Topic: The Official Wrestling Thread (now with more news and stuff) (Read 496340 times)

Arcademan · « **Reply #540 on:** October 03 2010, 12:35 am »

WWE NXT Results: 9-28-10

While you can read what happened on last night's show via Caldwell's complete report at PWTorch.com, there were no wrestling matches on the show last night, only two challenges. Here's the updated Season 3 Scoreboard after Week 4:
-- A.J.: 3 points
-- Naomi: 2 points
-- Kaitlyn: 2 points
-- Jamie: 1 point

Last night's final episode of NXT on Syfy scored a 0.7 rating and averaged 964,000 viewers over the course of the show.

It was the first time an episode of NXT averaged fewer than 1.00 million viewers, making it the least-watched episode of NXT on Syfy to conclude the series's cable TV run.

The previous NXT low was 1.00 million viewers on May 4 during Season One. The Season Two low was 1.05 million viewers on June 29.

The following is a break down of the four-episode run for NXT Season Three on Syfy:

Sept. 7: 1.15 million viewers
Sept. 14: 1.21 million viewers
Sept. 21: 1.05 million viewers
Sept. 28: 964,000 viewers
Season 3 average: 1.09 million viewers

Arcademan · « **Reply #541 on:** October 03 2010, 12:37 am »

ROH on HDNet Live Results: 9-27-10

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

1. The Kings of Wrestling (Chris Hero and Claudio Castagnoli) defeated the Super Smash Brothers (Player Uno and Player Dos) in a non-title match in 6:55. Dos was competitive with Hero for the first minute or so, and when Uno tagged in, they hit a couple nice double-teams.

Claudio tagged in and the KOW went right back in control. He hit a military press slam on Uno for a two count. Dos got a hot tag and hit a twisting body press to Hero the floor and Evan Bourne style double knees to Claudio in the ring for a two count. Dos went up top but Claudio hit an uppercut, then another, and then a superplex followed by a Hero top rope moonsault for the pinfall victory.

Joe's Judgment: The SSB are underutilized, Dos in particular. Solid seven minute match and the Kings were great as usual.

2. Daizee Haze defeated Rachel Summerlyn in 3:42. Summerlyn dominated the opening minutes, with a fisherman neckbreaker type of thing getting a two count. Both women tried to get a backslide, and Summerlyn turned it into a Gory Bomb for a two count. Summerlyn reversed a Daizee German suplex for another two count, but in the end Daizee hit the Heart Punch and then a German for the pin.

Joe's Judgment: That was pretty damn good compared to what I was expecting. If ROH could start to take women's wrestling seriously, it could be a selling point.

3. Steve Corino defeated an unnamed wrestler in 2:09. Steen did running commentary on the live mic. Corino did the octopus stretch bit where he puts his thumb in inappropriate places on the other wrestler's body. Steen yelled "that's what he did to your mother last Wednesday, and she loved it."

Corino eventually won with a sliding lariat and pulled out a fork, but Colt Cabana ran out for the save, followed by El Generico. Colt told Corino to get in the ring, but Corino declined.

Joe's Judgment: Steen should do commentary on every match. Like last week, more time for the post-match would have been nice, but it was effective for the short allotted time.

4. Roderick Strong and the House of Truth (Christian Able and Josh Raymond) defeated Christopher Daniels and the Briscoes in 14:44. Raymond started with Daniels and was destroyed. Jay Briscoe tagged in and Raymond tagged in Able. Strong tagged in at 4:00 and Mark hit some redneck kung fu, but Strong eventually gained control.

At 5:30, the HOT hit a pretty nice double team on Daniels, but he kicked out at two. Jay Briscoe tagged in and the Briscoes double teamed Raymond briefly. Shortly after Strong beat on Mark and Able tagged in. Mark hit a neckbreaker and tried to make a hot tag, but Strong knocked both off the apron.

Strong controlled Mark for another couple minutes, and just when Mark was starting to make a comeback, he missed a crossbody, but made the tag to Daniels just seconds later. Daniels cleaned house on the entire HOT and hit the Fall From Grace on Strong. Jay hit a Death Valley Driver on Able, but Raymond did his shooting star crossbody on Jay. Mark threw him to ringside and hit a top rope moonsault to the outside.

In the ring, Truth missed a Book of Truth shot. Roderick went for a backbreaker of some sort, but Daniels rolled him up for a really good nearfall, and then again for a less good nearfall. He ran the ropes for something, and Truth tripped him, leading to Roddy hitting the gutbuster for the three count.

Joe's Judgment: Love Raymond and Able getting the rub from the world champ. Love the idea of Strong vs. Daniels. Love Strong going over. But the match itself... while it was far from bad, it could have been better. It felt like they never got out of second gear. Still a fun main event to a solid show that concentrated on all the right angles.

Arcademan · « **Reply #542 on:** October 03 2010, 12:39 am »

WWE Superstars Results: 9-30-10

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

1 -- BELLA TWINS (w/Jamie Keyes) vs. JILLIAN HALL & ALICIA FOX (w/Maxine)

The boilerplate match started off with a basic beginning as the Bellas took control of the match. The numbers game eventually caught up to the Bellas, allowing the heels to tag in and out trying to score a pin. Eventually, the match broke down into a four-way brawl until the Bellas pulled a switcheroo behind the ref's setting up a sunset flip pin on Alicia for the win. The Bellas and Jamie then celebrated on the outside as Jillian sold that she was dumbfounded by the latest turn of events against her involving the Bellas.

WINNERS: Bellas in 4:00. The story is like Tom & Jerry where the Bellas always find a way to outsmart Jillian and poor Jillian can't figure it out. (*)

2 -- JACK SWAGGER vs. KOFI KINGSTON

Let's see if they can duplicate the very good TV wrestling match they had on Smackdown a few weeks ago. Similar start with Swagger using his size and amateur background to take control of the match early on. Swagger landed a series of shoulder blocks, then Kingston kicked Swagger to the outside. Swagger caught his breath as Kingston waited for him to get back into the ring. Swagger eventually re-entered and kicked Kingston in the gut to slow him down. They cut to break with Swagger staring down at Kingston while in control of the match.

Swagger was in control back from break as the announcers focused on the match taking similar form to their match two weeks ago. "Can Swagger put Kofi away this time?" Grisham asked. Swagger tried the Anklelock at 10:00, but Kingston escaped, only to have Swagger shove his leg into the mat and applying pressure using his knee. Kofi escaped again, then went up top for a flying chop. Kofi landed chest chops, then a leaping tomahawk chop.

Kingston followed with the Boom Drop and went to the corner to set up Trouble in Paradise. Swagger ducked, but Kofi hit a flying cross-body block for a two count. Kingston tried a springboard back elbow, but Swagger blocked and shoved Kingston into the corner. Kingston positioned himself in the corner and Swagger followed with a Vader Bomb attempt, but Kofi blocked. Swagger then grabbed Kofi's leg for an Anklelock, but Kofi countered into a roll-up for a close two count. Good sequence.

Swagger teased a gutwrench powerbomb on the follow-up, but Kofi hit the STO. Well, it appeared that way, but Swagger rolled through into the Anklelock. Kofi reached the bottom rope for a break, but Swagger wouldn't release the hold, and he was DQ'ed on a five count. Swagger released the hold moments later, but Kofi was declared the winner. Kofi then regrouped on the floor selling the ankle work while Swagger seemed to be in an alternative state. On the outside, Swagger grabbed his prey and re-applied the Anklelock on the floor. Kofi screamed in pain as Striker suggested Swagger is trying to send a message to the "WWE Board of Directors" that he would like to be considered for a World Title shot. Swagger eventually dropped the hold as Kingston continued to sell on the floor. They ended the show with Swagger staring straight ahead with a demented, heelish look on his face heading to Smackdown tomorrow night.

WINNER: Kingston via DQ in 13:00. Another good match between these two. It didn't have that "big match" feel and wasn't given enough time to be quite at the level of their Smackdown match, but they had a very strong finishing sequence leading to Swagger getting over his heel persona and getting sympathy on Kofi in the end. Strong match to lead into the live Smackdown. (***)

Arcademan · « **Reply #543 on:** October 03 2010, 12:40 am »

TNA Impact! Results: 9-30-10

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

1. Tommy Dreamer and Rhino defeated Beer Money in a lumberjack match in 5:35. A.J. Styles, Matt Morgan, Ric Flair, Douglas Williams, Sabu, Raven, Mick Foley, Stevie Richards, and Brian Kendrick served as the lumberjacks. Taz was quick to explain the rules of the match during the opening minute. Tenay hyped next week's live show and the $100,000 battle royal. He also hyped the release of Foley's book for tomorrow in all major book stores.

Routine tag action early. Dreamer got a nice reaction when he entered the match at 4:00. A short time later, Rhino and Robert Roode tumbled over the top, which led to the the lumberjacks brawling. In the end, Storm missed a beer bottle shot and took Dreamer's finisher before being pinned. Afterward, Sabu performed a big dive onto the brawling lumberjacks at ringside.

Mick Foley took the mic and said he doesn't want to see anymore fighting. He said he wants two men in the ring - himself and Ric Flair. Foley said it's time for them to resolve their differences. Foley invited Flair to join him inside the ring. Foley instructed EV2 to step aside for Flair...

Powell's POV: Tenay's hype for Foley and Flair was terrible before the break. He said something about it being 20 years in the making and then delivered the rest of the line with the same passion he'd use to tease a squash match coming up after the break. If viewers sense that the announcer doesn't think it's a huge deal, why should they think it's a big deal? Anyway, the tag match was fine, but I hate the idea of a non-tag team getting the win over the best team in the business.

2. Generation Me defeated Ink Inc. in 4:55. Ordinary tag action without much heat. There was a cool spot late in the match where Moore performed a double huracanrana on his opponents. In the end, Max Buck caught Moore with a low blow while his brother distracted the ref, which led to the pin.

Afterward, Generation Me were setting up Moore for the move they used on the Motor City Machine Guns, but the Guns came out and ran them off. Generation Me lied on the stage while the Guns made silly looking mean faces. The Guns got the tag title belt back that Generation Me stole from them...

Powell's POV: Moore and Generation Me worked well together. Moore is underrated in the ring, and he's obviously carrying the green Jesse Neal at this point. I'm not crazy about Moore's look or the Ink Inc. gimmick, but it's a wise pairing of the veteran worker with the green rookie.

3. Mr. Anderson pinned Samoa Joe in 4:05. Pope and the announcers spoke about the Miss Tessmacher situation that was brought up last week. Anderson hit Joe with the Mic Check and pinned him clean. After the match, Kevin Nash came to ringside with Sting's baseball bat and told Joe, who was still in the ring, to join them...

Powell's POV: I generally dig Pope's mic work, but this was not good placement. He distracted from what should have been portrayed as a big match between two of the company's top stars. Sadly, the live crowd wasn't really into the action. Anderson is the title match so he couldn't be pinned in this match, but I was surprised to see Joe lose clean in a forgettable match.

A.J. Styles (w/Ric Flair, Matt Morgan) beat Brian Kendrick to retain the TNA TV Title in 4:20.the match was starting, Flair joined the announcers and cut a brief promo about his match against Foley. Kendrick wore his silly looking karate gi and wrestling shoes outfit to the ring.

At 3:30, Kendrick had Styles down. He went to the top rope and dove onto Morgan instead of Styles. Moments later, Kendrick went back up top, but Morgan crotched him while Flair distracted the referee. Styles hit the Styles Clash and got the win...

Powell's POV: So disappointing. Kendrick vs. Styles should be a great match, but I can't take Kendrick seriously in that bad Jedi ninja outfit. We're supposed to think he's crazy and unpredictable, but he just looks low budget and ridiculous.

5. Kurt Angle fought Abyss to an apparent no-contest in a cage match in 17:30. For some reason, Abyss was allowed to leave Janice in his corner. Angle got control of the match and picked up the weapon. Rather than strike Abyss with it, he threw the weapon over the top of the cage. Fortunately, not one died, as it landed safely on the floor.

Abyss rammed Angle into the cage. Angle bladed heavily. Later, Abyss went for a move off the ropes, but Angle recovered and hit the Angle Slam on Abyss. Angle climbed to the top of the cage. Abyss chokeslammed the referee. Tenay said they were out of time on Impact, but Reaction was starting right now.

TNA Reaction

Angle jumped off the top of the cage. Abyss tried to catch him and turn it into the Black Hole Slam. Angle landed awkwardly. Abyss rammed Angle into the cage. With the ref down, Abyss chokeslammed Angle. Abyss tried to revive the referee. He then frisked him. The announcers assumed he was looking for the keys to the cage.

Mr. Anderson's music played and he came to the ring and climbed over the top of the cage. Anderson entered the ring and punched Abyss repeatedly. The announcers assumed Anderson got involved because he respects Angle. Abyss fought back and hit the Black Hole Slam on Anderson.

Abyss went to the door of the cage and started shaking it. He lifted it up and the door came off its hinges. It looked really weak. Abyss shoved the door aside and headed to ringside where he grabbed the weapon he can't hit anyone with because he'd kill them. Angle recovered and fought Abyss when he headed toward the ring.

Angle ended up with Janice in his hand. Abyss started to leave and they cut to a preview for TNA Reaction. One of the teases was for "TNA executive Vince Russo with some shocking comments for Eric Bischoff"...

Powell's POV: A cage match without an f'n finish? You've got to be kidding me. Strong work from both men with the exception of that ridiculous leap off the top of the cage into an attempted Black Hole Slam. For that matter, Abyss lifting up the door, er, ripping it off its hinges looked really campy. These two worked well together, though, but TNA has to stop ruining gimmick matches. Overall, a ton of talk on tonight's show prior to the main event. Isn't that what Reaction is for? Entertaining at times, but the finish of the main event left me with a bad taste in my mouth.

Arcademan · « **Reply #544 on:** October 03 2010, 12:42 am »

WWE Smackdown Results: 10-1-10

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

1 – MVP vs. DOLPH ZIGGLER – INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

Fireman’s carry take-over by Ziggler for a quick one-count. Standing elbowdrop for a two-count from the champion. Vickie Guerrero was at ringside with Ziggler. He went for a sleeper-hold early on, but MVP got out and landed a few German suplexes. Running boot to the face for a near-fall. Ziggler ducked a clothesline but fell victim to an overhead throw. Ziggler rolled to ringside when Nexus walked out. They (sans Wade Barrett) attacked Ziggler to draw the DQ.

WINNER: No Contest (possibly Ziggler by DQ), at 1:37. Interesting way to end the first match on SyFy. They’re positioning Nexus as a big deal here.

2 – MICHELLE MCCOOL & LAYLA & ALICIA FOX & MARYSE vs. NATALYA & BRIE BELLA & NIKKI BELLA & KELLY KELLY

Grisham and Cole once again discussed Mick Foley’s book, “Countdown to Lockdown,” out today. Natalya gave Maryse an impressive-looking sit-down slam and used some high impact moves to keep Maryse down. She went for the Sharpshooter early on, but McCool ran in and broke it up. The Bellas landed a double dropkick on McCool and the match broke down quickly. Layla celebrated taking Natalya off the apron, but Hornswoggle, from under the ring, grabbed her by the ankles and tripped her up. He ran after Layla, but McCool kicked him right in the chest to knock him down. Baseball slide by Natalya took out LayCool. Maryse, the other legal Diva, went for her DDT on Natalya, but Nattie countered and applied the Sharpshooter for the submission win.

WINNERS: Natalya, Brie and Nikki Bella, and Kelly Kelly, at 2:34. A lot going on in this one, and none of it too interesting.

3 – NEXUS vs. THE BIG SHOW – FIVE-ON-ONE HANDICAP MATCH

Nexus came out, and as they did, they showed a replay of Nexus’ attack from earlier tonight. Slater and Gabriel held Show’s legs from the outside as Show was stranded in the corner, at the mercy of the rest of Nexus. Each member of Nexus hooked an arm or a leg of Show as he laid on the ground, with Barrett putt Show in a head-scissors. He couldn’t tap out but seemed to lose consciousness, so the ref called for the bell.

WINNERS: Nexus, at 1:30. Not much to it, but it did put Nexus over strong.

4 – CM PUNK vs. THE UNDERTAKER

Punk aggressively went after Taker in the corner until he was admonished by referee Mike Chioda. Taker grabbed Punk and just tossed him over the top rope and to the outside. Next, he threw Punk into the barricade. He did some of his vintage offense, including going Old School. He missed a corner charge, though, and Punk lightly applied the boots to Taker’s midsection. Shoulders to the gut in the corner, then a running knee to the face and a bulldog that Taker sold….well, not prettily. However, Taker did the zombie sit-up and Punk’s reaction was priceless. Taker went back on the attack and signaled for the chokeslam. That connected. It was followed successfully by the Tombstone for the victory.

WINNER: Undertaker, at 4:20. Not a great sign for Punk, but at least he got a high-profile match here. He seems to be in limbo right now without the Straight Edge Society with him.

5 – RANDY ORTON vs. CODY RHODES

Interesting match here. Rhodes was seconded by Drew McIntyre. Orton got the early advantage, but as he stalked Rhodes on the outside, McIntyre distracted him long enough for Rhodes to shove Orton into the ring post. Orton worked out of a rest-hold, and dodged Rhodes’ springboard kick. He laned the back-breaker, then an RKO out of nowhere. That did it.

WINNER: Orton, at 2:22.

After the match, McIntyre attacked, but before he could stick Orton with his DDT, Orton reversed it and gave McIntyre the RKO. Sheamus ran out and showed off his fiery red hand that he talked about, with his right arm covered in red padding up to the elbow. He attacked Orton with it, then gave him a Brogue Kick.

6 – KANE vs. JOHN CENA – LUMBERJACK MATCH

Kane put the boots to a fallen Cena in the corner to start things off. Low dropkick from Kane, then a two-count. Kane continued the assault unabated for the first few minutes. He tossed Cena to ringside, where the sharks that are Nexus went on the attack. Eventually they did throw him back in the ring, where Kane took back over on offense. They went to break a little over two minutes into the match.

Kane continued to hold Cena down on the mat as they returned from break. Cena finally went on offense after a missed move by Kane. He hit his pet moves and sent Kane to the outside. Nexus paused and Kane fought them off. Cena then went out on the other side and fought off Nexus himself as well. He started backing up the ramp, away from the match for some reason. As he did this, Undertaker’s bell tolled and the lights went out. When they came on, Taker was standing behind Kane. Taker went to work with rights on Kane. No bell, but let’s assume this was a DQ.

WINNER: Kane, at 7:51. This no-decision nonsense is exactly what James Caldwell and I discussed on the Livecast today. Once in a while it’s OK, but when every TV main event ends with no decision, it is certainly exasperating.

Kane and Taker continued to fight, going through the crowd. Taker seemed to have the advantage at first, but Kane did fight back and they continued to trade blows. Back at ringside, Taker slammed Kane’s head into the steel steps. Taker mounted Kane at ringside and reigned blows down upon his brother. Kane got the better of Taker once they got into the ring, but Taker did his sit-up and Paul Bearer entered the ring with the urn. He held it high over his head, and Taker grabbed Kane by the throat. He then hit the chokeslam. Kane slinked away from the ringside area as Taker stood in the ring. Kane vowed to finish Taker this Sunday, but Taker’s music played as he posed in front of Bearer and the urn. They signed off at this point.

Arcademan · « **Reply #545 on:** October 04 2010, 01:11 pm »

WWE Hell In A Cell PPV Results: 10-3-10

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

1 -- DANIEL BRYAN vs. THE MIZ vs. JOHN MORRISON -- U.S. Title Match - Submissions Count Anywhere

During Morrison's ring entrance, they showed Jerry Lawler, Cole, and Matt Striker at ringside. What if the alarming drop in PPV buys lately is because so few people want to spend three hours of their lives with Striker being Striker? Cole went into his anti-Bryan bit, saying his dream ends tonight and he's going home without gold. Miz walked out and said: "This is ridiculous. I was the mentor of both of you. Neither you would be here if it weren't for me." He said without either of them, he'd still be a huge star in WWE "because I have 'it.' I have the star quality." He predicted he'll walk out as the U.S. Champion. He declared: "I never tap out because I am the Miz and I'm awesome." Lawler said Cole had goosebumps. Cole said Miz is fantastic and the future of pro wrestling.

The match began at 8:07 p.m. Miz ran from Morrison. Bryan battled Morrison in some chain wrestling as Miz observed from ringside. Cole hyped a number of countries WWE is watched in. It's not bad to push how many countries they're seen in, but anyone who posts on YouTube tonight might end up being seen in a few dozen countries by the end of this PPV, too, so it doesn't mean what it once did. Miz went after Morrison at 3:00. Bryan intervened and applied Cattle Mutilation on Miz. Cole couldn't believe that's what it was called. It's a strange name for a move applied by a vegan. Miz reached the bottom rope to force a break. Bryan threw some round kicks to Miz's chest. Then he settled into a leglock. Miz screamed in pain and tried to roll free. They kicked each other in the head with their free leg repeatedly. Morrison re-entered and gave a corkscrew moonsault to both men, breaking up the hold. Morrison then applied a leglock on Bryan. Miz broke it up at 5:00.

Miz and Morrison brawled into the crowd. Miz applied an armbar. Morrison slapped his way free. Miz put Morrison in a modified Dragon Sleeper up against a guard rail. Bryan broke it up. Miz threw Bryan face-first into the trash can. He slapped him and then called a spot. Bryan took him down with an armbar. Morrison joined in and they brawled onto the stage. Morrison threw Miz behind the stage lighting area. Then he leaped off the hockey boards with a roundkick. Miz charged at Morrison with an equipment box on wheels. He threw Bryan onto it and rolled it into the ramp. Morrison leaped over the box and kicked Miz, then surprised Miz with a leglock submission. Bryan intervened. Miz gave Morrison the Skull Crushing Finale on the floor at 10:00.

Miz and Bryan knocked each other down with simultaneous clotheslines. Morrison then climbed up the stage set and leaped off of it onto Miz and Bryan as they stood up, landing mostly on Miz. All three were slow to get up. They replayed the dive from two angles. Morrison got up and applied a Texas cloverleaf. As Miz seemed on the verge of tapping, Alex Riley interfered. Bryan jumped Riley and knocked him into the cameraman near by. Brian applied his Lebell Lock on the stage. Miz yelled for about five seconds and then tapped out. Because Brian made Miz tap out again, Cole conceded: "I admit it, Daniel Bryan is the real deal. I still think he's a nerd."

WINNER: Bryan to retain the U.S. Title in 14:00.

STAR RATING: ***1/2 -- Very good opener. Good mix of innovative submissions along with some big highspots and a satisfying finish.

2 -- RANDY ORTON vs. SHEAMUS -- WWE Title Match

When was the last time the WWE Title was defended on the second match on a show (perhaps not counting the Royal Rumble PPVs)? Sheamus came out first. Orton got a nice pop when his music played. Orton smiled with his eyes as he stared at Sheamus inside the Cell. During ring intros, Orton and Sheamus stared each other down about two feet from one another. The crowd chanted "RKO! RKO!" as the bell rang to start the match at 8:33 p.m. Cole said this match is so dangerous, there have only been 20 of them. I bet there have been fewer lingerie matches in WWE, so does that make a lingerie match even more dangerous?

Cole noted that Orton said he'll do anything, regardless of honor, to win this match, and that makes him especially dangerous in a Cell. At 1:00 Orton clotheslined Sheamus over the top rope to the floor. Sheamus threw Orton into the Cell wall, then entered the ring. At 4:00 they returned to ringside where Sheamus reverse whipped Orton into the cage and then clotheslined him. He picked up the ringside steps and threw them toward Orton, but Orton ducked out of the way. He then picked up Sheamus and rammed him into the wall of the cage twice. Striker said it'll be interesting how Sheamus feels after getting his first taste of the Cell. Orton picked up the ringside steps and hit Sheamus in the head with them. This is where WWE loses a lot of fans because they want to see blood in these situations. Sheamus reversed an Orton suplex attempt and then knocked him off the ring apron into the cage at 6:00.

Sheamus went on methodical offense against Orton. He removed a turnbuckle pad, but Orton blocked Sheamus's attempt to ram his head into the exposed turnbuckle. At 10:00 Sheamus remained in control inside the ring, mixing stomps and mat holds. Orton made a comeback at 11:00 and knocked Sheamus into the corner without the turnbuckle pad. Both were slow to get up. They exchanged punches in center-ring. Orton slipped out of Sheamus's arms and hit two clotheslines and a snap powerslam and a belly-to-belly for a two count. Orton was selling a lingering rib injury. Sheamus went for a one-arm slam, but Orton elbowed free and then set up for the RKO. Sheamus blocked it and then sent Orton into the ropes and hit him with a knee to his injured ribs on the rebound.

Sheamus brought the base of the ringside steps into the ring. Orton escaped a slam attempt and then powerslammed Sheamus onto it. Orton snapped Sheamus's neck over the top rope and then dragged him off the ring apron with a DDT onto the floor. Orton continued to sell his ribs. Sheamus got up and shoved Orton into the ringpost. Back in the ring, Sheamus climbed onto the steps with Orton in hand. He gave him a backbreaker. The announcers had to explain how that hurt more because there was no give underneath Sheamus's feet upon impact unlike on the mat. Sheamus then gave Orton his thrust kick tot he jaw for a believable near fall at 18:00. Orton's kickout got a nice pop from the crowd.

Sheamus grabbed a chair at ringside. He bashed Orton across the back and hip with it several times, then made another cover for a two count. Sheamus grew frustrated. Sheamus wildly swung a chair at Orton, but Orton ducked and he hit a sudden RKO. Sheamus rolled out of the ring. Orton was disappointed he couldn't make the cover. He followed Sheamus to the floor. Orton rolled to the floor and set up a punt kick. Sheamus, though, avoided the kick and then countered immediately with a thrust kick to Orton's face.

Sheamus rolled Orton into the ring and made the cover. Orton kicked out right before three at 21:00. Sheamus pounded the mat in frustration. He got up, played to the crowd, and moved the ring step base to center-ring again. Sheamus set up his High Cross, but Orton countered by sweeping Sheamus's legs. Some fans chanted "RKO! RKO!" Orton delivered with an RKO on the steps. He covered Sheamus and scored the three count.

Orton held the title belt in the air afterward and let a little half smile escape. He wrapped the title belt around his waist and then climbed the cage. He walked on top of the roof and held his belt in the air.

WINNER: Orton in 23:00.

STAR RATING: **** -- Very good title match. Not a match of the year contender (some bleeding would have helped in that regard), but nothing to complain about. Two pros putting on a good match.

3 -- JACK SWAGGER vs. EDGE

The bell rang to start the match at 9:13 p.m. Swagger went on early offense, but Edge made a comeback at 1:00. Striker said Cole reads those emails with such enthusiasm. Cole said he is just doing his job. Swagger dominated the first five minutes including a body scissors mid-ring. Edge attempted a comeback at 6:00, but Swagger blocked an leglock attempt. He countered by slamming Swagger back-first drop-slam to the mat and leveraged him into a two count. Swagger countered with an anklelock. Edge grabbed the bottom rope to force a break.

Edge climbed to the top rope at 8:00 and hit a flying dropkick. Cole said it's not often you see Edge climb to the top rope. Edge scored a two count. Not a ton of heat because, well, once again Edge turned without turning and this match wasn't scheduled (and therefore lacking that anticipation build-up over time). Edge climbed to the top again, but Swagger charged at him and threw him quickly to the mat. Swagger scored a two count. Edge came back and set up a spear a minute later, but Swagger side-stepped it and turned it into a gut-wrench powerbomb for a near fall at 11:00. Edge went one way and Swagger the other as Swagger went for a Dragon screw. Edge's knee torqued bad, but he apparently was okay as Swagger moved in with an anklelock. Edge grabbed the bottom rope, but Swagger dragged him back to the middle. Edge escaped on his own and hit a spear for the win.

WINNER: Edge in 12:00.

STAR RATING: **1/2 -- Good action, but felt a little flat for some reason despite a solid effort from the two wrestlers.

Continued in next post...

Arcademan · « **Reply #546 on:** October 04 2010, 01:13 pm »

4 -- JOHN CENA vs. WADE BARRETT -- Hell in a Cell Match with Special Stips

After a video recap of their feud, Barrett walked out to the ring first. Cena ran to the ring as Cole said Cena has been the poster child of WWE and "embodies everything this company stands for." He said tonight he puts it all on the line because if he loses, he must join Nexus (whatever that means, since they've left it to fans' imaginations what that entails). The bell rang to start the match at 9:34 p.m. They opened with a collar and elbow which Barrett quickly turned into a headlock. Cena countered quickly with an armbar. Cena leapfrogged Barrett and then hit a dropkick leading to a two count at 2:00. Striker said, "I can't believe I'm saying this, but Cena is out-grappling Wade Barrett."

At 4:00 Cena lifted Barett for the Attitude Adjustment, at which point the rest of Nexus came to ringside. Cena dropped Barrett and turned toward them. Barrett hit Cena from behind, then jumped to ringside to scold Nexus for coming to ringside despite his instructions. Barrett whipped Cena into the ringside barrier and then yelled at the rest of Nexus again asking them who was in charge. He threw Cena into the ring and made the cover. Cena kicked out at two. Barrett methodically fended off Cena's comeback attempts and remained on offense. A "Let's Go Cena" chant broke out at 7:00. Striker said every WWE Superstar has vested interest in the outcome of this match. Cole said they're glued to monitors backstage. Striker wondered if Cena would be subservient to Barrett if he's forced to join Nexus or if he'd try to lead it. Striker said he's intrigued by the possibility.

Cena made a comeback at 8:00 with two flying shoulder tackles and a sideslam. He signaled for the You Can't See Me routine and then dropped the Five Knuckle Shuffle. Big Show ran to ringside and attacked Nexus. Mark henry, Goldust, The Hart Dynasty, Kofi Kingston, Bryan, Chris Masters, Dolph Ziggler, Morrison, MVP, and Evan Bourne ran out and attacked the ringside Nexus members. As Cena watched wiht a smile, Cole said the playing field is even again. Cena then went for an STF, but a rested Barrett kicked out and sidekicked Cena in the gut. He then slammed Cena and scored a two count.

As Barrett continued a run of offense, Striker pointed out the young boys and women were cheering Cena while the men were cheering Barrett. Lawler said, "Your point?" It's not often, if ever, the announcers get that specific with detailing the crowd split with Cena. Barrett set Cena on the top rope, but Cena knocked Barrett down when he met him up there. He followed with a top rope legdrop to the back of Barrett's shoulders, which led to a two count. At 16:00 Cena lifted Barett for a AttAdj, but Barrett escaped and gave Cena his Wasteland finisher. "Oh no! Oh no!" said Cole, but Cena kicked out. Everyone took a deep breath - the wrestlers, fans, and announcers.

When Barrett stood, Cena surprised him with an AttAdj for a believable near fall. Striker said Barrett is as tough as they come. Cole asked, "Can you believe this match?" It has been good, with the match stipulation really adding to the drama of each near fall. Cena slipped on an STF next in mid-ring. Cole called for Barrett to tap out. A "fan" slipped the ring. The referee smothered him. Cena released the hold. A security guard joined the ref in subduing the "fan." Then someone else blind-sided Cena with a weapon. Cole asked, "What the hell just happened!" Barrett covered a KO'd Cena. Cole said, "No way! No way!" They cut to great shots of fans reacting to the loss - kids, women, men, all with their jaws dropped or holding their heads in shock. Cole said there was a hit and run. Striker said Raw live tomorrow night is going to be awesome. Striker asked if there was a shirt available to put on Cena now. He said nothing will ever be the same. "This is not happening," Cole said. "This is a tragedy." It looked on replay like Husky Harris hit Cena. He deserves a roster spot, so good if it was him. The initial fan could have been another NXT alum, but there was no shot of his face.

The Nexus celebrated in the ring and lifted Barrett onto their shoulders. Cena eventually got up as the crowd stood in stunned silence. Cena regained his senses and just looked blankly and gulped. They continued to show fans reacting with tears and disbelief and jaws dropped and arms crossed. Great camera work. Cena hugged a couple fans at ringside. Lawler said it almost seemed like Cena was saying good bye to his fans.

WINNER: Barrett in 18:00.

STAR RATING: ***1/2 -- Good match. Cena carried Barrett to a match that told a really good story. The post-match selling of everything was WWE at its best. Remember, Barrett wasn't in on that finish, and that wasn't necessary for that story to play out that way unless they're planting seeds for Barrett being upset with Nexus giving him a dirty win rather than him winning on his own, as he seemed confident he could do.

5 -- MICHELLE MCCOOL (w/Layla) vs. NATALYA -- Divas Title Match

As Natalya came out, Cole saluted the troops watching all over the globe. This match gets second-from-top billing not because it's considered a co-main event, but rather it's the match that could be cut down or expanded depending on how the show is running time-wise. That said, a good side-effect is making the title seem a little more prestigious based on the positioning on the show. The match began at 10:03 p.m. McCool and Layla double-teamed Natalya at ringside at 1:00. Back in the ring McCool applied a body scissors.

Natalya made a comeback at 4:00 Layla stood on the ring apron. Natalya turned her attention to her and grabbed her by her hair. McCool kicked at Natalya, but kicked Layla instead. Natalya rolled up McCool for a two count. McCool countered with a snap belly-to-belly. At 5:00 Natalya applied a sharpshooter. Layla threw her shoe at Natalya, prompting the DQ.

WINNER: Natalya in 5:00 via DQ so LayCool retained the Divas Championship.

STAR RATING: * -- On the way to being better than usual for a women's match in WWE, but that finish was bad.

Concluded in next post...

Arcademan · « **Reply #547 on:** October 04 2010, 01:13 pm »

6 -- UNDERTAKER (w/Paul Bearer) vs. KANE -- World Title Match / Hell in a Cell

After a video package, Kane came out first, then Taker and Bearer. Kane jump-started the match by attacking Taker as he and Bearer approached the cage door. The match began officially at 10:20 p.m. Taker beat up Kane at ringside, including jabbing him with a chair in the opening minute. Kane legdropped Kane and scored a two count early. When he went for a chokeslam, Kane countered with an eye poke. Kane then rammed a chair into Taker's abdomen and then bashed him across the back. They took turns on on the offensive for several minutes at ringside. Taker hit a guillotine legdrop at 7:00.

Taker body scissored Kane mid-ring. Kane fought out of it and punched Taker several times at 8:00. Taker fired back with a flying clothesline. Taker limped toward Kane and applied an armbar, then climbed to the top rope for the top rope walk. Kane quickly knocked Taker off balance by clotheslining his injured leg. Kane hit a top rope clothesline at 12:00. Taker, though, surprised Kane with Hell's Gate. Lawler said he didn't quite have the full grip. Kane shifted himself under the bottom rope to the floor and pulled himself free.

They both stood and gave each other simultaneous big boots to the face. Kane and Taker both sat up at the same time about 20 seconds later. They punched each other o their knees, which got the crowd involved and chanting along with each punch. Taker seemed to be getting the better of Kane, but Kane then stood and hit Taker with an uppercut. Taker came back seconds later with a chokeslam for a two count at 15:00. They showed Bearer at ringside hitting the cage and yelling, "Damn! Damn! Damn!"

Taker set up a Last Ride, but Kane escaped by hitting Taker's injured leg. He then chokeslammed Taker for a two count. The crowd didn't buy it as a possible finish. Kane punched Taker in the corner, but Taker countered with a powerbomb out of the corner for a more believable near fall at 17:00. Taker lifted Kane for a Tombstone, but Kane countered with his own Tombstone. He almost slipped trying to get a good grip. It led to a two count. Kane couldn't believe Taker kicked out. He turned to the ref, yelled, "That was three!" and then punched the ref. He pounded the mat and threw a fit. The ref at ringside called for help from the back. They opened the cage door and several officials and referees helped that ref out of the ring.

Bearer walked into the ringside area and was locked inside the Cell. Kane saw that and walked toward Bearer. Bearer waddled away. Kane ordered him to enter the ring. He had the urn with him. He begged off in the corner. Kane told him he shouldn't have come back. "Do you have any idea what I'm going to do to you?" he said. Taker, though, sat up and chokeslammed Kane. Taker looked at Bearer, who held up the magical urn. Bearer smiled. Taker rolled his eyes back and then did the throat-slice gesture. Thunder noises filled the arena and the lights flickered purple. Bearer opened the urn and a light shined out of it into Taker's eyes, blinding him. Bearer held it in front of Taker and told him to stand, but he looked devilish. He handed Kane the urn. Taker looked confused. Kane looked confused, too, but he grabbed the urn. Kane then KO'd a stunned Taker in the face. The crowd booed. Kane gave Taker a chokeslam for the win. Cole said it was the ultimate act of treason. "Why would Paul Bearer bring Undertaker back from the brink of destruction just to destroy him again?" asked Cole. Good question.

WINNER: Kane in 22:00.

STAR RATING: **3/4 -- Some of the match was good, some of it dragged, and unfortunately the finish was just too complex or not well executed, as it came off flat and somewhat confusing as it played out. It's too bad because the pieces were there for a good turn, but perhaps Bearer is just so slow and awkward in his movements, it slowed everything down a little too much. Plus, if Bearer was going to turn on Taker, there were plenty of times in that match when it might have ended before he had the chance, and if appeared Kane wasn't in on it, so had Kane not hit the ref, Bearer wouldn't have had the chance to enter the cage to execute his plan. So Bearer, storyline-wise, was very lucky to have the chance to turn on Taker.

Arcademan · « **Reply #548 on:** October 06 2010, 01:18 am »

WWE RAW Results: 10-3-10

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

1 -- JOHN CENA & MICHAEL TARVER vs. EVAN BOURNE & MARK HENRY

The bell sounded and Cena walked center ring. Cena offered a handshake to Bourne, who accepted. Cena backed off to the corner as Tarver shouted at him that this isn't how they do it. Cena slapped in Tarver to "show him how it's done." Tarver then pounded on Bourne and shouted at Cena. Cole posed the question of whether Cena will be a willing partner on the other side of the break.

Back from break, Henry was working on Tarver as Cole reset a "surreal scene." Cole smiled as Henry pounded on Tarver, who was then taken into the babyface corner. Cena then pretended to stick out a hand for a tag as Tarver was isolated way across the ring. Cena continued to mockingly reach for a tag, which drew a crowd pop. Henry then tagged in and Tarver reached out for a tag, but Cena pulled his hand away. Cole wondered what Barrett is thinking about this. Suddenly, Henry and Tarver came to a standstill before Henry clubbed him across the back. Henry then stepped on Tarver's chest and tagged in Bourne. Bourne followed with a nice standing moonsault, but Tarver kicked out. Cena continued to mockingly reach out a hand for a tag.

Tarver fought back at 7:30 before Bourne caught him in the corner with a kick strike. Tarver then followed with a belly-to-belly suplex. Tarver tried to make another tag, but Cena dropped off the ring apron to start signing autographs. Tarver was pissed. In the background, Henry snuck in the ring. Tarver freaked, then Henry scooped him up and landed the World's Strongest Slam center ring. Henry with the cover for the win as Cena signed Cole's format sheet.

WINNERS: Henry & Bourne at 8:55. The match was mainly a set up for the post-match advancement, but it was needed to "give the fanbase some hope" and let Cena act like a babyface to the crowd's delight before the impending dilemma Cena would face. (*1/4)

2 -- ALICIA FOX vs. NATALYA

Immediately back from break, Alicia was in the ring doing a weird hand gesture toward Natalya, who was also in the ring. Eventually, Alicia made the gesture of a "heart breaking." Natalya won this in under 45 seconds with the Sharpshooter. She then posed in the ring and pointed to the crowd.

WINNER: Natalya at 0:38. If you blinked, you missed it. A quick squash for Natalya, but not enough emphasis on this one minute of TV for it to mean anything. (n/a)

3 -- U.S. champion DANIEL BRYAN vs. SHEAMUS -- non-title match

Cole noted Sheamus is a very frustrated man following his loss to Randy Orton at the PPV. Sheamus blasted away at Bryan over and over again. He landed about ten knee drops to the head near the ropes, causing a DQ. Bryan was face-down on the mat selling unconsciousness. Sheamus then finished off Bryan with the High Cross running Razor's Edge. Sheamus glared into the crowd before his music played.

WINNER: Bryan via DQ at 0:30. Of all the wrestlers on the roster to use in that spot, they chose Bryan fresh off an important U.S. Title retention on the PPV last night with no follow-up on Bryan solidifying himself as a legitimate force in WWE? We'll see if there's any type of follow-up to make right on that. It was the right booking of Sheamus in this spot needing to get his heat back after the title loss. (n/a)

4 -- LAY-COOL (Unified divas champion MICHELLE MCCOOL & LAYLA) vs. BELLA TWINS

Already in the ring back from break were the Bella Twins. Out came Lay-Cool as their opponents, with Lay-Cool able to cross over between brands with McCool the "Unified Divas champion." In the process, the "attraction" of being able to see brand-specific talent on separate brands continues to be watered down little by little. The Bellas quickly pulled off the Switcheroo and McCool went for a roll-up, only to be crucifix pinned. Layla was great selling from the ring apron. She had her back to the pin and started celebrating until the Bella's music hit. McCool sold embarrassment being pinned as Layla tried to make sense of what happened.

WINNERS: Bellas at 0:59. The combined length of two Divas matches tonight is shorter than the already super-short standard Divas match on Raw. (n/a)

5 -- 20-MAN BATTLE ROYAL -- #1 contender match for the WWE Title

Back live, everyone was assembled in the ring. Nexus + Cena were on one side against the Raw wrestlers. The bell sounded and Bourne was out at 0:08. Sheamus took out D.H. Smith. Regal was out via Cena. Cole then made a mistake saying Sheamus was unable to "retain" the WWE Title at Hell in a Cell. That would be "regain." Santino, then Zack Ryder were out. Primo was next via Mark Henry. Henry is taking out frustration from Saturday. Henry tried to eliminate Barrett, but Cena made the save. Henry asked Cena what's up. Nexus then ganged up on Henry and Cena could only watch as Nexus eliminated Henry. Otunga got in Cena's face, so Cena dumped Otunga over the top rope. Cole said Cena only has to help Barrett, not anyone else in Nexus. Barrett and Cena pointed fingers at each other as they cut to break.

Back from break, Morrison was on the offensive and even went after Cena before attacking Barrett. During the break, Barrett took out Kozlov. Also, Darren Young was kicked out via Nexus. Not a lot of prestige to this match with some of the involved participants. Also, no inclusion of the #2 champion on the Raw brand, Daniel Bryan, is curious. Cena and Barrett stood in one of corner, then Cena went after DiBiase. Sheamus teased an elimination of Slater, but to no avail. Morrison then took out Slater, which drew a pop.

At 10:00, DiBiase nearly eliminated Cena, who held on for dear life. Cena then broke free and saved Barrett from being eliminated. Nice "nearfall." Morrison then eliminated Kidd via springboard Flying Chuck. Down to about eight guys, including a very quiet Miz. Miz then got some TV time working on Morrison. Cena continued to play a bodyguard for Barrett before Cena and Miz came face-to-face. Truth then grabbed Miz from behind, but Miz kicked him away. Morrison suddenly busted out a sweet huracanrana from the ring apron taking Miz over the top rope to the outside. Sheamus and DiBiase then tried to separate Cena from Barrett as they hit the top of the hour.

Cole reset the show as Cena began clubbing Sheamus to protect Barrett. Gabriel suddenly teased an elimination before Truth awkwardly eliminated Gabriel with a kick. Cena and Barrett are the last two Nexus members now. Truth was out next, reducing the number of Raw wrestlers left. Barrett then dumped DiBiase over the top rope, ending his surprisingly long stay in the match. So, it's Morrison and Sheamus vs. Cena and Barrett. Lawler asked the "gray area" question of what happens if Barrett is eliminated, does Cena get fired? Cole said he doesn't know. Morrison then smashed Barrett with a kick from the apron, but he fell off the ring apron and eliminated himself.

So, it's Sheamus, Cena, and Barrett. Cena did his usual routine on Sheamus before dropping the Five Knuckle Shuffle. Cena then tried to eliminate Sheamus, but Sheamus came back with the Irish Curse backbreaker. And the crowd quieted down. Sheamus then stalked Cena for the Brogue Kick, but Cena ducked and Cena clotheslined Sheamus off the apron to the floor. So, it's Cena and Barrett. The crowd knew what was up as the two men slowly walked toward each other. Cena wanted to square off, but Barrett pointed over the top rope. Would Cena winning a guaranteed #1 contender match over-rule him getting fired? Puzzles wrapped in riddles. The crowd was hot as Barrett ordered Cena to eliminate himself. Cena slowly backed away to the ropes as the crowd loudly chanted, "Let's go Cena." Cena and Barrett then came forehead-to-forehead for a big meeting of the bulls. Cena gritted his teeth and approached the top rope. Cena then climbed over the top rope onto the ring apron. Cole said this is everything he lives for and he can't quit a match. Lawler said he's gone if he doesn't do this. Cena then slowly dropped to the ground and his feet hit the ground. Barrett is your new #1 contender.

Post-match: Exit Cena. Enter Randy Orton. 127 minutes into the show, Orton stomped out to the ring for the first time on the show with WWE Title belt in hand. Orton entered the ring and started circling around Barrett who peered down at him. The circle became smaller before they were within inches of each other. Orton then held up the WWE Title belt and maintained a glare with Barrett. Glare returned. "Is Randy Orton WWE's final hope?" Cole asked as they concluded the show.

WINNER: Barrett at 19:35 to become #1 contender to the WWE Title. The crowd was hot for the story, so that was a good sign for Week 1 of Cena as a Nexus member. Orton vs. Barrett is quite the intriguing one-on-one match, with the added back-story of Cena expected to help Barrett try to win the match.

Arcademan · « **Reply #549 on:** October 07 2010, 10:03 am »

ROH on HDNet Live Results: 10-4-10

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

1. Eddie Edwards defeated Kenny King (w/Rhett Titus) to retain the ROH World Television Title in 11:54. Good back and forth action for the first couple minutes led to Edwards getting a nearfall after kicking King after King did a back handspring.

At 3:30, they fought for a suplex on the apron, and King hit a gourdbuster on the ring frame and followed up with a leg drop off the guardrail that got a two count back in the ring. After Edwards broke out of an abdominal stretch, King took control again and went up top, but Edwards hit a superplex.

Edwards hit a couple clotheslines and sent King to the apron, and when King tried to slingshot in, caught him with a kick and dove onto King and Titus on the floor. Edwards hit a backpack stunner at 9:00 for a nearfall and then went up top. King avoided a doublestomp and hit his shotgun knees.

King went for the Coronation but Edwards landed on his feet. King hit a cartwheel kick for a nearfall. Edwards went for a Codebreaker off the ropes, but King caught him into a black hole backbreaker sort of thing and hit a springboard blockbuster for a good nearfall.

King tried a second rope powerbomb, but Edwards reversed into a huracanrana and locked in the Achilles Lock and King tapped out quickly. The crowd changed for Edwards as Mike Hogewood pointed out that Edwards won without Shane Hagadorn in his corner.

Joe's Judgment: Decent match. Nothing groundbreaking, but it was enjoyable to watch. I liked the lack of interference despite Titus being at ringside, and I also like the TV title being actually defended for once. The crowd popped for the Achilles Lock but otherwise weren't all that hot for the match.

2. Tyler Black defeated Mike Sydal in 4:20. Sydal is the younger brother of Evan Bourne, who wrestled on the indy scene, including ROH, as Matt Sydal. Mike Hogewood said that Black is "fulfilling his contractual obligations" with this match, and Dave Prazak said he was just upping his own worth by appearing. The crowd was very anti-Black, chanting "You sold out" before the match started.

Sydal hit a couple low dropkicks but was essentially dominated. Black hit a leaping dropkick to the head of a tree of woe-hung Sydal and Prazak called it "vintage Tyler Black", noting that he hadn't used it much since his days as a tag team champion.

Sydal got a rollup shortly after kicking out of a Black leaping lariat and then hit a few kicks. Black hit an F5 and then God's Last Gift almost immediately after and scored the pin.

Joe's Judgment: I miss Tyler already. I was down on him for a while, but this was a good short match that made him look great.

3. Davey Richards defeated El Generico in 17:07. Davey took down Generico with a drop toehold and worked a headlock briefly before Generico got up and hit a lucha armdrag and some chops. Richards worked the knee around 6:00 with various submissions. Generico slapped a bridging Richards, who had to break the bridge to return the slap, and Generico got out of the hold.

Generico got up selling the knee, and they exhanged forearms until Davey got a solebutt at 8:00 and went for his handspring enzuigiri, but Generico dropkicked him instead. Richards went to the floor and Generico hit his flip dive onto him.

Generico hit a crossbody for two at 9:00 and a blue thunder bomb for another two count shortly thereafter. Richards blocked a forearm strike and hit an enzuigiri and German suplex for a two count. Davey went for a superplex but Generico tried to break free.

Richards got the advantage on the top rope after a couple headbutts and hit the superplex. Generico got to his feet and they traded forearms some more. Richards hit the Alarm Clock and running forearm in the corner, but Generico hit a Yakuza and a half-and-half and went for the brainbuster, which Richards reversed into one of his own for a two count.

At 14:15, Generico crotched Richards on the top turnbuckle and hit an absolutely sick half-nelson superplex. Richards got his hand on the ropes for a great nearfall. Generico went for the top turnbuckle brainbuster but Richards slipped out and hit a dragon screw in the ropes.

Richards went up for the shooting star press and Generico followed him. Richards tried a sunset flip but was unsuccessful, so he just hit a kick and then went to an ankle lock. Generico sent him to ringside and tried another half-and-half suplex, which Davey countered into a rollup and then a Texas Cloverleaf, which ultimately caused Generico to tap out.

Joe's Judgment: Very good match. I would have preferred them not to basically forget the leg work for a few minutes in the middle, but it playing into the finish was great. Richards going over is the right call because he looks strong for his Final Battle title match, and Generico looks vulnerable for the big blowoff with Steen.

Arcademan · « **Reply #550 on:** October 07 2010, 10:04 am »

WWE NXT Results: 10-5-10

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

Arena: Michael Cole and Josh Mathews introduced the first show from WWE.com. On the stage, Matt Striker welcomed out the Season 3 Rookies and reminded them it's elimination week. The first competition is mechanical bull-riding. The Bella Twins gave a quick demonstration before the Rookies were up trying to earn points.

Naomi went 12.5. Aksana went 17.9 before being thrown down. A.J. was up next and went a measly 9.6. Jamie Keyes was next and dropped at 10.9. Pointless Maxine went 9.8. Cole noted she still won't win a competition. Kaitlyn glared at Vickie Guerrero before approaching the bull. She went 10.0. And the winner is Aksana. Her reward is a wrestling match up next.

Updated Season 3 Immunity Scoreboard:
-- A.J.: 3 points
-- Naomi: 2 points
-- Kaitlyn: 2 points
-- Jamie: 1 point
-- Aksana: 1 point

1 -- AKSANA (w/Goldust) vs. MAXINE (w/Alicia Fox)

Basic start with some basic wrestling holds as the crowd rallied behind Aksana. Aksana then finished off Maxine with a roll-up countering a roll-up attempt by Maxine. And Maxine remains pointless.

WINNER: Aksana in 2:00. I wonder how many people are watching this on WWE's website. About what you would expect from a wrestling match on a show where WWE has ensured the matches don't matter since they don't factor in the competition. (n/a)

2 -- VICKIE GUERRERO (w/IC champion Dolph Ziggler) vs. KAITLYN

The bell sounded and Vickie started doing warm-up jumping jacks. And some more calisthenics. Kaitlyn popped Vickie in the mouth and Vickie cowered in the corner to complain. Kaitlyn sold concern, then Vickie pulled a switcheroo and slapped Kaitlyn. She cackled, so Kaitlyn slapped her. That quieted Vickie, who slipped out of the ring as Kaitlyn sold concern again. Vickie then yanked Kaitlyn through the ropes to the outside and smashed her into the guardrail. Cole sarcastically noted the intensity of the blood feud boiling over on the grand stage.

Back in the ring, Vickie worked over Kaitlyn before Vickie started selling a back injury. Kaitlyn then capitalized with a backbreaker, which drew a pop, for a two count. Moments later, Kaitlyn scored a pin on Vickie to win the battle. Afterward, Ziggler entered the ring and Kaitlyn excitedly celebrated with Ziggler, who didn't seem to mind. Ziggler then tried to shake off Kaitlyn as Vickie screamed and left the ring.

WINNER: Kaitlyn in 6:00. Nice execution (with some expectedly sloppy spots) of a match with a good back-story built up over a period of weeks leading to a competition to settle the conflict. Basic pro wrestling storytelling.

Ringside: Striker was with the Season 3 Rookies to find out who's eliminated first. Surprisingly, Jamie Keyes is gone. The Bella Twins fell down on the stage to sell they were distraught. Jamie took the mic and thanked the audience before talking up the other Rookies. Striker then signed off the show after a 55-minute online broadcast.

Arcademan · « **Reply #551 on:** October 09 2010, 11:58 pm »

WWE Superstars Results: 10-7-10

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

1 -- CHRIS MASTERS vs. VANCE ARCHER (w/Curt Hawkins)

Back and forth they went early on with classic big-man offense and comebacks. Masters teased the Masterlock early on, but Archer slipped through the ropes to the outside to catch a break.

Back from break, Archer landed a clubbing forearm smash to the chest. Masters then fought back from a seated position before landing a series of strikes. Masters followed with a clothesline, then a spinebuster for a two count. Archer continued to sell face-down on the mat, so Masters set up for the Masterlock, but Archer landed a big knock-down boot that sent Masters to the floor. On the outside, Archer accidentally popped Hawkins with a clothesline when Masters ducked. Hawkins argued with Archer, then Masters yanked Archer back into the ring via Masterlock to score the submission victory. Hawkins was hands-on-hips in frustration during this finish.

Post-match: Hawkins entered the ring as Archer continued to sell on the mat. Hawkins then put a boot to Archer's face and went up top where he delivered a Shawn Michaels-style elbow smash to the chest. Hawkins then jumped out of the ring and shouted at Archer, who sold some more in the ring.

WINNER: Masters in 10:00. About what you would expect from Archer and Masters in the ring followed by some actual character development for Curt Hawkins, who played the role well. It's another classic WWE tag team split, but Hawkins should be given a shot at breaking out as a singles wrestler. (*1/2)

2 -- DARREN YOUNG vs. WILLIAM REGAL

Regal and Young locked up, with Regal getting the early advantage. Stanford will assuredly be screamed at for saying "the wrestling business" while discussing Regal's experience as a "crafty veteran." Regal and Young started trading right hands from a standing position before Young landed a running boot to the head for a nearfall. The match briefly went to the floor, then back in the ring, Regal caught Young with the knee trembler to the side of the head. Regal rolled over Young and scored a pin for the win.

WINNER: Regal in 4:00. Fine TV match with the right finish. WWE isn't ready to invest in Young yet, but when and if they are, he can begin a quest to prove his worth by going through Regal-level heels on the Raw brand. (*)

3 -- HART DYNASTY (TYSON KIDD & D.H. SMITH) vs. USOS (JIMMY & JEY USO w/Tamina)

Back from break, Tamina led out the Usos to face HD for the main event. Jimmy and Kidd started things off, with Jimmy gaining the early advantage with an arm wringer. Stanford noted Natalya breaking out as a singles threat to the Divas Title as Hart Dynasty took control of the match with Smith executing a powerslam off the ropes. The Harts continued to dominate as Lawler sold the idea that the Harts only had a minor tiff last week. Kidd then hit a flip dive onto the Usos on the floor and they cut to break.

Back from break, Kidd was on the defensive as they replayed footage from during the break of Kidd missing with a springboard elbow smash to lose control. Kidd then came back with a double foot dropkick on both Usos before tagging in Smith. Smith cleaned house and nailed a boot to the face before landing a Hogan-style leg drop. Tamina then grabbed Smith's ankle to distract him and allow the Usos to regain control, working over Smith. The Usos had a nice sequence of consecutive running butt bombs in the corner that resulted in a two count, then Smith finally made it to his corner to tag in Kidd.

Kidd dropped Jimmy with a spinning neckbreaker before firing up the crowd as he took Jimmy up top. Kidd wanted a huracanrana, but Jimmy knocked him to the ring apron. Kidd took out both Usos anyways, then dropped Jimmy with a top rope huracanrana. The action completely broke down, then Jimmy dropped Kidd with a nice standing kick to the face. Jimmy then went up top and hit a Superfly Splash for the pin and the win. Usos get the win over the Harts to create more tension with the Harts. They signed off with Smith selling on the floor and asking Kidd what went wrong.

WINNER: Usos in 16:00. Very nice TV tag match. The Usos looked sharp in the ring and WWE continued the theme of the night teasing tag team tension. (**1/4)

Arcademan · « **Reply #552 on:** October 10 2010, 12:00 am »

TNA Impact! Results: 10-7-10

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

1 -- KO champion ANGELINA LOVE & VELVET SKY vs. MADISON RAYNE & TARA -- Winner gets rights to "Beautiful People" name

The match started just before the start of the third quarter-hour with a wild brawl in the ring to get over this "grudge feud." [Q3] Miss T. came out on stage two minutes into the action to get a closer look at the division she's been put in charge of. At 3:00, Madison came in with a hot tag and the action broke down. Madison had the win in hand, but she tagged in Tara, who lost control of the match. Velvet Sky then hit a roundhouse kick on Tara and scored the pin for the win.

After the finish, the BP celebrated while Madison sold from ringside that she was distraught. Miss T. then cut a promo reminding the four of them that the KO Title will be on the line at Bound for Glory with a special referee. Miss T. then brought out Mickie James on stage and everyone shot her dirty looks. Mickie said everyone should have known she would make an "impact" in TNA. Mickie said she would be honored to crown the new KO champion at BFG, but she has her eyes on the KO Title. Mickie said it will be "epic." Her music hit and she hugged Miss T. as they cut away.

WINNERS: Love & Sky in 4:00 to retain the BP name. (*)

2 -- MICK FOLEY vs. RIC FLAIR -- Last Man Standing match

They went right to the blood with Flair opening up Foley's forehead after the promo exchange "last week." On the outside, Foley landed a low blow as blood continued to flow from Foley's forehead into his eyes. Foley then found a barbed wire baseball bat underneath the ring steps and brought it into the ring to drop Flair with. Flair went down to his knees and bladed. Another barbed wire shot and Flair was shown visibly taking a giant swipe across his forehead with a blade to open himself up.

The fight went to the announce table where Foley tried to use the barbed wire bat to open up Flair some more before Flair gouged him in the eyes. Flair then threw Foley off the stage through a merchandise table positioned on the ground below. They bleeped out a "holy s---" chant as Foley sold on the floor. Flair made his way down to Foley as they cut to break.

Back live, Flair was ramming an elbow into Foley's forehead inside the ring. During the break, Flair used Foley's book as a weapon hitting Foley over the back with it. Foley and Flair were covered in blood, with Foley bleeding buckets. Flair then went under the ring and retrieved some thumbtacks that he spread across the ring. Foley then blocked a corner attack and back dropped Flair across the ring into the tacks. That should have been the finish, but it turned into a mid-match transitional hold. Flair got up and begged off in the corner before Foley pounded him down to the corner. Foley then ran a barbed wire board into Flair's face. Flair got up at five to answer the ten count before Foley went under the ring to retrieve a table.

Foley set up the table in the ring, then Flair lured him into a crotch shot that decked Foley. Flair proceeded to place Foley on a table before going up top. He then dove off the top with a splash that took both men through the table. Flair then got up, but did a Flair Flop into the thumbtacks. The ref suddenly reached a ten count with Foley squatting in the corner. It just kind of ended there with Flair face-down on the mat and Foley gasping for air, the winner.

WINNER: Foley in 13:00. Just a disgusting match that was hard to watch. Sure, the blood was supposed to add intensity to the blow-off match, but it was just way, way over the top. It fits TNA's line of thinking, "Hey, we can use blood, unlike WWE, so tons and tons of something must make it better!" To make matters worse, the finish was non-conclusive; the match just ended with a random, non-dramatic ten count with Foley declared the winner while he was randomly squatting in the corner after a comedy heel spot from Flair doing the flop into the tacks.

3 -- ERIC YOUNG & ORLANDO JORDAN vs. INK, INC. (SHANNON MOORE & JESSE NEAL)

Young went for comedy early on pretending to lock up with Orlando after the opening bell. Taz talked in circles about Orlando's "character" as Orlando rubbed against Neal in the corner. Young then inadvertently distracted Orlando to allow Moore to tag into the match for Ink, Inc. Moore hit a moonsault on Orlando and scored a two count. Young then entered the ring and high-fived Moore. The match broke down, then Orlando low-blowed Moore behind the ref's back to score the win.

Post-match: Young tackled the referee and called for a time-out to over-rule the finish. Young told Orlando it's for his own good. Young said they are forfeiting this match. He proposed at Bound for Glory they get matching tattoos, then do the match all over again.

WINNERS: Young & Jordan in 5:00. With a locker room full of wrestlers who could put on a strong wrestling match to showcase TNA's talent roster, they went this route investing ten minutes of TV time on a comedy team in a comedy tag match. (n/a)

4 -- $100,000 BATTLE ROYAL GAUNTLET

Angle and Anderson started things off with a collar-and-elbow tie-up, leading to a stalemate. Every 45 seconds will be a new competitor. Coincidentally, Jeff Hardy was #3. Tenay covered by saying the Championship Committee wanted to "stir the pot" by putting the top three stars in the first three slots. There was no clock for the 45-second countdown and A.J. Styles was quickly out next. They cut to break with Styles slowly making his way to the ring.

Back live, several more men were in the ring as Tommy Dreamer's music was playing. A total of nine in the ring and no eliminations thus far. Jay Lethal then came out as #10. About 20 seconds later, Jeff Jarrett came out #11. He tried to eliminate Douglas Williams, but Williams caught the apron to block. The Pope was out next. Robert Roode joined the party with no eliminations yet. Sting was out next. After a few elimination teases, they cut to break.

Back from break, Abyss's music hit. So his reward for kidnapping Dixie Carter is a chance to win $100,000. Douglas Williams and Sabu were gone, then Jay Lethal, then Stevie Richards via Abyss. Sting was out. Kevin Nash then came out and high-fived Sting on the way to the ring. Nash wasn't even dressed to wrestle. Tenay plugged the conclusion of the match during Reaction after Impact. Matt Morgan was out next one minute before the top of the hour. Morgan started knocking down smaller wrestlers before coming face-to-face with Kevin Nash. The big men battle. They started trading blows before Samoa Joe's music hit.

Abyss eliminated both Nash and Morgan right as Joe hit the ring. Suddenly, Beer Money's music hit again to bring out James Storm. Dreamer teased eliminating Abyss, but Abyss held on. Abyss then eliminated GenMe as Shelley hit the ring. Rhino was out next as Kazarian was eliminated. Rhino went right after Abyss while Styles and Dreamer started fighting. Rhino was gone next. Abyss then tossed Jarrett, followed by The Pope. Tenay said that's all the time they have for Impact.

Reaction

After a brief video pause, Tenay reset the show as Abyss eliminated Shelley. The crowd was pretty quiet as men traded blows in the ring. Joe was gone next. Beer Money, the heels, then did their babyface Beer...Money dance. Roode then attempted to throw Storm out of the ring, but Storm skinned the cat. They hugged it out, then Abyss dumped both Beer Money members out of the ring. Next out was Dreamer via Abyss. Abyss then press-slammed Styles over the top rope to the floor. And they were down to the final four of Abyss, Hardy, Angle, and Anderson.

Hardy hit Angle with a Swanton Bomb, but Abyss chucked Hardy over the top rope to the floor. Anderson then took a chokeslam mid-ring. Suddenly, RVD's music hit. They went from 45-second intervals to 20-second intervals to a 10-minute interval for RVD all in the same match. RVD then eliminated both himself and Abyss. So, it was down to Angle and Anderson. Angle was selling his rib injury as both men came to their feet. Angle and Anderson traded moves, then Angle gave Anderson the Angle Slam over the top rope to the floor ten minutes past the top of the hour to win the match.

WINNER: Angle in 26:00 to win the cash.

Post-match: Angle held the cash and gave the belt-around-the-waist motion to Anderson, who stomped away from ringside while holding his hamstring.

Arcademan · « **Reply #553 on:** October 10 2010, 12:02 am »

WWE Smackdown Results: 10-8-10

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

1 –EDGE vs. JACK SWAGGER

And starting things off with a PPV re-match. Swagger came out with his eagle mascot and a mic. Swagger said he was glad Edge has been traded back to Smackdown. He ridiculed Edge for attacking his eagle mascot. Swagger had to restrain the eagle at ringside from attacking Edge. Edge threatened to make Swagger look stupid in three seconds, and said he had no problem flipping the bird. That was clever.

The match began with Swagger pulling at Edge’s leg in the corner until the ref broke things up. He went after the leg again, and Matt Striker said that Swagger was focusing on that Achilles tendon that was torn several months ago. Swagger did push-ups on Edge while he was face-down in the mat. That could come back to haunt him. He got the mascot up on the apron and they both waved their arms (or, wings in the case of the eagle). Swagger avoided Edge’s attack, and Edge speared the eagle off the apron. Swagger checked on his personal mascot as the show went to break.

Edge caught Swagger with a spinning heel kick, shades of Savio Vega, as they came back from break. Swagger grabbed Edge and brought his arm down over the top rope, and Edge ended up outside the ring. He continued to target the shoulder of Edge, bringing the arm across the steel ring post. They showed the eagle being loaded onto a stretcher during the break. More work on the left arm of Edge from Swagger. Edge fired back with a cross-body as Swagger’s throat was across the middle rope, and he rolled Swagger up for two. Back-breaker by the All-American American. Tornado DDT from Edge for a near-fall. Belly-to-belly suplex by Swagger for two. Edge brought Swagger down throat-first over the top rope and then got the crazy eyes and readied for the spear. Swagger countered by picking him up, but Edge rolled through, Swagger with an ankle-lock, but Edge slipped out. The back-and-forth sequence left both men flat on the mat, gasping for air. Swagger got up and locked in the ankle-lock, but Edge countered with a roll-up for two. Kick to the arm by Swagger. He got tripped up heading into the buckle and Edge hit the ropes, then hit Swagger with a spear for the win.

WINNER: Edge, at 10:18. I’m a little disappointed they’ve gone back to the comedy with Swagger after he showed that he can carry the ball as World Champion.

Edge got the mic after the match and said even though this is a PG show, he wanted Swagger to know that he definitely flipped the bird.

2 – LAYLA vs. KELLY KELLY

No headsets for LayCool tonight. Natalya came to the ring with Kelly Kelly. Kelly was dressed in a red, white and blue outfit for some reason. The two traded shoves, but Layla ended up getting the upper-hand. Layla kicked Kelly in the stomach, sending her outside. Back in the ring, Layla took out the knee of Kelly, then got a two-count from that. Kelly fired back by slamming Layla’s face into the mat several times. Clothesline, then another that was especially bad. Handspring elbow attempt, but Layla kicked Kelly in the lower back. Nice neck-breaker by Layla and she got the win from that.

WINNER: Layla, at 2:19. Not as terrible as it could’ve been. Then again, the standards are pretty low here, so it’s not hard to hit them.

3 –DREW MCINTYRE & CODY RHODES vs. KAVAL & KOFI KINGSTON

Kingston was cornered immediately by the heels, and worked over there after a quick tag. Kingston hammered away at McIntyre in the corner, getting the crowd fired up, only to have McIntyre avoid a splash and Rhodes to take a cheap shot at him. Kingston reached for the tag, but couldn’t make it in time. Rhodes tagged in while McIntyre was in a roll-up. Rhodes tried an Alabama Slam, but Kingston made the tag while he was in the move. Kaval did a handspring cross-body, but didn’t go for the cover. He used his kicks to take Rhodes to the mat and hooked in a Dragon Sleeper. McIntyre kicked him in the head during the move, and Kingston took Drew out. Rhodes tossed Kofi over the top. Stun-gun by Rhodes after a distraction by McIntyre. Cross Rhodes and the champions continued their roll.

WINNERS: McIntyre and Rhodes, at 3:10. Good TV match. Kaval and Kingston have promise as a team, but I’m doubting it’s a long-term thing.

4 – MVP vs. DOLPH ZIGGLER – INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

The two held a collar-and-elbow tie-up onto the ground then into the corner. Vickie Guerrero was at ringside with Ziggler, but had a look of complete disdain on her face. Belly-to-back suplex by MVP for a two-count. This three-man announcing booth is just not working for me. It’s worse with Todd Grisham than it is with Jerry Lawler on PPVs. Ziggler choked MVP on the bottom rope and Ziggler distracted the ref so Vickie could get a cheap shot in, but she didn’t go for it. Ziggler then got pissed at his main squeeze for not helping him out. He went outside the ring to plead with her, but she just walked away from him. “We’re a team!” he said. Vickie walked to the locker room and MVP nailed Ziggler in the back with a baseball slide. Both men were on the outside as they went to break.

Ziggler had MVP on the mat in a potential submission hold upon return. Fireman’s carry take-over for a two-count. Right hands began the comeback for MVP, but Ziggler jumped on his back and locked in a sleeper. He didn’t have it on well enough and MVP was able to break out. MVP took advantage and rolled Ziggler up for a few times, but only got two-counts. Ziggler fired back again with a near-fall of his own. Rear chin-lock for Ziggler, but again, MVP fought out, this time by stepping on Ziggler’s foot. Overhead throw by MVP and both men were down. Back to a vertical base and MVP had the advantage, but it didn’t last long. Ziggler was whipped into the ropes, but after he held on, he walked into a big boot. At this point, Kaitlyn walked to the ring. Ziggler put MVP in the sleeper but MVP backed Ziggler into the turnbuckle. Kaitlyn showed concern for Dolph. Kaitlyn tried to trip up MVP before he hit his Ballin’ elbowdrop. That allowed Ziggler to pop up and hit the Zig Zag for the victory.

WINNER: Ziggler, at 12:08. Interesting that Kaitlyn succeeded where Vickie failed here in terms of interfering and helping Dolph win. Match was good enough.

5 – ALBERTO DEL RIO vs. REY MYSTERIO

Del Rio opened the match by pounding on Rey in the corner, but Rey came back with rights. Del Rio dove at Rey, but Rey avoided it and ended up falling through the middle rope and to ringside. Drop-toe hold on Del Rio, who went head-first into the steel steps. Rey took Del Rio’s arm and wrapped it around the ring post. Hard kick to the chest of Del Rio as Rey was not letting up. He stood on Del Rio’s hand on the ring steps. Rey broke the ten-count by going back into the ring, then perched himself on the top rope. He flew off with a cross-body onto Del Rio on the outside. Hot, action packed match to start. They went to break here.

Del Rio was still on the outside, being checked on by Ricardo Rodriguez, before he went back into the ring. Mysterio dropkicked Del Rio, who was seated in the corner. His reaction was priceless, in that he had no reaction, just staring off into space as if he was out cold. The announcers hammered home the fact that the match has been all Rey. Mysterio went to the top rope, but Del Rio nailed Rey with an awesome step-up enziguiri that sent Rey to ringside. Back in the ring, Del Rio went for a cover and got one. Arm-bar applied, but Rey kicked out. Another enziguiri-like move, this time to the mid-section of Rey. Del Rio went to work on the arm again, bringing the knee down hard. Mysterio fought back again, but was whipped hard into the buckle. He got his feet up on a charge and both men were down. Mysterio went to the top rope, but Del Rio met him up there. Sunset flip powerbomb and Rey landed in a pinning combination. Referee registered a two-count, and the fans were hot. Powerslam by Del Rio that only got a two-count. Jumping back suplex for another two. Another enziguiri try in the corner, but Rey avoided it. He went to the top and hurricanrana’d Del Rio into position for the 619. Rey was about to hit the ropes, but he saw Rodriguez readying to trip him, so Rey stopped short. That allowed Del Rio to hit Mysterio from behind. Rodriguez was on the apron telling Del Rio to get the arm, but Rey flipped Del Rio into Rodriguez. He hit the 619, then a splash off the top rope for the win.

WINNER: Mysterio, at 13:22. Very good, hot match. Both men worked their butts off and seemed to be energized by the crowd.

Mysterio celebrated after the match, taunting Del Rio, who was holding his ribs at ringside.

Arcademan · « **Reply #554 on:** October 11 2010, 01:18 pm »

TNA Bound For Glory PPV Results: 10-10-10

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

1 -- TNA tag champions MOTOR CITY MACHINEGUNS (ALEX SHELLEY & CHRIS SABIN) vs. GENERATION ME (MAX & JEREMY BUCK) -- TNA Tag Title match

Rapid-fire start with the Guns landing double-team offense on Max. Shelley then tried to bounce off the ropes for offense on Max, but Jeremy yanked his foot from the outside. GenMe had a touch of offense before the Guns came back with more signature double-team offense. The Guns then went flying to the outside with double suicide dives, even landing on their feet like cats. Back in the ring, Shelley hit a top-rope cross-body block on Jeremy for a two count. Jeremy then pulled the ref aside to create a distraction to give GenMe an opening. They capitalized with a big neckbreaker off the second turnbuckle to focus on Shelley's injured neck, which Shelley sold nicely. Jeremy taunted Shelley, then GenMe began working over Shelley with their own double-team offense.

At 6:00, the audience tried to rally behind Shelley, but GenMe cut him off. Jeremy tried a top rope move, but Shelley fought him off. Shelley then fought off Max on the ring apron and came off the top with a double foot stomp to Jeremy's chest. Shelley then inched his way toward Sabin to make the hot tag, with Sabin coming in hot with rapid-fire offense. Sabin then came off the apron with a big leaping springboard clothesline on Max for a close nearfall. Max went looking for a tag to Jeremy, but Jeremy was KO'ed on the outside. Back in the ring, the Guns hit a combination neckbreaker for a close two count that Jeremy just broke up in time. More teased highspots, then Max hit a sick wheelbarrow slam on Sabin in the ring for a close two count. Max had a "freak out" facial expression selling the nearfall.

They reset the match with all four men involved in the action. Suddenly, all four men were in the corner. Jeremy then cleared off Shelley and Max nailed a bulldog on Sabin. GenMe then hooked up with a sick 450 splash on Sabin as he was hanging across the middle rope. Max had a pin, but Shelley broke it up just in time. Shelley then suddenly snapped off a double DDT on GenMe, leaving all four men stunned in the ring. Another sequence of rapid-fire offense and bodies flying everywhere, then Max hit a spear center-ring. Jeremy then followed with a springboard splash from the apron and Max made a cover for another nearfall.

At 12:00, Max "officially tagged in" Jeremy, who came off the top with a 450, but Shelley got his knees up. Sabin then came running out of the corner and jumped up top to give Jeremy a big overhead release German Suplex. Sick spot. Shelley then went up top and the Guns nailed the Skull & Bones combination splash for the pin and the win. Guns retain the tag titles. Taz excitedly fed to a replay of the "huge air show" in the ring showing off the various highspots in the match.

WINNERS: Guns at 12:54 to retain the TNA Tag Titles. Heck of a PPV opener continuing to showcase the Machineguns. A shorter version of this type of match was badly missing on the live Impact to whet the appetite of viewers for the PPV. The match was heavy on highspots, but still told a good story of GenMe trying anything possible to (a) win the titles and (b) prove they belong. Meanwhile, the match continued to get over the "resiliency" characteristic for the Guns that helps them connect with the audience. (***3/4)

2 -- Knockouts champion ANGELINA LOVE vs. VELVET SKY vs. MADISON RAYNE vs. TARA -- Knockouts Title match -- Mickie James special referee

Madison was screaming at everyone early on, including ref Mickie, who she cut a promo on during the pre-match interview. Madison screamed at Tara to do work, so Tara obliged with offense on Sky as Angelina paced on the apron looking to pick a spot in the four-way style match. Tara then teased the Widow's Peak on Sky, but Sky countered. Tara countered back with a roll-up and hooked the tights for the win, which Mickie didn't see. Tara sold being a bit nervous with the win considering Madison's frame of mind. Mickie then entered the picture and dropped Madison with a kick to the head

WINNER: Tara at 5:58 to capture the Knockouts Title. Another KO Title match, another title switch. They're clearly setting up for Tara vs. Mickie in a "WWE special." (*)

3 -- ERIC YOUNG & ORLANDO JORDAN vs. INK, INC. (SHANNON MOORE & JESSE NEAL)

EY had a prop with him on the way to the ring: a TNA Rule Book. They zoomed in on the cover, which looked like something that was printed up at Kinko's down the street before the show. OJ started things off, then EY tagged in and started celebrating with everyone in the match. EY clapped hands with Jordan, but then slingshot him into the ring. Ink, Inc. then hung out Young to dry on the top rope. OJ was positioned behind EY and Ink, Inc. yanked up and down the top rope to get a cheap pop before knocking them to the outside.

Back in the ring, Orlando cut off Shannon and made a sensual cover for a two count. EY then picked up then rulebook and began reading it before kicking OJ's hand off the ropes as he was attempting to gain additional leverage. EY then ran across the ring to fire up the crowd on behalf of Ink, Inc. I saw Super Dragon do that spot at a PWG show years ago. Suddenly, Young took the "hot tag" for Moore and cleaned house on his partner, Jordan. EY celebrated, then Moore and Neal hit a combination top rope neckbreaker on Jordan for the pin and the win. EY celebrated with Ink, Inc. and the Rule Book post-match as Jordan came to life in the background. EY then made nice with Jordan to conclude the bit.

WINNERS: Ink, Inc. at 6:38. One of those examples where TNA has no idea how to get over a character (EY), so they go for the "silly wrestling shtick" to draw cheap heat because some of the decision-makers don't take the genre seriously. (n/a)

Continued in next post...

Arcademan · « **Reply #555 on:** October 11 2010, 01:18 pm »

4 -- X Division champion JAY LETHAL vs. DOUGLAS WILLIAMS -- X Division Title match

Very quick transition from the silly comedy to the unhyped X Division Title match. Lethal hit the Lethal Combination early on, sending Williams rolling to the outside. Back in the ring, Lethal continued to dominate, then hit a springboard moonsault for a two count. Lethal tried to follow with a handspring elbow, but Williams countered with a nice release German Suplex for a two count. Williams continued to work over Lethal before teasing the Rolling Chaos Theory and connecting, but it was only good for a two count. Slow count from ref Hebner, the elder, and Williams argued with Hebner. The crowd chanted, "That was three," which isn't good with the audience is agreeing with the heel. After the debate between Williams and Hebner, Williams tried a top rope huracanrana, but Lethal countered into a sunset flip pin for the win.

WINNER: Lethal at 8:16. It was difficult for the crowd to get into this more-serious athletic match after an over-booked KO Title match and superfluous comedy tag match. The finish was an example of a good "sports finish" in pro wrestling that can be parlayed into a re-match with Williams appearing to be cost the match via an MLB umpire dressed as Earl Hebner slow on a three count, but, unfortunately, there likely won't be any follow-up. (**1/4)

5 -- ABYSS vs. ROB VAN DAM -- Monster's Ball match

The crowd was hot for RVD as Taz noted this is it for Abyss since he's supposed to be fired after the match. RVD took the early advantage and used a chair to knock Abyss to a seated position in the corner. RVD followed with a surfboard dropkick to the face, with Abyss getting his hands up to absorb the chair blow. On the floor, RVD hit a turnaround splash that took both men to the ground. Back in the ring, Abyss ran over RVD with an elbow to the face. He tried to introduce his barbed wire board, but RVD countered a slam with a bulldog into the wires. Abyss shook and twitched, then RVD tried to follow with Rolling Thunder, but Abyss moved and RVD ate the wires back-first, which helps explain RVD wearing a t-shirt to wrestle here.

RVD rolled to the floor to sell and recover while Abyss went looking under the ring for a table. Abyss then cracked a trashcan over RVD's head before rearranging the guardrails. Abyss placed a second barbed wire board across the ring apron and guardrail for use later on in the match, as Abyss rolled RVD back into the ring. RVD then cut off Abyss and knocked him back-first onto a standard issue Home Depot table propped up ringside. RVD then followed with a Rolling Thunder onto Abyss through the table for one of those five-second pops before the audience is disinterested.

Back in the ring, RVD hit a spin kick taking a chair into the face. He then wanted a coast-to-coast dropkick, but Abyss came to his feet and threw the chair across the ring into RVD's face to send him flying off the top rope through the barbed wire board below. Some of the ringside fans, who were so concerned with the health of the babyface, chanted, "This is Awesome," as RVD was selling near-death on the board scraps. Back in the ring, Abyss went for a suplex into another barbed wire board, but RVD shoved Abyss off into the board. RVD was instantly recovered and went for another coast-to-coast, this time connecting with the board into Abyss's face. Van Dam then went up top for the Five-Star Frogsplash and paused to do the Rob-Van-Dam thumbs-to-shoulder pose. The pause cost him, as Abyss moved out of the way.

On the outside, Abyss rolled to the floor and was instantly recovered calling for Janice. Abyss retrieved his board from the announce table and brought it into the ring, but RVD ducked a Janice shot. RVD then chucked a chair into Abyss's face. He then walked over to Janice and slowly picked it up to bash Abyss in the gut. Abyss started shaking and convulsing before RVD kicked him in the face to drop him to the mat. RVD followed with the Five Star Frogsplash for the pin and the win.

WINNER: RVD at 12:58. The babyface gets the victory and the heel gets his comeuppance. They kept the "Foley and Flair" blood and gore and guts to a watchable minimum, but it was still your basic no-sell gimmick stunt match. (**1/2)

Post-match: Taz noted that's supposed to be it for Abyss as RVD celebrated in the ring. Taz still wanted to know who "they" is. The problem with TNA's booking of this is that there's more emphasis on the heel revealing a surprise rather than a top babyface, RVD, finally getting his revenge on Abyss, who nearly ended his career and life in the storyline. As RVD left the ring, Abyss leaned into the camera and said, "10-10-10. Get ready, here we come."

6 -- STING & KEVIN NASH & "THE POPE" D'ANGELO DINERO vs. SAMOA JOE & JEFF JARRETT -- handicap match

Joe and Pope started things off to let the younger wrestlers do most of the work early on. Pope took a knee to the jaw and slowly backed away to his corner to bring in Sting, which drew a pop. Joe then stomped away on Sting, who came back with a Stinger Splash in the corner. He tried a second, but Joe responded with a uranage slam that sent Sting reeling to the outside. On the floor, Sting rammed Joe into the guardrail to take control of the match.

Back in the ring, Kevin "three days" Nash took a tag and landed signature knees to the mid-section on Joe in the corner. Pope then tagged in and stomped away on Joe before bringing Sting back into the ring. Joe ducked a double clothesline, then knocked down both Pope and Sting with a clothesline. Nash cut off Joe from tagging in Jarrett, then landed a splash in the corner. Nash tried again, but Joe ducked and hit an enzuiguiri kick.

Joe then went to his corner looking for a tag, but Jarrett dropped off the ring apron and bailed. Joe sold that he was stunned as Nash, Sting, and Pope were assembled in the background. The trio beat down Joe before Nash tagged in and dropped the straps. Nash then dropped Joe with a Jackknife Powerbomb, which drew a pop. Nash made the cover on Joe for the win. Post-match: Sting shouted down at Joe before the victorious trio left the ring. Tenay wanted to know why Jeff did that.

WINNERS: Nash & Sting & Pope at 7:45. Well, now we can all expect another elaborate storyline centered on Jeff Jarrett that will ultimately confuse the audience even more. (*1/2)

Concluded in next post...

Arcademan · « **Reply #556 on:** October 11 2010, 01:18 pm »

7 -- FORTUNE (ROBERT ROODE & JAMES STORM & TV champion A.J. STYLES & MATT MORGAN & KAZARIAN w/Ric Flair) vs. EV2 (TOMMY DREAMER & SABU & SABU & RHINO & RAVEN & STEVIE RICHARDS w/Mick Foley) -- Lethal Lockdown match

The match began with Kaz and Richards inside the cage. Stevie took the early advantage and did a mock Flair strut, which set off Flair ringside. Morgan held 'em back as Richards continued to work over Kazarian in the cage. The countdown clock for the first additional entrant was up and A.J. Styles entered the cage #2 for Fortune to set up the two-on-one advantage on Richards. They put him in a double figure-four, then Tommy Dreamer hit the ring and cut off Fortune. As they reached the next countdown, all four men were down in the ring.

Robert Roode then entered as #3 for Fortune to clean house on Dreamer and Richards. Roode ripped off some thunderous chops on Richards before landing a series of knees to the gut. Dreamer was opened up across the forehead as Roode raked his face across the side of the cage. Flair had his hand cocked from the outside and punched Dreamer through the camera hole. Flair told Foley to do something before Morgan stepped in-between. Roode then took Dreamer to the EV2 side and screamed down at EV2 to look at Dreamer now. Roode was on another level of intensity here.

Sabu was in there next as #3 for EV2. Sabu got in some offense on Styles before rocking Roode with a forearm. Sabu then waited for Richards to position himself for a flying splash in the corner. The action came to a standstill for a bit as Fortune regained control. Dreamer's entire face was covered in blood at this point. James Storm then entered #4 for Fortune to continue Beer Money's beat down on Dreamer. Raven was in next as #4 for EV2 and he landed some offense before blowing his nose into a snot rag to give Kaz a treat. Roode was bleeding at this point.

At 15:50, Matt Morgan readied on the outside before storming the cage as the final entrant for Fortune. Raven took a big punch to the face before Morgan kneed Sabu in the gut and dropped him with a big powerbomb into the side of the cage. Morgan held it there for a second to get the move over before picking up an attack on Dreamer with rapid-fire elbows. Styles then sent Richards into Morgan's big boot. Morgan pounded his chest and played to the hard cam as Flair "whooed" in the background. Morgan then picked up Sabu again and landed a series of head butts before holding up his hands, which were covered in blood. Everyone on EV2 was bleeding here.

Rhino then entered as the final entrant in the cage match. Rhino tackled all of the Fortune members before giving Morgan a belly-to-belly suplex. He wanted the Gore on Storm and connected center ring. Rhino then looked up to the sky and called for the top of the cage to come down to officially begin Lethal Lockdown. On the outside, though, Foley and Flair resumed their brawl from Thursday and took the fight to the announce table. The top of the cage eventually came down and the wrestlers began grabbing for weapons. Meanwhile, Flair was busted open on the entrance ramp with Foley landing right hands.

EV2 had control at this point as men seemed to just be walking around trying to figure out what spots to execute. Raven and Morgan suddenly started a big weapon brawl trading trashcan lid shots and Kendo stick shots. Raven tried to tackle Morgan in the corner, leading to a brawl in the corner. Morgan then tried a Carbon Footprint, but ate the cage and sold a right knee injury. Richards proceeded to chuck Kaz into the cage door, sending Kaz flying to the floor through the door. Richards then chased Kaz on the outside and Kaz started scaling the cage to the top of the cell. There was a table up there, then Richards gave chase. Oh, and a ladder.

The fight was in the ring, on the cage, and on the floor as the director tried to keep up with a lot of action everywhere. At 23:00, Kaz placed Richards on the table positioned on the top of the cell. Kaz then climbed the ladder and suddenly Brian Kendrick appeared on top of the lid. Kendrick tried to attack Kaz, but tipped over the ladder and both men fell to the lid. Kendrick then recovered and back-dropped Kaz through the table. Back inside the cage, Styles and Dreamer were brawling as Kendrick was meditating on top of the cage. They cut away from that shot to show Dreamer give Styles a Dreamer Driver off the top turnbuckle for the pin and the win.

Post-match: they showed men selling various injuries in and out of the ring. Morgan was shown holding his right knee, Raven was covered in blood, Kendrick was still doing his thing on the cage lid, and Dreamer quickly celebrated the victory as they cut away.

WINNERS: EV2 at 23:38. The babyfaces got the ultimate victory over the heels to apparently conclude the feud...unless of course it continues again. Satisfying brawl with some stand-out individual performances during the match. It will be interesting to see where they go from here with the Fortune group after the loss to EV2. (***1/4)

8 -- JEFF HARDY vs. KURT ANGLE vs. MR. ANDERSON -- TNA World Title match for the vacant TNA World Hvt. Title -- No DQ, no time limit match

The bell sounded and Hardy and Angle went to work on Anderson early on. Anderson then avoided a corner attack and Angle fell to the outside. Tenay noted TNA management wanted to "make this wide open" with the No DQ, no time limit addition to the match. Anderson teased an early pin, but Angle re-entered to break up the pin. All three men then came together for a double German Suplex, with Angle suplexing each opponent onto the other to draw a crowd pop. Angle then chucked Anderson to the outside and went to work on Hardy. Hardy countered a whip to the ropes, though, and dumped Angle over the top rope to the floor with Angle selling a head injury. They cut to a shot of TNA president Dixie Carter ringside for her first camera time of the PPV.

Angle re-entered the ring with a burst of energy and executed a series of German Suplexes on Anderson. Hardy re-entered the picture and Angle applied a double anklelock, but neither man tapped. Angle, with a cut over his right eye, went up top, but Anderson cut him off. Anderson then executed his Rolling Sentaun bomb from the top and Angle sold that injured rib. Suddenly, Hardy came off the top with a Swanton Bomb onto both men to break up Anderson's pin. Hardy covered both men, but both kicked out.

At 11:00, they reset with Angle and Anderson battling up top. Angle then hit a twisting bodyslam from the top. Angle couldn't make a cover, though, and Hardy covered Anderson for the nearfall. Hardy hit the Twist of Fate on Anderson, then went up top and nailed the Swanton Bomb. He made the cover, but Angle yanked Hardy off the cover and right into the Anklelock center ring. Anderson broke it up, then pulled Angle into his grasp for the Mic Check, resulting in a two count. Angle, with another burst, went up top and hit a moonsault on Hardy for another close two count. Hardy rolled to the floor and it was up to Angle and Anderson for the moment. They teased finishers as the ref was getting too close to the action. Yep, right on time, Hebner was bumped.

Angle and Anderson had a double knock down, then Eric Bischoff came to the ring with steel chair in hand. Taz sold befuddlement. Bischoff entered the ring with chair in hand and looked down at Angle and Anderson. Suddenly, Hulk Hogan's music hit. The crowd popped as Bischoff sold confusion. They cut backstage to show Hogan limping out on crutches. Hogan slowly, slowly made his way to the ring and needed help getting into the ring. All this going on in the middle of a World Title match. Hogan needed assistance getting into the ring as the wrestlers sold mid-match transition holds like they were shot.

Hogan confronted Bischoff about what he was doing, then Bischoff took the crutches from Hogan. Hardy then entered the ring to play peacemaker. Hogan handed a crutch to Hardy to square off against Bischoff. Angle came to his feet and Hardy broke the crutch over Angle. Hogan and Bischoff liked what they saw before Hardy broke the other crutch over Anderson's back. Hardy then covered Anderson and made the cover for the win. So, the man facing felony drug charges is TNA's new champion.

Post-match: They cut to a shot of Dixie Carter looking stunned ringside. Jeff Jarrett, then Abyss came to the ring and celebrated with Hogan, Hardy, and Bischoff. RVD stormed the ring and over-acted confronting Hardy about what he's doing. Hardy then decked RVD with the title belt and Abyss hugged him. TNA had a Xerox of the 1996 Bash at the Beach scene with the fans pelting the ring with trash. They started to sign off with Abyss posing for the hard camera. Hardy and Hogan then hugged as someone blasted two of them square in the face as the PPV went off the air.

WINNER: Hardy at 18:37 to become new TNA Hvt. champion. So, we can see where the storyline will probably be explained with Jeff Jarrett wanting control of his company back, Hardy "selling out" after RVD was favored by Carter over him, Bischoff likely getting Carter to sign over the company to Bischoff and/or Hogan instead of firing Abyss, and then TNA establishing a babyface alliance spearheaded by Angle, Anderson, and Joe to combat Abyss, Hardy, and Jarrett in matches. A lot of people will probably feel let down by the "they" reveal and the non-finish to the main event title match. We'll see what TNA makes of it in the weeks to come on TV. (***1/2 prior to the finish)

Arcademan · « **Reply #557 on:** October 13 2010, 01:31 am »

WWE RAW Results: 10-11-10

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

1 -- TED DIBIASE (w/Maryse) vs. R-TRUTH (w/Eve) -- Team Raw qualifying match

DiBiase landed an early knock-down clothesline before Truth caught him with a boot in the corner. Truth then landed a dropkick and a powerslam for a two count. Cole talked up an artificial rivalry vs. Smackdown, referencing for the first time in about 50 weeks Smackdown defeating Raw at last year's PPV. Suddenly, Goldust's music hit as DiBiase was looking for Dream Street. On stage were Goldust and Maryse. No wait, Goldust and Marlena. Wait, Goldust and Aksana. Goldust stroked the title belt, distracting DiBiase, then Truth scored a close nearfall followed by the Lie Detector for the pin and the win. Cue up Truth's music for some more awkward dancing as Goldust and Aksana continued to pose on the stage.

WINNER: R-Truth at 3:21. Your average storyline-driven Raw match to continue the DiBiase vs. Goldust feud that will likely lead to a battle for possession of the belt. (*)

2 -- JOHN MORRISON vs. TYSON KIDD -- Team Raw qualifying match

Here's an opportunity for a dose of athleticism on Raw. Kidd blocked an early high-flying attempt by Morrison before settling into a reverse chinlock center ring. Morrison flipped out of the hold before dropping Kidd with a dropkick. Morrison then landed a series of clubbing right hands in the corner. Morrison followed with a leaping leg lariat for a two count. He tried to follow up with a springboard move, but Kidd blocked with a Russian Legsweep off the second rope for a two count. Kidd then teased the Sharpshooter, but Morrison flung him away to the outside. Back in the ring, Kidd and Morrison exchanged great nearfalls in succession before Morrison busted out a sweet-looking back flip-over neckbreaker of sorts. Morrison with the cover for the win. They replayed the finisher a few times to get over the move.

WINNER: Morrison at 3:21. Very good three-minute TV match. It was a taste of what kind of match they could have if given 10-15 minutes. It was good positioning by WWE trying to get over Morrison's "new intensity" via juxtaposition matched up against mellow, unremarkable Kidd. (**)

3 -- SANTINO MARELLA vs. ZACK RYDER -- Team Raw qualifying match

The crowd chanted Santino's name early on as Ryder knocked down Santino before landing a running boot to the face in the corner. Ryder tried a pinfall, but Santino kicked out three times. Ryder, frustrated, pounded on Santino's back before airballing with the Rough Ryder. Santino then made his babyface comeback and set up the Cobra. The crowd popped as Santino struck Ryder in the mouth with the Cobra for the pin and the win.

Post-match: Santino started doing his victory celebration until Tamina ran into the ring. Tamina then tackled Santino with a Thesz Press and hugged him for continue the celebration. She did the Cobra and met Santino's Cobra leading to awkward silence. They hugged and she raised his arms, then the crowd cheered.

WINNER: Santino at 1:45. And now Team Raw consists of Morrison, Truth, and Santino. That graphic showing the line-up isn't exactly intimidating. (3/4*)

4 -- WWE champion RANDY ORTON vs. JUSTIN GABRIEL (w/Otunga and Slater) -- non-title match

Gabriel tried an early leg kick, which Orton no-sold before knocking him to the floor. Orton rolled Gabriel back in the ring, then glared at Slater and Otunga. Orton kicked Otunga in the gut before teasing a punch, but the ref stepped in-between and gave Nexus the boot. Orton smiled as Otunga sold that he was upset about the plan being foiled. Or was he pretending to be upset with a master plan in mind? Gabriel's alone and Orton's in control going to break.

Back from break, Orton was toying with Gabriel, who tried to fight back with leg strikes before Orton decked him with a dropkick for a two count. Orton followed with a huge Irish Whip in the corner for another two count. Gabriel then used his quickness to avoid Orton's offense and stun him with kick strikes. Gabriel followed with a slingshot sentaun from the ring apron after teasing the 450 Splash, which resulted in a two count. Orton then came back with an uppercut, only to take a jawbreaker and double-foot kick to the face from Gabriel. Gabriel made a cover, but Orton kicked out as they hit the top of the hour. Orton fought out of a reverse chinlock, which showed too much light, before taking a knee to the gut. Gabriel with another nearfall, then another chinlock as Cole reset the show. Orton then escaped the chinlock with a side suplex. He ducked a desperation spin kick and hit the trademark backbreaker for a two count. Orton proceeded to make his comeback, including a snap powerslam off the ropes. The crowd came to life as Orton teased the RKO, but not before hitting a nice belly-to-belly suplex popping his hips for a two count.

Gabriel then cut off Orton with a kick to the head and went up top. The crowd came to life shrieking in horror as Gabriel went for the 450 Splash. He went for the 450, but seemed to overshoot the move, and he caught Orton flush in the shoulder on the way down as Orton was trying to roll out of the way. Both men sold the move as the crowd wondered what was next. They slowly came to their feet after a few moments, then Orton shot Gabriel a look and dropped him with the RKO. Orton with the pin for the win.

Post-match: Orton stopped selling a shoulder injury following the 450 Splash to his upper body and celebrated in the corner with his Orton pose. They replayed the finish and cut back to Orton looking over his shoulder at the Videotron to admire his work. Orton posed some more as Cole plugged Orton vs. Barrett at Bragging Rights. One tight zoom on Orton with a determined look in his eyes concluded the segment.

WINNER: Orton at 11:02. Good TV match. Orton gave Gabriel enough offense for Gabriel to get a rub working with Orton. They were also able to work a nice back-and-forth match without it coming across unrealistic considering Orton had thousands of matches more experience over Gabriel. (**1/2)

5 -- U.S. champion DANIEL BRYAN vs. SHEAMUS -- non-title match -- Team Raw qualifying match

Just as the bell sounded, Bryan came flying at Sheamus with a knee strike to the face. The ref had to break it up, then Bryan knocked Sheamus to the outside. The crowd was loud with a "Daniel Bryan" chant as the action moved to the floor. Bryan sent Sheamus into the ringpost with a dropkick before rolling him back into the ring. Cole continued to rant on Bryan while selling that he's completely delusional as the lead announcer. Cole said Team WWE lost to Nexus at Summerslam, apparently forgetting Super Cena's comeback on Barrett and Gabriel to win the match. Sheamus cut off Bryan's offense back in the ring as Cole reminded viewers Sheamus took out Triple H months ago. Bryan landed multiple kick strikes to the chest, then fired off a final kick strike to the head. Bryan with a cover, but Sheamus kicked out. The crowd chanted Bryan's name again as Bryan went up top and landed a double-foot missile dropkick for a close two count. Sheamus then suddenly came back with the Irish Hammer to the face that floored Bryan. Sheamus proceeded to drop multiple knee strikes to the head as the ref reprimanded him. Sheamus backed away, then stalked Bryan, who sold that he was KO'ed. Sheamus smiled, then approached Bryan to pick him up. Sheamus got a little cocky, though, and Bryan nearly scored a pin with a sunset flip. Sheamus, upset, came back with the Brogue Kick to the face for the pin and the win. Sheamus got up selling that he couldn't believe Bryan's resiliency.

WINNER: Sheamus at 5:17. The outcome was predictable with Sheamus having the "experience" edge and Team Raw needing some heels, but a strong match-up following up on last week's odd booking. Bryan eventually needs to make that comeback and Bryan vs. Sheamus as an actual feud has tremendous potential. (**1/4)

Continued in next post...

Arcademan · « **Reply #558 on:** October 13 2010, 01:31 am »

6 -- EVAN BOURNE vs. C.M. PUNK -- Team Raw qualifying match

Cole excitedly talked up the Raw GM for completing the trade bringing over Punk to Raw. The match moved to the floor early on with Punk taking control of the match. Back in the ring, Bourne cut off Punk and dropped him with a kick in the corner. Bourne then went up top and teased the Air Bourne splash, but Punk came to his feet and crotched Bourne. Punk then hit the G2S for the pin and the win.

Post-match: Punk wasn't satisfied with just a victory. Punk blasted Bourne to the outside before ramming him head-first into the ringside barricade. Punk then rammed Bourne shoulder-first into the ringpost, dropping Bourne on the floor. Punk followed by slapping on the Anaconda Vice trying to rip Bourne's shoulder off. Multiple referees stormed out to finally separate Punk as Lawler suggested Punk could get himself kicked off Raw if he's not careful. The camera zoomed in on Punk with an Andre shot as he swaggered away in control of the situation.

WINNER: Punk at 2:17. Effective match and angle to re-establish Punk on Raw, but there needs to be consequences after Punk's actions for it to mean anything. I doubt that's even on WWE's radar. Punk "having an issue with Smackdown" for Bragging Rights is a highly artificial storyline as a microcosm of the entire artificial build-up for Bragging Rights, but at least it's something. (*)

7 -- JOHN CENA vs. THE MIZ (w/Alex Riley) -- Winner is Team Raw captain -- No DQ match

Lawler essentially told Cole not to let his head explode trying to figure out who to root for. Cena gained the early advantage and Miz scrambled to the outside. Cena followed him on the outside, but Riley grabbed his feet and dropped him with a clothesline to take advantage of the No DQ rule. They cut to break with Cena selling on the outside and Miz acting cocky in the ring.

Back from break, Cena made a comeback with a flying bulldog and scored a two count. As Cena scored the nearfall, Riley sold like there were alligators surrounding the ring disallowing him from entering the ring to help Miz despite the early use of the No DQ help. Miz then chucked Cena to the floor and Riley landed some shots. Miz took Cena to the Raw announce table and teased the Skullcrushing Finale into the table, but Cena did a "feat of strength" to escape. Miz then cut off Cena's comeback and shoved him off the table into the guardrail.

They reached the top of the hour as Miz continued to stand on the table while Cena sold on the floor. Miz tried to follow up, but Cena flung him away. Riley tried to get involved again, but Cena decked him. Cena then tried to charge into Miz ringside, but Miz moved a piece of the guardrail cover, causing Cena to run into the exposed rail.

Back in the ring, Miz measured Cena for a charging corner attack, but Cena moved. Cena then started his full comeback and hit a sit-out slam setting up the Five Knuckle Shuffle while gasping for air. After dropping the Shuffle, Cena went for the Attitude Adjustment, but Miz slipped out. Miz then nailed a boot to the head and scored a nearfall. Miz followed with the Reality Check, but Cena kicked out. They cut to a shot of Riley holding Miz's MITB briefcase ringside, then Riley handed him the case. Miz measured Cena, but Cena ducked a case shot. Cena then slapped on the STF center ring. The crowd was hot as Miz crawled across the ring looking for a break. Riley entered the ring, but Cena took him out with a football tackle before slapping on the STF. Riley fought the hold wildly before Cena dropped the hold. Cena then focused on Miz and wanted the AA, but Miz slipped out. Husky and Hennig suddenly hit the ring. Cena ate a swinging neckbreaker, then Harris landed a flying sentaun. Miz capitalized by rolling over Cena and making the cover for the win to become captain of Raw. So, it's Miz, Punk, Morrison, Sheamus, Santino, Truth, and a silhouetted seventh member.

WINNER: Miz at 10:31 to become Raw Team Captain. Good match and strong showing from Miz, who continues to grow into his big boy heel shows with more opportunities like this to work with top stars in big matches on Raw. (**)

Arcademan · « **Reply #559 on:** October 14 2010, 10:03 am »

ROH on HDNet Live Results: 10-11-10

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

1. The All-Night Express (Kenny King and Rhett Titus w/Austin Aries) defeated the Dark City Fight Club (Jon Davis and Kory Chavis) in 8:51. King and Davis went back and forth for the first couple minutes, with King getting the advantage and the ANX following up with some double team work on Chavis.

At 5:00, Chavis went for the tag, but Titus had knocked Davis off the apron and the ANX hit a couple nice kicks. Davis finally tagged in after Chavis countered a King hip attack of some kind into a nice powerbomb. Davis hit a powerslam on Titus for a nearfall. The match broke down with all four men in the ring.

King did his cartwheel kick and shotgun knees in the corner on Davis. Chavis hit an elevated powerbomb on King and Davis hit the Pounce on Titus, which was immediately followed by King rolling up Davis for the three count.

Joe's Judgment: Rollup finishes are what they are and I'm not going to complain about them here. Good action, even if there was no selling (at least from the DCFC), psychology, or really anything other than action.

2. Kevin Steen vs. Steve Corino never happened. Cabana and Generico sat at the timekeeper's table. Steen grabbed the mic and said that HDNet had been trying to screw them for a long time by censoring Corino, cutting out their matches, and such. Cabana told them to shut up and wrestle each other. Steen said there was no way he would ever fight Corino.

Corino said that he and Steen were the ones drawing the money, not "the golden boy who's leaving". Corino told Steen that the grass was greener somewhere else. Steen took the mic and said the golden boy was leaving, but not Tyler Black. Steen said that he quit and he and Corino walked out through the crowd.

Joe's Judgment: Steen and Corino continue to be the most entertaining act in wrestling. Can't wait to see where this angle goes.

3. Christopher Daniels defeated Roderick Strong (w/Truth Martini) in a non-title match in 14:16. Both men came out firing with strikes, Daniels getting more. At 1:30, Daniels caught Strong with a slap on the apron and then a dive to the floor. More back and forth action on the floor in the first few minutes.

Strong worked on Daniels' back on the floor and when back in the ring went to a waistlock. Strong hit a backbreaker and then some bodyscissors as Truth read some of the Book of Truth to him. Daniels countered a backbreaker into a nearfall but Strong was able to maintain his advantage until Daniels came out on top in a chop battle at 8:00, then reversed a Strong pin into one of his own.

Strong locked in a Boston crab, but Daniels got to the ropes. Daniels knocked Strong off the top rope, went for a crossbody, landed on his feet, hit a forearm, clothesline, and leg lariat, then an STO, and some mounted punches. Daniels got two with a blue thunder powerbomb.

Shortly afterward, Strong hit a uranage backbreaker and a gutbuster for a good nearfall. Strong set Daniels on the top rope and hit a top rope side slam for another nearfall. Roddy went for a Gibson Driver, but Daniels countered and hit an AJ Styles-esque Lionsault into inverted DDT.

Both men went to ringside and Josh Raymond and Christian Able ran down to distract the ref. Truth climbed to the top rope with the Book, but Daniels crotched him on the turnbuckle. Truth fell down and made some exaggerated movements, leaving the book in the ring. Strong re-entered the ring and hit the Sick Kick for two, but the ref noticed the Book and stopped counting. Strong acted confused and Daniels hit a uranage and the BME for the pin.

Joe's Judgment: I'm not sure what that finish does for anyone involved. The match was great up until that point, but the finish just left me confused. I think Daniels and Strong could do great things with 30+ minutes and no interference, so hopefully the inevitable title match will get those two things. Otherwise, I've seen this match enough already.

News:

AuthorTopic: The Official Wrestling Thread (now with more news and stuff) (Read 496340 times)