. Not my flavor of match. At some point, you wonder why one of them doesn't just try to kill the other one instead of just inflicting mild injury. Every month, it seems like this feud will conclude, but every month, TNA books a new storyline for Richards to continue this feud with Abyss. (n/a)

7 -- KURT ANGLE vs. DESMOND WOLFE -- Three Degrees of Pain match
WINNER: Angle at 26:17, winning the second and third falls. Another excellent wrestling showcase, especially the second fall with the submission hold exchanges. Of course, it's always tough to watch Angle in the ring because his body is pretty much in shambles, but TNA continues to roll him out there and he continues to deliver very good wrestling matches. Wolfe didn't lose too much since he only "lost" because he couldn't get out of a cage faster than Angle. Since it appears Angle will be moving into the TNA title picture, let's hope Wolfe isn't lost in the shuffle in the follow-up. (****1/4)

8 -- TNA World Hvt. champion A.J. STYLES vs. DANIELS -- TNA World Title match
WINNER: Styles at 21:05. An excellent showcase singles match featuring two of TNA's top wrestlers. Daniels stepped up his game on the big stage and Styles continues to deliver in big-time matches. Styles is simply one of the best showmen in the ring with the combination of charisma, high-impact moves, lightning-fast counters, and good in-ring psychology. The match told a good, complete story focusing on the "personal feud" aspect of the match's storyline. TNA presented a very good one-two punch to end the show, just like last month. No run-ins, no over-booking, no silliness to distract from four of their best workers doing their thing in the ring. A very satisfying conclusion to a very satisfying PPV. (****1/2)

[Arcademan]

WWE RAW Results: 12-21-09

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

1 -- GAIL KIM & KELLY KELLY & MELINA vs. MARYSE & JILLIAN HALL & ALICIA FOX

The divas were dressed in not-PG TV Santa's Little Helpers outfits. The action broke down after two minutes of basic stuff, then Gail Kim drop-kicked Kelly on top of Maryse for the pin and the win.

WINNERS: Team Kelly at 2:15. Just some moves. Cole laughed and giggled. Lawler made his remarks. Just what you would expect for a "warped Christmas special" edition of Raw. (n/a)

2 -- RANDY ORTON & CODY RHODES & TED DIBIASE vs. EVAN BOURNE & MARK HENRY & KOFI KINGSTON

Legacy took control early on and they quickly went to a commercial break.

Back from break, Bourne took a hot tag and cleaned house on Legacy. Bourne then hit a top rope Shooting Star Press on Rhodes and he had a pin, but DiBiase broke up the pin. The action broke down and Legacy took advantage in the confusion. Legacy began tagging in and out working over Bourne, but Kofi took a hot tag and cleaned house on Orton. Kofi flew off the second rope with a dropkick to the knees before connecting with the Boom Drop center ring. Kofi made a cover, but Rhodes broke it up. Henry then smashed Rhodes out of the ring. In the meanwhile, DiBiase tagged in and ate the Trouble in Paradise. Kofi then made the cover for the win as the announcers put over Kofi. Meanwhile, Orton sold disbelief on the outside.

WINNERS: Team Kofi at 10:23. Pretty good two-segment match. They went back to focusing on Kofi to set up another round of Orton vs. Kofi down the road. Evan Bourne also had a moment to shine coming out of the commercial. Fine match to re-establish Kofi. (*3/4)

3 -- JACK SWAGGER vs. JOHN CENA

Swagger started in control with amateur holds, then Cena took control going to an early break.

Back from break, Swagger was in control after taking a shortcut to gain control during the break. Cena tried to fight back, but Swagger cut him off repeatedly. Swagger then locked in a double underhook submission hold bending Cena's shoulders back. Cena tried to power to his feet in a squat-position at they hit the top of the hour.

Cena broke the Masterlock to make his comeback with a belly-to-belly suplex at the top of the hour. Good picture of a heated wrestling match for viewers flipping channels at the end of 9:00 p.m. EST programming. Swagger then cut off Cena again and delivered a running Vader Bomb out of the corner for a close two count. If anything, Swagger has at least been positioned as equal to Cena tonight. Swagger, upset, waited for Cena to get up, then he wanted his gutwrench powerbomb, but Cena blocked and back dropped Swagger. Cena then made his full-fledged comeback and set up the "You Can't See Me" routine.

Cena tried the Attitude Adjustment, but Swagger countered into a running powerslam after running Cena into the top turnbuckle. Nice sequence. The crowd sensed they needed to rally Cena with a chant, then Swagger took Cena up top. Cena blocked a superplex and knocked Swagger off the top rope before airballing a guillotine leg drop. Swagger then tried his running Vader Bomb again, but Cena moved and locked in the STF center ring. Swagger stayed motionless in the hold, then tapped out after seven seconds.

WINNER: Cena via submission at 12:30. Solid TV match. One of those matches where it could have gone another five minutes and not worn out its welcome, as it felt like Cena and Swagger were building to another memorable Raw TV singles match after the April match-up. Swagger looked good with plenty of offense and counters to Cena's usual routine sequences. Nice to see WWE putting Swagger in a position to look good in this match-up. Now, the key is the follow-up. (**1/2)

4 -- CHRIS MASTERS (w/Eve) vs. CARLITO

The bell sounded and Masters teased the Masterlock, but Carlito grabbed the ropes to block. Masters teased the Masterlock again, but Carlito kicked him away. Masters tried again, but Carlito blocked. Masters then caught Carlito off the ropes and locked in the Masterlock on his fourth try. Crowd still not into it, then Carlito faded out to give Masters the win. Post-match: Masters tried to pump up the crowd after his win. Eve then walked into the ring and congratulated him. She then pulled out mistletoe from her boot and planted a kiss on Masters. He responded by flexing his pecs uncontrollably. Get it? Instead of an erection, Masters's pecs become uncontrollable.

WINNER: Masters via submission at 1:45. Just a bizarre deal. At least it's memorable. Masters is a one-move wonder as a babyface. WWE certainly hopes the Eve association will get fans into Masters's character, but it needs time. (n/a)

5 -- WWE champion SHEAMUS vs. MVP -- non-title match

The bell sounded and Sheamus instantly attacked MVP to take control of the match. Sheamus measured MVP for a corner attack, but MVP moved and Sheamus ate the turnbuckle shoulder-first. MVP then kicked Sheamus across the shoulder and dropped him with a jawbreaker. MVP set up the Ballin' elbow drop, but Sheamus popped to his feet and delivered his big bicycle kick to the face. Sheamus then set up MVP and connected with the running Celtic Cross for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Sheamus at 2:25. They needed to make Sheamus look strong to keep establishing him as a credible act considering the quick rise to WWE Titleholder. Tough spot for MVP, who was here to enhance Sheamus and not get himself over. (*)

6 -- U.S. champion THE MIZ vs. SANTINO CLAUSE MARELLA -- non-title match

The bell sounded and Miz attacked Santino Clause to beat him down. Lawler said this could scare children. This whole show could scare kids. Miz pounded Santino into the corner before hitting a neckbreaker. Miz then wanted a running clothesline, but Santino ducked before doing the splits to hit an armdrag. Santino then climbed to the second rope and missed with his sailor's salute diving splash. Miz followed up with the Skullcrushing Finale on Santino Clause for the win. Post-match: Miz grabbed Santino's sack and smashed the toys inside. He then punted the sack across the ring, stealing Orton's gimmick.

WINNER: The Miz at 2:13. Just a squash to get heat on Miz for beating up Clause and ruining the kids's Christmas week. Santino was at least half-way entertaining because he's Santino. (n/a)

[Arcademan]

Ring of Honor TV Results: 12-21-09

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

1 - CHRIS HERO (w/Shane Hagadorn and Sara Del Rey) vs. KYLE O'REILLY
 
Dave Prazak mentioned that O'Reilly has wrestled on some recent ROH live events and that wrestling Hero was a great opportunity in his HDNet debut. O'Reilly used superior quickness to show well in the early going with a arm drag, a drop kick and some other strikes. Hero rolled outside for a breather at 1:00, but O'Reilly chased him outside. Hero ran around the ring and rolled back inside. As O'Reilly followed him back in, Hagadorn and Del Rey grabbed his ankles, forcing him to pause on the apron to shake them off. This gave Hero an opening to land a running kick, sending O'Reilly crashing back to the outside. Hero now took control of the match and worked over O'Reilly with his trademark strikes, while playing the overconfident heel. O'Reilly ducked a running forearm strike at 3:30 and came back at Hero was a series of strikes of his own. O'Reilly hit a swinging DDT for a near fall at 4:30. O'Reilly signaled that he was going to attempt a finisher by making the garrote gesture over his neck, but before he could land another move Hero came back with a rolling elbow out of nowhere, followed by the Death Blow spinning elbow and the pin.

WINNER: Hero in 5:00. Average match designed to make O'Reilly look like more than just another jobber. O'Reilly got a decent amount of offense, but didn't sell as much for Hero as he could have. I did not like that, when O'Reilly made his comeback after Hero's sustained beating, he popped up and went on the offense as though Hero had not done a thing to him.

2 - NECRO BUTCHER vs. JOEY RYAN (w/Prince Nana and Ernesto Osiris)

Dave Prazak said that Ernie Osiris was now known as Ernesto. Necro came to the ring carrying a traffic cone. The announcers discussed whether getting his with a traffic cone would do any damage. Referee Todd Sinclair made Necro put away the traffic cone. As Necro argued with the referee, Ryan tried for a sneak attack but Necro saw it coming and beat Ryan to the punch. This gave Necro the advantage of the bell sounded, and he beat Ryan all around the ring in the early going. At 0:30, Ryan caught Necro with a thumb to the eye to switch the advantage. Ryan worked over Necro heel style for a short while, until Necro caught Ryan's foot on a kick attempt, kicked Ryan in the gut and threw him to the outside at 1:30. Necro followed Ryan outside and got big pops from the crowd by repeatedly throwing Ryan over the guardrail into the front row. Necro threw Ryan back into the ring at 3:30 but, as Necro tried to climb in after him, Osiris hit Necro with a running double axehandle while the referee's back was turned looking at Ryan. Necro turned to go after Ryan, giving Ryan an opportunity to go back to Necro's eyes and regain the advantage. Ryan then got another sustained spell of heel offence, using tactics like choking Necro and distracting the referee so Prince Nana could get a cheap shot.

At 8:00, Ryan went to the top rope, but Necro had enough gas in the tank to grab the tope rope, causing Ryan to slip and crotch himself on the turnbuckle. Necro then brought Ryan down to the mat with a hurricanrana. Osiris jumped on the apron to create a distraction while Nana tossed Ryan a bag of white powder, which Ryan tossed in Necro's eyes. However, the referee turned away from Osiris in time to see Ryan throw the powder and immediately disqualified Ryan.

WINNER: Necro Butcher by disqualification in 8:30. Just an okay match, but the crowd seemed into Necro and the match served a purpose in building heat for the Embassy.

3 - COLT CABANA vs. CLAUDIO CASTAGNOLI (w/Prince Nana and Ernesto Osiris) - Pick 6 Contenders Series Match
 
Cabana caught Castagnoli unaware with a school boy at the opening bell to almost break the record for fastest pin of all time. Castagnoli recovered, and the two began a series of back-and-forth exchanges of chain wrestling and mat wrestling. Interestingly, Cabana wrestled a more European style than Castagnoli in these exchanges. Cabana had most of the advantage through these exchanges, giving him an opportunity to showcase his unique style. The story they told was of Cabana consistently getting the better of Castagnoli in these scientific exchanges and Castagnoli getting progressively more frustrated until finally, at 4:30, Castagnoli slapped Cabana in the face and bailed out of the ring. Cabana followed, chased Castagnoli around the ring, Castagnoli rolled back into the ring and, as Cabana tried to follow, Nana grabbed Cabana's ankle. This allowed Castagnoli to hit Cabana with a European uppercut to switch the momentum. This is exactly the same way Shane Hagadorn helped Chris Hero turn the momentum in the opening match, and the third straight match where the heel used an outside distraction to gain the advantage.

Castagnoli worked Cabana over heel style for a while, deploying a lot of elbow drops, chin locks and strikes. The kids in the crowd chanted for a Cabana comeback, the adults not so much. Cabana mounted a comeback at 8:00 by catching Castagnoli's foot on a running boot attempt and striking back at Castagnoli. Cabana had a short flurry of offence, but Castagnoli cut off the comeback by catching Cabana in a cross body attempt and countering it into a spinning backbreaker. Castagnoli tried for his Ricola bomb finisher, but Cabana slipped out of his grasp, landed a couple of quick strikes and then caught Castagnoli with a leverage pin for the win.

WINNER: Cabana in 9:30 to capture a spot in the Pick 6. Pretty good match, but lacking the drama and intensity of a typical ROH TV main event. It was entertaining for what it was though. Cabana is a unique and special talent in the wrestling industry and seems to have good chemistry with Castagnoli.

[Arcademan]

ECW on SyFy Results: 12-22-09

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

1 -- ZACK RYDER (w/Rosa Mendes) vs. TOMMY DREAMER

Dreamer started with a shoulder tackle, then an arm drag and another one. The announcers talked up Ryder's performance against Kane last week. Meanwhile, Dreamer clotheslined Ryder to the outside and Rosa ran interference, which allowed Ryder to fling Dreamer off the apron to the floor. Back in the ring, Ryder made a cover for a one count. Ryder then followed with a Rough Ryder leg lariat for a two count. The action moved up top and Dreamer executed a superplex. Both men took a breather, then came to their feet and Dreamer went on the offensive. Dreamer executed a powerslam, but Ryder kicked out. Ryder then caught Dreamer with a knee, but Dreamer caught him in mid-air and catapulted Ryder into the corner. Dreamer then hung Ryder upside down in the corner and measured Ryder for the trademark "E-C-W" running basement kick. He suddenly ripped off his ECW t-shirt and chucked it into the crowd. Dreamer then got caught in the ropes and Ryder nailed the Zack Attack for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Ryder in 5:00. Solid TV match for Dreamer if this was indeed his final WWE TV match. Dreamer surprisingly had plenty of offense and got in his signature spots in the match. The story WWE can play up, though, is Ryder having the bragging rights on "retiring" Dreamer. (*1/4)

2 -- VANCE ARCHER vs. GOLDUST -- ECW Homecoming qualifying match

Archer delivered intense offense early on as Mathews continued with the wordy sentences to describe Archer. Goldust made a comeback at 2:00 and hit his drop-down uppercut before tossing Arch across the ring for a two count. Archer then came back with his flip-over (step one) swinging reverse DDT (step two) for the pin and the win. It's an easy move to counter with proper "scouting" in a storyline context. They cut backstage to a shot of ECW champ Christian watching intently on a monitor.

WINNER: Archer in 3:00. Not much here. Quick match to give Archer a relatively strong win to advance to the Homecoming. (n/a)

3 -- YOSHI TATSU vs. JACK SWAGGER -- ECW Homecoming qualifying match

Swagger started with amateur holds to ground Yoshi on the mat. He followed with some clubbing forearms to the back, then fed his knee to Yoshi for a quick roll-up attempt for a two count. Yoshi followed with a kick attempt, but Swagger grabbed his leg and rammed him into the corner to inflict punishment. Swagger then applied a hammerlock to work over the elbow. Yoshi fought out, but Swagger knocked him back to the mat and went back to the mat with submission holds. Swagger then teased the gutwrench bomb, but Yoshi slipped out and teased his finisher, but Swagger bailed to the corner. Yoshi stood his ground in a fighting stance as Swagger recovered and caught his breath.

Back from break, Swagger was still in control as the crowd tried to rally up Yoshi with a "Yoshi" chant. Swagger silenced that with a belly-to-back side suplex for a two count before executing a belly-to-belly suplex. Steiner...er...Swagger did push-ups to taunt Yoshi before delivering a clubbing forearm to the back. Swagger then went back to work on the shoulder with another mat hold.

At the top of the hour, Yoshi broke free, but Swagger nailed him in the back and continued to inflict punishment with forearms. Yoshi tried to come back with kicks, but Swagger responded with a kick strike to the mid-section. Swager then missed with a clothesline and Yoshi suddenly had a burst of energy to deliver a bunch of dropkicks that rendered Swagger's back work meaningless. Yoshi then hit a wheelbarrow bulldog drop ala Rey Mysterio for a two count. Yoshi followed with his rolling kick strike attempt, but Swagger ducked. Yoshi then wanted a corner attack and he elbowed Swagger off the top before hitting a spin kick for a two count. Swagger came back with a running Vader Bomb in the corner, but Yoshi grabbed the bottom rope to block a three count. Swagger argued with the ref, then slowly approached Yoshi, who blasted him out of nowhere with the buzzsaw kick for the pin and the win. And everyone dance. Yoshi is going to Homecoming.

WINNER: Yoshi Tatsu in 14:00. Back-to-back nights where Swagger had plenty of offense in long-form matches, but ultimately lost. Going back to Superstars five days ago, that's three losses in five days in long-form matches. As for the match, it had a strong finish, but Yoshi no-selling all of Swagger's back and shoulder work early in the match was frustrating. It felt like a complete waste of seven minutes watching Swagger methodically work the body parts before Yoshi shook it off and he was completely fine. It's one of those frustrating things about long-form WWE matches - the "Batista babyface formula match" - where the early match work doesn't come into play at the end. (**)

[Arcademan]

WWE Superstars Results: 12-24-09

Results courtesy of ProWrestling.net (direct link to Hermanstyne's complete report). Condensed here to in-ring results only.

1. Vladimir Kozlov vs. Ezekiel Jackson ended in a double count-out in 1:25. Both men locked up and Kozlov kicked and tossed Zeke. Zeke got back on the advantage with midsection shots. Both men knocked each other out of the ring and beat on each other. Zeke pushed Kozlov into the ring post and both competitors got counted out.

Mind of Marv: To be honest, the crowd could care less about this matchup. Why was it booked to be a double countout? Sigh…

2. Chavo Guerrero pinned Primo in 5:15. Chavo started with a neck toss and Primo hit a nice leg sweep for a nearfall. Primo applied a wrist lock and Chavo countered with clothesline. Primo worked on Chavo in the corner and went for a rollup for an nearfall. Chavo hit an dropkick for a nearfall. Chavo went for an cover for a nearfall. Chavo applied an half Cobra Clutch.

Chavo hit some blows to Primo but Primo countered with flying elbow. Primo hit a side Russian leg sweep for a nearfall. Primo went for a high flying move but Chavo countered with a dropkick. Chavo gloated and went for the 3 Amigos, but Primo countered with a roll up for a nearfall. Primo went for a body slam but Chavo countered with the Frogsplash for the win.

Mind of Marv: Nice cruiserweight match. Its sad that both of these guys are buried in the undercard. Primo went from being a tag champion to one of Raw’s resident jobbers. While Chavo is comic relief to Hornswoggle or Chris Masters…
The Ask for Divas segment was shown and Maryse’s face was hilarious…

3. Kane defeated Mike Knox in 11:15. Both men lock up and Knox hit an shoulder block. Kane worked on Knox’s left arm and Knox countered with a suplex attempt but Kane countered with a suplex with a nearfall. Kane threw Knox into the ring post and worked on him in the corner. Knox rammed Kane into the corner but Kane countered with a big boot.

The show returned with Kane knocking Knox out of the ring. Kane tried to choke slam Knox, but Knox hit a big boot to Kane. Knox hit a move on Kane’s head and worked on Kane in the corner. Knox clotheslines Kane and went for cover for a nearfall. Kane hit a side slam to Knox. Knox hit a nasty drop kick to Kane for a nearfall.

Knox applied a headlock to Kane but Kane countered with a uppercut and clothesline. Kane hit a sidewalk slam for a nearfall. Kane hit the flying clothesline for a nearfall. Knox hit a crossbody for a nearfall. Kane hit another uppercut and tried to choke slam him bit Knox pushed him off and Kane fell. Kane caught Knox in the air and chokeslammed him for the win.

Mind of Marv: Good big man match. I would of rathered seen this than Kane vs. Khali. This has potential to be a good mid-card feud to elevate Knox. I would really like to see Knox get pushed on this brand because he could make a great champion. Overall, this show was decent.

[Arcademan]

WWE Smackdown Results: 12-25-09

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

1 - R-TRUTH & FINLAY & MATT HARDY & JOHN MORRISON vs. C.M. PUNK & LUKE GALLOWS & DREW MCINTYRE & DOLPH ZIGGLER

The faces came out together to Truth's theme, and the heels together to Punk's theme. The veteran Finlay started off against Ziggler. Ziggler got the better of Truth, but Punk tagged in and got hip-tossed. Fans were behind Hardy when he tagged in. Three pinfalls in a row to no avail for Punk as they went to break.

Gallows was in control out of break. Ziggler used Hardy's hair to keep him at bay. The announcers discussed Morrison vs. McIntyre for the I.C. Title next week on Smackdown. Hardy made the hot tag to Morrison, who briefly tangled with Punk before C.M. got limber-tail and tagged out. Everyone came in and hit their stuff, with Morrison pinning Ziggler after a Starship Pain.

WINNER: Morrison, at 10:24. Just a way to showcase all eight guys. Ziggler took the pin, but I don't think that is bad news for his immediate future as WWE is protecting the other guys on his team pretty hard (except for Punk sometimes).

2 - REY MYSTERIO vs. THE UNDERTAKER - WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

Mostly cheers, a few boos for Rey. All cheers for Taker. Rey went off the ropes early and Taker tried to grab him by the throat, but Mysterio sold it like it was a punch. Taker missed his legdrop on the apron and Rey shoved him into the ringpost on the outside, then hit the champ with a suicide dive. They went to break a little over a minute into the match.

Rey kicked at Taker's legs, but Taker put him down. Mysterio low-bridged the Dead Man and baseball slid him. Taker caught a seated senton attempt and slammed Rey into the barricade. Taker worked Rey's left arm. He slammed Rey and signaled that it was over. Rey got out of a Last Ride powerbomb and landed a springboard leg drop for two. Taker came back with a big boot, then he readied for a chokeslam. He landed it, but Batista ran in and attacked him for the DQ.

WINNER: Taker, via DQ, at 9:44.

Batista hit a spinebuster on Taker, but Taker back-dropped out of a Batista Bomb attempt. Rey hit the 619 on Taker and as Taker caught Rey in a chokeslam, Batista speared him. Rey turned the tables and nailed Batista with a 619 and seated senton. Lot going on there at the end, hard to keep track of.

3 - CRYME TYME vs. BRYCE ANDREWS & PAT BUCK

CT came out and threw the gifts from the bag to the fans. Striker talked about the jobbers' credentials, one being a wrestler from Long Island, the other a former boxer. Andrews took some punishment from Shad. Shad lifted Buck over his head and tossed him to ringside, then Cryme Tyme hit their finisher on Andrews for the win.

WINNERS: Cryme Tyme, at 1:41. Just goes to show how thin the tag ranks are.

4 - MICKIE JAMES & MARIA vs. LAYLA & BETH PHOENIX

Mickie was almost in tears before the match and had to be held back from attacking Layla by her partner. A few Dropkicks on Layla by Maria. Spin kick by Layla to turn the tide. Beth tagged in and ran over Maria, doing some choking while she was in there. She didn't get a whole lot of the spotlight. Maria finally made the tag to Mickie, who Thesz Pressed Layla. Mickie dodged another spinning kick and hit a weak one of her own to pick up the win.

WINNERS: James and Maria, at 3:23. McCool and Striker teaming up to insult Grisham on commentary was the highlight.

After the match, Mickie went after McCool, who hid behind the announcers. Out of nowhere, Beth took out Mickie. McCool trash-talked a fallen James, while Beth stared a hole through Michelle as well.

5 - DEGENERATION X vs. THE HART DYNASTY - WWE UNIFIED TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

Hip-toss to start by HBK. Striker claimed Michaels ended the Hart presence in WWE. I guess Owen doesn't count. Or Bulldog again later. Long standing vertical suplex by Triple H, with a point to Smith on the apron at the end. Kidd came off the second rope with a double axe-handle, but Trips met him with a kick to the gut. He set up for the Pedigree, but it was too close to the ropes, as Smith clotheslined him and tagged in as they went to break.

Back with Kidd illegally softening up Hunter in the corner. Smith tagged and and completed a standing suplex on Hunter. The Harts continued to cut off the ring. Hunter finally made thet ag when he took Kidd down. Natalya, though, pulled Kidd out of the way of an elbowdrop from Michaels. Springboard blockbuster by Kidd for two. Hard whip by Smith sent Shawn up and over the turnbuckle. Nattie slapped HBK while the ref's attention was elsewhere. Striker, with this gem: "I've been in the ring with Smith, I've trained with Kidd....and I've had lunch with Natalya, so I know what is going through their minds right now." Smith worked over HBK for a while, but Kidd ended up springboarding into an atomic drop. HBK made the tag to Triple H, who just abused Smith. The Harts managed to land their finisher on Hunter, but Shawn broke up the pin. Kidd missed a splash on HBK on the outside, leading to Shawn superkicking Smith into a Triple H Pedigree to finish things.

WINNERS: DX, at 15:40. Good tag match and it just goes to show how entertaining the division could be if WWE actually invested some time into it.

[Arcademan]

WWE RAW Results: 12-28-09

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

1 -- TED DIBIASE, JR. (w/Randy Orton neutral ringside) vs. EVAN BOURNE

It appears WWE has addressed the most-obvious criticism of the lack of promotion/marketing for the "Marine 2" movie by finally incorporating the movie into a storyline - the announcers sold that perhaps Orton believes DiBiase has lost his focus on wrestling with the movie role. DiBiase was in control early on, but Bourne came back with a rapid-fire top rope huracanrana and a close two count. Bourne teased Air Bourne, but DiBiase blocked and dropped Bourne face-first on the mat in the corner. That looked off when it appeared DiBiase was going for a corner turnbuckle face-plant. DiBiase then followed up immediately with Dream Street for the pin and the win. Orton didn't appear to be convinced while DiBiase simply paced the ring post-victory.

WINNER: DiBiase at 2:31. Fine. Just fine. Only fitting Bourne loses his final Raw match of the year in short fashion to run his loss total to about 301. (n/a)

2 -- CODY RHODES (w/Randy Orton neutral ringside) vs. MARK HENRY

The bell sounded and Henry tossed Cody clear across the ring before delivering a big shoulder tackle. Henry then teased a sit-out bomb, but Cody moved and kinda rolled across Henry's stomach like a kid jumping on dad sitting around the Christmas tree. Henry then ran over Cody with clotheslines before nailing a headbutt. Henry followed with a running butt bomb to crunch Cody's neck into the ropes. Henry slid through the ropes on the way down and started selling a knee injury. He slapped the mat in frustration to sell it some more. Back in the ring, Cody slipped out of a press slam and took out the knee. Cody then stomped Henry's foot and delivered a DDT for the pin and the win.

Post-match: Orton just slumped down in his chair and let his body dangle in a mix of frustration and fake enthusiasm. Orton got up from his chair and shook hands with Cody before playfully slapping him on the head to escort him away from ringside. Cody left with Orton patting him on the back.

WINNER: Cody at 2:05. I feel like nothing was accomplished here. Another tease of dissension and another short-term resolution. Hopefully there's a payoff down the line. Match finish was fine, as it's physically unrealistic for Cody to beat Henry without help - either from interference or an injury. (n/a)

3 -- KELLY KELLY vs. MARYSE

Kelly started off aggressive with a couple of early nearfalls. Kelly then airballed on her running handspring elbow in the corner, which allowed Maryse to nail her hair-flip & a DDT for the pin and the win. Post-match: Maryse took the mic and cackled like a witch. She said she hopes Melina is watching because she's the next Divas champion. Maryse cackled some more, then turned back to Kelly to deliver a kick to the stomach. Girl is crazy.

WINNER: Maryse at 1:39. I assume there will be a Melina-Maryse title match in January before the Rumble after they managed to stretch out a Maryse-Kelly program all of two weeks. (n/a)

4 -- U.S. champion THE MIZ vs. KOFI KINGSTON -- non-title match

After a brief exchange, Miz went up top and Kofi caught him off the top with a smashing Trouble in Paradise kick to the face. He made the pin for the win on the lifeless Miz. After the bell sounded, Kofi's music hit to make the outcome official. Kofi wanted Miz to get up, but they cut to commercial before the title match started.

WINNER: Kofi at 0:47. (n/a)

5 -- U.S. champion THE MIZ vs. KOFI KINGSTON -- U.S. Title match

The action was joined in progress coming back from break with Kofi in control with multiple nearfalls. Kofi then connected with a twisting Boom Drop. He did his multiple clap motion to warm up the TiP and he connected. Miz rolled to the ropes and the ref began a count, but Randy Orton stormed the ring and yanked Kofi out of the ring for the match to be thrown out. Orton assaulted Kofi before dropping him on the floor with the RKO. Orton stared down at Kofi and the camera stayed with Orton for a while as he simply stared down at Kofi.

WINNER: Kofi via DQ at 1:32; Miz retains the U.S. Title. Rough night for Miz, who had zero offense here. Good to see WWE resuming the Orton-Kofi feud with Orton back to his awesome heel ways as one of the top characters on the roster. Good focus on Orton here. (n/a)

6 -- Unified tag champions DX (SHAWN MICHAELS & TRIPLE H) vs. BIG SHOW & CHAVO GUERRERO -- non-title match

Jericho sold disdain ringside in the "jilted lover" role. Chavo cheated to take control on Michaels early on for Show & Chavo as Jericho began shouting encouragement from the front row. "Hey, Jericho, down in front!" said some of the fans on the second row. Best comedy of the night right there. Michaels then made a hot tag to Hunter, who cleaned house before accepting a spear from Big Show. Chavo then tagged in and went up top to stand on Show's shoulders. Show then launched Chavo for the ugliest-looking frog splash that missed badly. Michaels then came in and took Show over the top rope. Suddenly, Hornswoggle interjected himself into the match and dropped Chavo to his knees for a Pedigree attempt, but Chavo back-dropped him. In the confusion, Hunter greeted Chavo for the actual Pedigree, which benefited from being juxtaposed against Hornswoggle's attempt. Hunter, the legal man, made the pin for the win.

Post-match: A fan hopped the railing and started yelling at people, then Show, then he cleared the ring steps. The fan threw off his jacket and complained about DX before Shawn Michaels superkicked him off the ring apron. Hunter then took the mic and asked the fan, Chris, if he wants the re-match, then he has it. Hunter told him if he loses next week, then no more silliness or tickets or protests, because he's gone forever from Raw. Michaels closed with a promo saying what's up next week. Cole recapped DX vs. JeriShow for the tag titles as Lawler said "next week keeps getting bigger and bigger."

WINNERS: DX at 5:10. They found a way to stretch out the DX vs. JeriShow program with Chris Jericho not officially part of Raw to set up next week's re-match trying to put their best forward against TNA on January 4 to start 2010. Match was fine, but it didn't put Michaels in the best light selling for Chavo of all people here. You could almost hear people closing their wallets on WM26 for a Michaels vs. Taker match. (*)

7 -- WWE champion SHEAMUS vs. JOHN CENA -- WWE Title match

They came face-to-face, then Cena landed the first right hand blow. Cena tried to fire off his bulldog early on, but Sheamus countered and landed multiple right hand blows to the head and back. Sheamus followed with shoulder blocks in the corner before making a cover for a two count. Cena then retreated to a corner for a breather as Sheamus stalked him, but Cena came back with "vintage" shoulder tackles and a sit-out slam. Cena then set up the Five Knuckle Shuffle routine and delivered. He teased the Attitude Adjustment, but Sheamus grabbed the top rope and then the ref. Ref Chioda called for the bell for a DQ after Cena delivered the AA.

WINNER: Cena via DQ at 2:20; Sheamus retains the WWE Title. There was more time spent on videos and graphics promoting the match than the actual match itself. Almost a fitting way to close 2009 with a lot of sizzle and not a lot of steak in the Raw brand's main event scene. That said, Sheamus looked strong by show's end, which absolutely needed to happen, and Cena has a storyline-driven reason to seek revenge in 2010 with three or four weeks still remaining to sell the Royal Rumble PPV.

Vince McMahon officially announced Bret 'Hitman' Hart will be the guest host of RAW next Monday night.

[Arcademan]

ECW on SyFy Results: 12-29-09

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

1 -- MATT HARDY vs. FINLAY -- ECW Homecoming match

Mathews explained the rules of the deal where the winners of the eight qualifying matches will be in a battle royal on Jan. 12. Winner gets ECW champ Christian at the Rumble. Early on, Hardy shoulder a left knee injury and the ref checked on Hardy to see if he wanted to compete. Finlay then targeted the knee to begin his attack. To fill time, Christian went back to the Edge & Christian days for a history lesson on sitting in on commentary when the Hardys were Hardy Boyz. Contained in Christian's commentary was another name-drop for Jeff Hardy on WWE TV. Hardy made a comeback at 3:00 on one good knee, then Hardy yanked Finlay off the second rope for a two count. Hardy then went to the corner for a top-rope moonsault, but Finlay moved and he followed with a cover for a two count. Finlay then slowly picked up Hardy, but Hardy surprised him with a Twist of Fate for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Hardy in 5:00 to advance to the ECW Homecoming. Slow, sluggish match. Hardy selling a knee injury gave him an "out" for the plodding pace to the match, but the highlight of the match was Christian on commentary. (1/2*)

2 -- EVAN BOURNE vs. MIKE KNOX -- ECW Homecoming match

Bourne checked in at 183 pounds. Knox at 293 pounds. Mathews filled us in that Knox studies kinesiology in his spare time. Before the bell sounded, Bourne could visibly be seen asking the referee, "four?" to see how much time they had in the ring. The bell sounded and the good doctor lifted Bourne in the air, but Bourne took both of them over the top rope to the floor. Knox then rammed Bourne into the guardrail and returned to the ring. The ref reached a perilous seven count, but they cut to a replay, so you knew Bourne would make it back in the ring. Back in the ring, Dr. Knox went to work on Bourne's neck to dissect the human anatomy. Bourne then came back with kick strikes, but Knox ran him over with a splash near the ropes. Bourne blocked a pin attempt by grabbing the bottom ropes, though, then smashed Knox in the corner. Bourne wanted Air Bourne, but Knox crotched him. Bourne came back with a

WINNER: Bourne in 4:00. Well, we knew it was going four minutes after Bourne clued in the audience pre-match. Good win for Bourne. I don't write that sentence very often. Anyways, Bourne is back in the win column advancing to the Homecoming in two weeks. (*)

3 -- TOMMY DREAMER vs. ZACK RYDER (w/Rosa Mendes)

After Ryder made his way to the ring following the commercial, Dreamer went to work on Ryder while Rosa cried in anguish from ringside. The action moved to the floor where Dreamer clotheslined Ryder, who then used Rosa as a shield to take control of the action. Cut to break.

Back from break, the announcers spoke in code on whether it was wise for Dreamer to make this decision. Ryder continued to work over Dreamer, who then missed with a corner shoulderblock and Ryder went to work on the shoulder. Ryder tried a clothesline, but Dreamer ducked and landed a neckbreaker. Dreamer then went to the corner, but Ryder crotched him. He wanted the Zack Attack, but Dreamer blocked with a pin attempt for a two count. They followed with a series of pin attempts, but the exchange only resulted in nearfalls. Ryder then came back with the Rough Ryder drop, but Dreamer kicked out. This all seemed to happen in slow-motion, but it made for good drama.

Ryder then went to the corner for a moonsault, but Dreamer hung him upside down for one last "E-C-W" running basement dropkick after big build-up. "Vintage Tommy Dreamer," Mathews said. Dreamer then hit the Dreamer DDT and scored a three count, but Ryder had his foot under the bottom rope. The ref waved off the three count after Dreamer thought he had it won. Dreamer argued with the ref, but then went back to work. Ryder suddenly crucifix pinned Dreamer, but Dreamer kicked out just before three. Dreamer then took Ryder to the corner for a suplex, but Ryder fell on top of Dreamer on the way down to the mat. He made a cover and Dreamer flailed his arms to sell trying to escape the pin, but Ryder scored the three count for the win.

WINNER: Ryder in 13:00. Slow-motion action here, but very strong points for the drama with the multiple nearfalls and tension in the air for the imminent finish. Good final match for Dreamer in WWE, even if it wasn't the most aesthetically-pleasing. (*3/4)

Post-match: The announcers sold disbelief Dreamer is gone from ECW. After a replay aired, Dreamer took the mic and said he sat in this arena way back in the day for a Piper's Pit by Rowdy Piper. Dreamer transitioned right into a farewell speech, thanking everyone from the Original ECW, which drew cheers. Dreamer said it's been his dream since he was nine-years-old and it proves if you have passion for what you do, you can make it anywhere. He said he made it in ECW and he made it in WWE. Dreamer said he will miss many people in the organization before pausing to say he told himself not to cry.

Dreamer said these three letters mean a lot to me. He said they're supposed to address the fans as WWE Universe, but he considers the fans his family. Dreamer said one of his daughters is in kindergarten and she told her classmates her father falls down a lot, but her other daughter said he gets up a lot. They cut to a shot of Beulah on the front row holding their daughters. Tears were streaming. Dreamer said life is about getting down, then getting back up. He thanked the fans for their support, which drew a standing ovation from most of the fans. One fan on the front tried to lead an "E-C-W" chant, then Dreamer took off his ECW t-shirt and placed on the mat. He then grabbed his daughters on the front row and carried them in his arms up the entranceramp. They waved to the camera before Dreamer did one last "aaaaaahhh" pose on the stage. His music played on the way out with Dreamer disappearing in the back with his daughters, who notably were dressed in all-red for an HD-quality presentation.

JC: A memorable send-off for Dreamer and the unofficial end of the ECW brand on the final ECW TV episode of 2009. WWE still has the ECW Homecoming concept ongoing for the next few weeks leading to the Rumble, but this was symbolic of what's to come with the brand. It was nice to see WWE give Dreamer a proper send-off, even if he will be going to TNA.

[Arcademan]

WWE Superstars Results: 12-31-09

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

1 -- Divas champion MELINA vs. ALICIA FOX -- non-title match

Alicia tried to run away from Melina early on, but Melina chased her down on the stage. Melina dragged her back down the entrance ramp into the ring, but Alicia cut her off back in the ring and went on the attack. Melina made her comeback and they went to the finish where Melina hit a sunset flip bomb near the ropes for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Melina in 5:00. Fine match. They stretched out the match length with Alicia running away mid-match and WWE gave them ample time in the ring (compared to two minutes on Raw) without the time constraints of hitting time cues on a live Raw. (*)

2 -- SHELTON BENJAMIN vs. VANCE ARCHER

Mathews and Saxton tried to give us some storyline background on Archer that he was "discovered in Japan" by ECW GM Tiffany and it appears Archer has a "devious secret" that he doesn't want to share. Well, that's something. Archer went to work on Shelton and they had the ringside audio up to catch some of Archer's trash-talking. Shelton then came back with a turnaround splash off the corner turnbuckles before ducking a clothesline to drop Archer with a bridging German Suplex for a two count. Shelton tried a cat-like leap in the corner, but Archer cut his legs out from under him and hung Shelton upside down in the corner to wrench his neck back. Shelton then slapped Archer across the mouth, which led to Archer snapping. Arch pounded on Shelton in the corner with multiple kicks and stomps, and the ref reached a five count for a DQ on Archer. Post-match: Archer grunted and hit his sweeping reverse DDT to KO Shelton.

WINNER: Shelton via DQ in 4:00. The focus was on getting over Archer's offense, intensity, and cartoonish heel mannerisms usually reserved for the perpetrator on Law & Order or CSI. Shelton, meanwhile, has slowly moved down the ECW ladder - excuse the pun - after being booked to lose the ladder match to Christian at the PPV. It's the classic start/stop Shelton push that has defined his singles career. (*)

3 -- CRYME TYME (SHAD GASPARD & JTG) vs. MIKE KNOX & CHARLIE HAAS

Cryme Tyme took control on Knox early on, then Haas provided a distraction on Shad allowing Knox to spear Shad in the left knee region. Dr. Knox began dissecting the knee before taking in Haas for a half-crab with an ankle twist. Nice hold. Shad eventually grabbed the bottom rope for a break, then Haas went back to work on Shad's lower extremities. The doctor returned and attacked the knee, then Shad kicked Knox away and finally tagged in JTG, who cleaned house. JTG hit a facebuster on Haas out of the corner, but Knox broke up a pin attempt. Shad then clotheslined Knox to the floor and Haas superkicked Shad's knee to eliminate him. Haas turned back to JTG, who dropped Haas with his swinging necktie drop - the Shout Out - for the pin and the win.

WINNERS: Cryme Tyme in 5:00. Fine tag match. Just a showcase for Cryme Tyme while also getting Charlie Haas back on TV. Knox doesn't win matches, so the outcome was rather predictable ahead of time. (*1/4)

4 -- MVP & CHRIS MASTERS (w/Eve) vs. JACK SWAGGER & CARLITO

MVP and Carlito started things off while Cole and Lawler talked about Masters being a new man since his pecs started dancing. Swagger entered and worked over MVP, prompting discussion of Swagger "going toe-to-toe" with John Cena on Raw two weeks ago. MVP then set up Swagger for his ballin' blow drop and he connected. Swagger rolled to the floor for a breather, but MVP caught him with a plancha. MVP was in control, prompting Cole to shout: "Flexin' and Ballin'." Oh man, that's going to stick as a tag team. Let's get a break.

Jim Ross's voice was back on the air describing John Morrison's "sizzle" in a Superstars profile video coming back from break. After another "Bret Hart returns to Raw" video aired, they went back to the main event where Swagger had MVP in a hold on the mat. This has been pretty much all MVP vs. Swagger thus far. Carlito then came in at 8:00 to work over MVP. Lawler promptly filled time by equating women to cell phones. Swagger then came back in and slapped Masters before going back to work on MVP, who teased a hot tag. Lawler filled time this time around by talking college bowls. He told Cole to enjoy the Rose Bowl, not the Punch Bowl this time.

Masters finally got his hot tag at 10:00 and the crowd popped. Never thought that would happen. Masters press-slammed Carlito, who was legal, then Masters flexed his pecs and slapped on the Masterlock for another crowd reaction. Swagger then broke it up, but he took a spin in the Masterlock momentarily before MVP clotheslined Swagger and himself out of the ring. In the confusion, Carlito caught Masters from behind with the Backstabber for the pin and the win, which took the air out of the arena and did not meet Eve's satisfaction.

WINNERS: Swagger & Carlito in 12:00. Solid tag match, as Superstars seems to bring out the best of tag action in WWE. The ending was exactly what you're looking for as a wrestler with the crowd reaching its crescendo of emotional investment before the heels pulled the rug out from under everyone with Carlito scoring the win. WWE smartly limited Masters's exposure in the ring with MVP taking most of the reps during the match, but Masters could be a nice babyface attraction in 2010 based on the crowd reaction here. He's very limited in the ring, but they have something with the dancing pecs and the Masterlock, which is one of the most over signature moves in WWE. They just need to do something with that generic new ring entrance music. (**)

[Arcademan]

TNA Impact! Results: 12-31-09

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

1 - MADISON RAYNE vs. HAMADA - KNOCKOUTS TOURNAMENT FIRST-ROUND MATCH

Crowd was into Hamada early on. Hamada worked over Madison's right arm, with an arm-wringer and elbows. Rayne reversed with a wrist-lock take-down. Straight boot to the face by Hamada as Rayne was doing some taunting. Hamda went Old School, Undertaker-style, but she missed the arm drag off the top as it looked like she may have accidentally let go of Rayne. Neck-breaker from Rayne got two. After some more offense from Rayne, another front kick from Hamada put Rayne down. Then a standing side-kick nearly took Rayne's head off. Headbutts and chops from the import. Rayne dodged a moonsault, and Hamada tried to land on her feet, but lost her balance. Spin kick by Hamada, then a Hamada Driver for the win.

WINNER: Hamda, at 4:25. Wasn't Hamada's smoothest performance, but still better than most of the women's wrestling on TV.

2 - TRACI BROOKS vs. ODB - KNOCKOUTS TOURNAMENT FIRST-ROUND MATCH

ODB spit whatever she drank out of the flask, into Traci's eyes to start the match. Traci fired back with some weak forearms, but ODB slammed her down. ODB went to work on the arm of Traci that was exposed as having a birth defect. Double-leg take-down by Brooks and she continued her brawling offense. Single-arm DDT by ODB though, only getting a two-count on the pin. Spear by Brooks as the back-and-forth action went on. ODB got to her feet first, but Brooks landed a few chops. Atomic drop by Brooks, then she ripped off her half t-shirt (honoring the incoming Hulkster?), with a small bra barely containing her cleavage. High-impact move by ODB on the arm, then a TKO for the win. Who would've thought that they'd use the name Marc Mero used for that move, rather than Brock Lesnar's F5?

WINNER: ODB, at 4:16. Well, it had some psychology, which is a plus for a women's match.

3 - ROXXI vs. VELVET SKY - KNOCKOUTS TOURNAMENT FIRST-ROUND MATCH

Hard to believe Roxxi is the same woman that played the Voodoo Queen a few years ago. Big splash in the corner by Sky (well, I don't know that it was "big" per se), then a bulldog. She locked in the octopus, then bit Roxxi on the arm. Roxxi came back with rights then elbowed Velvet in the chest in the corner. Velvet dodged a slam but Roxxi locked in a front hammer-lock and hit the Voodoo Drop for the win.

WINNER: Roxxi, at 2:13. Fine for what it was.

4 - DAFFNEY vs. AWESOME KONG - KNOCKOUTS TOURNAMENT FIRST-ROUND MATCH

Daffney tried a test of strength, but thought better of it. She took Kong down to one knee and tried the test from there but again, it didn't work. Couple chops to Daffney's chest. Kong put the boot right in the neck of Daffney in the corner. She dropped down, landing right on Daffney's leg and knee. Kong picked Daffney up and put her on her shoulders, taking Daffney's foot and bending her so she kicked herself in the back of the head. Daffney tried to run away, but Kong whipped the Scream Queen into the steel steps. Back in the ring, Daffney got a few kicks in, but her offense seemed largely ineffective. Daffney missed a clotheslined and Kong rocked her with an Implant Buster. Game over.

WINNER: Kong, at 3:30. Dominant performance from Kong, probably what it needed to be. Too bad it was against Daffney.

Continued in next post...

[Arcademan]

TNA Impact! Results: 12-31-09

Continued from previous post...

5 - LORELAI & APRIL HUNTER vs. TAYLOR WILDE & SARITA

April Hunter, that's a name from the past. The Invasion noted that they considered Taylor and Sarita possible opponents for their tag titles. Double-teaming by the faces on Lorelai. Williams gets pointes for mentioning how the skullduggery for the heels went south. April took over on offense but quickly tagged out and Lorelai got a face-buster for two. Tag to Hunter, who teased Wilde. But Wilde came back with a Codebreaker. Both women made tags and Sarita landeda hip=lock take-over. Sarita dodged Hunter, who hit the floor. Some not-so-great double-teaming ended with the win for the champs.

WINNERS: Wilde and Sarita, at 2:46. The Invasion were awesome on commentary. That's all I have constructive to say about that segment.

6 - ROXXI vs. HAMADA - KNOCKOUTS TOURNAMNET SEMI-FINAL MATCH

Hamada wrapped Roxxi up on the mat, but Roxxi came back with a few headlocks. Test of strength won by Hamada as she twisted the boot. A few reversals later and Hamada got the ropes to break. Hamada and Roxxi traded arm-drags, and simultaneously dropkicked each other. The fans expressed their appreciation for the match. Abdominal stretch by Hamada, then a double-stomp onto Roxxi's back. Boston crab by Hamada, turned into a single-leg. Boot to the face by Roxxi that turned the tide for a two-count. Hamada met Roxxi up on the top rope, but couldn't suplex her off. Jumping kick by Hamada though. Hurricanrana off the top for only two by Hamada. Dropkick off the top, but Roxxi slid out of a move for a two-count roll-up. Hamada Driver, but a reversal into a roll-up for two. Voodoo Drop, but Hamada kicked out. Another near-fall for Roxxi. Hamada was able to avoid another Voodoo Drop and rolled up Roxxi for three.

WINNER: Hamada, at 7:49. I've arrived at my family's New Year's party, so some of them gathered in the living room to watch me and the show; I was too distracted by their little side comments to really enjoy this match.

7 - ODB vs. AWESOME KONG - KNOCKOUTS TOURNAMENT SEMI-FINAL MATCH

ODB met Kong in the aisle and started brawling with her. ODB got thrown into the steps, hitting thigh-first in a painful looking move. ODB turned things around and slammed Kong's head off the ring steps. Kong turned ODB around and slapped her in the chest. Kong began to drag ODB back into the ring but ODB took over on offense as they went to break at about three minutes.

ODB tried a sleeper hold, but that worked about as well as you'd think. Same went with the shoulder-block attempts. Splash into the corner by ODB, then she preceeded to kick away at Kong. Bronco Buster by ODB. Pin attemtpt for two. She tried to slam Kong, but Kong fell on her for two. Hard clothesline by Kong after one attempt by ODB. Kong backed into ODB in the corner, butg it showed a lot of light. ODB pulled the ref into the corner on a charge and Jamie Tucker took the brunt of Kong's splash. Kong got ODB up for a powerbomb, but ODB used the alcohol bottle on Kong's head. She got the pin as the referee came to.

WINNER: ODB, at 9:41. You had to know neither woman was going over cleanly here, so the finish was smart.

8 - HAMADA vs. ODB - KNOCKOUTS TOURNAMENT FINALS MATCH

So if Hamada wins, does this mean she has two matches Monday night: One for the Tag Titles and one for the Knockouts Title? ODB pie-faced Hamada, and Hamada responded with headbutts. Springboard DDT by Hamada for a quick two-count. ODB wanted a break, so she went to the outside. She took her sweet time recovering on the outside. Kick to the face by ODB for two, but Magistral cradle by Hamada got two as well. ODB hung Hamada upside down in the corner and worked her over as they went to break.

ODB was getting frustrated by the near-fallas at this point in the match. Splash missed by ODB in the corner and Hamada came back with an enziguiri. The women traded chops and open-handed slaps until Hamada ended that with four straight headbutts. Spring-board cross-body for two by Hamada. Another spin kick variation by Hamada for two. Jaw-breaker by ODB turned the momentum her way. At this point, Awesome Kong walked down the ramp with a table. This distracted ODB, who demanded referee Slick Johnson kick her out. Kong set up the table as a few more refs came out to try to get Kong to the back. She left, with the table still standing. Kick to the head by Hamada and ODB rolled to ringside. Hamada came off the apron and somersaulted onto ODB. She pointed toward the table, of course, getting a pop from the blood-thirsty fans. Bigger than usual table too. Headbutt sent ODB onto the table. Hamada went to the top for a moonsault and missed, as ODB was able to slide off the table just in time. ODB rolled Hamada into the ring and hit the TKO to win the tournament.

WINNER: ODB, at 14:34. Longest women's match in some time. Pretty good too, though they may have telegraphed putting Hamada in this match when she's already in one on Monday night.

[Arcademan]

WWE Smackdown Results: 1-1-10

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

1 – C.M. PUNK vs. MATT HARDY – BEAT-THE-CLOCK CHALLENGE MATCH

The bell rang as soon as they came back from break. Quick roll-up by Hardy for a one-count. Inside cradle by Hardy a minute later for two. They went through a bit of a feeling-out process. Striker lauded the opportunity Punk has given people to join the Straight-Edge society. Front suplex by Hardy, but Punk turned the tables by choking Hardy on the top rope. Punk didn’t seem to be in a hurry as he settled into a head-scissors about 3:15 into the match. He again took his time after hitting a move to stand around a bit before going for a cover. Striker acknowledged that Punk was trying to wear Hardy down, rather than go for a quick win. Hardy made his comeback just shy of six minutes in, which included a bulldog out of the corner for a near-fall. Striker talked about the time between six and eight minutes, when wrestlers may start to lose their juice. Punk finished off Hardy with the GTS.

WINNER: Punk, at 7:20. Technically fine, but aside from the first few seconds, neither man really showed the desire to finish the match as soon as possible.

2 – KANE vs. DOLPH ZIGGLER – BEAT-THE-CLOCK CHALLENGE MATCH

Striker suggested that because of Ziggler’s amateur background, where he’s used to trying to win as quickly as possible, this kind of match could favor him. Ziggler and Kane did some chain wrestling and Kane held his own with the Kent State graduate. Standing vertical suplex by Kane about 1:30 into the match. Low dropkick by the big man for two. Ziggler held on during a back-body drop attempt, and turned it into somewhat of a DDT. Punk and Gallows were shown watching this match on the monitor backstage. Grisham laughably said that Ziggler ended 2009 on quite a winning streak. Kane awkwardly slammed Ziggler but missed an elbowdrop. Fameasser by Ziggler for two. The other thing about this is how the announcers talk about 7:20 as being a difficult time to beat, when on Raw, hardly any matches last that long. Big boot by Kane on Ziggler. He couldn’t pick up the win, however. Sidewalk slam for another two-count. Running powerslam by the Big Red Machine for only two. He went to the top, but Ziggler stopped him with 1:30 to go. Kane found the mark on a top rope clothesline, but again, couldn’t seal the deal. Under a minute to go, Kane went for a chokeslam, but Ziggler choked him on the ropes. Sleeper by Ziggler with :40 to go. It was more of a headlock, really. Ziggler got Kane to the mat, but he did not give up by the time the buzzer rang.

WINNER: No Contest, at 7:20. Didn’t really expect Ziggler or Kane to set the mark here, but a win over someone the caliber of Kane at some point wouldn’t hurt Ziggler.

3 – THE CAROLINA PANTHER vs. THE GREAT KHALI

The Panther was some jobber wearing a Julius Peppers jersey, likely to get heat in front of the New York Giants-loving crowd after the Giants laid an egg against the Panther. The Panther got down in a football stance and tried to punch away at the mid-section of Khali. Khali just gave the Khali Bomb to Panther.

WINNER: Khali, at :28. Just like the real Carolina Panthers in 2009, this Carolina Panther was going nowhere.

4 – JOHN MORRISON vs. DREW MCINTYRE – INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

Flying leg kick by Morrison soon after the bell rang, then he sent Mac to the outside. Morrison went off the barricade to land on McIntyre, but Drew moved and Morrison landed on his feet. He went back up and ended up flipping onto McIntyre, though it looked like McIntyre was going to pull him down. Morrison’s leg ended up getting caught in the middle and bottom rope and McIntyre took full advantage, weakening the leg. Striker said the last time this title changed hands in this city was in 1999. Morrison tried to fight out of McIntyre’s leg holds and did end up catching McIntyre with a Flying Chuck for a two-count. Nice back-breaker by McIntyre for two. The champ removed the top turnbuckle pad and the referee had to physically restrain Morrison from beating on McIntyre. McIntyre pushed Morrison into the referee, who only saw Morrison running him over, and disqualified Morrison.

WINNER: McIntyre, by DQ, at 4:47. Disappointingly short, but this DQ finish by the heel to keep his belt is a lot easier to stomach the ones that are happening on Raw.

After the match, Morrison and McIntyre brawled on the ramp as the entire referee locker room emptied to break things up. I miss the agents breaking stuff like this up.

5 – BETH PHOENIX vs. MICKIE JAMES

Back-breaker by Phoenix for a quick two-count. Mickie came off the top with a Thesz Press for two. Layla jumped up on the apron to distract the ref. McCool got on the apron as well and went to kick James, but she kicked Beth accidentally. James then rolled Beth up for the win.

WINNER: Mickie, at 1:02. I wonder if they were running long, because this seemed shorter than usual.

6 – CHRIS JERICHO vs. REY MYSTERIO – BEAT-THE-CLOCK MATCH

Jericho gave a beating to Rey, then threw him under the bottom rope and this time, Rey did not do a flip recovery. Punk and Gallows were again shown watching this match backstage. Rey got back on the apron at seven and got a ton of air on a springboard cross-body for two. Jericho quickly turned things back in his favor and headbutted Mysterio down. Enziguiri by Rey set Jericho up for a 619, but Jericho with a lucha-libre style back-drop (according to Striker). Four minutes in, Jericho had Rey locked in a potential submission hold on the mat. Rey got out of it and went to the top, landing a flying headbutt to the chest, shades of El Hijo del Santo (again, according to Striker). Springboard cross-body off the second rope for two. Rey powered out of a Walls of Jericho attempt, but couldn’t capitalize. Back-breaker by Jericho for two. With 1:30 left, Jericho taunted Rey , but got set up again for the 619. Jericho caught the attempt and locked in the Walls of Jericho. Mysterio re-positioned himself to escape and finally hit the 619. With 30 seconds left, Rey tried a springboard, but Jericho caught him in mid-air with an awesome-looking Codebreaker. Jericho couldn’t make the cover in time, as he was still nursing injuries. Ten seconds to go, he tried to get Rey off the mat for a move, but Rey got an inside cradle and registered the pin with one second left.

WINNER: Mysterio, at 7:19. Great timing by all three of the men in the ring on that one, as it all looked very fluid and no one had to go purposely fast/slow to meet the necessary time.

7 – R-TRUTH vs. BATISTA – BEAT-THE-CLOCK MATCH

Batista slammed into Truth in the corner and kept an eye on Mysterio. Roll-up out of the corner by Truth for two. Leg-drop followed that up. Batista was back on offense in no time and landed a suplex on the former K-Kwik. Truth dodged a charge in the corner and did his usual dance, but Batista kicked him in the face when he went for a split. Truth got out of a Batista Bomb attempt and kicked his opponent in the head, sending him to the outside. He launched himself onto Batista on the outside. The two went at it on the outside, but Batista caught Truth coming in and slammed him shoulder-first into the ring post. Batista threw Truth into the steel steps as Striker proclaimed this beating a message to Rey Mysterio. With three minutes to go, Batista continued toying with R-Truth. Truth fought back with rights and a dropkick. Bossman slam by The Animal got two. With 2:00 to go, Truth got a desperation DDT for a two-count. Spinning axe kick for another near-fall. Batista didn’t connect on either of two charges in the corner, but he swatted Truth away on a dropkick off the top rope. Under a minute to go, and Batista speared Truth. He kept making sure to look at Rey after each high-impact move. Spinebuster by Batista with :25 to go. Batista Bomb found the mark with under ten seconds to go, but on a two-count, the referee got pulled out of the ring by Mysterio. Isn’t that a DQ?

WINNER: No Contest, at 7:19. Boy, WWE is actively trying to make their referees look like idiots apparently. How is that not a DQ, allowing Batista to move on? I mean, I’d prefer to see Rey vs. Taker as well (for the reasons I listed at the top of the report), but the last few weeks has been TNA-level booking of finishes and referee incompetence.

- Rey celebrated on the ramp as Batista glared at him from the ring. That looked like the ending, but Vickie Guerrero came out. She said Rey just cheated Batista, so Rey will take on Batista next week to determine the true number one contender. Didn’t we just have this match for the number one contender, like, two weeks ago?

[Arcademan]

WWE RAW Results: 1-4-10

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

1 -- MARYSE vs. BRIE BELLA (w/Nikki Bella) -- Divas Title first round tournament match

The action moved to the floor early on where Nikki rammed Maryse head-first into the announce table behind the ref's back. Wait, who's face and heel here? Behind the ref's back again, Nikki and Brie did the switch. Maryse saw it, though, and dropped Nikki with the hair-flip DDT for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Maryse at 2:15. The favorite advances in the tournament. Okay action for two minutes. (n/a)

2 -- JACK SWAGGER vs. MVP vs. CARLITO vs. MARK HENRY

The match was joined in progress with Carlito and Mark Henry added to the mix. Miz name-dropped Spencer Pratt for a reality TV plug-in. Henry was on the outside at the start of this, then he came into the ring for a pop to attack Swagger. Suddenly, Henry and MVP turned on each other and Henry dumped MVP to the floor. Henry then used Carlito's feet as a battering ram on Swagger. Miz kept talking like a great heel before Henry teased a victory with a bear hug on Carlito. Swagger broke it up and Miz said Henry should be on "Biggest Loser." Nice NBC promotional tie-in. Henry then put Swagger in a modified Torture Rack. It's official - we're in 1997. The action broke down and MVP teased the Playmaker on Swagger. After a struggle to set up the move, MVP executed to score the pin for the win. After the match, Miz stood up and told him he's a pretender while MVP did his Ballin' motion toward Miz.

WINNER: MVP at 3:40 to become #1 contender to the U.S. Title. Fine organized chaos. No word on when the U.S. Title match is taking place. (*)

3 -- Unified tag champions DX (SHAWN MICHAELS & TRIPLE H w/Hornswoggle) vs. BIG SHOW & CHRIS JERICHO -- Unified tag title match

After intros took place, Michaels executed a round of chops that generated "Whoos" from the crowd. Sorry, wrong show tonight. Big Show then executed a double suplex to send them into a commercial 47 seconds into the match.

They returned from break about 30 seconds before the top of the hour with Big Show in control working over Hunter. Cole reset the action at the top of the hour with a chat on Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels hugging at the top of the show. Another plug for McMahon confronting Hart on his terms tonight. Jericho then entered and took control. Jericho suddenly cupped his ear ala Hulk Hogan, which drew a mix of boos and cheers. Jericho smiled, then went to work on Hunter. (Announcers did not acknowledge the ear-cupping, by the way.) Michaels finally took a hot tag at 7:45 and went "vintage" on Big Show with multiple flying forearms following kip-ups before going to the knees with a dropkick to get Show off his feet. Michaels then went up top for an elbow, but Jericho ran across the ring and crotched him. Suddenly, Hornswoggle entered and sat on Show's chest, which only scored a nearfall.

Michaels then warmed up the band for a superkick, but Show countered with a big chokeslam. He didn't make an immediate cover, which gave Michaels an out to kick out just before a three count. Jericho then tagged in and tried the Walls of Jericho, but Michaels flung him away and in came Hunter. Hunter quickly smashed Jericho with the Pedigree for a big pop, but Show broke it up. Hot action here. Hunter then wanted the Pedigree on Show and he connected with Michaels...jumping across the ring to help. Almost seemed like a superkick was coming on Hunter. Suddenly, Jericho shoved Hunter into Michaels and Jericho nearly rolled up Hunter, but only scored a two count. Jericho then smashed Hunter with the codebreaker, but both men collapsed to the mat. Jericho eventually made a cover, but Michaels flew into the ring for a break. Horny then entered the ring and tuned up for a superkick, but Jericho smashed Hornswoggle in the head. Hunter teased the Pedigree, but Jericho countered with the Walls of Jericho. With the ref focused on clearing Horny out of there, Michaels superkicked Jericho and Hunter made the cover for the pin and the win.

WINNERS: DX at 12:01 to retain the Unified tag titles. Very strong title match for TV. Good nearfalls, a strong tease of a title change, and good use of star power. (**3/4)

4 -- WWE champion SHEAMUS vs. LITTLE EVAN BOURNE -- non-title match

The bell sounded and Bourne blasted Sheamus with kick strikes. Bourne then went up top and nailed the Air Bourne splash 30 seconds in, but Sheamus kicked out at two. Crowd popped thinking they were seeing history. Bourne then went back up top for a splash, but Sheamus dropped him with a front slam. Sheamus followed with a clubbing blow to the skull and went on the attack as the crowd chanted Cena's name. Must not be football fans. Sheamus then set up Bourne for the Iron Cross Outsider's Edge drop and he connected for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Sheamus at 1:45. Well, at least Bourne got some quality TV time, a promo, and his finisher on live TV on a big night. Finish was expected, but it was a good way to use Bourne when Cena is at the Fiesta Bowl and they can "waste a week" on the WWE Title picture without a PPV to promote in the immediate future. (*)

5 -- KOFI KINGSTON vs. RANDY ORTON

Kofi took it to Orton early on before dropkicking Orton through the ropes to the outside. Orton then kicked him away again and Orton stared at DiBiase and Rhodes, who stared at him to say, "Show us something." Orton stumbled on the floor before they cut to break.

Back from break, Orton was in control as the announcers talked up Hart-McMahon to come. Orton continued to work over Kofi while they cut to shots of DiBiase and Rhodes sitting ringside watching intently. The announcers sold not knowing whether they want Orton to be successful or not. Kofi then made a comeback, but they collided mid-air. Both men came to their feet after a pause and Kofi hit a top-rope splash for a two count center ring. Kofi then tried the Trouble in Paradise, but Orton blocked and immediately dropped Kofi with the RKO for the pin and the win. After the bell sounded, DiBiase and Rhodes no-sold the victory. They remained in their seats with blank looks on their faces. Orton left the ring and turned back to look at DiBiase and Cody, who eventually stood up and folded their arms.

WINNER: Orton at 11:02. Okay match. Just didn't move into a higher gear and Kofi seems to have lost some of his edge after peaking at MSG with the Boom Drop. The deal with DiBiase and Rhodes has potential for good follow-up next week, but this whole segment seemed to be "just there" this week. (*1/2)

[Arcademan]

TNA Impact! Results: 1-4-10

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

1 -- X DIVISION EIGHT-MAN BATTLE IN THE STEEL ASYLUM

Tenay called the X Division a "natural extension of the cruiserweights." He said it's more about a mindset than a weight division. I remember Jerry Jarrett trying to explain that to me back when TNA launched, and it's was vague then and vague now, but that's about as close as you can get to pegging it. Chris Sabin, Alex Shelley, Kiyoshi, Homicide, "Black Machismo" Jay Lethal, Consequences Creed, Suicide, and Amazing Red. Tenay said Mick Foley was denied access to the Impact Zone earlier. (Obviously an angle, just in case anyone is confused.) This match began nine minutes into the show. The crowd chanted, "Let's go, bitches! Let's go, bitches!" At least I think that's what they were chanting. Homicide used an extendible baton as a weapon, but then turned on Kiyoshi. The ref called for the bell. Bad start to have a lame DQ finish in the TV opener. The crowd chanted, "This is bullsh--! This is bullsh--!" Well, there's some feedback for TNA if they were looking for it. They had to silence the "sh--" part of the chant over and over. Clumsy and embarrassing. Homicide tried to climb out after hitting everyone else with his batton. The other wrestlers climbed after him. This turned into quite the clustermess.

WINNER: No contest in 4:00.

2 -- TARA vs. ODB -- TNA Knockouts Title

Tenay plugged that fans can ask questions by email and Twitter tonight at http://www.mycontent.com/tna. Tenay plugged there'd be more TNA Knockout action, plus again plugged Hogan's pending arrival. The crowd was decked out, by the way, in yellow Hulk Hogan shirts. Tenay plugged Dixie Carter's Twitter account. It diminished the value of the TNA Knockouts Title to have Tenay talking about anything but this match, not to mention it was another ridiculously short title match, with ODB winning at 2:00. You can't sell a title as important or its matches as an attraction worth paying for (or just staying tuned for) if the epitome of the champion and top challenge battle for two whole minutes and the announcers talk about everything but the match most of that two minutes. A lot of the same mistakes being made that seems smart at the time (we gotta plug what's next!!!), but with a long-term cost of deflating the value of the actual product they're ultimately trying to convince people is important enough to watch and buy. There was a small production glitch as they cut to a wide shot of the Asylum with an empty cage over the ring, presumably from before the X Division match started.

WINNER: ODB in 2:00 to capture the TNA Knockouts Title.

-Tara attacked ODB afterward, then took out her tarantula. She has to be so careful with it because if she drops it, it could easily die. Those types of spiders are extreme fragile.

3 -- TAYLOR WILDE & SARITA vs. AWESOME KONG & HAMADA -- TNA Knockouts Tag Team Title match

A minute into the match they cut backstage where Jeremy Borash was picking up chairs lying over the fallen bodies of Sabin and Shelley. He said, "We've got a traitor here." After a dive to the floor and a pile of bodies, they cut to a break at 3:00. [c] They showed a clip from during the break of a near fall by Wilde on Kong, then Kong making a comeback. Hamada had Wilde on the defensive back live in the ring. Tenay said this is a night they will never forget. He listed all of the big names appearing on the show including Flair and Hardy. Taz said they might see more surprises. In the end, Hamada finished Sarita with a top rope dropkick as Sarita was suspended on Kong's shoulders. Taz said he thinks everyone is picking up their game with Hogan and Bischoff watching.

WINNERS: Kong & Hamada in 10:00 to capture the tag team titles. It's a shame they didn't have any time to promote the actual wrestling matches on this show ahead of time. Two title changes already. Too bad title changes were rendered much less important thanks to the late-'90s booking frenzy when titles and title changes were devalued. This is more of the same, actually.

4 -- RAVEN & DR. STEVIE (w/Daffney) vs. HERNANDEZ & MATT MORGAN

As the backdrop to the announcing began (known in previous decades as a "wrestling match"), Tenay said Ric Flair was seen walking into A.J. Styles's locker room earlier and he hasn't left. Wait! TNA has a World Champion? And his name is what? A.J. Styles? Good to know. Morgan finished Stevie with a Carbon Footprint in less than a minute.

WINNER: Morgan & Hernandez in 1:00.

5 -- DESMOND WOLFE vs. "THE POPE" D'ANGELO EINERO

Taz said Hogan inspired a lot of wrestlers to get into pro wrestling. At 2:00 the crowd chanted loudly: "This is wrestling! This is wrestling!" They hadn't seen much of it yet, nearly two hours after the show began. Pope hit a corner swing elbow drop. Wolfe came right back with a Tower of London attempt. Pope escaped. They struggled for leverage, and Pope finished Wolfe with a small package.

WINNER: Pope in 3:00.

6 -- ABYSS vs. SAMOA JOE

Tenay said they had announced Abyss vs. Rhino, but Bischoff threw out the format sheet and instead booked the first-ever meeting between Abyss and Joe. Taz talked about the immense respect he has for Joe. Some high-impact fast-paced action in the opening minutes. It's strange, but pleasant, to see Abyss wrestling without weapons or special stips. Abyss got a near fall at 4:00 after a chokeslam. Abyss threw the ref aside at one point, so Joe seized the chance to hit Abyss with a chair across the side of his head and shoulder as Abyss reached out to grab him at ringside. Joe then applied his submission for the win.

WINNER: Joe in 5:00 via tapout.

7 -- A.J. STYLES vs. KURT ANGLE -- TNA World Hvt. Title Match

During ring intros, Taz said: "I'll tell you something right now straight up from a pure wrestling perspective, you will not find a wrestling contest at the level of what you are about to witness, nowhere on TV right now live as we speak. Trust me on that my friends." Tenay called it a PPV-quality main event. They locked up at 10:36 p.m., with lots of time to tell a story and have a classic. Styles flip dove onto Angle at ringside at 1:00. Taz said, "I told you! And this thing just started." A man in a black outfit and black mask attacked Styles from behind, knocking Styles into the ref. Angle knocked him out of the ring. Angle helped Styles to his feet and soon took control with a powerbomb into the corner turnbuckles. Tenay told viewers not to go anywhere as they'll be back with more action after this break. Mid-break, they showed Angle on offense and Tenay thanking Hogan and Bischoff for putting this classic on TV tonight.

Back live, the crowd chanted, "This is wrestling!" Tenay said, "You're damn right this is wrestling." At 8:00 Angle went into a series of unreleased back suplexes. Angle's turning more to the side on those, seemingly protecting his neck. Styles came back with a Pele kick, but Angle ducked it and applied the anklelock. Styles rolled him into a near fall. Styles then hit a Pele kick and scored another near fall.

Tenay said the lack of preparation time hasn't affected Styles or Angle. Styles hit a springboard flying forearm. Taz called him the best pure wrestling champion in the world today. Angle got up and threw Styles off the top rope for a near fall. Angle hit a frog splash for another two count a minute later at 12:00. Styles gave Angle a DDT as a countermove. That led to another two count. Taz said Angle had a dazed look in his eyes. "Who Needs Bret!" chanted the crowd. Wow. Was that prompted? No comment from Tenay or Taz. Angle went for an anklelock. Styles escaped. Angle hit another suplex for another two count. More near falls, one after another. Taz called it "an historic night." Angle applied a legbar. Ric Flair then walked out. Tenay said he wanted to watch the match in person. Taz said Flair spent along time in Styles's locker room earlier. Tenay said that they're staying with the World Title match until it's conclusion. He said, "No matter how long it takes, we're staying with it until we have a winner." Then they cut to a break. Kind of ironic to promise they'd stay with the match until it's over only to cut away immediately. But what they're saying is we might still be here after Raw ends, so check back in if you flip channels in the mean time.

More fast-paced action after the break. Styles hit the Styles Clash, but he was slow to make the cover. They showed Flair again on the stage. Styles moved to the ring apron and hit a springboard flip splash for the three count. They showed Carter giving the match a standing ovation.

WINNER: Styles in 22:00.

STAR RATING: ****

[Arcademan]

ECW on SyFy Results: 1-5-10

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

1 -- SHELTON BENJAMIN vs. CHAVO GUERRERO -- ECW Homecoming qualifying match

Chavo took it to Shelton early on, then Shelton fired back with right hand blows. Ref Armstrong kept getting involved, which gave Chavo an opening for two out of three Amigos suplexes, but Shelton countered numero tres with a German Suplex (with bridge) for a two count. Chavo then took out Shelton's left knee and went to work with various holds targeting the knee. Shelton made a comeback with a spin kick to the face as the camera took us pretty close inside the ring. Shelton with a nearfall, then Chavo took Shelton down with a Half-Crab submission hold. They broke free and came to their feet with Chavo hitting a big multiple-revolutions head scissors. It's 1999 and we're re-living the WCW Cruiserweight division here. Chavo then went up top for a Frog Splash, but Shelton came to his feet and ducked the finisher. Shelton immediately followed up with Pay Dirt for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Shelton in 5:00 to qualify for ECW Homecoming. Solid five-minute TV match. I don't know if it's because Chavo has been limited to comedy matches with Hornswoggle for six months, but Chavo looked great being able to work a regular match. (*1/2)

2 -- EZEKIEL JACKSON (w/William Regal) vs. KOZLOV

The bell sounded and they went to a stand-still. Kozlov then knocked Jackson to the floor and Jackson regrouped with Regal's aid. Back in the ring, Jackson went after Kozlov's knee and continued to work over the body part. And he wrenched and wrenched on it trying to build sympathy for a Kozlov comeback. It's one of those things where the audience isn't buying into any of the action potentially leading to the finish because they've been trained to sit on their hands and wait for the finish. Kozlov then made a comeback and landed a clothesline. He shook out the knee, but Jackson mercifully put an end to this match with a uranage for the pin and the win. This here is domination, said the lyrics. Post-match, Regal pulled up Kozlov and told him he's a disgrace. Jackson shoved Kozlov down to the mat and sneered at the audience while Regal checked under his nails to ensure he didn't get any dirt. That was the most entertaining aspect of the entire segment.

WINNER: Jackson in 6:00. This wasn't interesting at all with zero character development, a lack of motivations explained for the wrestlers when wins and losses in non-title matches don't seem to have much value in WWE, and the audience being trained to sit on their hands and not buy into any the action taking place before the finish. (1/2*)

3 -- C.M. PUNK (w/Luke Gallows) vs. MARK HENRY -- ECW Homecoming qualifying match

Punk played heel early on by running to the corner to avoid Henry. Punk then tried to chop down the tree with kick strikes, but Henry lifted him up in the air to toss him over the top rope. Punk, flustered, circled around the ring huffing and puffing before Luke tried to calm him down going to break.

Back from break, Punk was knocked to the floor where Luke checked on him. Henry, frustrated, slowly approached Punk on the floor and Punk surprised him with a drop toehold into the ring steps. Punk tried to run into the ring for a count-out, but Henry rolled back into the ring and Punk quickly targeted his upper body with knee stomps. Punk then mounted Henry for right hand blows before Punk continued to keep Henry on the mat with a body scissors hold. Punk heelishly smiled and talked trash at Henry while keeping the hold locked in.

At the top of the hour, Punk kicked Henry in the head multiple times from a seated position before making a cover for a two count. Punk then landed a series of kick strikes to the chest, which Henry started to no-sell, but Punk cut him down to the mat with an emphatic kick strike for another two count. Punk then landed consecutive knee blows, but Henry no-sold. Henry then Hulked Up and headbutted Punk multiple times across the ring before landing a huge clothesline. Henry followed with a running corner splash before running clear across the ring for another splash, but Punk moved and hit a running knee strike. Luke then suddenly smashed Henry in the head from the apron behind the ref's back to stun Henry. Punk capitalized with a standing enziguiri kick to the head for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Punk in 12:00 to qualify for the ECW Homecoming. Fundamentally-sound, well-executed big man vs. dastardly heel match. It's not realistic in the context of a kayfabe fight for Punk to be taking it to Henry left and right, so he had to find ways to maneuver around Henry and use trickeration to win matches. They stretched out the formula well with Punk in control to set up Henry for a very strong comeback before ultimately pulling out the win. Solid finish to the show. (*3/4)

Post-match: They flash-carded individual graphics for Punk, Evan Bourne, Matt Hardy, "the undefeated" Vance Archer, Ezekiel Jackson, Yoshi Tatsu, Shelton Benjamin, and Kane to round out the field of eight in the #1 contender battle royal on next week's show. Winner faces Christian at the Rumble. They closed with a shot of Punk and Gallows celebrating the escapist victory ringside with Gallows rubbing Punk's shoulders to close the show.

[Arcademan]

WWE Superstars Results: 1-7-10

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

1 - JILLIAN vs. GAIL KIM - DIVAS CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT FIRST-ROUND MATCH

Jillian has apparently lost her last name. She got some mic time before the match said she had a pretty good feeling about her chances tonight and started singing "I Got a Feeling" from the Black Eyed Peas. Kim worked a wrist-lock, but that didn't go anywhere. Jillian with a shoulder-tackle, but Kim tripped her up for a near-fall. Cross-body off the top by Kim for another two-count. Fan with an "NWO" shirt directly opposite the hard camera. I didn't know people still wore those. Jillian worked over Kim on the outside of the ring. Back in, she caught Kim with a sidewalk slam for two. Hard whip into the buckle followed that up. A small section of fans chanted for Gail. Jillian pulled Gail off the top rope and went for a pin, but Jillian's leg was under the bottom rope. Kim showed off her flexibility by taking out Jillian with a body-scissors and getting the pin thanks to good leverage.

WINNER: Kim, at 3:09. An OK match.

2 - TED DIBIASE vs. CHRIS MASTERS

Masters' new music sounds just as heelish as his last one. He was accompanied to the ring by his new on-screen fling, Eve Torres. DiBiase concentrated on the legs of Masters at the outset. Masters almost got the Masterlock locked on with both men on the mat, but DiBiase got to the ropes to break it. After DiBiase took a break on the outside, Masters almost turned a hammerlock into a Masterlock. These quick attempts seemed to unnerve DiBiase. DiBiase fought back with a clothesline and several right hands. Impressive dropkick from one-third of Legacy. Sounded like Jerry Lawler was making his case to be in the Royal Rumble match, saying, "what's a Royal Rumble without a King?" DiBiase began to wear Masters down. Belly-to-back suplex by DiBiase cut off Masters' attempt at a comeback, but Masters got it in full a few seconds later. Scoop slam, then Masters played to the crowd and set up for the Masterlock. Two attempts and Masters couldn't do it. After a counter by DiBiase, he leveled Masters with Dream Street for the win.

WINNER: DiBiase, at 5:54. A rather bland match: Nothing wrong with it per se, but ultimately forgettable.

3 - YOSHI TATSU vs. CAYLEN CROFT

This was billed as Croft's first singles match in WWE. Goldust was at ringside for Tatsu, and Trent Beretta was in Croft's corner. Couple arm-drags and a dropkick by Tatsu, but Croft suckered him in and threw him out of the ring, using the tights for leverage. They went to break about a minute into the match.

Croft was taking it to Tatsu out of break. Snap suplex garnered Croft a two-count. Croft worked a head-lock, and it looked nice and tight. Crowd wouldn't get into it to help Tatsu break the hold, so he had to do it himself. Yoshi fought back with chops and a rolling snap-mare out of the corner. To the top, Tatsu tried to get a hurricanrana on Croft, but Croft held on and Yoshi landed on his head. Cross-body off the top, but Yoshi rolled through for a near-fall. Neck-breaker by Croft for two. Yoshi finally hit the kick to the head of Croft for three.

WINNER: Tatsu, at 9:02. Good showing for Croft in his first singles match. They didn't ask him to do too much, but I did like the last few minutes.

4 - FINLAY vs. MIKE KNOX

A feeling-out process took place early in the contest. Finlay grabbed Knox's arm and tried to bend it, but the over-sized Knox got to the ropes. Pump kick by Knox sent Finlay to the arena floor. Also one of Sheamus' signature moves. Let's see how long it stays in Knox's arsenal. Both men traded blows on the outside until Knox powerslammed Finlay. Finlay made it back into the ring before the ten-count. Back-breaker by Knox after Finlay tried an open-hand punch. Finlay fought out of a rest-hold and Knox ran into a few boots. The Irishman came off the second rope, but Knox caught him in an impressive display of strength. Another miss from Knox, as he went shoulder-first into the ring-post. Finlay made his comeback and Rolling Thunder got two. Knox came out of a corner with a cross-body for a two-count. The big man took the middle turnbuckle pad off one of the corners. That's a new one. As the ref got rid of the pad from the ring, Finlay used the Shillelagh to the skull of Knox to pick up the victory. Grisham called it a dirty deed and without missing a beat, Striker added it was "done dirt cheap." I'm sure Vince approved.

WINNER: Finlay, at 6:46. Knox loses again. What else is new? I don't see why they don't put him over Finlay; he certainly has more upward mobility than Fit.

[Arcademan]

WWE Smackdown Results: 1-8-10

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

1 – KANE vs. DOLPH ZIGGLER

This is a re-match from last week’s Beat-The-Clock challenge. Hard right hand from Kane after he picked Ziggler up off the mat. Striker tried to get across the idea that Ziggler may be a loose cannon. Hey, give him the old Brian Pillman gimmick. Low dropkick by Kane for a two-count. Ziggler came off the second rope with a dropkick for only one. He got a DDT on Kane with Kane on one knee. Still only got a one-count. Lots of quick, unsuccessful pin attempts. Sleeper by Ziggler, which didn’t really go anywhere. Kane made a comeback with a corner clothesline and a big boot. Only a two-count though. Sidewalk slam for only two. Top rope clothesline by the seven-footer. Ziggler avoided Kane’s chokeslam and landed the Zig-Zag, but Kane was able to kick out. He went for a sleeper again and got Kane off his feet. The Big Red Monster got back to a vertical base and Kane stumbled through the middle rope and to the outside, with Ziggler holding on the entire time. As referee John Cone’s count reached eight, Ziggler let go and scampered into the ring. Kane couldn’t make it back in before the ten.

WINNER: Ziggler, at 6:20. I feel like there’s been a lot of count-out decisions lately. Even so, good win for Ziggler that makes him look relatively smart.

2 – R-TRUTH & CRYME TYME vs. THE HART DYNASTY & CHRIS JERICHO

The first minute or two of the match consisted of quick tags and high-energy offense from the babyfaces. Pump kick by R-Truth on Jericho as he maintained control over the self-professed face of Smackdown. Another kick sent Jericho to the outside as they went to break 2:45 into the match.

The show returned with Jericho in peril once again. David Hart Smith low-bridged Shad on an attempt to run the ropes, and Nattie got in a cheap shot on the outside. Another heat segment started up with Shad Gaspard being worked over by the heels. At the 9:30 mark, Shad made the hot tag to JTG as Striker spazzed out on commentary. R-Truth dispatched Kidd from the ring and Shad booted him out for good measure. Jericho sent Gaspard to the outside and JTG rolled him up for a near-fall. JTG went off the top but got caught by Jericho and put into the Walls of Jericho – the REAL version of the move, not the wussy Boston Crab it has turned into. And hey, Jericho picked up the win with it!

WINNERS: Jericho and the Harts, at 10:41. Good work from all six men. Felt different than the numerous other Hart Dynasty vs. Cryme Tyme matches that I’ve had to sit through.

3 – LUKE GALLOWS vs. MATT HARDY

This is Gallows’ first singles match. The two men went back and forth, with Hardy failing to suplex Gallows, and Gallows dropping Hardy stomach-first over the top rope and gave him a punch to send him to the outside. After sending Matt into the ring, Gallows landed a back suplex for two. Sunset flip by Matt, but he couldn’t even get a one count. Gallows mounted Matt and punished him with rights. The former Festus missed a splash in the corner and Hardy capitalized with a moonsault off the top rope. That got him a two-count. Tornado DDT by Hardy for another two. Hardy to the second rope, but Punk provided a distraction and Gallows downed him with a big boot. That led to the Gallows’ Pole (or, the 12th step) for the pin.

WINNER: Gallows, at 5:46.

4 – BETH PHOENIX vs. LAYLA

Layla looked a bit hesitant coming to the ring, but Michelle McCool accompanied her down and tried to instill some confidence in her. Beth shoulder tackled her, then gave her a version of an airplane spin. Beth pointed at McCool at ringside. Layla, on the outside, was thrown back into the ring by McCool. Layla went after the knees of Beth and then kicked her in the head. A few more kicks, then she jumped on Beth’s back. Phoenix flipped her to the mat, stood Layla up and gave her the Glam Slam. Fin.

WINNER: Phoenix, at 1:44. Interesting four-person feud here; better than the usual storylines we get from the Divas.

5 – REY MYSTERIO vs. BATISTA – WINNER WILL FACE UNDERTAKER FOR THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHP AT THE ROYAL RUMBLE

Mysterio used his quickness out of the gate, but Batista caught him and slammed him back-first into the turnbuckle. Back-breaker by the Animal, as he taunted Rey. Rey got his feet up in the corner on a charge and he tried to springboard hurricanrana the big man, but Batista wouldn’t let him. Rey did manage to set Batista up for a 619, but Batista escaped to the outside. As Rey followed him, Batista managed to send him back-first into the ring post as they went to break.

Rey was seated on the top rope and he fought away from Batista. Frogsplash off the top by Rey, but he came up lame afterward as well. Grisham said Batista raised his shoulder, catching Rey’s ribs and perhaps knocking the wind out of him. Batista caught Rey on another springboard attempt and planted him on the mat. And another. Batista speared Mysterio, then flexed before doing his Warrior routine. As he set up for a Batista Bomb, the lights went out and the gongs went off. When they came back on, both Mysterio and Batista were down in the ring. Batista was holding his head. Mysterio got to his feet and pummeled Batista in the noggin. Wheelbarrow into a bulldog by Rey Rey. Batista, however picked up Rey, but Rey DDT’d him. Striker noted that Batista had “those Johnny Walker eyes.” Mysterio connected on the 619, but again the lights went out and the gong played. This time, Mysterio and Batista were both again down. Crowd booed this time. The lights went out a third time and this time, Taker’s full entrance played. However, he never came out….and the show ended?

WINNER: No Contest, at 10:45. Not only did they not announce the winner, a pet peeve of mine, they went off the air with the match not officially ending. I predicted a Triple-Threat match at Royal Rumble on the Pro Wrestling Torch Livecast yesterday, and it looks like that’s where they’re headed.

[Arcademan]

WWE RAW Results: 1-11-10

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

1 -- KELLY KELLY vs. ALICIA FOX -- First Round Divas Title tournament match

Kelly held control initially, working over Alicia's neck. She then tried to win with her usual head scissors-like maneuver, but Alicia countered with a powerbomb for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Alicia Fox at 2:25. The match happened, but it was typically short. Now Alicia, Maryse, and Gail Kim have advanced. Need a second babyface to complete the four semi-finalists.

2 -- LEGACY (CODY RHODES & TED DIBIASE, JR.) vs. MARK HENRY & EVAN BOURNE

Legacy isolated Bourne early on as the announcers speculated whether the Rumble will drive a stake through Legacy. Cody then busted out a beautiful dropkick on Bourne before slowly taking him apart. Bourne eventually made the hot tag to Henry at 3:15, leading to Henry cleaning house. Henry then tagged in Bourne for the Air Bourne on Cody, but DiBiase yanked Cody out of harm's way. DiBiase followed by suckering Henry into a dive over the top rope. Bourne then smashed Rhodes with a knee strike, but Cody caught Bourne from behind with Cross Rhodes for the pin and the win.

WINNERS: Legacy at 4:15. Summary of this is that Legacy teased tension yet again, Bourne was a ragdoll, and if WWE wants to utilize Henry and Bourne, there is potential for a nice tag team here. Something about this power & size combo would work if Henry can soften up an opponent, then Bourne can hit his Air Bourne finisher. (*)

3 -- JACK SWAGGER vs. SANTINO MARELLA -- Over-the-top-rope challenge

Swagger rammed Santino across the turnbuckles before hitting his running Vader Bomb. Swagger then tried to run Santino over the top rope, but Santino pulled a trick out of the bag ducking down to eliminate Swagger over the top rope. Swagger sold anger ringside post-match, then he tried to chase Santino, who bolted up the entranceramp to the back.

WINNER: Santino at 0:52. Pretty darn pointless. The carnival wrestler is supposed to win the first few, but look vulnerable, to get the marks in the crowd to think they have a shot. Swagger wasn't supposed to lose the first challenge. The highlight of Swagger's night was cutting off Michael Cole. (n/a)

4 -- RANDY ORTON vs. KOFI KINGSTON vs. JOHN CENA -- #1 contender match

The bell sounded and Orton kicked Cena in the gut. Kofi and Cena then double-teamed Orton and some awkward in-ring wrestling occurred. Orton tried to bail, but Cena threw Orton into the ring. Worth noting Orton is the heel here, but he's getting double-teamed. Kofi then chucked Orton to the floor, leaving Cena and Kofi alone in the ring. Sheamus then came out on stage for a closer look. Cena told Sheamus to come on down, but then Orton caught both Cena and Kofi from behind to take control going to break. Poor first three minutes to start the match.

Back from break, Sheamus was still on the entranceramp and Orton was still in control. Orton then dropped Cena with his "vicious" horizontal DDT from the middle rope. Orton got up, but walked into a high cross-body splash from Kofi, who scored a two count. Orton came back with a fallaway backbreaker on Kofi, but Cena attacked Orton. Kofi then hit the SOS sweeping back drop on Orton for a two count. Kofi warmed up the Boom Drop on Orton, but Cena caught him with the STF in center ring. Kofi held on forever before Orton finally broke up the hold. Cena then fired up his usual routine on Orton before delivering the Five Knuckle Shuffle. Cena wanted to follow with the FU, but Kofi yanked Orton down and chopped Cena across the chest. Kofi followed with a dropkick and leaping clothesline before hitting the Boom Drop. Crowd seemed to die as Kofi took control here. Kofi then hit the Trouble in Paradise, but Cena rolled to the outside.

Kofi turned to Orton for ten punches in the corner, while, suddenly, Cody Rhodes showed up ringside to kick the ring steps into Cena. The ref reprimanded Cody while Kofi and Orton waited forever for DiBiase to show up and interfere on Orton's behalf behind the ref's back. Orton then stalked Kofi, who was on his feet at this point, and hit the RKO center ring. Orton sold frustration with the finish, then made the cover for the win. Post-match: Sheamus glared back at Orton, who stood tall in the ring with Legacy. Sheamus vs. Orton at the Rumble.

WINNER: Orton at 11:15. Clunky, disappointing match. Kofi was off, Kofi and Cena working together in the beginning was off, DiBiase was slow with the final interference, and the finish was off. Orton vs. Sheamus is an all right match-up. (3/4*)

5 -- EVE vs. KATIE LEA BURCHILL -- First Round Divas Title tournament match

Eve made a comeback at 1:25 after Katie held the early advantage. Katie became frustrated when she couldn't put Eve away, then Eve rolled her up for the pin and the win. There's your second babyface in the next round of the tournament. Post-match: Maryse threw down her headset and did a hand-motion telling Eve to get out of her immediate vantage point. Such great charisma.

WINNER: Eve at 1:52. Just there and expectedly short. The brackets were shown on the screen showing Maryse vs. Eve and Gail vs. Alicia in the semi-finals.

6 -- Unified tag champions DX (TRIPLE H & SHAWN MICHAELS) vs. MIKE TYSON & CHRIS JERICHO -- non-title match

Michaels and Tyson were in the ring to start. There should be a sense of anticipation in the arena, but there isn't just yet. Tyson took control early on by shoving Michaels down three times in a row. Michaels tried to surprise charge Tyson, but Tyson answered with a shoulder tackle. Hunter then entered the ring to stare down Tyson and try to intimidate him. They locked up and battled to the corner where things got intense with Tyson shoving Hunter after Hunter tried to shove him. Jericho then tagged in and DX worked him over. Michaels tried to roll up Jericho from behind, but Jericho kicked out and smashed Michaels. Jericho then tagged in Tyson and told him to KO Michaels. Suddenly, Hornswoggle's music hit and Horny danced to the ring in a green boxing outfit. Tyson laughed and tagged in Jericho.

All five men were in the ring together with Tyson standing behind Jericho. Tyson then took off his black t-shirt to reveal a DX t-shirt. Jericho heard the crowd roar, then he slowly turned around to see Tyson sporting the DX shirt. Jericho begged off, then Tyson landed a right hand blow. Jericho ducked too soon and Tyson grazed his chin. Multiple replays were shown, but they were all from angles not to reveal how much light there was between punch and chin. Michaels then covered Jericho for the win. Post-match: Tyson and DX celebrated in the ring. Hunter scooped up Tyson's son from ringside and he celebrated with Tyson. DX, Hornswoggle, and the Tysons then closed the show with the DX crotch chops and poses to close the show.

WINNERS: DX at 4:40. A "feel good moment" that captured everything that is wrong with WWE's top show in terms of being captivating episodic TV. There are no hot angles (which is why WWE is depending on 12 years ago for material). This was unbelievably predictable. There was no anticipation for next week at the end of the show. DX as a unit is the centerpiece of the show, but not involved in an actual feud. The guest hosts are involved in each week's self-contained storylines, but the hosts disappear next week after having a "feel good moment." WWE is left starting over the following week with a new guest host incorporated into storylines. It captures why there was no anticipation for this match at the beginning of the main event because WWE is now just presenting safe, basic TV fit for house shows and not for TV main events trying to compel viewers to tune in. (n/a)

[Arcademan]

ECW on SyFy Results: 1-12-10

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

1 -- THE HURRICANE vs. ZACK RYDER (w/Rosa Mendes)

Suddenly, back from break, there was a match in the ring with Hurricane against Ryder. Looked like that would be end of it for this week pre-commercial. Josh Mathews said ECW GM Tiffany booked a match between the two during the break. Anyways, Ryder was in control working over Hurricane as the announcers provided motive for this: Hurricane wants to rid ECW of the self-centered Ryder. Ryder hit the Rough Ryder leg lariat at 3:00, but Hurricane kicked out. Ryder finally got some heat arrogantly flashing the LI to the crowd, then he went back to work on Hurricane.

The crowd eventually came to life as Hurricane teased a comeback before hitting a neckbreaker. Hurricane then hit a Hurri-Cut out of the corner before going up top, but Ryder cut him off with Rosa slapping the mat repeatedly to offer encouragement. Ryder then followed with the Zack Attack on Hurricane for the pin and the win. Afterward, Ryder and Rosa celebrated while Hurricane gritted his teeth in frustration.

WINNER: Ryder in 6:00. Okay match. Ryder dominated and picked up the win, which was a double whammy for Hurricane. WWE didn't even give Hurricane the benefit of Even-Steven booking where Ryder snuck out a win by the skin of his teeth. He was booked to pretty much dominate other than two or three signature moves from Hurricane. (*)

2 -- GOLDUST vs. TRENT BARRETA (w/Caylen Croft)

Goldust was sporting some scary-looking black facepaint beyond his usual facepaint look. I'm having really bad flashbacks to TNA storylines with Rellik. Goldust started with an aggressive attack and dominated Barreta before taking him over the top rope to the floor. Barreta then suckered Goldust into a neck drop across the top rope to take control. Barreta followed with a running clothesline on the floor after a high-pitched tribal scream. Apparently his trademark is screaming like a girl. Back in the ring, Barreta took control on "the maverick, the non-conformist Goldust," according to Mathews. Goldust then made a comeback and wanted the Curtain Call, but Barreta slipped out and ran to the corner. Barreta followed with a big elbow smash out of the corner before hitting a running knee to the face with another high-pitched scream for the pin and the win. I can almost picture John Cena making fun of this guy on a regular basis six months from now.

WINNER: Barreta in 6:00. Another just okay match. The crowd is dead or at least sounds dead, so it's difficult to gauge how well the wrestlers connected with the crowd. Barreta has potential, but that high-pitched scream needs some work if that's going to be his trademark. Meanwhile, Goldust continues to be under-utilized unless this is a start of a program similar to Goldust vs. Sheamus that was one of the better ECW programs in 2009. (*)

3 -- ECW HOMECOMING BATTLE ROYAL

The bell sounded ten minutes before the top of the hour and everyone fed Kane, who was presented as the monster and favorite. And there went Bourne over the top rope 15 seconds in the match. That explains why they didn't want to focus on Bourne at all on this show so no one watching would notice the early elimination or be disappointed. Down to seven, the men in the ring began teasing eliminations in standard battle royal form. To fill time, Christian berated the announcers for not asking his prepared questions. Christian said he came to ECW with a chip on his shoulder to prove he's the very best. Yoshi and Punk worked in the corner for a bit and the audience came to life as Punk teased eliminating Yoshi, then Yoshi teased eliminating Punk. But, everyone was safe (except for Bourne) going to break.

Back from break, everyone was safe (except for Bourne). Punk was again teased for an elimination, then Archer ended up on the apron to be eliminated by Shelton, who also eliminated himself with a cross-body splash taking both of them out. Afterward, their brawl continued on the floor as the action continued in the ring with five men left. Christian said he feels Yoshi is the biggest threat to his spot right now, but he's not going to roll over and hand it to him.

Jackson caught Hardy over the top rope and tried to eliminate him, but Hardy held onto the top rope before Jackson smashed him off the ropes to the floor. So, we're down to Zeke, Yoshi, Punk, and Kane. They had a four-way stare down before Punk smashed Kane with a high knee, only to eat a clothesline from Jackson. Zeke then chucked Punk clear over the top rope for a big pop. Suddenly, Kane chucked Yoshi over the top rope out of the corner. And now we're down to Kane and Jackson. Kane turned his shoulder to smirk in Jackson's direction anticipating a big man match-up. Christian said it's safe to say it won't be an easy night come the Rumble.

Jackson screamed and shouted in Kane's direction, saying, "You got nothing!" They locked up and battled near the ropes with the fans chanting for Kane. Jackson teased a bodyslam elimination, but Kane held onto the top rope to block before landing an uppercut. Kane then repeated the spot of teasing an elimination of Zeke, but Zeke fought off. Kane then tried the chokeslam, but Jackson elbowed out. Kane then followed with a big boot that popped the crowd. Kane tried to follow with a top rope move and he missed with the clothesline. Jackson then clotheslined Kane over the top rope to the floor, which drew shrieks from the crowd, and there is your winner and new #1 contender.

Post-match: Jackson screamed in victory while Christian dropped his headset and stared up at Jackson from the announce table. And old friend, William Regal, entered the ring and patted Jackson on the shoulder before staring down at Christian. After the announcers recapped a video package on the highlights from the match, the show closed with Jackson & Regal staring at Christian, who held up his ECW Title while selling a bit of concern.

WINNER: Jackson in 15:00 to become #1 contender. Good, formula battle royal. WWE virtually gave away the finish on the house shows this weekend when Christian and Jackson worked three straight shows to warm up for their Royal Rumble one-on-one match, but this was good drama, especially with the final four. It was nice to see Yoshi get some strong focus despite losing the match. (**1/4)