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

[Arcademan]

WWE RAW Results: 6-29-09

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

(1) Triple H beat MVP. Lawler wondered who Triple H was standing after what he went through at the PPV last night. MVP dominated early as Triple H sold an injured quad on his left leg, which was wrapped. Triple H avoided a Playmaker at 4:00 and snapped into a Pedigree for the clean win. (3/4*)

(2) Edge & Chris Jericho defeated Primo & Carlito Colon for the Unified Tag Team Titles in 8:00. A minute into the match, the Colons knocked the heel duo to the floor, then they cut to an early break. [c] Back from the break the heels were in control, tagging in and out against Primo. Carlito got a hot-tag at 7:00 and went on sustained offense. He hit Edge with his Back Stabber finisher for a near fall, with Jericho breaking it up with a great save (not one of those whimpy stomps but a full diving tackle). Primo knocked Jericho to the floor. Carlito then gave Edge a kneelift. As Carlito set up a springboard on the middle rope, it appeared he got knocked off balance by Primo. He looked angrily down at Primo. The cameras didn't pick up what happened, and the announcers seemed to miss it entirely, and then Edge gave Carlito a spear for the win. The replay showed that Jericho shoved Primo into the ropes, throwing off Carlito. Carlito had some words for Primo afterward, although surely he'll see the video replay and forgive his brother. Right? (*1/2)

(3) John Cena pinned The Miz in 14:00. Cole asked Lawler if Miz could have learned anything about his loss last night. Lawler said he had to have learned what not to do, comparing it to the lesson people learn when they put their hand on a hot stove. Cena stared down Miz, then got a crowd pop when he took off his t-shirt. Miz scored early with a kneelift, forearm, chop, and kick. Lawler and Cole talked about how Miz did dominate Cena early in the match last night. Cena came back right away with an armdrag, bodyslam, and elbowdrop. Cena settled into a chinlock at 2:00. Miz escaped and applied a side headlock. Lawler said Cena got in people's faces early in his career just as Miz does now, implying Miz might be on Cena's path. Cena went for a bulldog at 4:00, but Miz escaped and leaped over the top rope and snapped Cena's neck-first over the top rope. He followed with a neckbreaker and a near fall. [c] Back from the break, Miz had Cena in a sleeper at 8:00. Lawler again said Miz more than held his own last night most of the match, and perhaps that gave him the confidence necessary to avoid defeat again. Miz blocked an Attitude Adjustment and dropped Cena hard to the mat and scored two consecutive two count near falls. Miz took time to trash-talk Cena. Cena made a brief comeback, but Miz countered with a sleeper. Cena made his faces, and then began to fade. He dropped to one knee and then all the way to the mat. Cena made a comeback by powering out and hitting a series of shoulder blocks and a release side suplex. He signaled for his You Can't See Me routine. He hit Miz with a legdrop off the ropes to the back of his neck and then applied the STF for another clean tapout win. Cole confirmed that sets up Cena vs. Triple H next week. (**3/4)

(4) Mickie James defeated Kelly Kelly and Beth Phoenix and Rose Mendez when she pinned Mendez at 5:00 to earn a shot at Maryse's Divas Title at Night of the Champions. Maryse joined in on commentary. She gave Cole a hard time about how be pronounces her name. He As Phoenix punched Mickie, Rosa stepped in to help and it seemed to upset Phoenix. Mickie avoided a Phoenix suplex and then applied an inverted sleeper. Mendez then put Mickie in a sleeper. Kelly jumped on Mendez's back with her own sleeper. Phoenix escaped and shoved the other three into the corner turnbuckle. Kelly got a near fall on Phoenix after a sunset flip. Mickie moved in and went for a pin, but Mendez broke that up with a backslide of her own. Maryse indicated she wanted to face Kelly if she had a choice, almost to the point of seeming to have a crush on her. Mickie eventually finished Mendez with a DDT. Mickie and Maryse had a staredown afterward, then she hugged Kelly afterward. (*1/4)

(5) The Big Show fought Kofi Kingston to a double countout at 3:00. Kofi showed his usual good fighting spirit. Show, though, overpowered him. He knocked him to the floor to defend against being mounted and punched in the corner. Show pressed Kofi, practically poking his finger up his butt in the process, but Kofi slipped out and shoved Show into the ringpost. The ref got to the ten count before either could get back into the ring. A fan held up a sign that said, "Big Slow." Show frowned and walked to the back. Short, but fine. (1/2*)

(6a) Randy Orton pinned Evan Bourne in 4:00. Bourne was revealed to be new to the Raw brand. Lawler talked up Bourne's style. Cole said Orton is so used to wrestling Triple H (tell us about it) that he may not know what to make of the pacing of Bourne. Bourne got in early offense including flying moves and kicks leading to a near fall. Orton gave Bourne a jaw-jacker out of nowhere. Bourne made a comeback and went on a flurry of rapid-moves and Orton seemed slowed by the effects of the PPV beating he took at the PPV. Bourne flew off the top rope. Lawler said Bourne is fun to watch. Bourne set up a top rope move, but Orton got up and knocked him off balance; Bourne straddled the top rope. Orton then gave Bourne a flying bulldog for the win. (*)

(6b) Randy Orton defeated Jack Swagger via countout. Swagger outwrestled Orton early by charging in and then powerslamming him. Swagger did his signature chest pound and then seemed to consider the moment. He then walked out onto the ring apron and got intentionally counted out. He told Orton afterward he has always respected him, so on his first night on Raw (sort of), he wanted to leave a lasting impression. He shook Orton's hand, and Orton accepted it and gave him a half grin.

(6c) Mark Henry pinned Randy Orton in 4:00. Henry said he also came to Raw to make an impression. He said he respects Orton, too. He stepped onto the ring apron and let the ref count. When the ref got to five, Henry grabbed the ref's hand. Henry then began to laugh and he stepped back into the ring and waved his finger at Orton, as if to say he wasn't letting him off that easily. Orton sunk into the corner, like those guys on those Highway Patrol shows do when the cop asks if they will open their trunk for them and they have 250K worth of weed back there. Orton actually got on his knees and begged off. Henry slowly moved in and grabbed Orton by his throat and tossed him hard to the mat. Henry headbutted Orton and then soaked up some cheers. Orton tried to fight back with an RKO, but Henry shoved him away, into the ropes, and then slammed him to the mat with a powerslam. That was a big win for Henry. Do they have big plans for him?

[Arcademan]

ECW on SciFi Results: 6-30-09

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

1 -- SHELTON BENJAMIN vs. YOSHI TATSU

Bell sounded and Shelton went around the ring mock bowing to the crowd to apparently mock the entire Japanese culture. Shelton did a praying mantis pose to mock Yoshi, who continued to be annoyed. Shelton then did a Sumo wrestling warm-up pose while laughing at the whole ordeal. Shelton did a deep bend, then Yoshi blasted Shelton in the face with a roundhouse kick. He covered Shelton for the pin and the win. Yoshi then bowed over Shelton, who slowly tried to put the pieces back together.

WINNER: Yoshi in 2:00 with 0:05 of action. That was quite possibly the worst, dumbest segment I've seen in a while on WWE TV. Well, at least since the Santina stuff. Managed to offend an entire culture right before touring there. I just don't get WWE's booking of Shelton. It's just another step backward moving to ECW. (n/a)

2 -- SHEAMUS vs. OLIVER JOHN

A graphic flashed on the screen announcing next week with a special time of Thursday at 7:00 p.m. EST. Perhaps WWE is too embarrassed to actually draw attention to when next week's ECW TV is. Sheamus took it to Oliver early on as Matt Striker talked about Sheamus not following tradition of introducing himself to the boys in the back when he arrived. Sheamus cut off a brief comeback with a big bicycle kick. He followed with a Rock Bottom with a backbreaker for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Sheamus in 3:00. Sheamus was fine in his national TV debut, but it would help if WWE actually took the time to give these guys some pre-debut vignettes to introduce them to the audience. (*)

3 -- ECW champion TOMMY DREAMER & CHRISTIAN vs. KOZLOV & WILLIAM REGAL

Christian and Regal started things off with an aggressive exchange of holds. Nice to see some physical action on the show. Dreamer and Kozlov then tagged in and Kozlov pounded Dreamer into the corner before landing body blows. Dreamer landed a kick to the chest before delivering some right hand blows. He hit a cross body block, then pulled the top rope down to send Kozlov to the floor. Christian tagged in, then flew through the ropes with a dropkick. He teased a top rope splash, but Regal ran over to guard Kozlov and prevent a highspot. Cut to break.

Back from break, Regal had Dreamer in a reverse chinlock wearing down the champ. Kozlov then tagged in and landed multiple elbow smashes, mixing in grunts for added effect. Christian took a hot tag at 8:00 and cleaned house on Regal before going to the second rope for a missile dropkick. Christian tried a sunset flip pin, but Regal kicked out. Regal then cut Christian off with a slingshot smash across the top rope focused on the shoulder. Kozlov then tagged in and started focusing on the left shoulder. Regal and Kozlov exchanged tags to work over Christian's shoulder for a while.

[Q5 -- over-run]

Dreamer finally took a hot tag at 13:00 and came in hot on Kozlov with a flying shoulder tackle. Dreamer teased a DDT on Kozlov, but opted for a neckbreaker for a two count. Meanwhile, Regal and Christian battled on the outside with Regal throwing Christian into the ring steps. Regal then tagged himself in and Dreamer flung him into the ring. Dreamer with a small package, but Regal kicked out. Dreamer missed with a corner smash and ate the ringpost. Regal followed with an exploder suplex, but Kozlov blind-tagged in as Regal was setting up a finish. Kozlov then entered the ring and gave Dreamer the Iron Curtain slam for the pin and the win.

Post-match: Regal clapped for Kozlov, who smiled his Kozlov smile. Kozlov saluted himself, then Regal walked over to Kozlov for a handshake. Regal not showing any frustration with Kozlov stealing the pin from him. A minute or two after the finish, Striker apparently got a bug in his ear to remind viewers that Kozlov just pinned the ECW champion. Hint hint. Regal and Kozlov shared another few celebration moments as Regal looked a little too longingly at Kozlov to close the show.

WINNERS: Kozlov & Regal in 15:00. Good, physical match-up. Had some rough moments throughout, but it was nice to see some actual wrestling action on the show. Apparently Regal killed Christian on the outside before the finish, as Christian completely disappeared at the end. Dreamer vs. Kozlov coming soon. Great. So concludes a very rough episode of ECW TV. Lots of growing pains coming up and they didn't even bother to verbally plug next week's show on Thursday night. Too embarrassed to point that out, apparently. (**)

[Arcademan]

WWE Superstars Results: 7-2-09

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

1 -- SANTINO MARELLA vs. THE BRIAN KENDRICK

Crowd with a "Santino, Santino" chant and Santino started blushing trying to downplay the cheers. So great. Kendrick then kicked Santino in the gut and put him on the mat, which drew boos. Santino quickly countered with a series of takedowns into headlocks, showing off his hidden judo background. Santino started talking to an inanimate object, so Kendrick kicked him in the gut. Santino then tried to skin the cat back into the ring, but Kendrick yanked his right leg across the top rope. Kendrick went Mexican-style and started working the right. Kendrick started calling Santino a loser, a nobody, a never-will be, which only made Santino ah-so-ah-mad. He Hulked up on Kendrick with a round of hip tosses before walking right into a kick to the face. Kendrick had a cover, but Santino casually grabbed the bottom rope for a break. Kendrick tried a roll-up, but Santino flipped him over and trapped the shoulders for a pin as Kendrick tried to wiggle out.

Post-match: Santino then did his big "trumpet and dancing" celebration. He said today was his day. He tried to shake Kendrick's hand to adhere to the Code of Honor, but Kendrick wanted to slap him. Santino moved away and simply said, "I try. But he too angry." Santino then worked out the leg work on the way to the back with a victory in his pocket.

WINNER: Santino in 4:00. Santino is so great in his babyface role. Kendrick was just playing the enhancement talent, which is apparently his permanent role on Raw. (*1/4)

2 -- CHARLIE HAAS vs. JOHN MORRISON

Match moved to the floor in the opening minute with Morrison trying to drag Haas up the ring steps, only to have Haas drop him abs-first across the steps with a leg sweep. Haas then dragged Morrison back into the ring to start working on the six-pack. Morrison suddenly nailed a head-stand kick to the head followed by a leaping dropsault into a running kick for a two count. Sweet three-move combo. Haas then cut him off with a knee to the abs again. Haas missed with a kick, then Morrison hit a spinning neckbreaker. He followed right up with the Starship Pain springboard corkscrew plancha for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Morrison in 4:00. Haas had a decent showing enhancing Morrison, who looked very sharp with his offensive display. Ross and Grisham had ample time to talk up Morrison, which was the key to the match. Morrison is slowly connecting with the audience as a babyface with his flashy moves that the fans are recognizing more and more. (*1/2)

3 -- ZACK RYDER vs. TAYLOR REKS

Hot start with a back-and-forth exchange until Ryder blasted him with repeat kicks to the body before hitting a Samoa Joe-like kick to the face in the corner. I miss the Face Wash. Ryder then settled into a side headlock, but Reks slipped out and hit a neckbreaker. They had a forearm exchange before Reks landed an elbow smash and face-into-the-mat slam. Reks tried a move from the second rope, but Ryder cut him off with a kick to the knee. Ryder followed with the Zack Attack - reverse Fameasser - for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Ryder in 4:00. Another brief four-minute match, but really nice action. Ryder continues to "grow into his shoes" as a legit heel with a mean streak. He's at that Jack Swagger make-or-break point where he needs to put on a suit, step into the ring, and cut a ten-minute promo to see if he can handle the big time. Reks was solid in his debut. Curious he would lose in his first match, though. (*1/2)

4 -- World Hvt. champion C.M. PUNK vs. Unified tag champion EDGE -- non-title match

Bell sounded and Edge shoved Punk in the corner. Punk was pissed off that Edge went after the "injured" eye, so he chased Edge back into a corner. Ross tried to play up Punk as a credible man by saying Punk apologized to the official he "accidentally" kicked in the back during The Bash after the show. Grisham interjected that Hardy would see it differently. Great storyline.

Edge landed a forearm to the eye, then Punk dumped him to the apron and kicked his legs out from under him. Punk then sent Edge to the floor with a baseball slide kick. Punk followed on the floor, took Edge back into the ring, then Edge blasted him in the "injured eye." Ref held Edge back and checked on Punk, who covered his eye and tried to shake it off. Edge wasn't buying it. Cut to break.

Back from break, Edge was working over Punk. Ross said he'd bet a rack of ribs that Jeff Hardy is watching the match intently. Grisham said it must be weird for Jeff to root for Edge after their series of recent matches. Nice interjection of history. Punk came back with a standing enziguiri on Edge for a two count, then he checked the eye again. Punk attempted a Pedigree or butterfly suplex, but Edge cut him off with a DDT for a two count. Punk came back with an attempted springboard clothesline, but Edge ducked, only to take a powerslam from Punk.

Edge regrouped in the corner and Punk charged him with a running knee in the corner. Edge blocked a bulldog, but Punk teased the G2S. Edge raked the eyes to break the hold, prompting Punk to run into the corner to sell an eye injury. Edge then attacked Punk in the corner and the ref held him back. Punk suddenly waved his arms and said he can't continue because he can't see. Edge was stunned, but he was announced as the winner. Mixed cheers for Edge, who laughed and pointed at Punk.

WINNER: Edge via Punk not being able to continue in 12:00. Solid TV match. Very intriguing with the slow babyface turn for Edge (via Punk) and Punk's slow progression as a heel, but still remaining tweener. A few great exchanges in this one before the No Mas finish. If they really want to add fuel to the fire without turning Punk full heel, they can have him plead Wellness Policy combined with the Nigel-as-ROH-champ storyline that he's not going to risk his health for the sake of the fans's enjoyment and protect his interest as champ by only defending every 30 days. It wouldn't be a heel line because it's smart business for his personal career, but the fans wouldn't want to hear it. Lots and lots and lots of potential for this storyline before Punk turns full-fledged heel. Keeping him as a tweener trying to explain himself to unappreciative fans should make for great TV over the next few weeks and months. (**1/2)

[Arcademan]

TNA Impact! Results: 7-2-09

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

1- CODY DEANER vs. AMAZING RED

Deaner was a bit too aggressive early on, and he paid for it. He wore jeans with kneepads, but no shirt. He tried to work the arm, but Red came back with a few arm-drags. Head-scissor take-over that sent Deaner to the outside to consult with his woman, ODB. Red did a twisting dive over the top onto Deaner. Back in the ring for a side-roll that got two. A few more kicks from Red, but he was turned inside-out by a clothesline. A cover got two for Deaner and ODB bounced around at ringside. Right hands from Deaner in the corner on Red. I think he’s got duct tape rather than athletic tape on his wrists. Whip into the buckle by Red, then a spin kick that got a near-fall. Red went to the top, but Deaner knocked him off as he was pointing to ODB. Deaner decided to go to the top, much to the chagrin of ODB. He put on his ball cap, but missed a diving headbutt. Red came back with the “Red Eye,” a sort of inverted DDT, for the win.

WINNER: Red, at 4:18. Pretty much a comedy match, but at least Red got a win.

2- ERIC YOUNG vs. RHINO

Jesse Neal came to the ring with Rhino. Young attacked Rhino as soon as the Michigan native ran into the ring. Rhino soon was on the offense, but an Irish whip was reversed hard by Young, who then caught Rhino with a clothesline. Right hand and some choking by Young in the corner. EY settled into a rest-hold about 1:30 in. Tenay said Foley would be back next week to confront Jarrett. Wasn’t that supposed to be resolved, according to Jarrett, a few weeks ago? During the match, Young attacked Jesse on the outside, throwing him head-first into the guardrail. He was very deliberate in getting back in the ring. Rhino fought back and hit Young with a flying clothesline. Shoulder into the gut of Young in the corner, then a spinebuster. Neal got on the apron as Rhino was in a pin. Rhino confronted him, but Young shoved him into Neal, and rolled him up for the win.

WINNER: Young, at 3:37. This Rhino-Neal thing is really advancing at a much quicker pace than it needs to. Rhino should slowly get frustrated with him over a longer period of time, but instead, Neal has wrestled one match and was backstage once last week, and now, not long after training him, the story is that Rhino is already unhappy with him.

3- VELVET SKY & ANGELINA LOVE vs. AWESOME KONG & TARA

Madison Rayne had a giant poster of Victory Road with the Beautiful People on it with her as she accompanied her team to the ring. Apparently, Tara is short for “Tarantula,” and she brought one in a box to the ring with her. West talked about texting back-and-forth with Velvet at four or five in the morning about Tara. That was pretty funny. Tara worked over Velvet with a few arm-drags. Tara had Velvet by the arm and Awesome Kong made the tag, not allowing Sky to get away. Finally, after sending her into her corner, Love tagged in. Shots to the throat and head by Kong, then she tossed Love into the corner. Tara came back in and Madison got on the apron to distract the ref while Velvet interfered. That rarely causes a DQ anyway, so was the distraction even necessary? Sky and Love double-teamed Tara in the ring, then Velvet dropped an elbow that got two. Hair toss into the heel corner by Velvet, and Love came back in, but they did a double face-drop. Kong made the tag and Velvet’s offense had no effect. She took out Love too. Awesome Bomb coming up, but Love got involved, as did Tara. Love got sent into the post on the outside while Kong hit the Implant Buster for the win.

WINNERS: Kong & Tara, at 4:38. A good way to continue the Beautiful People vs. Tara feud.

4- TEAM 3D vs. SCOTT STEINER & BOOKER T- WINNERS GET A SHOT AT TNA TAG TITLES AT VICTORY ROAD

The four men got into a shoving match before the bell rang. Steiner kicked away at Brother Ray in the corner, but Bubba splashed him in the opposite corner. Beer Money was not having any of West’s ***-kissing on commentary. Steiner suplexed Ray down. Ray came back with a scoop slam, but missed an elbowdrop. Steiner did the same. Ray with a sidewalk slam for two. Booker kicked Devon in the back when Steiner had the ref’s attention. Booker came in and superkicked Devon in the corner. Booker held Devon, allowing Steiner to kick away at his mid-section and upper body. Overhead suplex by Steiner on Devon, which looked pretty impressive. Side-kick by Booker on Devon. Clothesline by Devon coming off the ropes and both men were down. Tagged made to Brother Ray. Hip-toss for Booker, Bubba Bomb for Steiner. Booker came back with the Bookend for two. Sheik Abdul Bashir and Kiyoshi, dressed nicely, came out and started brawling with Beer Money. Back in the ring, Team 3D hit the 3D on Booker. Sharmell got in the ring to distract the ref a Ray went for the pin. Steiner missed a clothesline and Ray slammed him, while Devon went to the top and hit the headbutt to the groin. The crowd chanted “get the tables” and Devon did so. The British Invasion came down and as Rob Terry distracted the ref, Doug Williams took out Devon on the outside and Brutus Magnus hit Brother Ray with the briefcase and he draped Booker’s arm over Ray to get the victory for the Mafia.

WINNERS: Booker & Steiner, at 7:33. Four veterans who still know how to put together a match, even though they certainly aren’t in their prime.

5- JEFF JARRETT & A.J. STYLES vs. KURT ANGLE & SAMOA JOE- TNA WORLD TITLE MATCH

JB handled ring introductions for this one. Jarrett and Angle went at it to start, and Angle quickly shrugged off a Stroke. The two traded offense and Styles tagged in. Angle raked the face. What incentive is there to tag out here, when you need to be in to win the title, since winning as a team means nothing here? Joe came in and got dropkicked down, then Angle came in and Styles and Jarrett traded off punching him. Angle was sent to ringside as the faces hit a double-clothesline on Joe.

Styles was on the mat out of break and Joe had just made a tag to Angle. They seemed to be focusing on the knee of Styles. Both Angle and Styles were down, but Joe knocked Jarrett off the apron and no one was there when A.J. went for the tag. Joe came in and kinda toyed with Styles. Headbutt, but Styles came back with a moonsault that turned into an inverted DDT, at the same time he hooked Angle and gave him a regular DDT. Jarrett tried to get on the apron, but Styles got locked in a submission by Joe. Styles broke out and Pele kicked Joe, then made the tag. Pedigree (called a “double-arm DDT” by Tenay), then Joe came in to give Angle the advantage again. Angle Slam turned into a DDT by Double J. He fought off Joe and Jarrett looked like he was going to hit the Stroke off the top. Instead, Joe hit the Muscle Buster on Jarrett, but Styles took out Joe and, inadvertently, the referee. Jarrett was able to finally hit the Stroke, but the ref was out. Jeff went for the guitar but by then, the ref was up and he took the guitar away. At that point, Angle locked in the ankle-lock. He tried to make the tag to Styles, but Joe pulled him off the apron. Angle grape-vined the leg of Jarrett. Jarrett didn’t tap, but passed out from the pain. Slick Johnson raised and dropped his arm three times, then called for the bell.

WINNERS: Joe & Angle, at 12:50.

The Mafia celebrated in the ring following the match. Styles took the title and threatened the Mafia with it, causing them again to flee to ringside. He attacked Joe, then the MEM came back in and attacked Styles. In a split-screen, Morgan was beating up Daniels backstage. As Nash was about to hit Styles with the Legends Title, the lights went out. When they came back on, Sting was in the ring with a baseball bat. He cleaned house on the Mafia with the bat. He grabbed the belt, held it above his head, then the lights went out again. Sting and the belt were nowhere to be seen when the lights came back on.

[Arcademan]

WWE Smackdown Results: 7-3-09

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

1- RICKY ORTIZ vs. FINLAY

Ortiz got the dreaded “currently in the ring” treatment. He also had the mic after Finlay made his entrance. He asked if Finlay was upset about losing his little buddy (a few months late there, Rick). He asked why Finlay was so negative, and told him to drop the shillaleigh, lose the frown and rally up. Finlay responded by slapping Ortiz.

The bell rang and Finlay got a headbutt to the gut and was then clotheslined over the top rope. Ortiz tripped him up though as he was heading back into the ring. The men continued to fight on the outside and Ortiz powerslammed him out there. Belly-to-back suplex by Ortiz once they were back in the ring and that got two. He missed a running shoulder to the gut in the corner though and Finlay snuck up with a roll-up for two. Couple clotheslines, then a rolling Samoan drop. Finlay got the momentum, but his lower back wouldn’t allow him to pick Ortiz back up. Ortiz tried to back-drop him, but Finlay hooked him in the Celtic Cross, then dropped him and got the pin.

WINNER: Finlay, at 2:26. Just a showcase match for Finlay, but if they really see something in Ortiz, they should continue to put him with guys like Finlay.

2- DOLPH ZIGGLER vs. R-TRUTH

When Ziggler made his entrance, they showed clips of his match with Khali at The Bash. When Truth rapped to the ring, they showed two girls in the crowd with a Punk t-shirt and Jeff Hardy arm-bands and face-paint. They must feel quite conflicted. Truth was quick to get on the offensive until Ziggler got into the ropes, causing a break. He then took advantage of it by attacking Truth when the ref was backing him away. He suplexed Truth over his head, then applied a rear chin-lock. He took Truth down by the hair when the former K-Kwik was trying to make his comeback. Ziggler hit a number of elbowdrops on Truth. He then put Truth in a full-nelson. Truth began to come back, utilizing right hands and a back elbow to do the job. Powerslam got him a two-count. Kick to the jaw by Truth, but Ziggler held onto the bottom rope, then managed to choke Truth on the top. Ziggler hit his finisher and got the win.

WINNER: Ziggler, at 3:06. This win means a bit more for Ziggler since Truth has been picking up some victories on the show.

3- REY MYSTERIO vs. KANE

JR noted the past run-ins these two have had. A few kicks early on didn’t faze the big man and he pounded away on Rey with kicks and punches. Rey kicked out of a chin-lock, but couldn’t capitalize. Rey took out Kane’s knee, but couldn’t hit the 619. Kane tried a chokeslam, but Rey got out. Kane threw him into the corner and did some damage there as the show went to break.

Kane was still in control out of break. Hard whip into the buckle by Kane and Rey took a powder to the outside. He slammed Rey’s back against the ring post. Mysterio barely made it in before the ten count. The match began to drag a bit with Kane’s methodical offense being used. Another comeback attempt by Rey fell short when Kane elbowed him down. After escaping a back-breaker, Rey hit a springboard seated senton. After a near-fall, he landed a seated dropkick for two. Rey went to the top, but Kane met him with an uppercut on the way down. Rey avoided a chokeslam and after an enziguiri, hit the 619. He tried a springboard hurricanrana, but couldn’t hit it. Kane chokeslammed Rey, then pinned him.

WINNER: Kane, at 11:13. JR made some excuses for Rey after the match, but I don’t think this loss to Kane hurt Rey much.

Kane grabbed Rey for another chokeslam after the match, but Great Khali’s music hit before he could squash Rey. Man, he had time to chokeslam him and still got out of the ring before Khali and his chair could make it to the ring. Kane fled through the crowd before Khali could use the chair.

4- THE HART DYNASTY vs. CRYME TYME

JTG took Tyson Kidd down and did some mat work. He took Kidd down face-first to the mat, and Kidd went to the outside. He came back in and made the tag, a tag that JTG did not see. David Hart Smith used his strength to keep JTG grounded. Some double-teaming by the heels kept JTG in their corner. After missing a splash in the corner, Kidd got rolled up for two. But he was soon right back on offense. What’s with Kidd and the “yip’s” every time he does a move? Both men were down, and both were able to make tags. Shad took out Kidd on the apron, then went to work on Smith. He planted Smith with a forward suplex, but Kidd broke up a pin. Cryme Tyme double-teamed Smith, then Shad hit his finisher on Smith to get the win.

WINNERS: Cryme Tyme, at 4:52. Surprising result. I’m guess we’ll see some six-person tags with Cryme Tyme and Eve against all three members of the Hart Dynasty.

5- LAYLA & MICHELLE MCCOOL vs. MELINA & MARIA

Layla tried to take it to Melina, but Melina got a kick in to the face. Layla looked rough taking shots to the head off the turnbuckle. Maria came in and nailed Layla with a few knees to the gut. Layla kicked Maria into a split position and tagged McCool in. She went right to work on the left leg of Maria. They should pull a “50 First Dates” with Maria, where she suffers a concussion and can’t remember Ziggler, so he has to keep introducing himself to her everytime they meet. Maria finally made the tag to Melina, but McCool got out of there after taking a minimal amount of Melina’s offense. Melina turned a neckbreaker attempt by Layla into her finisher (complete with primal scream) and registered the pin.

WINNERS: Melina & Maria, at 3:16. Pretty ugly at times, but it wasn’t a complete disaster.

6- EDGE & CHRIS JERICHO vs. JEFF HARDY & C.M. PUNK

Punk and Edge began things slowly, with Edge working the arm of the World Champion. No problems on the first tag from Punk to Hardy, nor on the second. Even some teamwork shown by the two. Jericho finally tagged and was arm-dragged down. Punk slammed Jericho right in position for Hardy to land his legdrop off the second rope. Jericho took advantage of Punk with a pull of the hair and tagged in Edge. Punk set Hardy up to leap off of him into the corner, taking out Jericho and Edge. After Edge was clotheslined over the top by Punk, the two faces had a stare-down in the ring, clearly still uneasy with each other.

Edge was going toe-to-toe in the middle of the ring with Jeff Hardy, and Hardy ended up getting the better of Edge for the moment at least, with an arm-drag. In the corner, Punk began holding his eye in pain, and the crowd jeered. Jericho tagged in and aggressively went after Hardy and Punk. As he was jawing with Punk in the corner, outside the ring, Edge punched Hardy, sending him into the barricade. Hardy started to come back on Jericho at the 11:00 mark. But Jericho again tossed him to ringside. Punk got the crowd into it to help out their man Jeff Hardy. As Hardy came back in the ring, he crawled to his corner, where Punk was out of position, again dealing with his eye. Hardy hit Whisper in the Wind even without tagging Punk. Edge made the tag first, but he was hit with the Twist of Fate. Hardy quickly went over and slapped Punk in the match. Knee in the corner, then a running bulldog from Punk. He got Edge up for the GTS, but Edge got out and drove Punk to the canvas on the back of his head. Jericho choked Punk in the corner when the ref’s back was turned, dealing with Edge. Jericho came in and kicked Punk right in the ribs. Jericho dug into Punk’s eye with his fist. Punk tried to fight back but they ended up double-clotheslining each other. Hardy got the crowd into the match for Punk. As Punk went for the tag, Hardy comically oversold a fictitious eye injury, falling to ringside and everything. Jericho tried to lock in the Walls as Hardy kept squirming on the ground. Punk got Jericho up for the GTS, but Jericho made a blind tag, and Edge came in with a spear to pin the World Champion.

WINNERS: Edge & Jericho, at 16:15.

[Arcademan]

WWE RAW Results: 7-6-09

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

1 -- Unified tag champions EDGE & CHRIS JERICHO vs. CARLITO & PRIMO COLON -- non-title match

Match started with the champs cornering Carlito before Primo finally took a hot tag at 4:00. He busted out plenty of aerial moves before hitting a springboard crossbody block on Edge for a two count. Primo went for a springboard moonsault, but Edge cut him off and trapped Carlito in the ropes to land successive punches. Carlito helped Primo out of the ropes, then Edge bumped Carlito when Primo moved. Carlito argued with the ref, then Jericho and Edge combined for a codebreaker and spear combo on Primo for the pin and the win.

Edge was hobbling on that bad knee post-match. Meanwhile, Carlito was upset. Hotheaded Carlito tried to collect himself in the ring, then he suddenly grabbed Primo and chucked him into the ringpost. Announcers said Carlito snapped as he beat the crap out of Primo on the floor. A little tough brotherly love. Carlito flung Primo across the announce table, then he walked up the stage pouting while the fans booed. Carlito grabbed his hair on stage as Primo sold an arm injury on the floor.

WINNERS: Edge & Jericho in 5:00. Okay tag match. Ending was off, but it set up the ending they wanted with Carlito snapping on Primo. We'll see where this leads to. (3/4*)

2 -- Divas champion MARYSE & ALICIA FOX vs. MICKIE JAMES & GAIL KIM

Gail took control early working on Alicia. She snapped off a head scissors and continued her assault on Alicia before Alicia cheated to gain the advantage. Alicia and Maryse then began working on Gail in their corner. Gail tried to make a tag, but Maryse cut her off. Maryse and Gail battled, then Gail landed a sort-of falling away boot to the chin for the pin and the win. Afterward, Mickie stood tall in the ring over Maryse on the floor to continue building to the title match.

WINNERS: Gail & Mickie in 4:00. Not much to this. Surprising how little action Mickie had in the match, but they seem to wanted to give Gail some exposure her first night back on Raw. (1/2*)

3 -- MARK HENRY vs. CODY RHODES

Cody shook off an early attack, then tried to go up top for a cross-body splash, but Henry easily caught him and slammed him hard to the mat. Cody rolled to the floor to catch his breath, then he started to leave the ring to be counted out. Cody clutched his ribs and the ref reached a ten count. Henry wins.

WINNER: Mark Henry via count-out in 2:00. Set-up for more Cody-DiBiase interaction. Match was just there to set up the follow-up. (n/a)

4 -- WWE champion RANDY ORTON vs. TED DIBIASE, JR.

DiBiase was firmly in control after two months. He ripped off a nice arm drag, then hit a dropkick that sent Orton to the floor to recover. DiBiase screamed down at him to come beat him. Cut to break with Orton recovering.

Back from break, Orton was in control after slamming DiBiase into the ring steps during the break. Orton kicked DiBiase across the chest, then stood over him shaking his head in disgust. Orton began his methodical Orton Stomp routine, but he missed with a knee drop and DiBiase rolled him up from behind for a two count. Orton cut him off right away, though, to prevent a comeback.

Orton began toying with DiBiase by landing a kick, then he set him up for the patented horizontal DDT across the middle rope after taking a long time to think about what he was going to do to his protege. Orton made a cover, but DiBiase kicked out, upsetting Orton even more. Vintage Orton was Cole's call after a knee drop connected. Orton then settled into a patented chinlock. He tried to hit an RKO moments later, but DiBiase blocked with a sunset flip for a two count. DiBiase then executed a nice powerslam for a two count. Lawler told him not to get frustrated, then DiBiase attempted the Dream Street legsweep, but Orton slipped under DiBiase's grip and nailed the RKO in center ring. Orton with the pin for the win. He then lingered over DiBiase to rub in the victory. Orton accepted his title belt, then left the ring as DiBiase recovered in the ring. Orton looked back into the ring and saluted him as DiBiase began shaking from the mouth in anger over losing to Orton.

WINNER: Orton in 11:00. Good storyline to the match. I like that they're effectively testing the water on a babyface program for DiBiase. Like last week against Evan Bourne, Orton was able to give a lot of offense to a younger opponent to make the other wrestler look credible before pulling out a win. DiBiase had a good showing with a higher level of intensity throughout the match. (**)

5 -- KOFI KINGSTON vs. EVAN BOURNE

Bourne tried an enziguiri kick early, but Kofi ducked and slapped on a half-Boston crab. Bourne managed to grab the bottom rope for a break. Kofi then grabbed a side headlock and grounded Bourne. Good opportunity for Kofi to show some more offense than just the aerial moves. Kofi then sprung off the second rope with a flying knee smash on Bourne followed by an elevated dropkick. Kofi tried a Stinger Splash, but Bourne blocked with a knee to the gun. Bourne quickly hopped to the top rope and followed with a Shooting Star Press on Kofi's face for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Bourne in 3:00. Just not much chemistry between Bourne and Kofi. They seemed to be trying to do the same moves at the same time. I couldn't help but think about Kevin Nash's "vanilla midgets" line when watching Show squash Kofi and Bourne. Not sure what the point of this is because Kofi and Bourne weren't helped at all, but I'm trying to reserve judgment.

6 -- TRIPLE H vs. JOHN CENA -- #1 contender match

Bell sounded and Cole said they're not the best of friends, but have respect for each other. They went nose-to-nose to start. Hunter turned his head for a "Hogan at WM18 reaction." Cena turned his head for a "Rock at WM18 reaction." They locked up and Cena landed an arm drag that upset Hunter. They had another stare down and Hunter did all the talking. They backed away and then locked up again. Hunter landed a series of right hands, but Cena fired back. Boo/Yay for Cena/Hunter. Cena then dumped Hunter to the floor with a clothesline over the top rope. Cena tried to follow with an FU on the floor, but Hunter dumped him on the ground. They cut to break.

Back from break, Hunter was in control. Fans were on Hunter's side as he worked over Cena and the announcers discussed the punishment both men have taken the past few weeks going back to Extreme Rules and The Bash. Cena made his comeback at 10:00 and set up the Five Knuckle Shuffle to a round of boos. Cena tried to follow with the FU, but Hunter blocked with a flurry of right hands. Hunter followed with a facebuster across his knee, then Cena ran into a spinebuster. Hunter wanted a Pedigree, but Cena blocked, only to have Hunter slap on a sleeper hold. Cena did the "slowly power out of the Masterlock" spot to escape the sleeper, then he slapped on a sleeper of his own. Hunter started to fade, but Hunter super powered out and slammed Cena to the mat.

Ref began a ten count on both men as they tried to pull themselves up to their feet. Hunter with a right. Cena with a right. Hunter with a right. Yay. Cena with a right. Boo. Cena with another right. Boo. After trading bombs, Cena fired off the ropes and hit a facebuster. He tried to follow with the STFU, but Hunter grabbed the bottom rope. Hunter then tried to finish him off, then Cena tried the FU. Neither man could gain an extended advantage during the series of counters and reversals. Suddenly, Cody and Ted ran into the ring and jumped both men, prompting the match to be thrown out. Cena and Hunter then fought them out of the ring and stared off against each other.

WINNER: No Contest in 18:00. Excellent match. The initial feeling-out process was well done and the ending counters/reversals/crowd involvement sequences were well done. One of Hunter's better non-gimmick matches this year. Cena was good too engaging the crowd even if they were clear on him being the heel in the match. (***1/4)

[Arcademan]

ECW on SyFy Results: 7-9-09

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

1 -- NIKKI BELLA (w/Brie Bella) vs. KATIE LEA BURCHILL

Katie aggressive early on working over Nikki's back. Nikki came back with an arm drag, but Katie dumped her hard over the top rope to the floor. Brie then snuck into the ring with the ref's back turned and she nailed Katie with a facebuster. The old twin switcheroo. Pin and the win. Afterward, Nikki and Brie celebrated the "victory."

WINNER: Bellas in 3:00.

2 -- SHELTON BENJAMIN vs. YOSHI TATSU

Shelton rammed Yoshi hard into the corner turnbuckle to start things off, showing good intensity. Yoshi then knocked him on his back side and landed a double-foot dropkick to the chest. He tried to follow with a splash, but Shelton got his knees up to block. Shelton then began working over the mid-section leading to a commercial.

Shelton was still in control after the break. He put Yoshi in a Camel Clutch to work the lower back after working the mid-section pre-break. Crowd with a "Yoshi" chant as Yoshi fought out of the hold and kicked Shelton in the chest. He followed with more kick strikes before avoiding a corner plash. He followed with a springboard roundhouse kick to the face for a close two count. Pace quickening here. Shelton then blocked a move and nailed an overhead release suplex. Both men exchanged wild kick attempts, then Shelton nailed the Pay Dirt in mid-air for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Shelton in 11:00. Nice finish to the match. Yoshi showed good charisma and athleticism in his first real national TV match. Shelton should be back on track for a legit push...hopefully. (**)

3 -- EZEKIEL JACKSON vs. JACK MERIDOL

I know you're waiting for the Ahmed Johnson comparison, but we're going to avoid the Pearl River Plunge. Zeke pounded Jack into the corner before kinda flinging him into the ropes. Jack not doing his job well as an enhancement talent. Or Zeke has some rust to knock off. Ezekiel finished off Jack with a throw-down Rock Bottom for the pin and the win. Post-match: Zeke

WINNER: Ezekiel in 2:00. Rough squash, even with an extra week to post-produce. Have to start somewhere with Zeke back on WWE TV, though. (n/a)

4 -- CHRISTIAN vs. KOZLOV -- #1 contender's match

Kozlov tried to bully Christian before dumping him to the outside. Approaching the top of the hour here. WWE competing against its own show? That has to be a first. ECW #1 contender match continues with Superstars starting on WGN. Dreamer said he was scouting his potential opponents as Mathews said he's sweating watching the match. Kozlov nailed a power move, but Christian kicked out. The top turnbuckle was exposed and Christian avoided a corner splash, sending Kozlov head-first into the steel. Christian followed right up with the Killswitch for the pin and the win. Dreamer said he considered it an upset. He then talked up returning to Philadelphia as the ECW champion for Night of Champions. Show ended with Christian standing tall on the entrance ramp.

WINNER: Christian in 5:00 to become #1 contender. Short match, most likely to prevent any channel-flipping with Kozlov settled in a long rest hold. Dreamer was solid on commentary trying to establish the importance of the match and plant some seeds for the TV build-up the next two weeks leading to the PPV. Match was just there. (*)

[Arcademan]

WWE Superstars Results: 7-9-09

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

1 -- RICKY ORTIZ vs. R-TRUTH

Grisham asked Ross if he has his personal life rallied up. Ross responded his love for BBQ is what's up. Back-and-forth to start as Ross talked about Ortiz being over-bearing, especially when he's trying to enjoy catering before shows. Ortiz suddenly chucked Truth through the ropes to the floor. Lots of boos against Ortiz were piped into the broadcast going to break.

Back from break, Ortiz was working over the lower back with a half-Boston crab. He continued to work over the back with a variety of holds before stomping on his head. Grisham equated it to stomping out a cigarette on the ground. Ortiz cut off Truth's teased comeback with some nice power offense, then he cut off Truth again with a swinging sidewalk slam. Impressive. Ortiz tried the "Big O" splash, but Truth moved and started another comeback with a powerslam. Truth missed badly with an axe kick, but he followed with the spinning fist punch off the ropes. Apparently that "Lie Detector" move is one of his finishing moves now rather than a transition move. Truth with the pin and the win. Post-match: Killings smiled

WINNER: Killings in 14:00. Probably the best effort I've seen from Ortiz in the ring. He had some very sequences cutting off Truth's offensive comebacks. Truth with a good win. Ortiz looked good too. Everyone wins. (*3/4)

2 -- ZACK RYDER vs. TYLER REKS

East Coast beaches vs. West Coast beaches started with Ryder ducking underneath the ropes in a classic heel move to slow down T-Reks. Some fans cat-called "Woo woo woo" as Ryder locked up and Mathews called him a tool. Striker offered a No Comment before offering the Urban Dictionary definition of a tool, only to be cut off by Mathews. They cut to break after each man had control.

Back from break, Reks was doing some talking while locked inside a chinlock. Reks tried to break free, but Ryder kicked him in the gut to regain control. Ryder went back to working the neck region with a mat-based neck-bending hold. Reks broke free after a lengthy beat down, then he countered a pin attempt into a sunset flip pin for a two count. Ryder then flung Reks stomach-first across the top rope to capitalize on the work throughout the match. Ryder followed right up with the Zack Attack finish for the pin and the win. Great post-match camera shot of an evil look on his face.

WINNER: Ryder in 12:00. Slow spots mid-way, but an overall good performance from both men. Reks seems to have good upside if they can add some more info to his character beyond he's a surfer dude. Ryder will easily be a top player on the ECW brand by the end of the year. He's on the way to being a star for this company. (**)

3 -- CHAVO GUERRERO vs. HORNSWOGGLE

Chavo smiled and waddled over to Horny on his knees. Lawler said the ref should be on his knees too. Hornswoggle teased a test of strength, but Chavo pushed Horny across the ring. Chavo tried to cheat and stand up, but the ref reprimanded him. Horny knocked Chavo down to his knee anyways. Hornswoggle kicked Chavo to the outside and Chavo ran around on the floor upset with the embarrassing situation. Ref yelled at Chavo, "Get on your knees!" Cue up Jack Swagger's theme, please. Chavo crawled into the ring on his knees, then he blasted Hornswoggle with a standing...er...kneeling clothesline. Chavo with a scoop slam, then he tried to remove the middle turnbuckle pad. Ref re-tied the pad, allowing Chavo to stand up and kick Hornswoggle a few times. Chavo re-positioned himself on his knees to work over Hornswoggle some more. He then busted out the Three Amigos suplexes from his knees. He tried the third, but Hornswoggle blocked and shocked everyone with a textbook suplex. Hornswoggle's top-notch wrestling skills not part of the WWE resume. Horny then climbed up top, but Chavo jumped to his feet and cut Hornswoggle. Chavo ignored the ref's commands to stay on his knees and he paid for it when Horny blocked a superplex by biting Chavo's hand. He then landed the Tadpole splash. Horny with the pin and the win as Chavo tried to wiggle out of the pin. Chavo sold anger post-match as Hornswoggle gloated about the victory.

WINNER: Hornswoggle in 5:00. Ridiculous match, but had a certain guilty pleasure entertainment value. Hornswoggle busting out the solid wrestling holds was fun, as he was a solid independent wrestler before becoming a sideshow act in WWE. Match was just shut-off-your-brain humor. (n/a)

[Arcademan]

TNA Impact! Results: 7-9-09

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

1- DOUG WILLIAMS vs. HOMICIDE- X-DIVISION BRIEFCASE OPEN CHALLENGE- LADDER MATCH

It’s funny that in the first segment, Foley and Jarrett talk about how there are too many people in charge, but apparently not enough as someone overlooked Williams defending a stolen briefcase. Homicide went up the ladder after giving Williams a shot to the gut, but he didn’t get far. Homicide was thrown into the ladder, which then landed on him. Williams got his hand on the briefcase, but Homicide pushed Williams off and onto Magnus and Rob Terry on the outside. While Williams tried to get back inside, Team 3D came out and held Williams up, allowing Homicide to get the briefcase back in possibly the shortest ladder match ever.

WINNER: Homicide, at 2:03.

2- THE MOTOR CITY MACHINE GUNS vs. BEER MONEY, INC.

This is non-title, per Dave Penzer. James Storm pulled his arm away on a Chris Sabin arm-drag attempt, which looked kinda weird. Storm then taunted him about it, I guess to show that it wasn’t a mistake. Shelley took out Storm on the outside of the ring and they double-teamed him once back in. Double clothesline, one from the front and one from behind on Storm. More double-teaming, and Slick Johnson was waving his arms, leading me to believe something illegal was going on, though he did nothing to really stop it. Roode tagged in and gave some right hands to both Guns. Spinebuster for Shelley, broken up by Sabin. All four me in there now, and the Guns got the advantage. Dropkick by Sabin into a face-buster by Shelley for two. Superkick by Storm as Booker was in full Black Snow mode. Beer Money finished the Guns off with the DWI for the win.

WINNERS: Beer Money, Inc. at 4:04. Just a clustermess, but an athletic one.

3- VELVET SKY vs. TARA

Tara came to the ring with her tarantula. Tara went right after Sky, but Sky did some choking on the mat. She pulled her hair and again and sent her face-first to the mat for two. Love was going to hit Tara with the belt, but the ref caught her before she could. Tara came back with right hands. Bodyslam by Tara, who then stalked Sky. Widow’s Peak ended it.

WINNER: Tara, at 2:33. Decisive victory over Sky.

4- ANGELINA LOVE vs. TARA- KNOCKOUTS TITLE MATCH

Love was rolled up right after the bell, then Tara got a backslide and small package for a triumvirate of near-falls. That caused Love to go to ringside and try and stop herself from having a panic attack. Rayne pulled Tara off the apron, right in the sight of now unemployed referee Rudy Charles, causing him to throw her out. Love was attacking Tara on the outside as he was doing so. Love threw Tara into the safety rail and West hilariously complained about the guy helping Tara free her foot from being stuck in the guardrail, saying fans shouldn’t be touching the TNA Superstars. Love made a few pins on Tara in the ring, to no avail. Boot to the face of the challenger for a two-count. Whip into the buckle by the champion, but she missed a charge. Tara came back with right hands (closed fists, according to West). Tilt-a-whirl back-breaker by Tara for two. Widow’s Peak hit and we’ve got a new Knockouts Champion.

WINNER: Tara, at 4:19. A newsworthy development, and Love losing the belt will likely continue the tension between her and Sky.

5- MATT MORGAN & KEVIN NASH vs. DANIELS & A.J. STYLES

What’s with that dumb cape Morgan is wearing? And it makes him look a bit more foolish when he can’t even take it off. Daniels unsuccessfully chopped Morgan as Nash yelled “suck on that!” when Morgan took him down. Daniels came back with a slam and then a side head-lock. Tag in to Styles as the two tried to take Morgan down. They did with a hi-low maneuver. Styles kicked away at Morgan, trying to keep him from getting back to a vertical base. It didn’t work as Morgan threw Styles into the corner and splashed him. Nash tagged in and did the crotch chop to Daniels. Oh, Nash. Styles fought back with shots to the short rib area of Nash. Both men made tags and Daniels again was forced to try to put Morgan down. He got distracted by Nash and Morgan absolutely leveled Daniels with the Carbon Footprint. Beautiful. A kick-out by Daniels after Morgan took his time covering. We got some vintage Nash offense when he tagged in. The heels worked Daniels over, preventing him from tagging A.J. Morgan did a version of the chokeslam on Daniels, sending him into the corner face-first. Morgan accidentally punched Nash and Daniels made the tag. Springboard flying forearm for two. Styles took the legs out of Morgan and jumped off his back to dropkick Nash through the ropes. Styles flipped out of a chokeslam and Pele kicked Morgan. Daniels for a BME and Styles 2/3 across the ring with an alleged frogsplash (looked more like a regular splash) for the win.

WINNERS: Styles & Daniels, at 6:33. Entertaining encounter, as Morgan looked good, as did Styles.

6- MICK FOLEY vs. JEFF JARRETT vs. KURT ANGLE

Angle went to go after Foley, but Jarrett cut him off and the two leaders of TNA double-teamed Angle. Foley did the ol’ “rub the face across the top rope” move. Eric Young pulled Jeff off Angle out of the corner, leading to him and Jeff arguing. Foley hit Jarrett when he went for Angle, but Foley came back with a Cactus clothesline on Angle over the top rope. He slammed Angle’s chest across the steel guardrail. Rake of the back by Foley. Tenay notified us that Daniels was taken to the hospital to get his ankle checked out. Foley set up Angle for more punishment on the outside, but Jarrett interfered and hit the Stroke on Foley into the steel steps.

Angle was in control of Jarrett out of break, even getting a two on a fair count by EY. Foley has been outside apparently the entire break. There’s a shocker. Scott Steiner laid out Foley again with a lead pipe without Young seeing it. Jarrett hit a Tornado DDT out of the corner for two. Angle Slam turned into a Stroke for one......then Young stopped the count. Didn’t even fake something in his eye. Foley made it back in, apparently rejuvenated with the pipe to the leg a la Mr. Burns, and went after Jarrett. Double J hit a jaw-breaker on Foley, and Jarrett got the guitar, chasing Young out of the ring. Mandible Claw with the sock by Foley, but Angle slammed Foley for two. Jarrett pulled him off and locked in a figure-four. Young held Angle’s hand to prevent him from tapping. Angle then locked in an ankle lock on Foley, who shouted “no, no, no!” and Young called for the bell anyway.

WINNER: Angle, at 9:56.

[Arcademan]

WWE Smackdown Results: 7-10-29

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

1- JEFF HARDY vs. KANE

Kane got too aggressive and Jeff low-bridged him. He then plancha’d onto Kane on the outside. Back in the ring, a clothesline didn’t budge the Big Red Machine, who then caught Hardy with an uppercut as the colorful enigma was coming off the ropes. Loud “Hardy, Hardy” chants. Twist of Fate was blocked and Kante draped Hardy across the top rope and followed it up with a boot to the face. Hardy fell to the outside as they went to break.

Kane still held the advantage out of break and hit Hardy with a low dropkick for two. He put Hardy in a rear waist-lock on the mat in an attempt to keep him grounded. Jeff worked out with a jaw-breaker, then a dropkick to the knee. Dropkick to the mid-section (I guess- always looks like he hits the groin to me), but then Kane picked Jeff up in a GTS-like move where he put the knee to the mid-section instead. With Jeff shoved gut-first under the bottom rope and into the steel post, Kane dropkicked him right into it. Kane continued to work the abdomen area of Hardy. Back-breaker got two. Kane put a stop to Hardy’s comeback (which included a weak mule kick) with a sidewalk slam. Knae to the top, but that was unsuccessful for him. Corner dropkick by Hardy- dropkicks aplenty in this one. Hardy went to the top and we got a major edit (Kane was near the buckle....then he was far away) as he jumped into a chokeslam. Then he hit a Whisper in the Wind on the other side of the ring, for two. Twist of Fate by Jeff, who then went to the top rope. C.M. Punk’s music played and he walked out to the top of the stage and looked at Hardy with one eye closed. That distracted Hardy enough for Kane to chokeslam him off the top for the win. Punk smiled at Hardy getting pinned.

WINNER: Kane, at 13:08. Well, if you like dropkicks, this was right up your alley. Kane matches don’t really excite me anymore, even with Hardy in the ring.

2- DOLPH ZIGGLER vs. JOHN MORRISON

They started off with some mat wrestling as JR once again pimped Ziggler’s amateur credentials. Ziggler took over with a forearm across the face and shouted that Morrison wishes he looked like him. Spinning cross-body over the top by Morrison onto Ziggler, who then choked Ziggler across the top rope. Ziggler again went after Morrison, putting his head on the outside of the ring as Morrison lay on the mat, and knee-lifting the head. Ziggler then continued his assault inside the ring. After a series of elbowdrops, Ziggler locked in a reverse chin-lock. Belly-to-back suplex by Dolph for two. Full nelson applied by the man whose theme song claims he is “perfection.” A bit of a Pele kick by Morrison (called such by Grisham) and the two traded rights. High leg kick then a running knee smash to the face by the Shaman of Sexy. Almost a reverse slam by Ziggler that sent Morrison to the mat on his stomach. Missile dropkick off the top by Morrison for two. A series of counters ended with Ziggler rolling up Morrison with the tights (using both hands!) for the three.

WINNER: Ziggler, at 6:06. I think we need a six-month moratorium on heels winning by using the tights.

3- MELINA & EVE TORRES vs. LAYLA & MICHELLE MCCOOL

Eve and Layla started things off. Eve got a shoulderblock and a dropkick (where only one foot connected) for two. Layla tried a cross-body but Eve caught her and slammed her. Layla was sitting on the apron recovering and Eve dropkicked her to the mat in a nasty looking spill. Layla appeared OK and was back in the ring distracting the ref, allowing McCool to kick Eve right in the face. McCool tagged in and got two. She locked Eve in a head-scissors. Eve escaped and then slammed Michelle’s face off the canvas. Both ladies struggled to get to their respective corners, but both did. Melina had her way with Layla. She took Layla by the hair and sent her to the mat as well. Michelle taunted Eve from across the ring and Eve got involved, distracting the ref and allowing McCool to kick Melina in the back as she was attempting her finisher. Layla picked Melina up and put her on her shoulders. Luckily, we didn’t see what that was going to turn into as Michelle again got involved and Layla ran into her on the apron, with Melina rolling her up for the win.

WINNERS: Melina & Eve, at 4:33.

4- C.M. PUNK vs. THE GREAT KHALI

Punk, predictably kicked away at Khali, but didn’t have much success in doing so. Khali slapped Punk across the chest a la Big Show. He missed a legdrop and Punk went to the kicking well once again. Springboard clothesline took Khali down like a giant oak tree. Running knee to Khali in the corner, but couldn’t bulldog him. Khali got ready to put Punk away after a back elbow, then went for the tree slam. Punjabi Plunge put Punk down and Kane came out with a chair and with his entrance music. That got Khali’s attention. He got onto the apron as Punk was outside the ring. Ranjin Singh threw a chair to Khali and both men wielded the steel weapons in the ring. Kane finally swung and hit Khali in the shoulder. He let out a primal scream and knocked Kane’s chair out of his hand with his own fist. Kane tried to back off, but he got hit in the shoulder as well, getting sent to the outside.

WINNER: No Contest, at about 2:30. Everytime they don’t bother to give a winner, it makes the results of the matches seem less important.

5- CRYME TYME vs. THE HART DYNASTY

Apparently, the Hart Dynasty demanded this re-match. JTG was all over Tyson Kidd to start. He elbowed David Hart Smith off the apron then back-dropped Kidd over the top rope. Natalya’s interference led to Kidd knocking JTG into the commentary table. Smith tagged in and used his brute power on one-half of Cryme Tyme. JTG got back in the ring behind Smith’s back and tagged Shad. Suplex sent Smith to the mat, but things began to break down. As they did, the Hart Dynasty pulled off the win with the Hi-Low (shades of Cade & Murdoch!).

WINNERS: Hart Dynasty, at 2:54. Too short to really show off the Harts’ abilities they showed in ECW.

6- CHRIS JERICHO vs. REY MYSTERIO- INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

Jericho relished in the jeers after shoulderblocking Rey down. Jericho threw Mysterio under the bottom rope and of course Rey rolled at the right time and ended up on his feet. Why do heels keep doing that move? And why does JR keep acting amazed every time he sees it, as if it’s the first time? Rey was back-dropped to the apron where Jericho threw him into the ring post. They went to a break 2:30 into the match.

The show returned with Jericho dropkicking Rey out of the ring as Mysterio was lying on the mat. Mysterio recovered enough to hit an enziguri, but Jericho landed a back-breaker (“Atlantis-like Torture Rack,” according to JR) in retaliation before Rey could hit his 619. Jericho verbally taunted Rey and choked him in the middle rope. Springboard cross-body by Rey, then a bulldog for two. Jericho caught Rey on a hurricanrana attempt and turned it into a powerbomb for a near-fall. Jericho locked on the Walls (more of a Boston Crab though) but Rey was relatively close to the ropes. Instead Rey worked out of it the hard way and the two traded pinfall attempts. Mysterio missed the 619 and landed hard on the outside as a result. With just under 11:00 gone in the match, they went to the final break of the show.

Jericho had Rey in a submission move on the mat while also taunting him. Irish whip into the buckle, to which Jericho followed it up with a clothesline. Fans got behind Rey, chanting “619, 619.” That brought Mysterio back, but it ended quickly with another hard Irish whip. Spinning Muscle Buster by Jericho for two. He again stretched out the arms of Rey, working the neck and back as well. Rey kicked at the thighs of Jericho to break out. His springboard moonsault resulted in Jericho catching him and slamming him into the corner. He missed a charge though and went shoulder-first into the post. Rey broke out his offense at this point, even hitting a springboard splash for two. Jericho managed to flip Rey over his head in a powerbomb-like move that resulted in Rey going face-first into the mat. Grisham said “if Jericho was in the NFL, he’d be the league leader in interceptions.” Todd has improved on commentary, but he still comes up with some odd analogies sometimes. Rey was put in the Walls again, this time in the middle of the ring. But after about a minute, he was able to reach the ropes. Jericho tried to baseball slide Rey to take his feet out from under him. Springboard moonsault on the outside left both men down. Back in, Rey went for another springboard but Jericho met him in mid-air for a code-breaker. But it took to long for him to go for the pin, and Rey kicked out. He yelled at Rey to stay down and kicked him in the ribs. Jericho go overzealous and Rey was able to hit the 619, then his splash for the win.

WINNER: Rey, at 22:43. I’m convinced these two could have a great match in their sleep. Hard to rank it with the other three with the commercial breaks and all. But it’s right up there with them.

[Arcademan]

WWE RAW Results: 7-13-09

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

(1) Six-divas bikini tag match: Wait a second, isn't this a PG show? Since when was bikini wrestling approved for kids age 5-10? I hope Bonnie Hammer is sitting by on the phone calling camera shots. Mickie had the pin on Maryse, but all six divas entered the fracas to create movement. Maryse shoved Mickie into a towel of sorts before finishing her off with the hair flip DDT for the pin and the win. Maryse vs. Mickie for the Divas Title at Night of Champions. (n/a)

(2) Primo vs. The Miz: Slow start, then Carlito showed up in street clothes with his music playing. Crowd cheered him coming out. They weren't paying attention last week. Primo tried to swat at Carlito, but Miz grabbed him from behind for a front-face Russian leg sweep for the pin and the win. Miz picks up a win. Too bad it didn't mean much. Too bad he dropped like a stone to a mid-card after-thought after the Cena program. After the match, Carlito kicked his brother, then spit apple on him. Officially back to the heel Carlito. (1/2*)

(3) Jack Swagger vs. MVP: They're already giving away this match? Swagger in new red and blue trunks like he's Kurt Angle. Not feeling the wardrobe change. MVP slapped Swagger early on, causing Swagger to bail to the outside and complain to the announcers. Back from break, Swagger was in control, then MVP came back with the Ballin' elbow drop. Cole tried to sound enthusiastic for a pin attempt that Swagger kicked out of. Swagger then sling shot MVP across the top rope leading to the gutwrench powerbomb for the pin and the win. Average singles match that I still can't believe WWE just gave away on free TV without hype. Swagger looked good taking the victory, though. (*)

(4) Mark Henry vs. Chris Jericho: Lawler said Seth Green has made this an official match-up. Thanks. Henry smashed Jericho several times before brick-walling Jericho to floor. Jericho decided he had enough and he high-tailed it up the entrance ramp to take a quick count-out. Henry wins and has a good laugh about it all. He then did the high school spirit routine of raising his arm for a cheer, then lowering his arm for silence. Not quite cupping the ear, but a fine, new development for Henry. (n/a)

(5) Hornswoggle vs. Chavo Guerrero: Doing the Superstars main event again. This time, Chavo must have one hand tied behind his back. Definitely not the Austin-McMahon ratings blockbuster during the Monday Night Wars. Lawler cued up the next Austin Powers reference with a note on Seth Green hanging out with Mini Me, which is why he booked the match. Hornswoggle channeled Rikishi for a Stink Face, but Chavo kicked him in the face. Chavo was going for the Three Amigos, but Hornswoggle countered with a small package. Chavo couldn't kick out due to the arm tied gimmick, so Hornswoggle scored the pin. Gimmick match for the kids and not much else but continued embarrassment of the Guerrero family. (n/a)

(6) Evan Bourne vs. Big Show: U.S. champ Kofi Kingston came out and was forced to re-watch Big Show smashing him and Evan Bourne last week. Kofi still feeling that pain, mon. Evan Bourne came out and the women loved him. Seth liked what he saw while taping up backstage. Big Show was ready to eat, though. New ref in there. Kofi vs. Show on Superstars this week. Bourne got tired of taking a beating, so he tried a top rope dropkick. Show wobbled, but then speared the crap out of Bourne, who landed on his neck. Show then put him in the Camel Clutch and Tie-Dye guy called for the bell. Show didn't break the hold after the victory, so Kofi hit the ring and smashed Show to the floor. Show just smiled and laughed at Kofi, who challenged him to come get some. Another ref hit the ring to check on Bourne, who sold a neck injury from the spear. (n/a)

(7) WWE champion Randy Orton & Cody Rhodes & Ted DiBiase, Jr. vs. John Cena & Triple H & Seth Green: Cena was in there and the fans chanted for Seth. Seth took a tag and slowly slipped into the ring and measured Cody for a right hand blow. Cody was not happy, so Seth bailed to the floor for a cat and mouse game. Seth wisely tagged out to Cena after that exchange and Cena took control, but DiBiase distracted the ref allowing Orton to sneak-attack Cena. After an extended beat down, Cena went to Hunter for a hot tag. High knee. "Vintage Triple H," said Cole. Crowd exploded as Hunter went through his routine until Legacy jumped him. All heck broke loose. Seth chilling on the apron. Orton suddenly nailed Hunter out of nowhere with an RKO.

Seth then broke up the pin to a huge crowd reaction. Orton was not happy with that. Orton stalked Seth for a kill, then he kicked him in the gut. Orton lined up Seth for The Punt, but Cena speared Orton out of nowhere. Legacy tackled Cena. Cody then bought a chair into the ring, but Hunter had a sledgehammer. Hunter cleared out Legacy, then almost accidentally blasted Cena, but Cena moved just in time. Hunter then dropped the hammer to the mat and they had a stand-off. Crowd hot with a "Seth" chant. Hunter and Cena then raised Seth's hand in victory. (Match ended in a DQ when Cody brought a chair into the ring.) Hunter raised Seth on his shoulders. Uh-oh. Thumbs up / thumbs down? Wait, can't have that when Batista is injured for the tenth time. End show with Hunter, Seth, and Cena celebrating in the ring. Very hot main event that salvaged this otherwise direction-less, pointless-at-times, frustrating show. (**1/2)

[Arcademan]

ECW on SyFy Results: 7-14-09

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

1- CHRISTIAN vs. SHELTON BENJAMIN

Referee Scott Armstrong initiated a clean break following the opening lock-up. Spinning heel kick by Christian that may or may not have connected got him a two-count. I wonder what would’ve happened if it were Shelton Benjamin, not Christian, who went to TNA. And how he would’ve been received had he returned to WWE. Flying back elbow by Christian off the second rope. He went to the top, but Vladimir Kozlov’s music blared over the loudspeakers and he came out in his new get-up. Shelton kicked Christian off the top and to the outside as Kozlov walked around ringside and apparently over to the commentator’s table.

Benjamin was working Christian’s arm out of break as...oh no...Kozlov was on commentary. When Mathews introduced him, Kozlov raised his arm in acknowledgment, I guess. Knee-lift by Benjamin on Christian. Shelton continued to twist and contort the left arm of the ECW #1 Contender. Kozlov bragged that he could beat both Christian and Tommy Dreamer. Benjamin leapt to the top rope, but was pushed off and Christian dropkicked him. Both men were down following that exchange. Tornado DDT hit by Christian for only two. After a pin attempt, Benjamin tried to go back to the left arm of Christian, but couldn’t keep the arm-bar on. Benjamin again jumped from the ring to the top rope to meet Christian, with a bit more success this time, landing a one-arm DDT on Christian. Benjamin tossed Christian into the ring post shoulder-first and then hit Paydirt for the win.

WINNER: Benjamin, at 11:33. This is why no one gets over. He loses to Yoshi Tatsu, a nobody, in two seconds two weeks ago, then wins last week and beats the #1 Contender for the ECW Title clean this week. Next week, I’m sure he’ll be jobbed to Goldust or something.

2- PAUL BURCHILL vs. YOSHI TATSU

Tatsu tried to stay away from any consistent Burchill offense. Fans were immediately chanting, “Yoshi, Yoshi.” Single-leg take-down by Burchill, followed by a hard elbowdrop across the throat. Katie Lea took the opportunity, with the ref’s back turned, to slap Tatsu in the face. Roll-up by Tatsu for one, and Burchill just got angrier. Rear chin-lock by Burchill, sitting down on the lower back of Yoshi for extra effect. Looks more like a choke hold though. Yoshi flipped out and got some kicks to the body. Yoshi went for a springboard kick, but fell off the top rope. Burchill capitalized, wasting no motion in suplexing Tatsu right on the back of his head (a Saito suplex, as called by Striker). As he argued with the ref on after a two-count, Tatsu out of nowhere hit a kick to Burchill’s head, like the one he hit on Shelton. “Are you Karate Kidding me?” Striker exclaimed.

WINNER: Tatsu, at 3:35. Fine match, but I still feel Burchill is being wasted in this JTTS role.

3- GOLDUST vs. ZACK RYDER

Arm-drag by Goldust out of the gate. Looks like Goldy has new designs on his suit as well. Ryder pushed him out of the corner and took it to Ryder with shoulder-blocks. Butt-butt by Goldust and Ryder was clotheslined over the top rope. Goldust went to the top, but Ryder met him up there. Ryder brought him down throat-first over the top rope, causing Goldust to spill to ringside. Running boot to the face by Ryder in the corner, and the match was solidly his at this point. After getting thrown into the buckle, Goldust powerslammed Ryder. Vintage Goldust with the thrust to the throat from his back. To the middle rope, where he hit an elbow on Ryder for two. Ryder suckered Goldust in to the corner, then hit the Zack Attack. It was academic from there.

WINNER: Ryder, at 4:24. See my comments from the last match (though I do realize Goldust certainly doesn’t have the ceiling that Burchill does at this point). Ryder continues to grow on me.

4- SHEAMUS vs. ROMAN CORNELL

Sheamus got on the mic and talked to his opponent, calling himself the Celtic Warrior. He predicted he’d be the most dominant superstar in ECW. Striker gave background on the jobber, as he usually does. Not sure if it’s true or not though. Shoulderblock by Sheamus, then he pounded away at Cornell in the corner. Cornell came down of Sheamus’ back and got some offense in until Sheamus hit a bicycle kick. Uranage into a back-breaker by Sheamus for the win.

WINNER: Sheamus, at 1:31. I like his finisher. The guy has a different look and he does show promise.

5- VLADIMIR KOZLOV vs. TOMMY DREAMER

Loud “USA” chants from the crowd right at the opening bell. Kozlov took Dreamer down then elbowdropped him on his back. He missed a second one though. He ran into a knee in the corner, then no-sold a head-shot to the buckle. Low dropkick by Dreamer when Vlad was on his hands and knees, then a clothesline off the second rope. Kozlov picked Dreamer up and dropped him throat-first across the top rope. Headbutts to the chest of the ECW Champion, then a belly-to-belly suplex that got two. He grabbed a waist-lock on the mat. Dreamer quickly made it to his feet, but was kicked in the chest. Outside the ring, Kozlov missed a kick and hit the ring post. Dreamer capitalized in the ring with a knee-lift. Jackknife cover for two, then a leg-sweep. Tommy went to the top, but Kozlov crotched him. Dreamer shoved him off and booted him in the face, but Kozlov caught Dreamer jumping off the second rope with a headbutt to the chest. The Iron Curtain finisher from Kozlov ended it.

WINNER: Kozlov, at 3:58. So the ECW Champion and challenger for the title at the PPV lost cleanly tonight. Interesting booking.

Kozlov tried to continue the beat-down but Christian made the save. Kozlov ducked and Christian hit Dreamer, then was taken down by Kozlov. After a replay of the finish and the post-match happenings, Kozlov was shown, quite happy with his work. Dreamer and Christian writhed on the mat in pain as the show ended.

[Arcademan]

WWE Superstars Result: 7-16-09

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

(1) Cryme Tyme (w/Eve) vs. Hart Dynasty (w/Natalya): "Everything is good in my hood," Jim Ross says to welcome us to the show. Shad exploded on D.H. Smith early on, including a special delivery of Monty Brown's Pounce on Smith. I miss Monty. Brings back nostalgic memories of Friday afternoons at 4:00 p.m. watching TNA Impact on FSN. CT in control going to break.

Back from break, Shad took a lengthy beat down after Tyson Kidd chop-blocked the knee. Kidd awesome screaming and shouting as he worked over Shad's knee. He's found a trademark "thing" that makes him stand out, which is the name of the game to get TV time in WWE. Suddenly, all heck broke loose when JTG took a hot tag. Eve and Natalya tried to get involved, but order was restored and JTG nailed Kidd with a finisher for the win. Good finish to a nice tag match. WINNERS: Cryme Tyme to set up Smackdown's six-person tag.

(2) Katie Lea Burchill vs. Brie Bella (w/Nikki Bella): Copy and paste from the ECW TV match last week where Nikki was the scheduled competitor and they pulled the switcheroo. Simple reinforcement to expose the storyline to as many eyeballs. Bellas win with a surprise roll-up on Katie Lea after the switch.

(3) U.S. champ Kofi Kingston vs. Big Show: Kofi tried to start with a flurry of kicks, but Big Show gave him a big boot to the face. Commence methodical wear down of Kofi. Michael Cole slipped that Big Show's fans (instead of hands) are huge. Jerry Lawler, never one to pass up a good opportunity to crack a joke, managed to get two jokes out of that slip. Big Show said it's going to be all night long, but Kofi made a brief comeback, only to walk into a sidewalk slam. Kofi then made a full comeback - the "controlled frenzy" - and Lawler excitedly talked up a potential upset. Kofi telegraphed the buzzsaw kick, though, and Show blocked with a chokeslam for the pin and the win. WINNER: Show. Entertaining match, I thought. Still no word on a U.S. Title match for Night of Champions, but it looks like Show will be involved one way or another.

[Arcademan]

TNA Impact! Results: 7-16-09

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

(1) Amazing Red beat Samoa Joe via DQ in 1:00. After the break, Joe beat Red all the way down the ramp and to ringside. West accused Red of being a smart *** who runs his mouth all the time. Tenay said he hasn't said two words in his time in TNA. The ref started the match officially as soon as Joe threw Red into the ring. Seconds later Joe threw the ref to the mat, so the ref DQ'd Joe. West criticized the ref for starting the match in the first place. Three security members entered the ring to back Joe down from further attacking Red.

(2) Suicide pinned Chris Sabin (w/Alex Shelley) in 6:00. Non-title match. Good action, as you'd expect with these two, and Suicide won clean. Afterward, Alex Shelley attaked Suicide. Sabin grabbed a chair se it under Suicide as Shelley held him above it. Sabin then hit a flying legdrop, sending Suicide's face into the chair. Homicide ran out and hit Shelley and Sabin with his briefcase. Homicide then saw how vulnerable Suicide was, so he decided to cash in his briefcase.

(3) Homicide pinned Suicide at 1:00 to capture the TNA X Division Title after cashing in his briefcase. Homicide went for a quick pin. Suicide kicked out, but Homicide continued with a Gringos Killer for the win.

(4) Sarita beat Alissa Flash in 5:00. Flash is billed from San Francisco, Calif. She told Dave Penzer to refer to her as a "future legend." West liked that attitude. Tenay said women wrestlers all over the world want to be part of TNA's Knockout roster. Sarita kicked Flash to the floor early and then dove through the ropes and dove into her chest. Flash took over in the ring. West and Tenay wondered if Flash was going to ruin Sarita's much-hyped debut. Sarita, though, won with a victory roll. Sarita gave Flash a split-legged sitout powerbomb afterward. (*3/4)

(5) Kevin Nash & Booker T & Scott Steiner beat A.J. Styles & Beer Money in an elimination match in 15:00. Nash pinned Styles after a Jackknife in 3:00. Steiner eliminated Storm at 6:00. After the break Roode was trying to battle the Mafia alone, but eventually was slowed down. Booker scored a near fall and actually lifted Roode before the third count to administer more punishment. Nash tagged in and beat down Roode. Roode, though, used a low blow to block a Jackknife and pinned Nash. West was critical, but Tenay somehow said under the circumstances you have admire such a desperation move. When Nash tripped Roode from ringside a minute later, West said, "One low blow entitles you to one cheapshot. That's the rules." Storm walked back to the ring, but Morgan hit him from behind and threw him into the ringside barrier. In the ring Roode knocked both Steiner and Booker down with a clothesline. Roode gave Booker a spinebuster a minute later for a near fall. Roode leaped off the second rope and hit Steiner with a neckbreaker. Booker right after Roode, but Roode avoided a scissors kick. Sharmell distracted the ref as Roode hit the fisherman suplex into a bridge. Steiner then recovered and set up Roode for a front wheel kick to the face. Roode went down for the pin. Sharmell and Jenna got into a fight afterward. (**1/2)

(6) Kurt Angle fought Sting to a no contest in 10:00. Jarrett said Foley is so unpredictable, sometimes he creates situations he's not smart enough to get out of. When West said he agreed with Jarrett, Jarrett snapped back: "Shut up, West. I'm sick of your smart ***." At 2:00 they cut to a break. Angle was in control after the break. Sting made a comeback at 7:00, sending him into the cage and scoring a two count. Angle came back by driving Sting into a corner with shoulder blocks. Angle hit a back suplex. As Jarrett talked about how Victory Road means everything to him and TNA, Samoa Joe attacked him from behind. He then knocked out the ref and stole the key to the cage. He entered the cage as Sting had Angle locked in a Scorpion Death Lock. Joe locked himself in the cage. Sting got up and dropped Joe. He put him in a Scorpion Deathlock. The lights went out and then "FTW 13" appears on the screen. Tenay said he thinks he knows who that signified. Jarrett got up and tried to climb the cage. Angle bashed at his fingers with a night stick. Foley tried to climb the cage. Angle should have stood and laughed at the prospects of that, but instead he bashed his fingers, too. Nash then came out and attacked Jarrett. Joe then applied his sleeper on Sting in mid-ring as Angle stood guard.

[Arcademan]

WWE Smackdown Results: 7-17-09

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

1- C.M. PUNK vs. JOHN MORRISON

This is a re-match from three weeks ago. Morrison and Punk exchanged hammerlocks and Punk backed Morrison into the corner. During the breaks in the corner, neither man was pleased with the other. Punk locked in the tarantula hold in the ropes; haven’t seen that in a while. Cross-body off the top by the champion, but Morrison rolled through for two. Morrison got out of a Got To Sleep and monkey-flipped Punk. He sent Punk to the outside, but Punk grabbed his legs through the ropes and pulled him out, with Morrison landing on the mat with a “thud.” About 3:20 in, they went to break.

Punk had Morrison in a waist-scissors out of break, though Morrison was attempting to elbow out. He landed a nice bell-to-belly on the former MNM member, and back to the body-scissors. Morrison got out and punched away at Punk. Running knee to the face for a two-count. He does that move so well, and I don’t imagine it’s an easy move. The men traded covers, then Punk hit Morrison with a double-underhook back-breaker. Another one we haven’t seen in some time. That got a two-count. Morrison ran the ropes and was caught in a sleeper. At the 10:30 mark, they both went down following a double clothesline. Flying Chuck kick for a near-fall by Morrison. There’s a fan in the crowd with a sign that says “Jeff Hardy: Marry Me....in 10 years.” I hope she wasn’t traumatized by the opening promo. After the two went back-and-forth with some of their finishing sequences, Punk went for a Magistra Cradle, but Morrison didn’t allow Punk to turn it, just laying down on him for three.

WINNER: John Morrison, at 11:53. Another great match between these two. It’s amazing the in-ring workers this show has.

Morrison extended his hand to the bemused C.M. Punk after the match, but Punk just slid out of the ring, took his title and went home.

2- KANE vs. R-TRUTH

They showed clips of Kane and Great Khali exchanging chairshots last week on the show. A shoulderblock put Truth on the mat hard. Big uppercut caught Truth walking out of the corner. Kane pounded away at Truth in the corner. He finally missed a charge, but caught Truth on a cross-body attempt. Back-drop by Kane sent Truth to the outside. He missed a big boot though and Truth side-kicked Kane out of the ring and dropkicked him off the apron. Kane tried to re-group on the outside as they went to break just over 2:00 in.

Kane suplexed Truth down as the show returned. Another side-kick by Truth, but he fell victim to a sidewalk slam for a near-fall. Kane tried to squeeze the life out of Truth on the mat, grabbing him in a rear waist-lock. Truth tried to come back with fists, but Kane propelled him back out of the ring. Kane made the mistake of coming out to greet him, and Kane was clotheslined into the ring post. He took over once again while still at ringside, then tossed Truth back inside the squared circle. Bearhug applied by Kane. Kane picked Truth up by the throat at 10:00, but Truth dropkicked him in mid-air. Drop toe-hold into the corner by Truth, then he followed it up with a corner clothesline. DDT and both men were down. When Truth finally made the cover, it was only for two. Truth to the top, but Kane got his big boot up, destroying Truth and picking up the win.

WINNER: Kane, at 11:00. Good finish to the match and it wasn’t as bad as I expected.

3- THE HART DYNASTY vs. CRYME TYME & EVE TORRES

Natalya and Eve were in there first, but they didn’t do much. Tyson and Shad then came in and Shad Pounced on Kidd once again, just like last night. Then some double-teaming from Cryme Tyme in the corner. JTG missed a cross-body and ended up getting crotched on the top rope. David Hart Smith was next in as Natalya picked right up where she left off last night in terms of trash talking. The Hart Dynasty did some double-teaming of their own. Abdominal stretch of sorts from Kidd on JTG. Desperation hip-lock take-over from JTG. D.H. Smith tagged in and took Shad out. JTG was in his corner but Shad wasn’t, so Eve tagged in. Couple of dropkicks hit by Eve. Natalya missed a charge, and Eve landed a roundhouse kick. Moonsault landed, but there was a distraction as the four men were going at it. Natalya hot-shotted Eve off the top rope, then hit spinning clothesline and a good one (Natalya spun around once or twice before using the momentum to take Eve out). That was enough for the win.

WINNERS: The Hart Dynasty, at 4:12. Match was OK, with the trademark tag team finish, but the crowd didn’t seem interested.

4- CHRIS JERICHO & DOLPH ZIGGLER vs. JEFF HARDY & REY MYSTERIO

Before the bell rang, C.M. Punk came down. He joined the commentary team. Hardy dropkicked Jericho down to the mat shortly after the bell rang. Punk said his eye is healing nicely, but he still experiences some side-effects. Jericho retaliated with a springboard dropkick, knocking Hardy off the apron and to ringside. They took the final break of the show at this point.

Ziggler had just tagged in upon return and it looks like the heels were having their way with Hardy. They continued pounding away at Hardy, with clotheslines and slams and basically keeping him grounded. Hardy came back with a clothesline of his own, and he was able to tag Rey Mysterio. He proceeded to clean house on Jericho and Ziggler. After a kick to the head, Mysterio made a pin attempt for just two. Mysterio got taken out outside the ring and Ziggler shoved him back in. Ziggler applied a unique chin-lock, then whipped Rey hard into the turnbuckle. Both men were down and both made tags at 11:00. It was Hardy who was all offense this time. Whisper in the Wind connected for two. Jericho tried a Walls of Jericho to no avail. It didn’t work, and Hardy ended up hitting the Swanton (“and the people are all on their feet” said Punk dryly). Ziggler interrupted the three-count. Hardy tried to throw Jericho into Punk at ringside, but Punk avoided it. He had some choice words for Hardy, then when Jeff turned his back, he threw Jericho into Hardy, sending Hardy into the steel steps.

WINNERS: No Contest, at 12:41. “No contest” is my best guess.

[Arcademan]

TNA Victory Road PPV Results: 7-19-09

For complete description of matches, check out my blog at TOKYOPOP (link under my signature picture).

1 -- Knockouts champion TARA vs. ANGELINA LOVE (w/Velvet Sky and Madison Rayne) -- Knockouts Title match

WINNER: Angelina in 7:00 to capture the Knockouts Title. Standard Knockouts match. Continues the storyline between Tara and Angelina playing hot potato over the KO Title.

2 -- MATT MORGAN vs. DANIELS
WINNER: Morgan in 11:00. There seemed to be a lack of psychology behind Morgan's offense, as it seemed like he was "just doing stuff" half the time. Daniels was solid playing to the crowd and selling the leg injury angle to give him an "out" for the clean loss. Forgettable undercard match. (*)

3 -- ABYSS vs. DR. STEVIE RICHARDS -- No DQ match
WINNER: Abyss in 10:00. Undercard stunt match / Abyss formula match. Seemed to end the Abyss-Stevie feud with Abyss showing he doesn't need therapy...by winning a wrestling match. Super stretch on getting a wrestling match out of this storyline. Next step seems to be a Daffney vs. Lauren stand-alone feud. (**)

4 -- IWGP tag champions TEAM 3D (BROTHER RAY & BROTHER DEVON) vs. BRITISH INVASION (DOUG WILLIAMS & BRUTUS MAGNUS w/Rob Terry) -- IWGP tag team champions
WINNERS: Team 3D in 10:00. By-the-book, going-through-the-motions tag match. Just there to give the fans a taste of what they wanted with 3D's usual spots. (*)

5 -- SHARMELL (w/Sojo Bolt) vs. JENNA MORASCA (w/Awesome Kong)
WINNER: Jenna in 5:00 painful minutes. Sharmell did everything possible to make this not the biggest waste of time ever, but this was possibly the worst match in TNA monthly PPV history. What an embarrassment that they actually tried to work a match here. Goodness gracious. (DUD)

6 -- Legends champion A.J. STYLES vs. KEVIN NASH -- Legends Title match
WINNER: Nash in 11:00 to capture the Legends Title. Okay singles match. Had some flurries of action throughout, but mainly a methodical match to limit Nash's movement in the ring. Styles "created enough movement" to have the best match thus far on the card. Interesting to see where they go with Styles from here. (**1/4)

7 -- TNA tag team champions BEER MONEY, INC. (ROBERT ROODE & JAMES STORM) vs. BOOKER T & SCOTT STEINER -- TNA tag title match
WINNERS: Steiner & Booker in 12:00 to capture the TNA tag titles. Slow-motion, use-the-bag-of-tricks tag match. The usual TNA triple play - outside interference, lack of application of rules, and referee incompetence. Match was okay, but brought down by the booking. Mafia continues to win titles, apparently leading to either Angle dropping the title in the main event after talking so sternly earlier in the show and being replaced or the Mafia having total dominance in TNA. (*1/2)

8 -- SAMOA JOE vs. STING
WINNER: Samoa Joe in 12:00. Match was going pretty well, then Taz came out and the crowd just didn't know how to react. Joe then lost his offensive momentum and the finish was thrown off. Anti-climatic debut for Taz, unfortunately. (**1/2)

9 -- TNA World Hvt. champion KURT ANGLE vs. MICK FOLEY
WINNER: Kurt Angle in 15:00 to retain the TNA World Title.

[Arcademan]

WWE RAW Results: 7-20-09

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

1 -- U.S. champion KOFI KINGSTON & MVP & PRIMO COLON vs. JACK SWAGGER & CARLITO & BIG SHOW

Ring intros were abbreviated and the match started very quickly. Rushed match on our hands. After 1:20 of action, they cut to break with MVP in control.

Back from break, Cole reminded us this six-man tag is sponsored by Dave & Busters. In the ring, Swagger was working on Kofi. Big Show beat up wrestlers during the break, which prompted Cole to say Show was "feeding his fun" like D&B. Show entered the ring to work over Kofi, who took a knee drop to the chest followed by a frying pan-like chop to the chest. Carlito then tagged in and was distracted by Primo, allowing Kofi to break free and tag in Primo. Brother vs. Brother went in favor of Primo, who fired off a flurry of rights on Carlito before smashing him with a left-arm lariat. Primo was hot cleaning house, including Big Show. Primo then hit a second rope elbow smash, but Swagger broke up a pin. All heck broke loose leading to an MVP vs. Swagger brawl to the floor. Back in the ring, Carlito wanted the backstabber on Primo, but Primo ducked and Show accidentally speared Carlito. Kofi then gave Show a big spot head scissors over the top rope to the floor. Primo followed with a nice springboard leg drop on Carlito to score the pin for the win.

WINNERS: Team Primo at 9:15. That was a hot, hot match. Great conclusion with heavy focus on Primo, who had himself a nice moment in the sun. Big Show was used effectively to end the "feel good" moment to transfer the positive energy into major heat on him for the PPV build-up. Great match segment other than the younger stars looking weak at the end. Swagger is already getting lost in the shuffle and that sucks. (**1/2)

2 -- THE BRIAN KENDRICK vs. JERRY LAWLER

Bell sounded and Kendrick faked a hip injury to show Lawler is an old man. Kendrick mocked Lawler's Hall of Fame ring, prompting Lawler to punch him in the face. Apparently Kendrick missed Billy Graham's eBay auction. Kendrick then sat on Lawler's back and rode him into the corner before landing a flying fist smash. Lawler then made his trademark comeback with jabs before landing a dropkick. Lawler telegraphed a back body drop, though, and Kendrick kicked him in the chest before landing a flying dropkick. "You got nothing, King," Kendrick shouted. TBK wanted the Sliced Bread, but Lawler blocked and dropped a fist from the second rope. Cole added: "Vintage," of course. Lawler with the pin for the win.

WINNER: Lawler at 2:19. Interesting development with Lawler in the ring tonight in the middle of his Memphis mayor candidacy. Follow-up could be worth paying attention to. Match was fine as a "special attraction" filler to give TBK some TV focus tonight, even if he lost. (*)

3 -- MARK HENRY vs. CHRIS JERICHO

Bell sounded and Jericho bailed to the outside to take a breather. He was trying to frustrate Henry, who just paced around the ring waiting for Jericho to lock up. Henry eventually got Jericho on the mat and wanted a Vader Bomb, but Jericho took his knee out to begin working on the big man. Lawler revealed that Henry is working with a hurt ankle that Jericho was targeting. Henry then pulled out Claudio Castagnoli's Big Swing move after blocking the codebreaker. Henry played to the crowd, then Jericho dropped him to the mat. He wanted the Walls of Jericho, but Henry shoved him through the ropes to the outside. Henry followed out and Jericho jabbed a chair into his gut to cause a DQ.

Post-match: Jericho landed a follow-up chair shot to the back, then Henry shook it off and shoved Jericho into the announce table. Michael Cole took the brunt of the blow and Lawler told Cole to pick himself back up. Back in the ring, Jericho wanted the codebreaker, but Henry blocked and gave Jericho the World's Strongest Slam. Big men standing tall tonight. Henry did the "pose to each side of the arena" spot while Cole suggested Jericho needs to regroup to find his tag partner for Sunday.

WINNER: Henry via DQ at 5:20. I don't understand booking Jericho to look weak right now. WWE needs to be enhancing its top stars right now, not feeding them to big men who aren't going to be positioned as top main eventers. Match was fine with Jericho creating movement to make the match watchable. (*)

4 -- CHAVO GUERRERO vs. HORNSWOGGLE -- Sharp Dressed Man match

Chavo fell all over himself as Cole and Lawler did every penguin joke in the book. Hornswoggle took the jacket off, then mounted Chavo to take off the bowtie. Lawler suggested Hornswoggle used to be a model. Yeah, he saw him on a trophy once. Oh dear. Hornswoggle ripped off Chavo's shirt, but Chavo cut him off and whipped Hornswoggle with Horny's tuxedo jacket. Chavo then got tied up in the ropes and Hornswoggle slowly took off Chavo's tuxedo pants, revealing Chavo's boxer shorts. "Joe Boxer" received some promotional love. Horny then shoved Chavo through the ropes and Chavo covered up his crotch in embarrassment. Yet, wrestlers come to the ring in far less clothing completely confident with themselves. Oh well. Continue the Guerrero Family Embarrassment.

WINNER: Hornswoggle at 2:33. Just another silly match to continue taking out frustration with Vickie Guerrero by ridiculing Chavo. Kids surely loved it to justify continuing the program. (n/a)

5 -- KELLY KELLY & GAIL KIM vs. ALICIA FOX & ROSA MENDES

Gail tried a top rope missile dropkick on Alicia early on, but Alicia kicked her in the knee and Gail sold massive pain. She kicked out of a pin attempt, then Rosa tagged in to work on Gail. Kelly took a hot tag and landed an attempted Great Muta springboard elbow smash in the corner. Action broke down with Gail taking out Rosa on the floor with a plancha. In the ring, Alicia rolled up Kelly with a small package. Kelly was all over the ropes and the ref just kept on counting for a three count.

WINNERS: Alicia & Rosa at 3:40. Rough match with some flashes of looking half-way credible. Kelly stood out compared to the "developmental divas," while Gail continues to be an after-thought. (1/2*)

6 -- WWE champion RANDY ORTON & CODY RHODES & TED DIBIASE, JR. vs. TRIPLE H & JOHN CENA

Cena and Cody started things off with Cena exploding on Cody with a barrage of offense. Hunter quickly took a tag and entered to work on Cody. They set up the deal where the babyfaces cleared the heels out of the ring, Legacy regrouped on the floor, and they cut to break with Cena and Hunter in control.

Cena was in dire straights coming out of the break, according to Cole. Oh, how is he going to escape Legacy? Oh, he's in trouble! Oh, he made a hot tag to Hunter, who cleaned house. WWE presents Cole with no credibility on commentary. Cody then stomped Hunter and sent him to the outside where Orton sent Hunter head-first into the ring steps. Legacy began stomping and kicking and slapping and punching Hunter back in the ring while Cena tried to shout encouragement to Hunter.

Legacy continued to corner Hunter. They kept teasing the hot tag to Cena to build up the crowd heat before bringing it back down. Cody executed a snap DDT at 10:45 that brought in Orton to work over Hunter. Orton tried an RKO, but Hunter easily countered and hit the Spinebuster. Cena stared running up and down the ring apron begging for a hot tag and firing up the crowd. Hunter began his slow crawl across the desert to Cena, who took the tag at 12:12 after they milked the heck out of that. Cena exploded on Cody, who was the legal man, and set up the Five Knuckle Shuffle combo. Cena wanted the FU on Cody, but DiBiase came in to block. Cena threw him away, then slapped on the STFU in center ring on Cody. Cody held on and DiBiase broke it up. Hunter then took DiBiase to the outside and beat him up. Action everywhere. Orton took a tag and wanted The Punt on Cena, but Cena moved and rolled up Orton with a small package for the pin and the win.

Cole pointed out that Cena pinned the champion and could be champion on Sunday as "quick as that." Hunter and Cena got their hands raised in the ring and Orton seethed on the outside after taking the loss. Legacy joined Orton on the floor to share in their frustrations. Hunter scowled from inside the ring as the announcers recapped the finish of the match. Cena and Hunter shook hands center-ring as Cole talked about three of WWE's biggest stars clashing for the WWE Title on Sunday. End show.

WINNERS: Cena & Hunter at 13:33. Hot finish after the slow build-up to Cena's hot tag. High energy from Cena, who knows how to perform for a crowd. Nice finish to set up the PPV three-way title match, even if it's another repeat match following another repeat TV main event. WWE did its best to make viewers buy into the triple threat, even though Orton has zero credibility right now and there's no heat on the heel champion. We'll see what the PPV buys look like in a few months. (**1/2)

[Arcademan]

ECW on SyFy Results: 7-21-09

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

1 -- YOSHI TATSU vs. WILLIAM REGAL

Regal needed a breather after Yoshi fired up on him early on. Regal, the crafty heel, then lured Yoshi into a false sense of bravado and went to work on his back and head. "Regal Sucks" was the chant from the crowd. Regal continued to methodically wear down Yoshi, who struggled for breath in a neck trap. Yoshi then fired up with a roundhouse kick and suggested he was going to make an impact with a top rope move. Regal cut him off, though, to screams from the kids seeing Yoshi in peril. (Great sign that Yoshi is catching on.) Regal then wanted the big knee lift of doom, but Yoshi ducked and caught Regal with a kick behind the ear. Regal sold it like he was shot in the head and Yoshi pinned him for the win. Cue up a lengthy post-match celebration for Yoshi.

WINNER: Yoshi in 6:00. Fans are buying into Yoshi big time right now. Solid outing for Yoshi, who was given an important win over Regal. Well done. WWE obviously sees what the fans see - an exciting babyface with a big upside. (*1/4)

2 -- EZEKIEL JACKSON vs. MIKE WILLIAMS

Zeke simply stared a hole through Mike and approached him for a giant clothesline. Zeke then stood over Mike's fallen body and nailed a chokeslam. Quick pin for the win.

Post-match: Kozlov's music hit as Ezekiel stood over Mike's body. Kozlov had an equally menacing scowl on his face. Zeke was puzzled but stayed firm. Kozlov stood over Mike Williams's body, then turned on a machine-like facial expression and gave him the Iron Curtain. Apparently Kozlov saw a potential tackling dummy and took advantage. He then turned around and marched right out of the ring.

WINNER: Ezekiel in 0:30. Well, you would think Kozlov would be plugged into the ECW Title match at the PPV since WWE basically booked Tommy Dreamer and Christian to look as weak as Randy Orton last week, but that doesn't appear to be the case, so they fed left-overs to Kozlov. (n/a)

3 -- GOLDUST vs. SHELTON BENJAMIN

Pace quickened with Goldust making a comeback and asking the fans to stick with him. "Come on, baby, let's go!" He delivered an atomic drop, then a bulldog for a two count. Goldy certainly showing more fire in recent weeks to audition for a permanent spot on TV. Goldust went for a left-arm clothesline, but left himself open for backbreaker across his knee. Shelton then went up top for a turnaround splash of sorts, but Goldust blocked with an uppercut...after an uncomfortable pause. Goldust tried to catch his breath near the ropes, but Shelton slingshot him across the top rope. Shelton followed with the Pay Dirt facebuster for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Shelton Benjamin in 5:00. Good win for Shelton. Good energy from both men. WWE has quickly erased that bogus ECW debut against Yoshi three weeks ago, fortunately. Hopefully he's in the main event picture after the PPV next week. (*1/2)

4 -- PAUL BURCHILL (w/Katie Lea) vs. TYLER REKS

Reks making his in-ring debut on ECW after a few losses on Superstars. Of note: where the heck is Zach Ryder tonight? Striker called him a "Dynamic Dude." Paging John Laurinaitis. Mathews: "Did you just call him a Dynamic Dude?" Pause. Pause. Pause. Striker muttered something under his breath. Burchill took control early on tried to ground Reks's nose into the mat throughout. Slow, methodical Burchill match. Reks then powered out of a chinlock and started throwing right elbows. He followed with a nice springboard dropkick showing good hang time (pun intended). Burchill came back with a rolling belly-to-back suplex for a two count. Pace quickening. Burchill then walked into a small package from Reks, who picked up his first TV victory. Burchill just doesn't win matches. Perhaps they'll build a losing streak program to where he ... Burchill blasted Reks post-match out of frustration. Reks fell to the floor and Burchill left standing tall at the end of the day.

WINNER: Reks in 6:00. Okay singles match. Reks had a nice, fiery comeback before picking up the win. Not sure what WWE is looking to do with Burchill, but at least he has a roster spot. (*)

The last segment of ECW was the Abraham Washington Show with Tommy Dreamer and Christian setting up for their match this weekend.

[Arcademan]

WWE Superstars Results: 7-23-09

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

1 -- CHRISTIAN vs. WILLIAM REGAL

Regal aggressive early on with a side headlock. Christian then ran him through the ropes to the outside and tried a plancha, but Regal moved and Christian ate the floor. Back in the ring, Regal went back to a headlock. Christian countered, but Regal went back to a headlock. Regal focused on just wearing down the #1 contender. Christian came back with a back elbow smash, then wanted a Tornado DDT out of the corner, but Regal shoved him clear over the top rope to the floor. Christian sold it like a pro, then slowly made his way back into the ring where Regal blasted him again. Regal then punched him off the apron to the ground and Christian was sprawled out on the floor leading to break.

Back from break, Christian was trying to fight out of a standing stretch. He broke free, then both men knocked into each center ring and Christian went sprawling to the outside yet again. Ref reached a seven count, then Christian popped into the ring with the proverbial adrenaline rush to make a full comeback with a top rope missile dropkick for a two count. Regal then countered the Killswitch with a sweet overhead release suplex, but only scored a two count. Regal tried to finish off Christian, but Christian executed a sunset flip and trapped Regal's arms with his legs for a pinfall to win. Post-match: Announcers plugged Dreamer vs. Christian for the ECW Title at Night of Champions. Regal stood center-ring wanting another run at Christian, who caught his breath and sold the full effects of Regal's offense.

WINNER: Christian in 12:00. Typical Regal match where he has plenty of offense and shows aggressiveness, but ultimately loses the match. Not exactly a showcase for Christian before a PPV title match since he spent most of the match on the floor and dominated by Regal, but emphasis at the end was on Christian showing he can win a match some other way than using the Killswitch. Overall, solid TV match. (**1/4)

2 -- EVAN BOURNE vs. JAMIE NOBLE

Lawler: "Both men about evenly matched." In other words, Lawler thinks they're both short and look the same. Fast-paced action to start before Noble grounded Bourne to take away the high-flying. Noble went to work on Bourne, prompting Lawler filling in the time with redneck jokes. Bourne made a comeback and Lawler said Noble has the Krispy Kreme look of the glazed over eyes and spaghetti legs. Someone feed The King. Noble then bailed to the outside for a breather, but Bourne nailed him with a splash. Both men battled back into the ring where Noble nailed a superplex and made a cover, but Bourne kicked out in time. Bourne and Noble went to the apron where Bourne landed an enziguiri kick. Bourne then dialed up the Shooting Star Press and Lawler went "aaaaaaahhhh" as Bourne connected. Bourne with the pin for the win.

WINNER: Bourne in 5:00. I wonder ... When was the last name an under-sized wrestler was booked in a squash match? Apparently it's only reserved for big man. This was the perfect opportunity for Bourne. You have Jamie Noble, who hasn't been on TV for a while and hasn't won a match in an even longer time and hasn't been presented credibly to the audience in years, as the opposition, yet WWE still booked a straight-up singles match. Of course, there was heavy emphasis on Bourne and everyone knew he was going to win, but I just don't think he benefited much from this. They apparently don't know what to do with him, so they booked him in an easy-win singles match just to get him on TV. Here's an amazing talent on their hands and they - for whatever lame reason - don't know what to do with hin, so they have him in a holding pattern.

3 -- JOHN MORRISON vs. KANE

As expected, Kane took control early on with power offense overcoming high-flying. Kane grounded Morrison with a reverse chinlock and wore him down a bit. Morrison made it to his feet, then tried a barrage of strikes, but Kane flung him through the ropes to the floor. Repeat the Regal-Christian formula of the babyface Morrison on the floor going to a break.

Back from break, Kane was still in control working over Morrison's entire body. Head to toe coverage. Take away every body part. Make sure he can't even make the Batista Comeback. Morrison then made a comeback with three kicks to the chest and one to the head that put Kane on the mat. Morrison then covered up in the corner to avoid punches before catching Morrison with a trademark uppercut beneath the chin. Kane then teased a chokeslam, but Morrison slipped out and nailed the springboard Flying Chuck kick for a close nearfall. Crowd believed in a finish, but their hopes were dashed.

Kane then cut Morrison right off with a sidewalk slam for a two count of his own. He went up top for some reason and Morrison nailed him with A.J. Styles Pele kick to the head. Morrison then kicked Kane off the turnbuckle to the floor. Kane grabbed a steel chair off-camera and smashed Morrison in the gut as he came flying down for a splash. Ref called for a DQ. Morrison sold an arm injury, then Kane threw Morrison back into the ring and retrieved the chair. Great Khali's music hit, though, and Khali's super slow entrance allowed Morrison to recover and strike Kane from behind. Khali then played tug of war with Kane's ankles, but Kane bailed and went into the stands to avoid the wrath of Khali. Kane walked through the crowd and Khali stood tall... excuse the pin...to close the show.

WINNER: Morrison via DQ in 14:00. Good singles main event. Both men looked sharp in the ring. Same formula as Christian-Regal in the opener, just with a different finish. The show ending with Khali standing tall and without a PPV match to promote on Sunday reinforces the idea that Superstars is simply a "feature of stars" and isn't a true free TV infomercial show to sell PPVs. Therefore, I argue, the Raw Rebound should never air on Superstars again.

[Arcademan]

TNA Impact! Results: 7-23-09

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

(1) HOMICIDE vs. SAMOE JOE (w/TAZ)
X Division Championship Match

West tries to sell on commentary that the X Division title was always important to the MEM, and that's why they went after Joe. Homicide and Joe trade single leg takedowns. Homicide rolls to the outside—Joe looks to follow, but Homicide doesn't stay still long enough. Joe whiffs on an attempted Plancha, then eats a Somersault Plancha of Homicide's. The fight rolls back into the ring. Homicide tries to charge Joe in the corner, but gets Ura-Naged for his trouble. Joe hits a knee drop. Homicide creates a bit of distances with some kicks, but when he comes off the ropes he walks right into a Snap Slam for two. Joe, in an attempt to make his offense more boring, locks in an Abdominal Stretch. Homicide slips out and goes for some right hands and clotheslines, but Joe no-sells them all. Eventually Homicide takes Joe off his feet with a Spinning Elbow, but only gets a one count. He hits a Tornado DDT off the top rope, which is at least enough for a two count. Homicide looks for something or other (he was in a Rock Bottom position), but Joe just flips him over in a Suplex. He works over Homicide in the corner, so the ref tries to pull him off. Joe slugs him. Homicide takes advantage of the distraction to go for the Gringo Killer. Joe fights it off. Homicide looks for a Gringo Cutter, but Joe catches him in a Kokido Clutch. The ref comes around, and sees Homicide, then calls for the bell. Joe, being a moron, thinks he's won. Really, the ref has called for the DQ.

WINNER: Homicide by DQ in five minutes. That was a nice taste of what these two could do with a real match.

(2) AMAZING RED vs. KEVIN NASH (w/JENNA MORASCA)
Legends' Championship Match

Don West is sarcastically selling what a challenge this will be for Kevin Nash—how awesome will it be if Red wins. Nash invites Red to get in the first shot to start. Red does so with a quick flurry, and Nash seems a little rocked. He lifts a knee, and Red goes flying. Nash takes Red into a corner and hits some more knees. He takes a moment to pose, the flings Red across the ring. Red gets up trying to kick Nash's legs out from under him, but Nash just whacks him with another knee lift and nails the Jackknife. The crowd chants for him to do it one more time, but instead he just drives Red to the ground and gets the cover. I think that was actually an improvised spot, since he realized that a second Jackknife would get cheers.

WINNER: Kevin Nash in 2 minutes. Why are they treating Amazing Red as a jobber?

(3) SCOTT STEINER & BOOKER T (w/SHARMELL) vs. BIG ROCCO & SALLY BOY

It would be less awesome if the MEM lost this one. Booker toys with Sally a bit to start, then lays in with some chops. Steiner tags in and stomps on Sally some before hitting his Do-Se-Do Suplex. He lures Rocco into the ring with a spit to the face, but doesn't do anything illegal while the ref is distracted. Booker tags in. Sally starts to fight back from his knees, so Booker pokes his eyes and starts working the chops again. He hits a Spinning Back Kick; Rocco comes into the ring, and Booker breaks his cover. He tags in Steiner, who hits a clothesline and his Pushup Elbow Drop. He hits some more strikes in the corner, but when he charges Sally gets a leg up and is able to make the tag. Rocco zooms across the ring, knocks Booker off the apron, and floors Scott Steiner with a Body Slam. He goes to the top, as the Impact Zone goes ballistic at the prospect of an upset. He hits a Big Splash off the top rope, which gets 1, 2…no! Sharmell pulls the ref out by the leg. Meanwhile, Booker comes back and nails a Bookend on Rocco. Steiner finishes him off with a Flatliner for the kill.

WINNER: Steiner & Booker T in five minutes. I don't know why this got longer than the first one, but the crowd was psyched by the end.

(4) TARA vs. ANGELINA LOVE vs. VELVET SKY vs. MADISON RAYNE vs. ODB vs. ALISSA FLASH vs. SOJO BOLT vs. TAYLOR WILDE vs. DAFFNEY vs. SARITA

The only women to get their own entrances are Kong and Tara. The match starts with some brawling. Taylor Wilde tosses Daffney out of nowhere, then Kong Gorilla Presses Madison Rayne out onto her. Slick Johnson goes to cradle Rayne. ODB gets tossed, but Cody Deaner catcher her and rolls her back in. Slick Johnson bans Deaner from ringside. Taylor Wilde Back Body Drops Sojo Bolt out to the apron, then kicks her out the match. On the other side of the ring Tara does the exact same thing to Velvet Sky. That was a little weird. Kevin Nash strides down to the commentary booth.

Taylor Wilde and Alissa Flash were eliminated during the break, and we get back just in time to see ODB toss Angelina Love. ODB, Tara, and Sarita try to triple team Awesome Kong, but it doesn't work. She tosses dodges Tara, floors ODB, and drops Sarita to the match. They give up on that plan. Tara tries to dump Sarita, but she rolls back under the bottom rope. Kong lifts ODB onto the ropes, then butt bumps her down to the ground. Tara is facing off with Sarita in the corner. Kong kicks Tara and tosses Sarita back into the ring. Sarita lands on her feet and rocks Kong with a Springboard Dropkick, but gets tossed out for her troubles anyway. Tara and Kong trade punches in the middle of the ring. Tara goes for an Octopus. Kong tries to fight it off, and they end up both perched on the ropes. Knockout Lar Traci Brooks suddenly dumps both of them from the ring. Kevin Nash goes down to the ring and proclaims her the winner.

Winner: Traci Brooks in 10 minutes. There had to be a better way to spend that time. Nash emphasizes that Traci was an original TNA Knockout.

(5) ROBERT ROODE, JAMES STORM, AJ STYLES, ERIC YOUNG, & DANIELS vs. THE BRITISH INVASION, KIYOSHI, & BASHIR

Bashir and Young lock up to start, yet no one mentions them costing each other the X Division title a few months ago. Beer Money tag in in turn, nailing the Beer Money Suplex on Bashit, then using an interfering Kiyoshi as a battering ram. AJ tags in for some quick strikes, then tags in Daniels, who hoists Bashir up for AJ to hit with a flying punch. Daniels hits a Split-Legged Moonsault for two. He lands a few jabs, but is whipped into the Brits' corner where he takes a punch from Rob Terry. Bashir tags in Kiyoshi, who takes Daniels down by the ear then clotheslines him on the mat. Terry tags in and throws Daniels across the ring. He floors him with a clothesline. Daniels fights back with right hands, but Terry no sells them. He goes for a Cross Body Block, and he no sells that too. Magnus tag in, and Williams helps him hit a Union-Jack like slam. Williams tags in and they hit back to back strikes on Daniels in the corner. AJ has to break up the cover after Williams hits a Knee Drop off the top rope. Daniels whips Williams into his own partner on the apron, which gives him enough room to hit an Ensuguri and make the tag to AJ. AJ takes it to all five heels, eventually hitting a Flying Forearm on Magnus (who I guess tagged in), but all the heels jump in to break up the cover. We get a pier six brawl. EY tosses Brutus Magnus to AJ, but when AJ looks for a Styles Clash EY spins him around and hits a Pile Driver. Magnus makes the cover.

WINNERS: Kiyoshi, Bashir, The British Invasion (and sort of Eric Young) in six minutes.

(6) KURT ANGLE vs. MICK FOLEY
Keys on a Pole Match

Mick still looks sad on his way down to the ring. Angle and Foley trade punches to start, with Mick getting the better of the exchange. Kurt fights back with a European Uppercut and some right hands in the corner, but Mick regains control. Foley hits his charging knee in the corner. Mick starts to climb, but Kurt clips his leg out from under him. We get some more brawling, culminating with Mick clotheslining Kurt out of the ring. Foley tries to climb, but doesn't even come close before Kurt pulls him down. Kurt pounds oh him for a few seconds before trying to climb. Mick catches him on the top rope and brings him back down with a Superplex. That has to be a good idea with Kurt injured.

Mick ducks an attempted clothesline and connects with a Double Armed DDT. He grabs the artist formerly known as Mr. Socko and locks in the Mandible Claw. There are audible chants for Angle, and none for Foley. Mick takes Kurt down to the mat, where he seems to be out. He starts to climb, but the rest of the MEM run down to keep Mick from getting the keys. The ref calls for DQ. Wait, what?

WINNER?: Mick Foley by DQ in ten minutes. So the only way to win is to either get the keys or be attacked by an ally of your opponent—apparently.