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[Arcademan]

TNA Sacrifice PPV Results: 6-12-11 (next two posts...)

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

1 -- TNA tag champion JAMES STORM & ALEX SHELLEY (w/tag champion Robert Roode) vs. BRITISH INVASION (DOUG WILLIAMS & BRUTUS MAGNUS) -- TNA Tag Title match

Roode admitted he's a little nervous about Storm and Shelley teaming together for only the second time, but he thinks they'll get it done. Storm and Shelley had good chemistry early on to create that story of working as a cohesive unit. Magnus then pulled Shelley to the floor, which led to the numbers game catching up to Shelley back in the ring. British Invasion slowed down the pace working over Shelley as Roode noted it sucks not being able to contribute or help his team in a competition. Nice work from Roode early on treating this match as a sporting event. Shelley eventually broke free and hot-tagged Storm, who came in strong on Williams. Magnus got some, too. Storm then back-dropped Magnus onto Williams before Shelley came flying through Storm's legs with a suicide dive on the floor.

Back in the ring, Storm brought Shelley in for a double suplex causing Magnus to thud onto Williams. Storm then pointed to Roode, who said he thinks he's needed. Roode stood up and did his end of the "Beer...Money" routine. All of that extracurricular activity allowed the British Invasion to recover. All four men were knocked down at this point. Storm wanted Eye of the Storm on Williams, but Williams slipped out. All four men became involved at this point. Storm eventually made a cover, but it was only good for a two count. Shelley and Storm suddenly had a miscommunication. Roode thought the belts were leaving, but Storm kicked out of a double-team maneuver to save the titles for now. Gun Money then regrouped and Shelley hit Sliced Bread #2 for Storm to score the pin for the win. Roode took a deep breath and said he might need a few of Storm's drinks after that close call. Afterward, Shelley and Storm celebrated with the tag titles.

WINNERS: Gun Money at 10:57 to retain the Tag Titles. Good start to the PPV presenting the match as a sporting event, although this match was missing Roode, who typically guides Beer Money's matches and creates a nice flow. This one was missing some flow in the second-half after a nice start. There just seemed to be something off with the sequence of moves leading to the finish. (**1/4)

2 -- MATT MORGAN vs. SCOTT STEINER
 
The bell sounded and Steiner began talking trash to Morgan, who paced around the ring. Morgan eventually grabbed a headlock before running over Steiner. Morgan followed with a leaping smash as Steiner was draped across the top rope. On the floor, Morgan rammed Steiner back-first into the ring apron. Morgan called for a chokeslam, but Steiner grabbed the ref to be able to land a mule kick behind the ref's back. Steiner began working over Morgan after taking him off his feet and talked trash to the fans while executing his attack. Steiner then stood up Morgan in the corner and landed a series of chops before putting Morgan back on the mat.
 
Morgan made his comeback at 5:30 and landed a running clothesline, then a second. Morgan followed with a unique sit-out slam driving Steiner's head into the mat, but it was only good for a two count. Steiner then came back with a belly-to-belly suplex for a nearfall, but Morgan fired back with a discus clothesline for a close two count of his own. Steiner cut off Morgan again and applied the Steiner Recliner, but Morgan slipped underneath and lifted Steiner up in the air in an impressive electric chair, but Steiner fluidly countered into a victory roll for a nearfall. Morgan and Steiner then blocked and countered trademark moves before Morgan boxed Steiner's ears and landed the Carbon Footprint for the pin and the win. Post-match: they cut to a shot of Morgan's wife ringside as Morgan celebrated the win. Morgan then shared a hug & kiss with his wife on the way out of the ring.
 
WINNER: Morgan at 9:20. Good finish after an okay middle part of the match. When you get two heavyweights in there, you'd like to see more stand-up fighting rather than a sequence of moves looking like mid-sized wrestlers. It will be interesting to see where they go from here with Morgan after a likely blow-off victory over Steiner. (**)

3 -- X Division champion ABYSS vs. KAZARIAN vs. BRIAN KENDRICK -- three-way match for the X Division Title
 
Abyss toyed with the challengers early in the match, easily discarding them to the outside. Early on, the announcers sold this as a handicap match with the faux story of Kendrick and Kazarian fighting for the X Division. The challengers eventually turned the tables on Abyss and knocked him to the outside before double-teaming him back in the ring. Abyss then dropped Kendrick with a Black Hole Slam out of nowhere and Kazarian broke up a pin attempt. Abyss took control, though, and resumed toying with the challengers, who were positioned as very weak compared to the larger Abyss.
 
Kazarian spent a long time recovering on the outside, which allowed him to re-enter the ring with some energy to land some high-flying offense on Abyss. Kendrick capped off his attack with a Tornado DDT, but Abyss kicked out of a pin attempt. Abyss had enough and drove Kendrick into the mat with a super chokeslam, but Kazarian took down Abyss with a flying head scissors. For some reason, Kazarian and Kendrick tried to pin Abyss simultaneously, but Abyss shoved both men away.
 
Finally, Kendrick and Kazarian came to blows 10:30 into the match. With Abyss on the floor, they had a mid-ring exchange. Kazarian then played to the crowd and lost an opportunity to work on Kendrick, who recovered and landed a flying dropkick. Abyss yanked Kendrick to the floor, though, and re-entered the ring to pin Kazarian to retain the X Title.
 
WINNER: Abyss at 12:05 to retain the X Title. A slow-paced match mixing the wrong pieces together in the ring. The booking fell apart based on that faux "protect the X Division" storyline. Abyss became the sympathetic figure fighting two-on-one odds against two wrestlers who weren't even competing to win, but to "help each other" for the first 10:30 of the match. No one wants to root for so-called babyfaces who aren't even trying to win. The sooner they get away from this X Division storyline and re-focus on wrestlers competing against each other, the better. (*3/4)
 
4 -- SAMOA JOE vs. CRIMSON
 
Crimson took it to Joe early on before Joe came back with a Dragonscrew leg whip targeting the knee. The crowd tried a dueling chant, but the pro-Joe chants quickly won out despite Joe playing the default heel. Crimson then tried a comeback with some basic-looking right hands before Joe caught him in mid-air for a knee drop. Joe followed with a spinning toehold continuing to focus on Crimson's left knee. Crimson followed with a desperation t-bone suplex before easily recovering to his feet to execute a double-arm DDT for a two count.
 
Crimson appeared to be moving in slow-motion trying to follow up and Joe capitalized with a suplex. The announcers noted Crimson was "running on fumes" at this point 6:30 into the match. Joe then followed with a trademark powerbomb into a single-leg crab, which Crimson escaped by grabbing the bottom rope. Crimson recovered moments later and slapped Joe around before landing a desperation spear that put both men on the mat.
 
The two men recovered to their feet at an eight count and started trading blows. Crimson ducked Joe, who then opened him up to deliver a hard chop to the chest. Joe wanted the Musclebuster, but Crimson escaped. Joe followed with a sleeperhold attempt that Crimson escaped by ramming Joe into the corner. Joe tried to run out of the corner, but Crimson hit a sit-out slam and it was good for the win. Post-match: Crimson caught his breath as Joe conversed with the referee about his three count. After a replay, they came back to the ring showing Joe and Crimson face-to-face. Joe extended his hand and Crimson shook. Joe then pulled him back in and mouthed he'll get him next time.

WINNER: Crimson at 10:33. Okay at times having that stand-up fight Steiner and Morgan could have had, but Crimson seems to have regressed in the ring. Or, perhaps he wasn't prepared to wrestle more than a five-minute TV match with a big opponent like Joe. Overall, there were times when Crimson seemed to be having a recital or performance rather than selling a simulated fight. (**)

[Arcademan]

5 -- Knockouts champion MICKIE JAMES vs. ANGELINA LOVE (w/Winter) -- Knockouts Title match
 
Angelina dominated the action early on and Winter became involved two minutes into the match helping Angelina retain control. Mickie made a spirited comeback at 4:00 and Winter continued to get involved by helping Angelina or trying to hurt Mickie. Old man Hebner eventually got wind of Winter's involvement and reprimanded her. With Winter neutralized, Mickie tried a swinging DDT that wasn't executed smoothly, but was good for the win. Post-match: Winter and Angelina tried to choke the life out of Mickie out of frustration.
 
WINNER: Mickie at 8:00 to retain the Knockouts Title. This was like the X Division match with the champion having to work against a two-on-one situation throughout the match. (*1/2)

6 -- A.J. STYLES vs. BULLY RAY -- Last Man Standing match
 
The bell sounded and the two men came face-to-face for a staredown. Ray talked some trash, so Styles popped him with a blast to the face. Styles lit up Ray, then declared this is his house. Styles tried a clothesline over the top rope, but Ray blocked and landed a big shoulder block to deck Styles. Styles and Ray began trading blows and control in each corner of the ring to establish the physicality of the match-up. The action moved to the floor at 5:00 with Ray in control. Ray smashed Styles across the ring steps before standing on the steps to try to trap Styles underneath.
 
Ray continued the methodical attack by dragging Styles into the ring to inflict more punishment. Styles did the Dreamer routine telling Ray he wants another one. Ray landed another open-hand chop that floored Styles. Styles then recovered in the opposite corner and demanded Ray's best shot. Ray followed with a right hand that decked Styles, who sold by bending underneath his body. Styles finally found some offense as Tenay said it was like Styles was growing up before their eyes. Styles then took Ray up-top and landed ten punches, but Ray came back with a top-rope sit-out powerbomb that put both men on the mat.
 
The match then moved to the floor, where Ray pulled out a chain, but Styles turned the tables and Ray came up bleeding from the forehead. Back in the ring, Styles landed a sick springboard 450 splash on a blood-soaked Ray. Ray sold being out of it and made it to his feet just in time at a nine count. Styles then dumped Ray over the top rope and took out the cameraman in the process. At 15:00, Styles tried to follow up, but Ray back-dropped Styles on the floor.
 
The match then moved up the ramp and Ray tossed Styles onto the stage. Ray surveyed the floor below and teased another powerbomb off the stage, but Styles slipped out and landed a Pele kick. Styles then punted Ray in the chest and Ray dropped down about two feet to the landing on the floor. For his next trick, Styles built some momentum and ran off the stage with a flying forearm smash that just did reach Ray to knock him to the floor. Ray avoided a ten count, so Styles set up a table on the floor.
 
Styles softened up Ray with a chair shot across the back, placed Ray across the table, climbed up the stage, surveyed another running dive, but then changed his mind. Styles climbed onto one of the Ultimate X-like trusses on the stage and kept climbing up the truss. Styles then looked down and dropped a super-elbow drop through Ray and the table that popped the crowd. After a pause, Styles made it to his feet at six, but Ray used his free leg to kick Styles in the back, which sent Styles crashing through the base of the stage. The ref reached nine, Ray pulled himself up, and the ref declared ten with Styles still stuck in the base of the stage.
 
Post-match: Ray instantly fell back down at what would have been eleven to sell the effects. Some people in the crowd chanted, "Bulls---," as Ray sold and Styles was tended to. Taz noted Ray was the last man standing for about a second. Officials and referees continued to check on both men as the announcers continued to talk about the physicality of the match. Ray had a faraway look in his eyes as he was tended to before they cut backstage.
 
WINNER: Bully Ray at 20:18. Strong, intense match based on the TV feud meant to elevate Styles. The even-steven finish was fine, as Ray winning seems to indicate the feud will continue until Styles gets the final victory. (***1/2)

7 -- TNA World Hvt. champion STING vs. MR. ANDERSON -- TNA World Title match
 
The match didn't last very long in the ring, as Sting knocked Anderson out of the ring and took him over the guardrail to the people. Sting moved a fan wearing a Texans jersey out of the way before ramming Anderson into the base of the grandstands. Anderson then reversed a whip and sent Sting flying into the base. Sting absorbed the attack, then dragged Anderson up the steps of the grandstands into the crowd. Some poor tourists were getting more than they bargained for. Tenay noted the same talking point from Sting vs. RVD last month that the ref was giving them some leeway with the TNA Title on the line.
 
Sting took Anderson to the top of the Impact Zone, then back down the steps and over the guardrail. Anderson slowly rolled into the ring and Sting fired up the crowd before returning to the ring. Anderson caught Sting with a ringpost shot, though, to cut off Sting's momentum. And back to ringside they went. Back in the ring, Anderson eventually settled into a focused attack on Sting's left arm and shoulder to wear down the champ. Very slow pace as Anderson scored a few nearfalls here and there.
 
At 11:11, Sting teased a comeback trying to get some momentum. Sting then landed a knock-down right hand and did his trademark chest-pounding and howling to indicate he was refreshed. Sting landed a Scorpion Splash in the corner, then wanted the Scorpion Deathlock, but Eric Bischoff marched down to the ring. Sting scared him away, then missed with a Stinger Splash. Anderson followed with a rolling sentaun, but only scored a two count. Anderson and Sting traded nearfalls as the crowd sat quietly with Bischoff watching intently. Anderson then hit the Mic Check and scored a close two count that frustrated Anderson.

Anderson went up top looking for a sentaun, but Sting crotched him. Sting followed with a Stinger Splash into the Scorpion Death drop. Sting made a cover, but there was some confusion with Bischoff involved ringside and ref Jackson James kind of halting his count. Awkward attempt at a "controversial" non-finish. Next on the bizarre list was Anderson hitting a low-blow right in front of the referee. Anderson then dropped Sting with the Mic Check and scored a slow three count for the pin for the win. Anderson is the new champ. Taz said the finish was a bit wacky. They replayed the awkward non-finish and finish as the announcers asked for multiple angles of Bischoff tricking ref Jackson during the non-finish.
 
WINNER: Anderson at 15:52 to become new TNA World Hvt. champion. A highly anticlimactic finish that landed with a thud. It was your standard two-star performance from Anderson, who continues to fall short of proving WWE wrong. Meanwhile, Sting's title reign will be remembered for over-complicated booking, first-gear & slow-paced action, and so many awkward moments, teased finishes, and finishes. Perhaps most problematic is the lack of reaction for Anderson and even less reaction for the title change. This wasn't good. (*1/2)

8 -- KURT ANGLE vs. JEFF JARRETT -- #1 contender match to TNA World Title -- Angle's Olympic gold medal on the line
 
Borash handled formal ring intros for the main event. Early on, Angle stalked Jarrett, who played a cowardly heel, before Jarrett avoided a clothesline and back-dropped Angle to the floor. Jarrett capitalized by landing offense, backing away, landing offense, and backing away again to keep Angle on the defensive. Jarrett continued to frustrate Angle during the first ten minutes of the match as the crowd waited for something to get excited for.
 
Ref Brian Hebner was then bumped and he sold a knee injury, which the announcers referenced earlier in the show. Hebner sold he was shot in the knee and rolled to the outside as Jarrett landed a low blow, which meant nothing since Anderson landed a low blow right in front of the referee in the previous match and it was as legal as a suplex. Jarrett then grabbed a guitar from under the ring and cracked it over Angle's head. Jarrett called for a referee and ref Earl Hebner slowly made his way to the ring to get that cheap two count pop standard for Jeff Jarrett matches. Jarrett and Hebner argued, then Angle slowly got up behind Jarrett and rolled him up for a two count.
 
Angle advanced the match to the next chapter with successive German suplexes, but Jarrett kicked out of a pin attempt. Angle then took Jarrett up top and landed a leaping belly-to-belly suplex. Angle made a cover, but Jarrett did his classic shoulder roll to technically escape a three count. Jarrett followed with a top-rope Stroke for a close two count before applying the anklelock. Perhaps ref Brian Hebner really was shot in the knee, as he remained out of the picture. Angle eventually fought out of the anklelock before countering right into the anklelock. Jarrett fought the hold momentarily before tapping out with both hands center-ring. Angle wins and is the new #1 contender.
 
WINNER: Angle at 17:42 via submission to become #1 contender. Decent PPV main event with limited bag-of-tricks, but still enough to be eye-rolling, especially following the Sting-Anderson match. Overall, this was fine, but you wonder what TNA coul

[Arcademan]

WWE RAW Results: 6-13-11 (next two posts)

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

1 -- ALBERTO DEL RIO vs. KANE

Back live, the bell sounded to begin the match-up. Cole begrudgingly reminded viewers that Stone Cold booked this match, which started with Kane on the offensive. Del Rio then grabbed Kane's left arm for a snap single-arm DDT to begin targeting the shoulder. Del Rio eventually applied the cross-arm breaker, but Kane reached the bottom rope for a break. Del Rio maintained the hold and was DQ'ed on a five count.

Post-match: Del Rio continued to maintain the hold before Big Show's music hit. Big Show came running to the ring in street clothes and tackled Del Rio to a reaction. Suddenly, Ricardo entered the ring and Show landed haymakers using a big yellow glove. Del Rio ran away in the process and Show continued to blast away on Ricardo, who took a beating as Del Rio's surrogate. Kane eventually had to put Show in a sleeper to get him to back off. Kane told Show he'll never get his hands on Del Rio if he kills Ricardo. Austin then walked out and said Del Rio is running to the parking lot and he better keep on running to D.C. because he's facing Big Show this Sunday at Capitol Punishment. Big Show celebrated while Cole declared that's not fair. Show and Kane eventually left the ring as Ricardo sold being unconscious in the ring.

WINNER: Kane via DQ at 2:49. Basic deal to set up a visibly healthy Show getting his revenge on Del Rio at the PPV. Meanwhile, the booking of Del Rio continues to be hit & miss. He's just not positioned as a future Raw main event heel.

2 -- DANIEL BRYAN & SIN CARA & EZEKIEL JACKSON vs. IC champion WADE BARRETT & TED DIBIASE & CODY RHODES -- six-man tag match

The mood lighting remained to give Sin Cara a "homefield advantage." Cole noted Barrett is flying solo now and The Corre is done. Lawler backed up the heel, saying he thinks Barrett should have shown that wisdom a long time ago. Meanwhile, Barrett worked over Bryan and taunted his PPV opponent, Ezekiel Jackson. Bryan eventually broke free and tagged in Zeke, who cleaned house on Barrett. Jackson executed his succession of bodyslams on Barrett and tried firing up the crowd, but they remained quiet. The action broke down when Jackson teased the Torture Rack, then Jackson cleared the heels to the floor. Jackson proceeded to press-slam Bryan over the top rope to the floor onto Rhodes and DiBiase, who crashed to the floor. Back in the ring, Jackson ran over Barrett, then tagged in Sin Cara. Sin Cara nailed a springboard cross-body on Barrett and it was good for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Team Sin Cara at 3:46. Another inefficient use of TV time typical for Raw nowadays. Smackdown was defined down as a secondary brand, Barrett - a titleholder in WWE - continues to be defined down as a weak heel, Jackson is being pushed too hard well before he's ready, and the announcers continue to be distracted by everything going on around them, selling disinterest in the in-ring action, which sends a message to the home viewer that what's happening in the ring isn't important.

3 -- SHEAMUS vs. SANTINO

They suddenly cut to the ring and the bell sounded for a randomly-inserted match. Lawler noted to the audience that some people might not be familiar with these two men. Sheamus is a two-time WWE champion. Again, it defines down the prestige of the WWE Title and a future star like Sheamus if the announcers take the tone that a former WWE champion, Sheamus, isn't a big enough deal where viewers should already know who he is. There was a loud "We want Ryder" chant in the crowd as Sheamus worked over Santino in the ring. Santino then warmed up The Cobra, Sheamus ducked, Sheamus went for the Brogue Kick and missed, and Santino followed with The Cobra. Sheamus's career was nearly over, but Sheamus emphatically kicked out, smashed Santino with the Brogue Kick, and slapped on a Texas Cloverleaf. Santino quickly tapped out, giving Sheamus a needed win.

WINNER: Sheamus via submission at 2:45. More hit & miss almost getting there with the squash match formula trying to get over Sheamus as a barbaric heel.

4 -- CHRISTIAN vs. REY MYSTERIO

Another example of Cole being a poor lead announcer since he's now defending Christian's side of the argument about being "screwed" out of the title since Christian is a heel after Cole spent weeks complaining about Christian crying about what happened. There's just no consistency or foundation to Cole's character, which means viewers can't trust Cole to sell them on the product. They cut to break 2:00 into the match when Christian knocked Rey to the outside.

Back live, Christian was working over Mysterio and aggressively focusing on Mysterio's neck. Suddenly, Christian reached a five-count working over Rey in the corner and the ref DQ'ed him. That was a very short two-segment match.

Post-match: Christian tried to inflict more damage on Rey, but Rey dropped him off the top rope. Punk then came running to ringside and Rey splashed him off the top rope. Nexus came to ringside to check on Punk as Rey avoided Christian, then fought off Nexus, then set up Christian for the 619. Mason Ryan grabbed Rey, though, and ragdolled him around the ringside area. Ryan then rolled Rey into the ring and Nexus walked off. Christian was left alone in the ring with Rey, who he dropped with a Killswitch. Christian did the belt-around-the-waist motion and left the ring as his music played.

WINNER: Rey via DQ at 5:30. WWE obviously needs heel depth on Smackdown for TV and house shows, but they had a refreshingly original (for WWE) story of Christian being a heel because he's frustrated with Orton and not being World Hvt. champion, and now he's a regular old heel based on that post-match attack on Rey, who he doesn't have an issue with.

5 -- U.S. champion KOFI KINGSTON & EVAN BOURNE vs. DOLPH ZIGGLER (w/Vickie Guerrero) & JACK SWAGGER

Swagger and Dolph worked over Kofi early on, then Swagger went for a Vader Bomb, but Kofi got his feet up to block. Bourne hot-tagged into the match and cleaned house before scoring a close nearfall on Swagger. Swagger tried to come back with an anklelock, but Bourne escaped. The action broke down and Kofi dropped Swagger with Trouble in Paradise from the ring apron. Bourne followed up with Air Bourne from the top rope on Swagger for the pin and the win. Cole noted Bourne embarrassed Swagger again. Booker said TV does not do Air Bourne justice and viewers need to see it live. Cue up a slow-motion replay of Bourne's finisher as Booker said Bourne is back with a vengeance. Back in the ring, Kofi was fired up with the win as he celebrated with Bourne.

WINNERS: Bourne & Kingston at 2:56. Basic house show match getting to the only thing anyone cared about: Air Bourne. Overall, another too-short match that the audience sat on their hands for since it wasn't important enough to announce ahead of time - sending the message it's filler - and featuring two castrated heels. These characters just can't get out of the quicksand based on the booking - no heat on the heels and the babyfaces have nothing to overcome. They're all just stuck at the same level.

[Arcademan]

6 -- RODDY PIPER vs. THE MIZ -- Alex Riley special referee -- $5,000 match

Back live, Cole said this match could previously only be seen in the All-Stars video game. So, the impetus for booking this match was to promote a video game. After showing some video game clips, they cut to the ring where Riley called for the bell. Miz rolled up his sleeves and landed right hand blows, but Piper jabbed Miz in the eyes and slapped on a sleeper. Miz escaped and pounded on Piper in the corner, causing Riley to fling him across the ring. Suddenly, Miz popped Riley and Riley responded with a right hand blow. Piper then rolled up Miz from behind, Riley fast-counted, and Piper scored the pin for the win. Post-match: Miz freaked out, then Riley tossed Miz over the top rope to the floor. Miz continued to freak out ringside as Riley raised Piper's hand in victory. They did a final hard sell for Miz vs. Riley at the PPV on Sunday with back-and-forth camera shots.

WINNER: Piper at 1:07. Big, big endorsement for Riley on this show tonight.

7 -- DIVAS champion BRIE BELLA & NIKKI BELLA & MARYSE & MELINA & TAMINA & ROSA MENDES & ALICIA FOX vs. KELLY KELLY & A.J. & NATALYA & KAITLYN & EVE & GAIL KIM & BETH PHOENIX

By the time it was established which 14 Divas were in the match, the match broke down into a brawl before Kelly pinned Rosa for the win. Post-match: Eve took the mic and announced a Broadway number in honor of the Tony Awards last night. At the announce table, Cole was shown mock-gagging before leaning back in his chair selling death. Cole then fed to a video package on Tough Enough last week.

WINNERS: Team Kelly at 1:23.

8 -- WWE champion JOHN CENA vs. C.M. PUNK -- non-title match

The deep-throated males quickly started a combination "C-M-Punk" and "Cena sucks" chants, which was met with a "Let's go Cena" chant from the kids and families. Booker equated it to a hot soccer crowd. "Soccer?" Cole replied, with McMahon obviously feeding a line based on not believing that's a relevant reference. The dueling chants grew louder in the opening minutes as Cena and Punk teased their finishers before backing away to neutral corners. After everyone paused, the match and dueling chants resumed. Punk then knocked Cena to the outside and they cut to break 2:45 into the match.

Back live, Cena was trying to make a comeback against Punk, who cut him off with an abdominal stretch. Cena then escaped and hip-tossed Punk, who recovered and knocked Cena to the floor. Punk then landed a big plancha on the outside, which was surprising for Cena to take considering he's physically banged up. Punk returned to the ring and did a Macho Man extended-arms pose from the top rope before dropping a double axehandle on Cena. Punk rolled Cena back into the ring and slapped on a gut wrench submission center-ring. The crowd resumed the dueling chants before Cena escaped and desperately applied an STF. Punk grabbed the bottom rope for a break, though, and quickly kicked Cena in the head to cut him off.

Punk resumed his attack as Cole quickly threw out a reference to Punk-Rey this Sunday at the PPV. At 10:00, Cena ducked a clothesline and tried a trademark shoulder tackle, but Punk ducked and Cena went flying to the floor. Punk quickly grabbed the ref and told him to start counting. Punk watched as Cena tried to collect himself ringside, then rolled back into the ring at an eight count.

Punk quickly attacked Cena with right foot stomps as Cole reset the show at the top of the hour. Punk went to the corner for a springboard move, but Cena ducked and Punk crashed to the mat. Punk tried to follow up with a clothesline, but Punk ducked and started his comeback routine. Suddenly, R-Truth's voice interrupted. Truth was shown walking through the crowd pointing out all of the little Jimmys in the crowd. Truth asked a kid in the crowd if he would trade him the hat for a sip of water. Cena saw what was going on and told the kid not to take the deal. In the background, Punk scooped up Cena and nailed the G2S center ring. Punk made the cover and the males exploded with cheers as Punk picked up the win.

WINNER: Punk at 13:58. An above-average Raw TV main event dominated by the crowd, which seemed to be waiting all night for something to invest in besides Stone Cold segments. Punk picking up the winning and Cole stressing Punk pinned the WWE champion could be foreshadowing for a post-Capitol Punishment program between Cena and Punk. The visual of Punk being his own man and not having irrelevant Nexus around him was a good development. (**1/2)

[Arcademan]

WWE NXT Results: 6-14-11

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

1 -- DARREN YOUNG (w/Chavo Guerrero) vs. YOSHI TATSU

Regal sarcastically noted he's been watching JTG's "Straight Outta Brooklyn" over and over since last week. "Yoshi, Yoshi" chant as the Pro and former-NXT-member-turned-Rookie locked up and traded holds. Yoshi scored successive offense with hard chops in the corner, then landed a flying dropkick. Young rolled to the outside looking for a breather, but Yoshi rolled him right back onto the apron. Young delivered a neckbreaker on the apron, though, and both men rolled back into the ring. Suddenly, JTG made his way to the ring. They cut to break with Grisham wondering why he was out there.

Back from break, Young was working on Yoshi as Grisham welcomed JTG to the commentary position. JTG and Regal engaged in some banter as Young continued to wear down Yoshi. Regal then took a deep breath, selling exasperation with JTG. Regal said he would quite happily crack open JTG's skull to end his "insignificant career." JTG replied he is the flyest and greatest NXT Pro in the world. The match continued to languish in the ring before Yoshi finally made a comeback at 10:00. Yoshi then nailed a Shining Wizard and made a cover, but Young kicked out in time. Yoshi tried to follow up top, but Chavo distracted him. Young took advantage of the opening to yank Yoshi down from the top rope and pin him for the win.

Post-match: JTG hit the ring and blasted Yoshi to take out frustration from last week. The crowd booed JTG as Regal tried to talk up JTG as being very dangerous despite being a waste of space. Yoshi made a comeback, but Young blasted him. Conor and Kozlov then hit the ring to make the save for Yoshi. The heels retreated on the outside as Yoshi's music played. Meanwhile, Grisham wondered if that was Darren's final match with an elimination coming up tonight.

WINNER: Young at 11:02.

2 -- TITUS O'NEIL vs. LUCKY CANNON (w/Tyson Kidd)

Lucky taunted Titus, who responded by shoving him down to the mat. Titus then landed power offense, fighting for Hornswoggle's honor. Lucky then cheated to take advantage, giving him an opening to work over Titus. Meanwhile, Kidd taunted Titus to do it for Hornswoggle and the announcers played up a match story of Titus seemingly unfocused with his mind on Swoggle's health. Titus then found some offense and delivered a fallaway slam for a two count. Lucky tried to cut off Titus's momentum, but Titus nailed the sky-high bomb for the pin and the win. Kidd simply shook his head at the end result and the announcers talked up Titus being impressive pulling out a win despite having his mind elsewhere.

WINNER: O'Neil at 6:38. This wasn't Lucky's worst match on NXT.

Ringside: Striker and Maryse were with the four remaining Rookies. Maryse said this is - well - it's been a rough night. She solemnly noted one of them is going home tonight. Striker tried to hype the moment before cueing up the drumroll to find out who's going home. The random video game generator revealed...Lucky Cannon has been eliminated. Grisham sold immediate shock, as did Striker. Maryse was conflicted. Striker said that was a shocker, then asked Lucky for his thoughts.

Lucky said he's not going to go cry himself to sleep and declared this show to be a joke. He said he should be on Smackdown right now slapping the taste out of Randy Orton's mouth. Titus interrupted leading the crowd in Na Na Goodbye.

[Arcademan]

WWE Superstars Results: 6-16-11

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

1 -- ZACK RYDER vs. PRIMO

Ryder dominated early on as the crowd continued to react for Ryder. "Let's Go Ryder" chant after they came to a standstill. Primo then slapped Ryder around, drawing a series of clotheslines from Ryder. Ryder followed with a high back-body drop before clotheslining Primo over the top rope to the floor. Ryder followed with a plancha before playing to the crowd. Back in the ring, Primo cut off Ryder, but missed with a corner attack and Ryder assaulted the mid-section. Ryder was admonished by the ref in the corner, allowing Primo to ram him into the ringpost. Ryder fell to the floor and they cut to break.

Back from break, Primo was working over Ryder as the crowd continued to chant for Ryder. Very odd seeing Ryder working face and trying to mount a comeback here. Before Ryder made his comeback, they had a double knock-down center ring. Ryder was first to his feet and landed successive offense before he called for the end. Ryder dropped a leg, but Primo kicked out in time. Ryder followed with the Broski Boot in the corner and made a cover, but Primo kicked out again, drawing an exasperated sigh from the crowd. Primo then tried the backstabber, but Ryder held onto the ropes and hit the Rough Ryder. Pin and the win for Ryder, who received another strong reaction from the crowd. After a replay of the finish, they stayed with Ryder's post-match celebration for a bit before the announcers fed to a fake Obama press conference.

WINNER: Ryder at 9:13. Nice TV match. It came across like one-time heavy focus on Ryder, but it makes you wonder if his act could play elsewhere besides Long Island. He's likely back to the same lower-card heel after this, but it would be worth a shot giving him a chance to sink or swim in a higher-profile role. (**)

2 -- DREW MCINTYRE vs. KOZLOV

Josh Mathews noted Kozlov was born in Moscow, Russia, but he recently became an American citizen. Kozlov quickly tried to defend the honor of the U.S., but Mac cut him off and landed a swift kick strike. McIntyre followed with multiple strikes in the corner before wrapping Kozlov's shoulder around the ringpost. Mathews referenced Vince McMahon labeling McIntyre the chosen one oh so many moons ago as Mac continued to work on Kozlov. Kozlov never made a comeback, as Mac eventually hit the Future Shock DDT for the pin and the win.

WINNER: McIntyre at 3:53. Surprisingly decisive victory for McIntyre, who dominated for three-and-a-half minutes. He hasn't made it on Raw in weeks, but this was a good start for a potential reset. (*)

3 -- YOSHI TATSU vs. CHAVO GUERRERO

Korpela noted it's a virtual re-match from NXT two nights ago when Chavo's Rookie, Darren Young, defeated Yoshi (thanks to interference from Chavo). Basic exchange to start as Korpela recapped the origins of the Guerrero Family in pro wrestling. Korpela even slipped in a few "wrestling" references. After Chavo scored some close nearfalls, Yoshi landed successive offense before missing with a top rope move. Chavo then did an Eddie shake and set up for the Three Amigos suplexes, but Yoshi blocked #3. Yoshi then avoided a corner attack and nailed his lightning kick to the head. Chavo tipped over like a tree in the woods and Yoshi scored the pin for the win.

WINNER: Yoshi at 4:13. Solid four-minute match with some good athleticism. (*1/2)

4 -- KANE vs. TYSON KIDD (w/JTG)

Kane quickly threw Kidd to the corner, prompting JTG to shout some instructions to Kidd. Korpela noted Del Rio took apart Kane's arm on Raw, which is something Kidd should exploit. Kidd found himself on the floor, but yanked Kane's injured shoulder across the top rope. Kidd tried to slow things down working on Kane's shoulder, which gave him some room to operate and cut off Kane's comebacks. Kane eventually built some momentum and nailed a top-rope clothesline. Kane then called for the chokeslam and delivered it center-ring. Kane with the pin as JTG could only look on.

Post-match: Kane watched as Kidd rolled out of the ring and the announcers noted JTG's managerial efforts proved futile. Kane had a good laugh watching JTG slowly walk behind Kidd after the loss. Korpela signed off with a final look at Kane in the ring.

WINNER: Kane at 4:21. A mild advancement of Kidd's managerial search storyline, but this was essentially a chance for Kane to pick up a decisive victory and make JTG's character look foolish outside of Tuesday nights on NXT. (*)

[Arcademan]

TNA Impact Wrestling Results: 6-16-11

Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Keller's complete report). Condensed here to in-ring results and the Angle/Jarrett street fight.

1 -- DEVON vs. HERNANDEZ (w/Rosita, Sarita, Anarquia)

Devon acknowledged his family at ringside as he walked past them. Devon took early advantage with a diving shoulder tackle and then a flying clothesline for a two count. Taz said Devon has lost about 25 pounds and looks to be in great condition. He does look better. The Pope walked out as Devon splashed Hernandez in the corner. Devon's sons shook hands with The Pope. Devon hated seeing that and called out to ask what they were doing. Hernandez schoolboyed Devon from behind for a near fall. Devon fired back with a Thesz Press and a mount with punches. The rest of Mexican America attacked Hernandez to prompt a DQ.

WINNER: Devon via DQ in 2:00.

-Afterward, at the prompting of Devon's sons, The Pope charged into the ring and made the save. The heels fled the ring. Devon then got in Pope's face and implored him to stay away from his kids, clearly thinking he's a bad influence. Pope just stood there and seemed to both accept and resent Devon's attitude toward him. The Pope didn't respect what Devon said. Once Devon returned to the back, Pope went right back to ringside to covert with his family, who still shook hands with him.

2 -- KID KASH vs. JIMMY RAVE vs. AUSTIN ARIES

Tenay talked about Kash wrestling TNA starting back in 2002. They showed clips. Those clips showed how far the TNA Impact Zone has gone in terms of the strategic layout of the stands and the overall lighting and production values. Rave came out doing his phony rock star persona. Tenay said Aries is a bit of a hybrid who was last in TNA from 2006-2008. Taz said he's a fan of his. Aries ticked off Rave and Kash in the opening seconds, so they turned to attack Aries and knock him out of the ring. Aries came back at 1:00 and took over on Rave. Aries really stood out here with flashy moves and then, even more impressively, flashy execution of basic moves. He did a spear dive through the ropes onto both Rave and Kash. Kash flip dove onto Aries and Rave at ringside a minute later. Aries broke up a pin attempt by Rave on Kash, then he gave Rave a brainbuster suplex for the win. Taz said it was like a videogame. What he meant to say is videogame action is based on what guys like this have been doing in the ring before there were videogames. Aries looked like a star out there, not just his moves, but how he carried himself.

WINNER: Aries in 5:00 to advance toward a TNA contract at Destination X.

3 -- SARITA & ROSITA vs. MISS TESSMACHER & VELVET SKY -- Knockout Tag Team Title Match

The ref kicked Hernandez and Anarquia to the back before the match. At 3:00 ODB walked through the crowd and distracted Sky. That helped Rosita get the pin on Tessmacher. Tessmacher was upset with Sky for turning her attention to ODB. She stormed out of the ring as Sky tried to explain herself.

WINNERS: Sarita & Rosita in 3:00.

-Afterward Jackie returned and joined ODB in attacking Sky. The bell rang frantically. Security ran in, but ODB and Jackie beat them up with low blows. I like the energy and variety of personality that ODB and Jackie bring to the Knockouts Division.

4 -- ROB VAN DAM vs. SAMOA JOE -- Bound for Glory Series

Straight up PPV style match, paced for going a longer distance than average for TV. RVD showboated at 7:00 and Joe recovered enough to one-arm slam RVD, then set him on the top rope. RVD punched his way free and hit a Five-Star for the win.

WINNER: RVD in 8:00.

STAR RATING: **1/2 -- Well on its way to being a true buzzworthy match. Eight minutes is a marathon these days for a non-main event TV match, but not really long enough to be more than a teaser of what these two could do if the setting was right and they had 15-25 minutes to really tell a story. The backstory provided for this was just the Bound for Glory Series; otherwise no promos or video packages or anything. Tenay called it a "dream match," although in TNA's world, there's nothing about it that makes it a dream match. In general, I like the idea of the Bound for Glory Series giving meaning to these matches since every win, and the type of win, counts in the standings. I hope TNA does a thorough job keeping fans up to date on all of the participants matches and really lets fans follow along legit tallying of the wins for each of the 12 participants.

5 -- MR. ANDERSON vs. GUNNER

This began 41 minutes into the second hour. Taz said Gunner is Immortal's Blue Chipper. It's still tough to tell whether we're supposed to be more inclined to root for Anderson or Gunner. There's not really a sympathetic, likable figure here, and that's a problem. Anderson doesn't look like a World Champion, so TNA needs to take steps to establish why fans are supposed to take him seriously out there as the top fighter in the company. He's kinda flabby, not that tall, not particularly physically intimidating in any way, and his offense is conventional enough that it doesn't really make up for those cosmetic shortcomings. In the context of TNA, he looks like a regular guy, so they really need to figure out what makes him the Best of the Best in TNA and accentuate that. In other words, give those who want to believe something to believe in. At 3:00 Anderson missed a top rope cannonball. Gunner landed an elbowdrop for a near fall. He scored another two count after a short-arm clothesline. Anderson rallied and scored a near fall and then mounted Gunner and threw a barrage of punches. Anderson then got cocky and asked for the mic to drop from the ceiling. He announced himself as the World Champion and bragged himself up. Gunner recovered during this time and surprised Anderson with his finisher for the win. "He did it again!" shouted Tenay. "The second week in a row he beat the World Heavyweight Champion." The crowd popped.

WINNER: Gunner in 8:00.

-Bischoff walked out applauding slowly and arrogantly. He raised Gunner's hand. Again, how are we supposed to feel about Gunner's success and Anderson's loss? It's like two sports teams I don't like just played a game. It doesn't really resonate much with a viewer without that person to root for. It's just passively interesting in the sense that you wonder how Anderson will react and you wonder if Gunner is really this good. Not really tapping emotions, though.

-Out at the parking lot, it was time for Jarrett vs. Angle. The locker room cleared out and surrounded them and cheered them on. Angle wrestled Jarrett to the pavement and applied a submission from behind early. Jarrett tried to punch himself free from underneath, but Angle drew blood and remained on top, again going for a chokeout when Jarrett gave him his back. Angle let Jarrett up, but then slammed him hard to the pavement. The wrestlers cheered them on like a prison fight was going on. Jarrett came back and shoved Angle head-first into the trunk of a car. Ray shoved Jarrett back toward Angle and told him to stay on him. Jarrett told Angle to go train for the Olympics and get the hell out of his life. Jarrett said he'll never leave TNA because he founded the company. As Jarrett began to walk away, Angle stood and said they're not done yet. Jarrett charged Angle, who lifted him and turned and slammed him onto the pavement. He then pounded away at his face and suplexed him onto the hood of a car. Angle then choked Jarrett from behind with a shirt. Angle told Jarrett to say "adios." Jarrett did. Angle dropped him and walked away. Jarrett, gasping to catch his breath, said, "Adios" again. Ray insisted, "He didn't say nothing. What are you guys talkin' about?" Pope laughed and said, "He said something'" It's really tough to pull off a street fight scene in pro wrestling. They did just about everything right here in terms of the lighting at night, the wrestlers surrounding the action and acting like prisoners cheering on a knife fight, and not doing anything too corny in the actual fight, most of which took place on the ground as most parking lot fights do. Is Jarrett really going to Mexico? That's a decent cliffhanger to end with. Angle carried himself like a star in this segment. Of course, viewers who ordered the PPV thinking they saw the Final Chapter might feel a little taken for a ride since this felt more like the real final chapter, and it was free.

[Arcademan]

WWE Smackdown Results: 6-17-11

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

1 – SIN CARA & DANIEL BRYAN & EZEKIEL JACKSON vs. WADE BARRETT & TED DIBIASE & CODY RHODES

Cody’s bag men were a little more casually dressed this week. Big beal out of the corner on DiBiase by Jackson. Cara tagged in, and he may be thrown off by the lack of his special lighting used during this match. Cara sent DiBiase to the outside, where he attempted to re-group. They went to break 1:00 in.

Back at 5:15 of the match, with DiBiase in control of Cara. Rhodes quickly tagged in and did some damage as well. Cara fired back with kicks and completed a springboard take-down. However, Rhodes connected on a springboard of his own, the springboard kick, and that registered a near-fall. Barrett tagged in and suplexed Cara. Frequent tags by the heels. Cara dodged a pump-handle slam, but Barrett came back with it anyway. It was a mistake, as Cara turned it into a spinning DDT at 8:47. Both men needed to make tags. Bryan and DiBiase came in and Bryan did his running kick on DiBiase in the corner, among other things. That was enough to pick up the unexpected win though, as it looked like DiBiase was late in kicking out. Actually, upon replay, it looked like he barely kicked out in time, but referee Rod Zapata’s hand hit the mat anyway, so he called for the bell.

WINNERS: Bryan, Cara and Jackson, at 9:34. The other way you could tell it wasn’t the original finish: they didn’t do their trademark tag team finish were everyone gets involved at the end.

2 – VLADIMIR KOZLOV vs. JINDER MAHAL

Kozlov was already in the ring for this one. Khali was out with Mahal, as usual. Headlock take-over by Mahal. Mahal escaped a powerslam and took over on offense. Vertical suplex in the middle of the ring, followed by a jumping knee-drop. Side Russian leg-sweep by Mahal, then a neck vice. Kozlov quickly escaped and came back with kicks and a headbutt. Mahal rammed Kozlov’s shoulder into the ring post, then worked him over in the corner. As the ref admonished him, Khali connected with a chop to Kozlov’s head. Mahal lined up for his finisher, then hit the full-nelson slam for three.

WINNER: Mahal, at 2:49. Mahal is slowly working his way up the food chain.

3 – ALICIA FOX & ROSA MENDES & TAMINA vs. NATALYA & AJ & KAITLYN

Fox went right after Kaitlyn with kicks, but Kaitlyn fired back with forearms and a clothesline. Tag to Tamina, who tossed Kaitlyn off on a lock-up. Natalya tagged in and dropkicked Tamina in a move that barely staggered the heel. It wasn’t a good dropkick, anyway. Rosa distracted Natalya, allowing Tamina to take over. Nattie blocked a legdrop and applied a sharpshooter. Rosa broke it up and Kaitlyn took her out. AJ tagged in and punched Tamina, but AJ fell backward off of it. She tried a crucifix roll-up, but Tamina dropped her with a Samoan drop for the win.

WINNERS: Tamina, Mendes and Fox, at 1:47. I thought giving AJ the win last week would set up some momentum for the babyfaces, and they’d roll off a few more wins to continue to get over, but I guess not.

4 – THE USOS vs. JUSTIN GABRIEL & HEATH SLATER

The Usos got half an entrance or so. They could really use a change in music if they’re truly babyfaces now. No more Corre music for Gabriel and Slater. They showed Barrett walking out on Corre last week to cause the break-up. Splash by Jimmy on Slater in the corner, and he did some dancing in between moves too. Slater crotched Jimmy on the middle rope and Gabriel tagged in, stomping him in the chest. Cole used the term “wrestling” while Slater and Gabriel double-teamed Jimmy. He tried to tag in, but Slater pulled Jimmy down by the hair. All of this writing “Jimmy” reminds me of “The Jimmy” episode of “Seinfeld.” Anyway, Slater came off the top and was slammed by Jimmy. Both men made tags at 2:30 of the match. Spinning forearm by Jey, who was really fired up. Running butt splash in the corner, shades of their father Rikishi. They set up for a double-team toss into a Samoan drop. Impressive. Pin was broken up by Slater. DDT by Jey on Gabriel. Jey splashed Gabriel off the top while Jimmy superkicked Slater. That got them the pinfall.

WINNERS: Usos, at 3:49. I have no idea what this means. You’d think they’d want to get Slater and Gabriel a win after breaking away from Corre, and instead, they lose to a team that have been virtual jobbers (or nonexistent) for the past several months. If they decide to get behind the Usos, fine with me, but I would’ve continued to build them up a little more before feeding Gabriel and Slater to them.

5 – CHRISTAN vs. SHEAMUS – IF SHEAMUS WINS, HE JOINS THE WORLD TITLE MATCH AT CAPITOL PUNISHMENT

After the participants were introduced, Randy Orton came out for his ringside seat. Short-arm clothesline led to the first pin attempt of the match, by Sheamus. Knee-lift got a two-count only 28 seconds in. Christian fled to ringside to avoid Sheamus, but he turned around and looked right into Orton’s eyes. Sheamus kicked him through the ropes and Christian went down. They went to break :55 in.

Back at 3:47 of the match, and Sheamus was still going strong. Christian tried a comeback, but fell victim to the Irish Curse back-breaker for a near-fall. The story of the match was Christian trying to survive. Christian tried to use the ropes for leverage on a pin attempt, but the referee saw it. Sheamus recovered while Christian argued with the ref. Tornado DDT by Christian for a near-fall. Christian set up for a Spear, but was taken down with an Irish hammer for two. Counter after counter between these two. Flip kick in the corner finally caught Sheamus. He went high-risk, but Sheamus met him on the top rope. Sheamus took his time staring at Orton, so Christian dropped out of the ring and dropped Sheamus face-first onto the ring post. Nice spot. Christian then picked up the pinfall win upon coming back into the ring.

WINNER: Christian, at 9:03.

After the match, Orton charged into the ring to give Christian a receipt for hitting him with the belt, but Christian fled quickly. Crowd chanted “RKO,” but Orton instead decided to punt Sheamus in the head. Interesting decision, as it presumably takes Sheamus off TV for a few weeks. They replayed the punt and things ended with Orton holding the title above his head and Christian looking on from the stage.

[Arcademan]

WWE Capitol Punishment PPV Results: 6-19-11 (next three posts)

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

1 -- U.S. champion KOFI KINGSTON vs. DOLPH ZIGGLER (w/Vickie Guerrero) -- U.S. Title match

The bell sounded and Booker resumed his recent anti-Kofi commentary, questioning his heart and determination. Cole noted Steve Austin, Harley Race, Ricky Steamboat, Roddy Piper, Bret Hart, and even Booker have previously held the U.S. Title. Kofi teased an early Trouble in Paradise, but Ziggler ducked and went on the attack. Cole said this is a big match because it means big dollars being champion. Cole slipped in a subtle "money in the bank" reference ahead of next month's PPV. Booker re-visited WWE's inconsistent approach to the kayfabe concept of titles = money, stressing the importance of the match for both men.

Ziggler maintained control of the match as the crowd tried rallying behind Kofi. WWE offered some different camera angles during this portion of the match. Kofi finally mounted some offense at 6:00, but Ziggler escaped the SOS, only to take an elbow to the face. Kofi then hit a double axehandle from the second rope for a nearfall. Kofi then warmed up the Boom Drop and connected. Kofi followed with a TIP tease, but Ziggler easily ducked. Kingston then ducked a follow-up clothesline and hit the SOS, but Ziggler surprised the crowd with a kick-out. Booker was even more surprised: "What the hell?!"

Champ and challenger reset the match, then exchanged some nice counters to take the energy level to the next level for the first time in the match. Kingston went up top trying to finish off Ziggler, but Ziggler crotched him. The two men battled up top before Kofi pancaked Ziggler and nailed a high cross-body from the top turnbuckle for another close nearfall. The announcers stressed Ziggler escaping everything Kofi could throw at him.

Kingston slowly tried to set up the SOS again, but Ziggler countered with a sleeper. Kingston escaped by ramming Ziggler into the ringpost, then missed with TIP. Vickie became involved moments later by raking Kingston's eyes from the outside behind the ref's back. Ziggler followed up with the sleeper and the crowd came to life buying into Kofi in jeopardy. Kingston then scraped the bottom rope, but the ref didn't call for a break, and Ziggler re-applied the sleeper. The bell then sounded out of nowhere since the referee wasn't visible on-camera, but there was no official ruling. Booker thought it was a DQ. Ref Armstrong then received the U.S. Title belt and handed it to Ziggler. New champ. And no one is quite sure why. Cole tried to recover, saying Kingston passed out in the sleeperhold, despite some controversy.

WINNER: Ziggler at 11:06 to capture the U.S. Title. Fair opening match. Not great, not bad. Out of nowhere, WWE refereeing has gone off the deep-end with weird finishes the past seven days. The final few minutes (prior to the odd finish) bumped this above a two-star effort. (**1/2)

2 -- THE MIZ vs. ALEX RILEY
 
Once the bell sounded, Miz bailed from the ring, but Riley chased him back into the ring to deliver right hand blows. The ref separated the two men, allowing Miz to boot Riley in the face to take control. Miz slowed things down to land repeated left-hand strikes as Cole continued to promote Miz. Booker said the ref might need to stop this match right now. Lawler told Booker he's selling him short. "He's dead, Jerry, he's dead," Booker declared as Riley opened his eyes. Booker implored Riley just to stay down. Miz taunted Riley, who tried some desperation strikes. The clear objective for the announcers was to talk up Miz as a big, bad fighter in an attempt to counter the view of Miz being soft, while setting up a strong comeback for Riley.
 
Riley eventually avoided a corner attack to buy some time and Cole said this might be Riley's only chance in the match. Riley then tackled Miz and landed big right hand strikes before ramming Miz head-first into the corner post. Riley followed with a spinebuster for a nearfall after Cole implored Miz to kick out. Miz tried to trick Riley after begging off, but Riley landed a boot to the head for a nearfall. The match moved to the floor and Cole stood up to cut a promo on Cole. The big heat was on Riley teasing a beating to Cole, who was dragged over the announce table. Miz recovered, though, and flung Riley into the ring.
 
Miz retrieved the briefcase, but the ref yanked it away. Riley then hit an elevated DDT and scored the pin for the win. Big reaction for the finish after the spot with Cole ringside. Booker sold surprise with Riley picking up the win as Cole pounded his fist into the ground to sell disgust with the outcome. After a replay of the finish, they showed Miz with that faraway look in his eyes selling disbelief that he lost to Riley.
 
WINNER: Riley at 10:12. Basic, easy-to-follow story of Miz being the schoolyard bully to his former best friend, Riley seemingly biting off more than he could chew, and then Riley making the comeback. The in-ring action was basic-level and they needed Cole to get a reaction, but it was fine for the second match on the card. (**)

3 -- BIG SHOW vs. ALBERTO DEL RIO
 
Show thwarted Del Rio's early attack, seemingly no-selling the knee work until Del Rio chopblocked him to begin targeting the left knee. Show suddenly came back with a chokeslam, but Show couldn't do anything since his "knee gave out." Del Rio rolled out of the ring to catch a breather in the process. Del Rio then went up top, but Show blocked with a chokeslam grip. Del Rio kicked him away, though, and went for the cross arm-breaker, but Show lifted Del Rio into the air for a reverse single-arm DDT. Show was the first man up and slowly stalked Del Rio, who dropkicked him in the knee. Del Rio followed with a "cross leg-breaker," trying to twist Show's leg/knee with a kneebar. Show cried out in pain, then reached the bottom rope after putting up a fight.
 
Del Rio reset in an opposite corner and stalked Show, who very slowly made his way to his feet. The ref asked Show if he could continue as Del Rio smirked on the other side of the ring. Show managed to pull himself up on a second try, but then fell on his stomach after lunging at Del Rio. The crowd didn't know how to receive this since it was something WWE never does. The ref then decided to call the match, giving Del Rio the win. Post-match: Show was helped away by medics as Del Rio celebrated in the ring.

WINNER: Del Rio with Show unable to continue at 4:57. Del Rio gained a little bit here, but not that much since he couldn't take advantage of Henry's pre-match attack to put away Show in a minute or two. As for the finish, it seems like WWE's new "promotional flavor of the week" is a more sports-like feel to matches with referees having more "discretion" and "making mistakes." It goes against decades of controlled booking and recently emphasizing the "entertainment aspect," which means the crowd has no idea how to receive it. (*)

4 -- Intercontinental champion WADE BARRETT vs. EZEKIEL JACKSON -- IC Title match
 
The bell sounded and another "U-S-A" chant started up. Still not strong, but better than during the pre-match promo. Cole said, with all due respect to the fans in D.C., Jackson is from South America. Booker said, I believe, that Jackson "looks American." Cole had a good laugh before the announcers resumed talking over themselves calling the match. An audible "We Want Ryder" chant started three minutes in as Barrett worked over Jackson. Barrett drew ref Charles Robinson's ire by not breaking in the corner with repeated strikes, then Jackson found an opening to build some momentum.
 
Suddenly, Barrett hit Wasteland and Cole sold the match being over, but Jackson kicked out. "U-S-A" chant attempt #3 followed. Then, Jackson started his bodyslam routine as Booker hyped Jackson's physique. Jackson then slapped on the Torture Rack and the ref called for the bell. There wasn't a connection between the ending & the result of Jackson winning the title, leading to a "huh, what happened?" reaction in the crowd before Jackson was awarded the IC Title.
 
WINNER: Jackson via submission at 6:41 to capture the IC Title. Basic, TV-quality match with Jackson picking up the expected title win. Barrett, as damaged goods, can presumably move on and try to re-establish himself somewhere on Smackdown. (*1/4)

[Arcademan]

5 -- C.M. PUNK vs. REY MYSTERIO
 
The bell sounded and Cole referenced Punk beating WWE champion John Cena on Raw, albeit with help from R-Truth. Cole and Lawler debated tattoos, prompting Lawler to ask about the "soft drink reference" on Punk's body. Cole quickly cut off that talk before Pepsi was given a plug. Basic feeling-out process to begin the match, then Rey teased an early 619 attempt, but Punk blocked, only to find himself on the floor. Rey tried a running sentaun, but Punk caught Rey in mid-air to toss him into the guardrail.
 
Back in the ring, Punk began wearing down Rey with matholds, including a body scissors as the announcers bickered. Punk cut off a comeback attempt and applied an abdominal stretch. It wasn't enough to put away Rey, who made a comeback with a flying headbutt from the top turnbuckle for a two count. Rey then climbed up top again looking for a moonsault, but Punk crotched Rey and climbed up top to deliver a back suplex for a two count. Of note, Punk was selling a right elbow injury at this point.
 
Punk missed with a corner attack and Rey followed with the 619, but Punk fell to the floor. As a result, Rey had to get Punk back in the ring to set up for his finisher, which gave Punk an opening to get his knees up to smash Rey in the mid-section. Punk tried a cover, but Rey kicked out. Punk began selling a knee injury before limping to his feet. Punk began waving it's over and called for the G2S, but Rey turned it into a snap huracanrana for a close two count. Punk suddenly landed a kick strike to the head for a two count that concluded the sequence.
 
The two men reset the action before Punk set up for the G2S again, but Rey arm-dragged Punk to the middle rope. Punk blocked the 619, though, and positioned Rey center-ring to deliver the G2S. Punk made the cover for the win. Booker, never one to shy away from hyperbole, declared it one of the best matches he's ever seen. Instead of talking about the agony of the defeat for babyface Rey, babyface Booker then talked up Punk's performance in the ring. It's part of the Announcing Epidemic where wins & losses aren't stressed, rather the "evaluation of a match" is focused on.
 
WINNER: Punk at 14:58. Teflon Rey takes another loss, which gives Punk two big wins in the past seven days against the #1 and #2 babyfaces on the Raw roster. The match wasn't one of their better efforts, but they did enough to have a stand-out match on a weak show thus far. (***)

6 -- World Hvt. champion RANDY ORTON vs. CHRISTIAN -- World Hvt. Title match
 
Orton and Christian slowly walked toward each other and Christian slapped Orton, who responded by decking him. Christian gained control moments later as Booker offered worked talking point that it appeared Orton's footwork was off due to the concussion. Christian then missed with a plancha on the floor and Orton followed with right hand strikes. Booker said it appears Orton's balance is "still just a little bit off." Christian then countered a move near the ring steps and rammed Orton head-first into the steps, targeting the "concussion area."
 
Back in the ring, Christian wore down Orton as a mild "R-K-O" chant started up in the crowd. Christian then got the vocal males on his side as Orton "sold the effects" of the concussion with a faraway look in his eyes. Christian then walked into a high back-drop out of nowhere to give Orton an opening. Orton followed with right arm strikes to the upper chest over and over and over again. The crowd didn't even react to that, which would normally draw an escalating reaction. (Is the crowd just waiting for the Nationals, members of Congress, the National Guard, the Capitals, and the real Obama, as advertised?)
 
Orton followed with a snap powerslam and belly-to-belly suplex, but Christian kicked out. Booker and Orton then exchanged bombs from their knees before Orton lifted up Christian for an innovative slam straight into the mat from his shoulders. It was only good for a two count, then Orton teased the RKO and Christian bailed to the floor. Back in the ring, Christian found himself trapped in the horizontal DDT from the second rope. Orton got that look in his eyes, then dropped down to the mat teasing the RKO, but Christian slipped right into a reverse DDT for a two count. That drew a reaction.
 
Christian and Orton reset with Christian in the corner teasing the Spear. Orton did the splits to duck Christian, then flowed right into an RKO attempt, but Christian actually escaped and nailed the spear. Christian made the cover, but Orton kicked out. Lawler said Orton might have a concussion, but Christian might have a mental break down. Lawler then referenced Edge, noting he's watching this right now.
 
Christian and Orton reset again, then Orton nailed the RKO. Christian was near the ropes, though, and Orton made a cover with Christian's foot underneath the bottom rope "breaking the plane" of the ropes. The ref counted three for the win. The announcers didn't mention the obvious rope-break as Orton began posing in the ring. Christian then grabbed the referee and pointed out to him that his foot was underneath the ropes. Lawler sold that he wasn't aware of Christian's complaint. Booker told him not to do this.

Suddenly, Orton snuck up behind Christian, who turned around and took a belt shot to the head. They went to a replay of the finish and showed a few different angles of Christian having his foot under the rope. Booker called it a judgment call. Cole started screaming that Christian's foot was under the ropes. Booker said it doesn't matter. What an argument. They went to another replay and Booker blamed the camera angle. This was followed by a replay of Orton popping Christian with the belt.
 
WINNER: Orton at 14:03 to retain the World Hvt. Title. A notch or two below last month's four-star effort, but this was the best match of the show thus far. It will be interesting to see if WWE keeps Christian in the World Title chase based on the rope-break or if they shift elsewhere. (***1/4)

7 -- EVAN BOURNE vs. JACK SWAGGER
 
After the bell sounded, Lawler tried to engage Cole in some Father's Day-related banter that turned into Cole plugging the list of countries watching the PPV internationally. In the ring, Bourne landed an elevated dropkick before taking a gutbuster. Suddenly, they cut to the heel Bellas sitting ringside cheering on babyface Evan. Huh? Swagger continued to slow down the pace as the announcers tried some airplane jokes about Bourne being grounded. It was so quiet in the crowd that the ref could be heard without being mic'ed. Booker went back to his tried-and-true thought of the night that the ref was considering stopping the match, but Bourne came back with a head scissors.
 
Bourne got his knees up to block a Vader Bomb and followed with a variety of kick strikes. Bourne then ran into a big boot to the face for a nearfall. Bourne came back with a big DDT, drawing more hyperbole from Booker that it might have been the biggest DDT he's ever seen. Bourne followed with a kick strike before climbing up top. Bourne wanted Air Bourne, but Swagger avoided and slapped on the anklelock. Bourne countered into a victory roll, though, and it was good for the win.

WINNER: Bourne at 7:17. Tough crowd tonight and this match never had a chance. Bourne got a decent win in the semi-main event slot, but Swagger has so little credibility that it doesn't mean anything at the end of the day. (*1/2)

[Arcademan]

8 -- WWE champion JOHN CENA vs. R-TRUTH -- WWE Title match
 
The bell sounded and the announcers debated the merits of Truth's conspiracy claim having never received a title shot in WWE. Again, with the Announcer Epidemic in pro wrestling, they stopped short of stressing how a wrestler earns/obtains/qualifies for/achieves a position to legitimately receive a title shot. Since Truth has been positioned as a wrestler who loses more than he wins, he shouldn't qualify for a title shot, which would be the lead announcer's position as the "voice of reason" opposed to Truth, who heelishly worked his way into the title match despite a weak resume. Since WWE doesn't have a credible lead announcer and since WWE (and TNA) haven't established a foundation for matches mattering, that important aspect to build a story is completely lost. As for the match, Truth dominated early on as the crowd engaged in a variety of chants, including "Let's Go Cena," "Little Jimmy," and "Cena sucks."
 
At 9:00, Truth applied a chinlock that he turned into a body scissors. Lawler said it appears Cena didn't take Truth seriously coming into the match. The crowd re-engaged in a dueling chant before Cena escaped the body scissors, only to take a clothesline for a two count. Cena finally found some offense with multiple shoulder blocks before setting up the Five Knuckle Shuffle, which he delivered. Truth robotically popped to his feet, but blocked the Attitude Adjustment with a high-impact move. Cena could be audibly heard calling a spot while covering his mouth. Truth then missed a corner attack and Cena put him in the STF. Truth scored a rope break, though, and followed with an axe kick, but Cena kicked out.
 
At 13:00, Truth climbed up top and looked down at Cena for a while. It gave Cena an opening to catch Truth off the top rope, roll through, and hoist him into the air for an AA tease, but Truth escaped and hit Paydirt. Truth made a cover, but Cena kicked out and rolled out of the ring. On the floor, Truth became preoccupied with a Little Jimmy ringside. Truth grabbed the kid's cap and WWE cup to take a drink. Suddenly, the kid splashed the drink in Truth's face, which drew laughs from the announcers. Truth sold the steel water shot to the face and Cena quickly rolled him into the ring. Cena nailed the AA and scored the pin for the win.
 
Post-match: Cole heelishly tried the "rules of wrestling" argument that Truth was screwed because if this were baseball, the game would have been stopped after the kid splashed Truth in the face. Again, because WWE is so inconsistent and there isn't a foundation, it's just empty talk. Cena then celebrated in the ring with the kid as Lawler talked it up as a big moment for Cena fans. They went to a replay of the splash-in-the-face before showing Cena celebrate with military servicemen ringside. Cena saluted, Cole signed off, and they ended the PPV at 10:51 p.m. EST.
 
WINNER: Cena at 14:45 to retain the WWE Title. Completely forgettable PPV main event. They delivered a payoff for Cena Fans with "one of their own" giving the heel his comeuppance, which was about the only thing this had going for it. Blah ending to a blah PPV. (*3/4)

[Arcademan]

WWE RAW Results: 6-20-11 (next two posts)

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

1 -- Divas champion BRIE BELLA (w/Nikki Bella) vs. KELLY KELLY -- Divas Title match

Brie took control early on, per the formula. Kelly made her comeback, then reversed a victory roll for a pin and the win. Post-match: Cole blamed The People while the Bellas argued with each other ringside. As Kelly celebrated, Lawler stepped into the ring for an interview. Kelly sold tears and thanked everyone for voting for her and giving her a chance to win her first Divas Title. Cole couldn't stomach it.

WINNER: Kelly at 3:01 to capture the Divas Title. That was an expected title change and the post-match interview was a nice touch following last night's PPV. If WWE turns Beth heel, they could give the division some life via a Kelly vs. Beth feud.

2 -- EVAN BOURNE vs. MASON RYAN

Bourne tried to bob & weave to avoid Ryan, who dominated. On cue, the crowd loudly chanted, "Ba-tista." Bourne made a comeback with successive dropkicks before Ryan scored a knock-down clothesline. Cole said the WWE Universe apparently doesn't like Bourne since they wanted to see Bourne get destroyed by Ryan. Lawler said it's perhaps they like a good David vs. Goliath story. Cole said it could be they like a good car crash. Bourne then made another comeback and teased the Air Bourne, but Ryan avoided. Bourne tried an awkward small package and Ryan awkwardly kicked out. They talked about going to the finish and Ryan delivered a uranage finisher for the win.

WINNER: Ryan at 4:02. That was all messed up. Ryan looked awful (he's not close to being ready for a TV singles match lasting more than one minute and he's already damaged goods because WWE rushed into featuring him on TV without establishing him first via some squash matches a la Monty Brown in mid-2000s TNA). Also, Bourne was presented like a diminutive X Division wrestler unable to hang with a heavyweight.

Mark Henry took on Kane in an arm-wrestling match and Henry ended up throwing Kane through the announcers table.

3 -- U.S. champion DOLPH ZIGGLER (w/Vickie Guerrero) vs. KOFI KINGSTON -- U.S. Title match -- Two-out-of-three Falls match

Kingston took control of the match early on as Cole noted Ziggler joined an elite class of former U.S. champions last night at the PPV. Kingston scored an early nearfall with a back-slide, then tackled Ziggler to the mat. Kingston crashed to the floor attempting another tackle and they cut to break 2:30 into the match.

Back on Raw, Ziggler was working on Kingston. Cole said Raw is the "most unpredictable show on television" and the announcers recapped what happened during the break - Ziggler hit the Zig-Zag on the floor and scored a pinfall back in the ring. So, Ziggler went up 1-0 during the break. Back live, Kingston continued to take a beating from Ziggler. Ziggler then hit a Gunn-inspired Fameasser, but Kingston kicked out. Ziggler slammed his fists to the mat in frustration, then Kingston suddenly hit the SOS and picked up a pin at 7:40. Now, it's 1-1.

The third fall started with Kingston grappling Ziggler, who suddenly kicked Kingston in the gut and hit a neckbreaker for a nearfall. Ziggler then went for his sleeperhold that looked more like a basic reverse chinlock. Kingston escaped, then catapulted Ziggler into the ringpost. Kingston tried to capitalize with chops, a leaping dropkick, and a standing double-foot stomp, but Ziggler kicked out of a pin attempt. Kingston then set up a leaping back splash as Vickie shouted at Dolph to get out of the way, but Kingston connected for another nearfall.

Ziggler, frustrated, slipped to the outside and retrieved the title belt. Kingston ducked a belt shot and caught Ziggler with Trouble in Paradise on the floor. Kingston then moved the dead weight into the ring, made a cover, and Ziggler touched the bottom rope with two fingers to force a rope break before the three count. Ziggler returned to the floor and grabbed a microphone to smash Kingston in the head when Kofi followed to the floor. That caused a DQ, giving Kingston the win, but Ziggler retained the title.

Post-match: Ziggler celebrated, still in possession of the U.S. Title belt. Ziggler then tried to inflict more punishment to Kofi, but Kofi dropped him with Trouble in Paradise in the ring. The announcers said it was too little, too late. They replayed high points of the match before returning to a live shot of Ziggler flopping around on the floor selling the effects, but still champion.

WINNER: Kingston via DQ; Ziggler retained the U.S. Title at 12:21. Not clear if they're moving away form Ziggler-Kingston (with Kingston cashing in his re-match) or continuing the feud due to the finish. Despite WWE presenting 1,001 match-ups between Kofi and Dolph on TV the last two years (including last night on PPV), this match still felt pretty fresh. Good action, drama, and nearfalls. (**1/2)

4 -- ALBERTO DEL RIO vs. REY MYSTERIO vs. C.M. PUNK -- three-way #1 contender match -- Falls Count Anywhere

Some back-and-forth, mixed action early on before Punk slammed Del Rio to the floor with a sunset flip powerbomb. Punk could only score a two count after the ref scampered out of the ring to administer the count, though. Rey then delivered a running sentaun splash on Punk to score a nearfall of his own. They cut to break with all three men on the floor.

Back from break, the crowd was engaged in a dueling chant. Meanwhile, the match was back in the ring. The three competitors exchanged offense before Rey was knocked to the floor and Del Rio dropped Punk with a single-arm DDT for a nearfall. Rey then re-entered the ring and set up for a double 619, but Punk intercepted. After some more mixed action, they executed a three-man Tower of Doom spot in the corner that resulted in Del Rio having the advantage. Del Rio scored a nearfall on Rey, then a nearfall on Punk. More mixed action, then Del Rio ate the ringpost and fell to the floor. Rey tried a move on Del Rio, but Punk grabbed him from behind. Rey escaped, though, splashed Punk, rolled to his feet, and nailed a suicide dive through the ropes on Del Rio in a one-two combo.

Back in the ring, Rey hit a seated sentaun on Punk, but Punk escaped a pin attempt. Rey then airballed a splash when Punk casually moved out of the way. Punk tried a top-rope move, but Rey blocked, then missed with a huracanrana attempt. Del Rio followed right up with a cross arm-breaker on Rey, but Punk nailed a leg drop from the second rope to break it up. Del Rio suddenly smashed Punk with an enziguiri in the corner before turning his attention to Rey. Rey hit the 619, though, and went up top. Rey landed his finishing splash, but Punk quickly threw Rey out of the ring and pinned Del Rio for the ol' house show three-way match finish. Punk is the new #1 contender.

WINNER: Punk at 11:36 to become #1 contender to the WWE Title. The three-way match is such a tired and over-done concept, but this was an excellent TV match. Del Rio hadn't looked this good in the ring in months. Rey and Punk were terrific, as usual. (***)

Post-match: Punk took the mic and plugged July 17 as the most historic day of his career and in the history of WWE. He vowed to defeat Cena for the WWE Title on that day. As for that honesty he was talking about. Punk said the brutal honesty he's known for is July 17 is the day his WWE contract expires. He said when the clock strikes midnight and Sunday bleeds into Monday, he's leaving. Punk said he is leaving with the WWE Title. Punk let that sink in as the crowd reacted with a mix of shock and horror.

[Arcademan]

5 -- DANIEL BRYAN vs. CODY RHODES -- no count-out match

On cue, the match moved to the floor, where Bryan suplexed Rhodes on the entrance ramp. Bryan then landed multiple kick strikes and Rhodes went running down the ramp. Bryan flung him back into the ring, climbed up top, and landed a double foot dropkick. Rhodes then cut off Bryan and landed a step-up enziguiri for a two count. Cole and Lawler were in the middle of a dispute about "hundreds of millions" vs. "hundreds of thousands" when Bryan scored a quick pin on Rhodes.

Post-match: Cody tried a post-match attack, but Bryan tackled him and applied the LeBell Lock. Ted DiBiase made the save, though, and Rhodes gave Rhodes the Alabama Slam. Booker exclaimed, "Sidewalk slam!" He's been hanging around Cole too much. Cole actually corrected him on it. Bizarro-world tonight. Rhodes then dropped Bryan with Cross-Rhodes as Cole continued to rail on Lawler and Booker's credibility. Rhodes finished the segment by putting a paper bag over Bryan's head.

WINNER: Bryan at 2:25.

6 -- WWE champion JOHN CENA & World Hvt. champion RANDY ORTON & ALEX RILEY vs. CHRISTIAN & R-TRUTH & THE MIZ -- Elimination six-man tag match

The match started with Cena and Miz mixing it up. Cena brought in Orton, who worked over Miz and mixed in some looks toward Christian. Miz eventually cut off Orton and tagged in Christian, who scored some offense on his Smackdown nemesis. Christian kept Orton away from the face corner and the heels continued to work over Orton. Christian then set up for Edge's Spear, but Orton countered with a powerslam. Orton finally made a hot tag, bringing in Riley, who cleaned house on Christian. Riley bumped Miz off the ring apron, but the heels stormed Riley. The faces made the save and Cena nearly bulldogged ref Robinson in the process. With the ref preoccupied with Cena, Miz dropped Riley with the Skullcrushing Finale. Christian then pinned Riley and the heels took a three-on-two advantage going to break.

*Riley eliminated by Miz at 7:10*

Back live, Miz scored a two count on Orton as the heels continued their match-long attack on Orton. Miz started doing some crazy dance/aerobics movements in the corner before going for a running attack on Orton, but Orton cut him off with a clothesline. Cena then hot-tagged into the match and delivered signature offense on Miz. Miz escaped the Attitude Adjustment, though, and landed the Reality Check for a two count. Miz tried to follow with a top-rope move, but Cena blocked. The action then broke down before order was restored with the heels back in control of the match.

The heels were still in control at the top of the hour. Truth mocked Cena, scored a nearfall, and complained to the ref about a conspiracy with his officiating. Cena slowly pulled himself up using Truth's pants, then Cena fired off a suplex to break Truth's control of the match. An awkward spot ensued when Cena had to milk a hot tag for what seemed like 15 minutes while waiting for the heels to cut him off. Truth eventually cut off Cena and Orton dropped off the ring apron to have a classic temper-tantrum moment. Miz then tagged into the match, but Cena scored a quick pin for the next elimination.

*Miz eliminated by Cena at 16:45*

Truth entered the ring and quickly took control of the match for the heels again. Christian entered next and went up top for a big move on Cena, but Cena moved out of the way. Orton then hot-tagged into the match and had some extra pep behind big clotheslines on Truth. Truth tried to fire back with a big clothesline, but Orton ducked and knocked down Truth. Orton followed with the spike DDT from the second rope before entering RKO mode. Christian cut him off, though, and Orton clotheslined Christian over the top rope. Back to center-ring, Truth missed with an axe kick and Orton landed the RKO for the pin.

*Truth eliminated by Orton at 19:23* Right after the pin, Christian speared Orton and pinned him for the next elimination. *Orton eliminated by Christian at 19:33* Christian shouted down at Orton that he's the World champion after scoring the pinfall. Cena tried to sneak up on Christian, but Christian fought him off, only to have Orton drop Christian with the RKO. Cena took advantage of Orton's tactics to slap on the STF. Christian tapped out, giving Team Cena the win.

Post-match: Orton re-entered the ring and accepted his World Title belt from Cena. WWE champ Cena and World champ Orton then celebrated together in the ring. After a replay of the finish, Cena was shown leaving the ring to celebrate with military personnel ringside. Cole signed off with a plug for next week's Raw from Las Vegas.

WINNERS: Team Cena at 19:58. Good main event. The "wrestler eliminated affecting the outcome of a match and the announcers failing to draw attention to it" element was an eye-roller, but everything else was good. It certainly looks like they're continuing Orton vs. Christian on Smackdown, but that remains to be seen. Regarding the WWE Title situation, WWE wanted to close this "Power to the People" show on a blue skies happy note, but it would have been effective to have C.M. Punk shown from a distance warning Cena about July 17. They have three more weeks for that, so at least WWE isn't in the fourth quarter throwing desperation heaves toward the endzone like they had to do with the Cena-Truth build-up to Capitol Punishment. (***)

[Arcademan]

WWE NXT Results: 6-21-11

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

1 -- YOSHI TATSU & KOZLOV & CONOR O'BRIAN vs. CHAVO GUERRERO & JTG & DARREN YOUNG

Methodical start to the match with the teams feeling each other out and getting over their personalities. They built to Kozlov tagging in at 4:45 to smash Chavo with power offense. Young smashed Kozlov from the ring apron, then Kozlov dumped Chavo over the top rope. The faces cleared the heels from the ring, then the heels regrouped and they cut to break.

Back from break, Chavo and Kozlov were working out their issues in the ring. The heels isolated O'Brian as Grisham and Regal discussed whether he would survive next week's elimination. Conor tried to escape the heel corner, but Chavo cut him off with a low dropkick and the heels went back to work. Grisham equated Conor to a piñata because everyone was getting a swing at him. Conor finally broke free and the worst hot tag ever was executed to Yoshi. All that build-up and they still screwed up the hot tag.

Yoshi built his own momentum and cleaned house on the heels before smashing JTG with a Shining Wizard. The action broke down when Yoshi attempted a pin, then Yoshi and JTG found themselves alone in the ring once the dust settled. On cue, Yoshi delivered a KO kick to the head and made the cover for the win. Grisham tried to give Conor a complement on his performance in the match: absorbing punishment.

WINNER: Team Yoshi at 15:24.

2 -- ZACK RYDER vs. TITUS O'NEIL (w/Hornswoggle)

Regal said he doesn't get the whole fist-pumping and Long Island thing, but they have something in common: Ryder was trained by old tag partner, Dave Taylor. Titus took it to Ryder early on as the vocal males in the crowd chanted, "Let's go Ryder." Hornswoggle tried to talk them down as Ryder bailed from the ring to get a breather. Grisham plugged Ryder's YouTube show and Regal said, "Good for him getting himself over." Grisham said it's all about what happens between the ropes and Regal said he can back it up in the ring.

Back in the ring, Titus knocked down Ryder before Hornswoggle tried to take a bite out of Ryder's behind. The distraction allowed Titus to roll up Ryder from behind for a nearfall. Ryder had enough and bailed from the ring. "Are you serious?!" Ryder shouted as they cut to break.

Back on NXT, Titus booted Ryder in the gut before landing an uppercut. "Let's go Ryder" chant from the few fans interested in the proceedings. Ryder then cut off Titus and started taunting his former Rookie. Ryder maintained control with a double sledgehammer before applying a reverse chinlock. Horny tried to warm up the crowd and Titus teased a comeback, but Ryder booted Titus in the chest and followed with the Broski Boot for a nearfall.

Titus then mounted a comeback and landed a big flying clothesline. Titus followed with a fallaway slam before Ryder bailed from the ring. Ryder taunted Horny, gave him a fright, and then returned to the ring. Titus took some time to check on Horny, then found a boot from Ryder once he returned to the ring. Ryder followed with the Rough Ryder and it was good for the win.

Post-match: Hornswoggle shook his head in disbelief as Regal suggested Hornswoggle distracted his Rookie. Horny continued to sell frustration with the outcome as Ryder celebrated in the ring. Ryder, satisfied with the win, left the ring as they went to a replay of the finish. After the replay, they showed Ryder celebrating while Titus sold frustration as Hornswoggle tried consoling him. Horny waved off Ryder's taunts from a distance and smiled for Titus, who continued to sell frustration as they called it a night.

WINNER: Ryder at 8:29. Interesting developments to close the show. Titus was not over as a face with the Hershey crowd in the opening segment or in the match, and WWE planted seeds for a potential heel turn on Hornswoggle, which would actually mean something for NXT after 15+ weeks of Horny and Titus hanging out as best buds. As for Ryder, he was solid in the ring leading the match with the inexperienced Titus. A strong conclusion to a typically forgettable NXT episode.

[Arcademan]

WWE Superstars Results: 6-23-11

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

1 -- KAITLYN & A.J. & NATALYA vs. ROSA MENDES & ALICIA FOX & TAMINA -- six-Divas tag match

The announcers played up this feud as the heels trying to bully the new Smackdown Divas, A.J. and Kaitlyn. Jack Korpela asked Matt Striker what advice he would give Kaitlyn starting her WWE career and Striker awkwardly said he wants to make little babies with Kaitlyn. Kaitlyn then made a rookie mistake and the heels isolated her in their corner. Korpela and Striker picked up a discussion on C.M. Punk vowing to take the WWE Title away from WWE (and John Cena), prompting Korpela to suggest WWE higher-ups could get involved to possibly prevent that from happening. A.J. eventually hot-tagged into the match and ducked an axe kick from Alicia before rolling up Alicia for a quick pin and the win. The bully heels were beside themselves as the face trio celebrated outside the ring.

WINNERS: Team A.J. at 5:21. Basic story keeping Smackdown's Divas division on "TV" this week.

2 -- MELINA vs. GAIL KIM

Mathews recapped storyline issues between the two former friends and Stanford relayed "information from Gail" that she's upset Melina left her hanging as a tag team. Melina took control of the action as Mathews vowed to get to the bottom of the split between Melina and Gail. Has anyone quizzed Daniel Bryan yet? Gail made a comeback at 3:30, then crucifix pinned Melina for a quick win over Melina. Post-match: Gail left the ring and told Melina she's crazy. "I was your friend!" Gail shouted at Melina.

WINNER: Kim at 3:59. Basic action and another chapter in the ongoing Thursday night feud between Melina and Gail.


3 -- WWE tag champions DAVID OTUNGA & MICHAEL MCGILLICUTTY vs. SANTINO & KOZLOV -- non-title match

Mathews said a victory for Santino and Kozlov could put them in line for a future Tag Title shot as they attempt to regain the titles. Otunga ran over Santino with early shoulder blocks, then started talking trash. Santino answered with a shoulder block and Otunga backed away. Santino frightened Otunga with the Cobra moments later and Otunga bailed to the floor to regroup. Meanwhile, Kozlov humorously unfolded the Cobra in the corner as Santino sold it's difficult to unwind after cocking the Cobra.

The heels then brought in Mike to work against Santino. Mike and Santino exchanged holds before Kozlov tagged in to lock up with Mike. After Kozlov wore down Mike, he tagged in Santino for a battering ram to Mike's mid-section. Moments later, Santino found himself in the heel corner to take a beating. Otunga momentarily lost control and Santino small-packaged him for a nearfall. Kozlov then tagged in and overhead slammed Otunga, who rolled to the floor. Santino frightened Mike with the Cobra and the heels retreated on the outside heading to break.

Back to action, Santino found himself isolated in the heel corner after missing with a Sailor's Salute fist drop. A few minutes later, Santino knocked Mike to the outside and scampered to his corner to tag in Kozlov, who threw Mike around like a ragdoll. Kozlov landed a running powerslam for a nearfall. Otunga then entered the ring and the action broke down. Santino went flying over the top rope, then Kozlov ran over both heels. All three men sold on the mat as Santino pulled himself up to the corner asking for a tag. Kozlov obliged. Santino then took a kick to the back from Otunga behind the ref's back. Mike followed with a running neckbreaker on Santino and it was good for the win. To the back of the line for Santino & Kozlov. After a replay of the finish, the tag champs celebrated with the tag belts as Stanford signed off.

WINNERS: New Nexus at 9:53. A fine WWE tag team match. Mike & Otunga aren't exactly a credible duo, but if WWE wanted to establish the value of the Tag Titles, they could take one minute on Raw to replay the finish of this match showing the tag champions picking up a victory. That's low on the priority list, hence why this match was on Superstars rather than on a three-hour Raw, but if WWE hypothetically had challengers lined up for a feud against New Nexus they want to get behind, a replay of this outcome would help establish the tag champions to set up a program.

[Arcademan]

TNA Impact Wrestling Results: 6-23-11

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

1 – SCOTT STEINER vs. BULLY RAY – Bound For Glory Series Match

After some trash talk, there was a long lockup before Ray took over and hit a double sledge on Steiner and slapped him in the chest. As Ray charged him again, Steiner moved and kicked him in the gut repeatedly. Steiner threw Ray across the ring and Ray complained that he had tried to grab his chain.

Steiner went over after a pause and hit the Steinerliner on Ray before hitting his Pump Elbow, followed by some pushups. Ray was whipped into the corner at 2:30, but got a boot into Steiner’s gut. Ray went for three straight pin attempts but Steiner kicked them all out.

Ray then hit a bodyslam on Steiner before going for another three pin attempts for the second time. When Steiner got to his feet, Ray put him into a full nelson and it looked like he was going for the Bubba Bomb. However, he couldn’t get him off of the ground and Steiner hit a back suplex to counter out of the hold.

Both men were back on their feet at 4:00 and started trading big punches in the middle of the ring. Steiner won the exchange and hit two Steinerliners before hitting a T-Bone Suplex on Ray for a two count.

Steiner went to whip Ray out of the corner but threw him back into the turnbuckle. Unfortunately, the ref got in the way and down he went. Steiner hit another T-Bone Suplex and put Ray into the Steiner Recliner, where he tapped out.

However, the ref was still down and Steiner eventually let go of Ray to help him. When Steiner turned around, Ray bashed him in the face with his chain and covered him. The ref recovered just in time to count the pinfall for Bully Ray.

WINNER: BULLY RAY in 6:00 to earn 7 points in the Bound For Glory Series. Obviously, not the world’s most technical match, but it was decent action that told a very good story. Bully Ray’s cheating heel character continues to be a winner.

2 – MISS TESSMACHER & VELVET SKY vs. ODB & JACKIE

Tessmacher was being beaten up in the middle of the ring by Jackie. Jackie dragged her to the corner as ODB could be heard calling her plenty of trashy names. ODB tagged in and isolated Tessmacher further. Velvet ran over and fought with Jackie at ringside but it was counterproductive as Tessmacher hit a jawbreaker to get the chance to crawl to her corner. But by the time Velvet got back to make the tag, Tessmacher got dragged back to the middle. Tessmacher continued to be dominated by rapid tags from Jackie and ODB. Tessmacher was down and stunned when ODB tagged in. But suddenly, Tessmacher hit a charging spear to level ODB. Not long thereafter, Velvet got the hot tag.

Sky came out like a house of fire and clotheslined both women. But Jackie pulled her down by the ankle and another four Knockout brawl ensued. ODB dragged Tessmacher out as the mic caught her yelling, “God, you suck!” at Tessmacher. Pretty funny. ODB threw Tessmacher into the ringside barrier before climbing back into the ring and tackling Sky.

Outnumbered two on one, ODB ‘bumped’ Earl Hebner, which allowed Jackie to hit a big kick between Velvet Sky’s legs, which made Taz ask if that hurt for women. It was apparently painful enough as Jackie earned a pinfall victory

WINNERS: JACKIE & ODB in 3:30.

3 – BEER MONEY vs. CRIMSON & MATT MORGAN – Bound For Glory Series Match

Crimson and Roode went back and forth for the first couple of minutes. Good action in the early going before Rood sold a shoulder injury and Storm tagged himself in. Morgan and Storm continued the nice in-ring pace as Storm executed a nice float-over top rope guillotine on Morgan.

But, Morgan fought back and hit a big discus clothesline for a two count. This led to Storm being stuck in the ring for multiple tags by both Morgan and Crimson. Finally, Storm managed to hit another float-over, this time on Crimson, for a backstabber and made the hot tag to Roode.

Roode and Morgan battled back and forth before Roode put Morgan into the same Fujiwara armbar that injured Ric Flair. However, Crimson made the save to break up the submission. Storm re-entered and they hit a double team suplex on Crimson, which sent him to ringside. As they tried to do their “Beer! Money!” cheer, Roode sold more concern about his shoulder and Morgan clotheslined them both from behind.

But, the numbers were on Beer Money’s side and they quickly beat Morgan into the corner. Storm checked with Roode to see if he was able to do a move with him. Roode nodded yes, so Storm got a running start and elevated him over the top rope onto Crimson at ringside. Unfortunately for Roode, it looked like it hurt his shoulder again and by the time he turned around, Morgan was back up and hit the Carbon Footprint for the pin.

WINNER: MATT MORGAN in 6:30 to earn 7 Bound For Glory Series Points. Morgan is now alone in the lead of the BFG Series with 14 points.

4 – DAKOTA DARSOW vs. ZIMA ION vs. FREDERICO PALACIOS – Winner will wrestle for an Impact Wrestling Contract at Destination X

Lots of high-paced action in this one. Darsow dominated early while heeling on the crowd, but Palacios slowed him down with a dropkick in the corner. All three men took turns on offense before Darsow was kicked out to the arena floor. Palacios was whipped into the rope but ducked under Ion’s clothesline to directly transition into a Suicide Dive into Darsow. Nice spot.

With both men down on the floor, Ion climbed up on the turnbuckle and set up for a reverse move. He went for a corkscrew moonsault but ended up going dangerously short. Palacios noticeably jumped into the way to slow his fall.

In the ring, Darsow and Ion traded moves back and forth before Palacios managed to climb back in and knock Darsow down. Palacios dragged Ion to the top turnbuckle and looked to be going for a superplex, but Ion pushed him off the top turnbuckle from a standing position down onto the floor. Really cool camera angle from directly above showing the big bump.

Darsow immediately went after Zima but he pushed Darsow off the top and Darsow was inadvertently guillotined on the top rope. Ion climbed up on the turnbuckle and hit a beautiful 450 splash for the pinfall win.

WINNER: ZIMA ION in 4:45 to earn a spot at Destination X

5 – WINTER vs. Knockouts Champion MICKIE JAMES – Non-Title Street Fight

Winter threw James into a locker multiple times before dragging her to the interview area. Mickie was knocked down and Winter pulled her belt off and started whipping James with it. Those looked painful. Winter told Mickie that she would whip her all the way to the ring if she had to. Winter then wrapped the belt around Mickie’s neck and dragged her through an opening onto the Impact Zone stage.

Winter threw James across the stage with the belt around her neck, but James managed to slow her down before climbing up onto a lifted around and hitting a big Lou Thesz Press onto Winter on the stage. After some mounted punches, the two women rolled all the way down the stage to ringside. Brawling at ringside, Mickie climbed up onto the ringside barrier and hit a hurrancanrana on the floor. Really great-looking move. Mickie rolled Winter into the ring but ref Hebner was soon distracted and Angelina Love came into the ring and hit a Backstabber before rolling out. Winter then scrounged the pinfall win.

WINNER: WINTER in 4:00.

6 – STING vs. X Division Champion ABYSS -- non-title match

Sting was in control early on the significantly larger Abyss. Sting exploded out of the corner to level him before clotheslining Abyss over the top. Sting’s facial expressions are just great making his Joker character work. Sting charged Abyss at ringside but Abyss moved and Sting hit his shoulder on the ring post.

Abyss was now in control and he threw Sting into the ring. Abyss choked him and then threw Sting into the corner before charging into him from a dead sprint. Abyss put Sting in a chokehold but Sting forced his way out.

However, as Sting fought back, Abyss caught him in the goozle and hit the chokeslam for a two count. Sting tried getting back up but Abyss leveled him with a chop block. He then pulled out the Art of War, which apparently led him to pull a barbed wire wrapped glove onto his hand from a bag at ringside. Sting got up just as Abyss was putting it on and managed to avoid some punches.

Sting made a big comeback with numerous clotheslines before hitting a Stinger Splash in the corner. He then hit the Scorpion Death Drop for a two count. Sting then pulled the glove off of Abyss’ hand and leveled him in the face with it, causing the DQ.

WINNER: ABYSS via DQ in 5:00.

After the match, Sting punched a bloody Abyss in the face with the glove again. Mr. Anderson came down the ramp and Sting stared him down before hitting Abyss in the face with the barbed wire twice more before allowing him to fall limp on the mat. Anderson sold concern as the show went off the air.

[Arcademan]

WWE Smackdown Results: 6-24-11

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

1 - SIN CARA vs. TED DIBIASE

Crowd chanted for Cara at the outset, but DiBiase worked the arm. Mathews asked Booker T to grade Cara since moving to Smackdown, and Booker gave him a B+. Cara took DiBiase out, then hit a cross-body off the top onto him outside the ring. Back in the ring, a cover got two. He tried a springboard cross-body, but DiBiase dropkicked him in mid-air. Cara worked out of a rest-hold but was put on DiBiase’s shoulders. Roll-up by Cara for two. DiBiase went back on offense, trying to keep Cara grounded. Slingshot clothesline by DiBiase for a near-fall at 3:06 of the match. We got about the third “Sin Cara” chant of the match at this point, so the Hershey fans were sweet on Cara (sorry, had to). Cara began his comeback at 3:40, which included a springboard hurricanrana. The announcers were too busy arguing to acknowledge much of it. Cara jumped into DiBiase, but Junior caught him and gave him a spinebuster. Booker brought up Mil Mascaras as one of the flyers that was around during “his day.” Cara hit his spinning finisher on DiBiase to pick up the win.

WINNER: Cara, at 5:08. That was the same finisher that most people thought was botched against Chavo Guerrero. Still not sure what exactly it is. Match was okay, as Cara got to hit his spots, and I don’t think a loss for DiBiase to Cara hurts him much.

2 – CODY RHODES vs. DANIEL BRYAN

Couple arm-drags by Bryan, then a quick pin attempt for two. Rhodes took a break outside the ring just under a minute in, and DiBiase came down to give him some aid. The two men talked strategy as they went to break at 1:11.

Back at 4:27 of the match. Rhodes was in control, taking the fight to Bryan at ringside. Booker said he was calling Bryan “D. Bryan” to give him a little charisma. Rhodes worked the arm of Bryan, then gave him a side Russian leg-sweep. I must’ve missed Rhodes calling DiBiase’s loss to Cara embarrassing, which is why DiBiase is back out at ringside – to redeem himself in Cody’s eyes, at least, that’s what the announcers thought. As Rhodes gave Bryan a front suplex, Cole trashed the entire state of Pennsylvania for some reason. Cody stomped Bryan near the ropes, then again worked the arm. Cole and Mathews joked about Booker getting a bag from the bag-men. Running clothesline by Bryan at 8:05, and he laid in the kicks in the corner. Pele kick by Bryan, then a hurricanrana off the top for a near-fall. I like the new additions to his arsenal. More kicks by D. Bryan, then a roll- up for two. Another attempt but Rhodes sat down and got a near-fall. The two men collided in mid-air as they both went for a cross-body.

Back to a vertical base, they traded right hands. DiBiase tried to trip up Bryan, but he dove through the ropes onto him. Bryan got caught with a springboard kick as he tried to come back into the ring. His leg was hung up on the middle rope and Rhodes took advantage. Cole and Booker talked about the “winnner’s purse” and how you get paid more if you win. That is never emphasized in storylines and kind-of came out of left field here. If that’s the story they’re going with, they need to mention it more often when screwjobs happen or DQs occur. Another springboard kick by Rhodes once Bryan got free, then the Cross-Rhodes for the win.

WINNER: Rhodes, at 11:27. About the match you’d expect between these two. Even-steven booking again though, after Bryan won on Monday.

3 – EZEKIEL JACKSON vs. WADE BARRETT – INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP

Neck-breaker by Barrett for only two. Less than a minute in and Jackson was getting some offense. Cole relayed the message that we’d hear from Randy Orton at the conclusion of this match. Jackson elbowed out of a side headlock, but Barrett gave Jackson a side slam, chastising Booker for calling it a sidewalk slam on Monday. Barrett was getting annoyed at the near-falls he was registering. A missed punch by Barrett and Jackson floored Barrett with a Rock Bottom. Booker said Barrett got “basted” by that move. As in, you “baste” a turkey. Big clothesline in the corner, but Barrett rolled to ringside. Jackson ran after him, only to get booted down by Barrett. Barrett lined Jackson up for the finish, but Jackson countered out of the Wasteland and put Barrett in the Torture Rack. Barrett submitted.

WINNER: Jackson, via submission, at 4:33. Barrett’s stock has really dropped, losing two televised matches in one week to the still-green Jackson.

4 – THE USOS vs. HEATH SLATER & JUSTIN GABRIEL

Another new theme for Slater and Gabriel. Northern Lights Suplex by Jey for two. He went to the top after fighting off Slate,r but Gabriel knocked him to ringside. Slater then tagged in and dove onto Jey. Back in the ring, Slater got a two-count at 1:22 of the match. Slater clotheslined Jey down and tagged Gabriel. Single-leg take-down by Gabriel, then he went to an arm-bar. Gabriel went for a springboard, but Jey caught him and gave him a Samoan drop, all in one motion. Slater and Jimmy both tagged in at 3:23. Bubba Bomb by Jimmy, followed by a corner splash. Running rear attack in the corner by Jimmy got two. Gabriel broke it up, so Jimmy got rid of him and Jey was sent out by Slater. Superkick on Slater by Jimmy. He went for a top rope splash, but Slater got his knees up. He then rolled Jimmy up for the win.

WINNERS: Slater and Gabriel, at 4:29. The Usos are still green, but they’ve got potential.

5 – KANE vs. CHRISTIAN – IF CHRISTIAN WINS, HE GETS ANOTHER SHOT AT THE WORLD TITLE

This match is starting at 9:33 EST, and I don’t see it going nearly a half-hour. Kane threw Christian into the corner and laid in some back elbows. Kane whipped Christian chest-first into the buckle. Christian ducked under Kane and gave him an uppercut. Kane responded with one of his own. Christian choked Kane over the top rope, then did a reversal of that, bending Kane’s neck over the top. Dropkick off the top rope for a one-count. Christian choked Kane in the corner, and he broke at 4 ½. Reverse chin-lock by Christian on Kane, but he didn’t seem to have it fully locked in. Christian low-bridged a charging Kane, then went right out after him. He rammed Kane back-first into the barricade. He scampered back into the ring, appearing to hope for a count-out win. Kane made it back in before ten, but Christian landed a diving headbutt off the top. Only a two-count. They went to break at 4:49 of the contest.

Sidewalk slam for two by Kane out of break. Christian dove at Kane from the second rope, but Kane caught him and slammed him. Low dropkick for two. Tilt-a-whirl slam for two by the Big Red Monster. Springboard sunset flip failed, but Kane missed a corner charge and Christian connected on the flip kick. He went to the top, but Kane grabbed him by the throat. Tornado DDT by Christian for two at 10:46. You could hear Christian sucking wind as he tried to get to his feet in the corner. He went for a spear, but Kane booted him down. It only got a two count. Kane went to the top, but Christian pulled him off by the arm. That got a two-count. Christian complained about the count there, but went to the top. He came down and right into an upper cut by Kane. Only a two count. Kane then went to the top himself and clotheslined Christian down. He set up for the chokeslam, but Mark Henry ran out. He attacked Kane, giving him a big splash. The ref called for the bell.

WINNER: Kane, via DQ, at 13:14.

Christian got in Henry’s face for costing him a shot at the title, but the two teamed up to throw Kane out of the ring. Teddy Long came out and said Christian lost again. But this time, it wasn’t Christian’s fault. He gave Christian a chance to redeem himself if he can win a tag team match, where he teams up with Henry to face Kane and Randy Orton. Should’ve made him go one-on-one with Henry. Orton entered the arena. Match is next.

6 – CHRISTIAN & MARK HENRY vs. KANE & RANDY ORTON

Match started upon return from break, at 9:51 EST. Orton tried to get a quick pin on Christian, to no avail. Booker and Mathews praised Long for his fairness in this matter. Cole, of course, disagreed. By making this match, Long is just opening himself up to more complaints by Christian, for instance, what if Henry gets pinned? Christian can say he never lost the match, but his partner did. Crowd chanted “RKO” as Christian and Henry tagged in and out to work over Orton. Inside cradle by Orton for two. Henry tossed Orton around like a rag-doll. Butt splash by Henry missed, as Orton rolled out of the way. Both men tried to get up at 2:51, and Kane did get the hot tag. He and Henry collided, with Kane getting the better of it. To the top, Kane nailed Henry with a flying clothesline. That only got two at 3:33 of the match. Kane picked Henry up, but fell back due to Henry’s weight. Tag to Christian and again I can hear that heavy breathing from someone. Kidney shots by Christian in the corner and again, he pushed the count to 4 ½. After softening up the big man, Christian tagged Henry in to do more damage. Overhand forearms by Henry to the chest of Kane. Henry ran into a chokeslam out of nowhere and both men fell to the mat at 6:12. Cole noted that Big Show has been taken to a local medical establishment due to the attack by Henry earlier in the show. Orton tagged in, but Christian didn’t, and Orton cleaned house on Christian anyway. RKO on Christian, but World’s Strongest Slam by Henry and Christian has another shot.

WINNERS: Henry and Christian, at 7:37.

Cole talked of Christian sacrificing himself so Henry, the legal man, would have time to recover. They replayed the finish and Christian took the title, trash talking a fallen Orton while holding it as the show came to a close.

[Arcademan]

WWE RAW Results: 6-27-11 (next two posts)

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

1 -- C.M. PUNK vs. KANE

Back live, Cole noted Kane felt Henry's wrath on Smackdown last week. The bell sounded and Kane uppercut Punk to the outside. Back in the ring, Kane delivered a running dropkick for a nearfall. Lawler posed the question of what would happen to WWE if Punk walks out as champion. Cole played up WWE's recent marketing philosophy of trying to find something that's "never, ever happened before." Punk then took control as Cole played up Punk's storyline reason for wanting to leave WWE: feeling disrespected by the locker room and fans. Kane made a comeback, but Punk caught him on the top turnbuckle. Kane headbutted Punk to the mat, then Punk quickly rolled out of the ring to avoid Kane. Punk waved off Kane as the ref began counting. Instead of stressing the consequences of losing a match, Cole called it a good move, with the argument being Punk already has his title match in the bag. Punk disappeared to the back at an eight count, then Punk was counted out to give Kane the win.

WINNER: Kane via count-out at 4:18. WWE is so inconsistent with their application of consequences to losing a match. On Smackdown and Superstars, the announcers have randomly begun discussing the "winner's purse," but on Raw, it's a foreign concept. Either stress it or don't bring it up. Aside from that, the match was just part of WWE's attempt to build that bridge to the MITB PPV. It seems like there will be follow-up later in the show.

2 -- EVAN "AIR" BOURNE vs. SIN CARA -- No count-out match

Roberts was still in the ring waiting to announce the stipulation, but the ref called for the bell. Bourne was like, "Um, to the Videotron." The ref calmed everyone down, then sent it to the Videotron. Booker and Eve hyped the match, then the wheel landed on a No Count-out match. So much for not repeating stipulations from last week. Back live, the bell re-sounded to officially start the match, complete with mood lighting. Cole dropped "wrestling" in the broadcast recapping Sin Cara's background getting his start in Mexico. After some basic back-and-forth, the action moved to the floor and the two men squared off with each other before simultaneously re-entering the ring.

Back in the ring, Bourne landed kick strikes before Sin Cara knocked him to the floor. Cole referenced this past weekend's Smackdown house show tour in South Texas and claimed Sin Cara had the biggest ovations. Lawler added another "wrestling" reference, saying it's difficult to come up with a gameplan when wrestling against Sin Cara. Back in the ring, Bourne scored a nearfall via crucifix pin. Sin Cara came back with a nearfall before Bourne landed an enziguiri for a nearfall. Cole referenced Sin Cara being unbeaten in WWE as Sin Cara landed a twisting corkscrew press for a two count.

At 4:00, Bourne came back with a standing moonsault for a nearfall. Bourne then set up Sin Cara for Air Bourne, but Sin Cara moved and Bourne landed his feet. Sin Cara then dropped Bourne with a spinning armbar takedown and it was good for the pin and the win. Post-match: Sin Cara pointed down at Bourne out of respect before WWE went to a replay of the big moves during the match.

WINNER: Sin Cara at 4:50. This was probably the smoothest Sin Cara has looked on live TV (not Smackdown). Short at five minutes, but it felt like a full TV match for this era. Fine action teasing more they could put together. (*3/4)

3 -- U.S. champion DOLPH ZIGGLER vs. KOFI KINGSTON -- non-title match

Cole said a victory for Kingston could put him back in the hunt for the U.S. Title. Dolph tried running away early on, but Kofi caught up with him. Back on the floor, Dolph smashed Kofi into the ringpost to take control. The ref was at six of a ten count when WWE decided to show wrestling doesn't matter by cutting to break with Kofi in jeopardy flat on his back on the floor.

Back live, the action was in the ring and at least the announcers acknowledged Kofi barely made it back into the ring to continue the match. Dolph maintained control of the match as Cole plugged upcoming WWE house shows. As Dolph continued to slow down the pace, Cole plugged the origins of their feud last year on Smackdown before continuing to Raw.

At 7:00, Kofi tried a surprise pin, but Dolph escaped. The two men scrapped for a bit before Dolph cut off Kofi with a boot to the head. Dolph then tried to throw Kofi out of the ring, but Kofi suddenly rebounded off the ropes and flowed right into Trouble in Paradise on Dolph for the pin and the win. Very fluid finish right there. After a replay, they showed Kofi celebrating his victory in the ring.

WINNER: Kingston at 7:35. What you would expect from Kofi and Dolph without Vickie present. They didn't go out there to have a steal-the-show match, but tell a story that Dolph isn't a capable champion unless Vickie is present. (*1/2)

4 -- BIG SHOW vs. ALBERTO DEL RIO -- steel cage match

The bell sounded and Del Rio quickly tried to climb out of the cage, but Show yanked him down to center-ring and delivered a big chop. Del Rio then ate the cage face-first before Show dragged Del Rio's face across the cage. Del Rio came back with a dropkick to the injured knee, giving Del Rio an opening. As Del Rio worked on Show, Mark Henry suddenly emerged and began walking to ringside. Henry walked over to the announce table and started talking trash to no one in particular. Henry paced ringside as Show made a comeback with a hard chop. Show then teased a chokeslam, but Del Rio kicked the leg again before delivering a DDT for a two count.

Del Rio tried to escape the cage, but Show yanked him down to his feet. Show suddenly climbed up the turnbuckles with Del Rio and set him up for a SuperShowplex. After a pause, Show executed and Cole said the ring & cage shook. At this point, Henry decided to interject himself into the match. Henry ripped off the cage door after some struggle, then brought the door inside the cage. Henry booted Show and Del Rio crawled on his hands and knees out of the cage door, picking up the win.

Post-match: Henry stared down at Show as Del Rio smiled on the outside. Henry lifted up the cage door and charged Show to smash him in-between the cage door and wall. Show then spilled out of the cage, falling on top of the gimmicked side of the cage that fell upon impact. Henry shouted down at Show that he's not playing anymore. Henry started yelling at refs and agents who came down to ringside. "You going to fine me?!" Henry shouted. Henry ripped off the announce table cover before trash-talking fans. Henry said he wishes someone would step up to him. Medics checked on Show as they cut to break.

WINNER: Del Rio at 5:20. Blah cage match that was merely a means to an end of extending the Show-Henry feud and continuing to establish Henry's violent, destructive character. Henry has played his role very well the last two weeks on Raw.

5 -- Divas champion KELLY KELLY vs. NIKKI BELLA (w/Brie Bella) -- non-title Submission match

A brief match ended with Kelly submitting Nikki in a Boston Crab. That might be a first. After the match, the Bella Twins beat down Kelly before Eve ran out to make the save. After a replay of the match that nearly doubled the time of the match, the heels and faces trash-talked each other to conclude the segment.

WINNER: Kelly via submission at 1:20.

[Arcademan]

6 -- THE MIZ & JACK SWAGGER vs. REY MYSTERIO & ALEX RILEY -- Texas Tornado tag match

The bell sounded and the men paired off against each other. The sound was thrown off by about two seconds during the BA STAR PSA and remained thrown off at the beginning of the match. The first nearfall of the match had the audio happening two seconds before the visual of the nearfall. Rey and Swagger eventually moved their fight to the floor. In the ring, Miz scored a close nearfall and they cut to break with Riley looking down at Miz.

Back live, Miz and Swagger were talking strategy while standing over Riley. A replay from during the break showed how the heels took control of the match. Riley tried a spirited comeback on Miz, but Swagger cut him off from behind. Suddenly, Rey re-entered the match with a cross-body attempt on Swagger, but Swagger caught him in mid-air for a gutbuster across Miz's knee. It only resulted in a two count, then the heels went to work on the faces. "619, 619" chant from the crowd, which drew Miz's ire. Miz then dropped Rey with a DDT after Rey teased a comeback, but it only drew a two count.

Riley and Swagger found themselves on the floor moments later, leaving Miz and Rey in the ring. Miz wanted a superplex, but Rey blocked and headbutted Miz to the mat. Rey followed with a seated plancha, ducked a Swagger clothesline, and smashed Miz with a kick to the head, but Miz kicked out of a pin. Rey then set up the 619 on Miz, but Swagger yanked Rey to the floor. Back in the ring, Riley caught Swagger with a spinebuster and made a cover, but Miz broke up the pin. Miz regrouped and dropped Riley for a fallaway DDT, but Riley kicked out, drawing a reaction from the crowd. Cole said he admits he's been impressed by Riley, who then clotheslined Miz over the top rope to the floor. Back in the ring, Swagger smashed Rey in the face with a big boot and scored another believable nearfall. Swagger, frustrated, went for a gutwrench bomb, but Rey countered into the 619, only to have Swagger grab Rey's leg. Swagger applied the anklelock and Miz helped out before Riley yanked Miz away.

On the floor, Riley slingshot Miz into the guardrail. Back in the ring, Rey hit the 619 and Riley dropped Swagger with his signature DDT. Rey followed right up with his top-rope splash on Swagger in one fluid motion and it was good for the win. Afterward, Rey sold a left knee injury as Riley checked on him. Rey limped across the ring to celebrate with Riley as the crowd roared.

WINNERS: Rey & Riley at 11:43. That was a hot match with all of the intangibles that make up a standout TV match. That's called taking advantage of an opportunity to steal the show. Swagger, despite taking the expected loss, looked solid for the first time in months. Riley gained some momentum, Miz looked good when he was in control, and Rey was Rey. (***)

7 -- WWE champion JOHN CENA vs. R-TRUTH -- non-title Tables match

The bell sounded and Lawler brought up Cena losing a famous tables match to Sheamus, which was at the TLC 2009 PPV to begin Sheamus's first WWE Title run. Cole tried to sell Truth as a formidable opponent by saying they all seem to laugh at Truth's antics, but he's a dangerous man. The crowd started with the dueling chants one minute into the match as Truth took control.

At the top of the hour, Cena charged Truth for the Attitude Adjustment, but Truth escaped and hit a float-over jawbreaker. Truth then slipped out of the ring and grabbed a table, which he slid into the ring. Truth set up the table in the ring as Cole recapped the important match results on the show. Nice touch. Cena sold being in peril as Truth set him up for a suplex through the table, but Cena countered with a suplex away from the table. Cena then yanked down the top rope to send a running Truth over the top rope.

On the floor, Cena threw Truth into the ring steps before finding his own table to introduce into the ring. Cena set up the table in the ring before grabbing Truth on the floor and throwing him into the ring. Cena stalked Truth for the AA, but Punk came down to ringside and moved the table out of the way as Cena delivered the AA. Punk smirked and did You Can't See Me, prompting Cena to jump Punk on the floor. Punk ran back into the ring, Cena chased him, and Truth speared Cena right through the table to pick up the win. Both Cena and Truth sold the effects of what was a vicious-looking ending to the match.

WINNER: Truth at 5:14.

[Arcademan]

WWE NXT Results: 6-28-11

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

1 -- DARREN YOUNG vs. CONOR O'BRIAN

The match quickly spilled to the floor in front of the announcers. Conor vowed to whip up Young before they re-entered the ring to resume a scrap. Regal tried to suggest Young was in a better position than his Pro, Chavo, because he's here and Chavo's gone. Grisham quipped back they should apparently forget the last 15 years for Chavo. Meanwhile, the scrap moved to the ring apron and a neckbreaker was executed that appeared to hurt both individuals. Both men sold as they cut to break.

Back on NXT, Young was working over Conor, who kicked out of repeated pin attempts. Young had a cut lip that produced blood, which the camera focused on. Grisham noted Kozlov isn't here tonight because he's on the Australian Tour with the Raw brand. Young continued to wear down Conor, drawing boos when he played to the crowd.

The crowd tried a slow clap that inspired Conor to execute a back suplex into a catapult for a nearfall as he started a comeback. Conor then took Young's head off with a big boot and fired himself up. Conor followed with head butts in the corner, but Young came back with the Three Amigos suplexes. Young executed all three, then slapped his chest a la the Guerreros. Young followed with a top-rope frog splash and connected. One, two, three, and it was good for the win.

WINNER: Young at 8:40. There was no reason provided to the live crowd to cheer for Conor, so the crowd was quiet for most of this (other than a customary slow clap), but Young played his part well.

2 -- YOSHI TATSU vs. TYSON KIDD

The bell sounded and Yoshi tackled Kidd to pound on him again, which popped the crowd. Kidd rolled on top, but Yoshi knocked Kidd to the floor. Yoshi shouted down at Kidd to get back in the ring as the crowd chanted, "Yoshi, Yoshi." Yoshi then chased Kidd around the ring, then re-entered the ring and started chopping away on Kidd. Yoshi landed big kicks to the back and scored a nearfall, but lost control moments later. Kidd then slowed down Yoshi in the corner and began working him over. Kidd then knocked Yoshi to the outside and rammed him into the ring steps as they cut to break.

Back from break, Kidd was working over Yoshi center-ring as Yoshi tried to rally behind a "Let's Go Yoshi" chant. Yoshi came back with a chop, then another chop, but Kidd cut him off with a blow to his "injured" left shoulder. Kidd continued to work over the shoulder as Regal provided solid commentary on the match strategy for both sides.

At 7:00, Yoshi fired back with combination kicks and slaps that put Kidd on the mat. The crowd got behind Yoshi, who followed with a rolling kick to the chest before selling he expended a lot of energy on the comeback. Yoshi then found a burst of energy for a roundhouse kick, but Kidd kicked out at two. Yoshi tried to follow with a top-rope move, but Kidd jumped to the top turnbuckle, only to be shoved down to the mat, but he crotched Yoshi out of desperation. Kidd then followed up top and snapped off a huracanrana for a close two count. The crowd popped, then rallied behind Yoshi, who came back with a lightning kick to the head moments later. Yoshi with the pin and the win. Big cheer for Yoshi as Regal said that's the type of competition he likes to see in WWE. "This is what we need more of here," he said. They went to a replay of the high points from the match before cutting to a shot of Yoshi bowing for the crowd.

WINNER: Yoshi at 9:21. Excellent "TV" match. Yoshi's intensity at the beginning of the match set a very good tone for this match, following all the way through to the finish. Yoshi could be a valuable part of one of the two main rosters if utilized after a nice run on NXT developing a new side to his character. (**1/2)

3 -- TITUS O'NEIL (w/Hornswoggle) vs. JTG

Maryse cut an early promo on Regal, who called her wicked last week. 35 seconds in, Swoggle walked over to the announce table to hand Maryse a note. "Do you like me? Yes or No?" Maryse made a note about not dating average size men, which Regal tried to pause on, but Maryse kept talking about not liking Swoggle. Maryse snapped a picture of Swoggle on her phone as Titus dominated the action in the ring. JTG then slipped out of the ring and bumped into Swoggle, who scampered up the ring steps and posed in JTG's face. Swoggle waved to Maryse as he posed, then Titus yanked JTG back into the ring.

Moments later, Titus hit the sky-high bomb for the win. No tension with Swoggle taking all of the attention away from Titus, who lifted up Swoggle in the air for a victory celebration. Maryse then took off her headset and tore up the note before throwing it in the air. Swoggle just shook his head and left the ring as Titus tried to console him. Regal said he would have laughed at this years ago, but he thinks it's sad. Swoggle and Titus eventually left. Elimination is up next.

WINNER: Titus at 3:23.

Announcers: Striker and Maryse were shown ringside standing next to the three remaining Rookies. Striker recapped the Redemption Points deal before a review of the points showed O'Neil with 22, Young with 7, and O'Brian with 3. Striker then cued up the drumroll. And the eliminated Rookie is...Conor O'Brian. Finally.

Titus shook Conor's hand before Conor took the mic. Conor thanked everyone for voting for him before noting he couldn’t think of a better place to go out than right here in Phoenix. Conor addressed "Hunter" that all he's asking for is a chance to play the game. Conor thanked the crowd and walked off as Titus applauded him.

Back to Striker, who noted the winner of NXT5 earns a spot on NXT6 and gets to pick his own Pro. Striker said the winner won't be limited to just Titus and Young, though. Striker said they will be joined by this man...out came NXT4 favorite Derrick Bateman, who was flanked by his former Pro, Daniel Bryan. Quite the development. Bateman was more subdued than his high-energy persona last season. Young complained about this development while Titus confidently stood his ground. They signed off with a slow-mo shot of Conor seeing his name in lights as the next elimination.