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

[Arcademan]

WWE Superstars Results: 5-6-10

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

1 -- PRIMO vs. CARLITO (w/Michael Tarver)

Carlito reluctantly locked up with his young brother early on and Primo took it to him as Carlito sold apprehension. Primo then landed a flying head scissors out of the corner followed by a dropkick. Carlito cut off Primo with a knee to the gut, then took his time thinking things over on whether to follow up. Carlito began a methodical attack, but kept selling apprehension on whether to continue attacking. Primo took an opening to make a comeback, but lost control when he airballed a corner splash running the ropes.

Carlito then slowly snuck up behind Primo and teased the backstabber, but decided to stand there and watch. Primo turned around to stare at Carlito, who took a mic and cut a promo on the fans and Primo for wasting his career. He said the other option is re-uniting and making an impact again. Carlito started to walk off, then Primo spun him around. The crowd popped, thinking Primo was going to pop him, but Primo extended his hand and they shook. The brothers embraced and hugged it out before leaving the ring together. Michael Tarver sold that he was dumbfounded and ref Chioda followed behind with no official decision.

WINNER: No Decision in 6:00. WWE needed another tag team on the Raw brand to feud with Hart Dynasty, so the re-pairing makes sense. We'll see if anything's different this time around with the Colons actually being pushed or if they'll remain on Thursday nights every week. (*)

2 -- CHAVO GUERRERO vs. CHRIS MASTERS

Chavo flexed in Masters's face early on, which drew laughter from Masters. Chavo tried playing cat and mouse with Masters, who out-smarted Chavo the first time and then the second time. Chavo cut him off getting back into the ring, though, and landed a dropkick taking Masters off the apron to the floor. Back in the ring, Chavo went to work on Masters with submission-based wrestling before Masters rammed him into the corner ringpost. Masters back-dropped Chavo onto his left knee, then dropped Chavo with a sidewalk slam into a backbreaker for a two count. Masters then called for the Masterlock and teased his finisher, but Chavo elbowed out before a full application and hit a DDT for a two count. Chavo then snapped off one of the Three Amigos, but Masters blocked #2 and slapped on the Masterlock. Chavo went down to both knees and gave it up, giving Masters the decisive win.

WINNER: Masters in 5:00. This was actually a decent TV match. Masters has improved in the ring and grown into his babyface role while Chavo continues to be under-utilized. WWE has Chavo slotted in this limited role, but he had a nice program on ECW with C.M. Punk a few years ago and hasn't been utilized in the ring since then. (*1/4)

3 -- Women's champion BETH PHOENIX vs. ROSA MENDES -- non-title match

Beth Phoenix came out first for the Divas match of the show. Rosa Mendes sauntered out next and took the mic to address her recent "split" from Zack Ryder with them now on separate brands. Beth sold that she wasn't amused by this public address, especially when Rosa got in her face and slapped her, so Beth hoisted her up on her shoulders and went on the offensive. Suddenly, Beth missed hard in the corner with a splash attempt and fell to the mat. The ref held Rosa back with Beth selling the injury here. They did some fancy editing to show Rosa trying to follow up moments later, but Beth rolled her up with a small package for the pin and the win. Afterward, Beth hobbled out of the ring and was tended to by medics ringside. Beth then limped away from ringside as Rosa got some focus getting over her heel personality by showing no remorse for Beth's injury.

WINNER: Beth in 3:00. Rosa isn't exactly polished in the ring, with WWE apparently hoping Beth could help guide her in this match. We'll see if the injury limits Beth going forward, but they made the most out of the situation by getting sympathy on Beth and heat on Rosa for showing no remorse. (n/a)

4 -- SHAD GASPARD vs. JTG

JTG used his quickness early on to cut off Shad's attempted power offense. Shad then missed with a big boot and ate the top rope. JTG dropkicked Shad to the floor before coming over the top with a plancha. JTG paraded around the ring celebrating the spot before they cut to a break.

Back from break, Shad was in control working over JTG's back. JTG got the sympathetic "J-T-G" chant from the crowd as Shad worked over JTG with a unique-looking submission hold bending JTG over his knee with a neck vice. JTG fought out, but Shad cut him off and landed a clothesline for a two count. Shad then slapped on an abdominal stretch as Grisham put over Shad's World Hvt. Title aspirations. Shad then dropped the hold and pounded JTG into the mat before doing a big heel pose over JTG's fallen body that drew heat. Shad settled into another ab stretch as the crowd rallied with another "J-T-G" chant.

JTG countered with a hip toss, then caught Shad's knee and tried a roll up, but scored a two count. Grisham provided an update on Beth Phoenix that she's undergoing a medical evaluation and they'll update her status on Smackdown. Nice storyline follow-up. JTG made his full comeback with a dropkick to the back before starting to shake the dice. JTG followed with the mug shot out of the corner before making a cover for a two count. After a back-and-forth exchange, JTG rolled the dice and tried to hit his finisher, but Shad held onto the top rope to block. Shad then followed with an STO center ring and made the pin for the win. Post-match: Shad did his heel pose closing his eyes and soaking in the crowd boos while slowly raising his arms and posing. They closed with a final image of Shad posing.

WINNER: Shad in 10:00. Nice TV main event. Real basic storytelling trying to get sympathy on JTG while emphasizing Shad as a potential lead villain on Smackdown. Mission accomplished. Shad definitely has some charisma with the character change and should be in line for a nice push on Smackdown with so little depth on the brand. (*3/4)

[Arcademan]

WWE Smackdown Results: 5-7-10

Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Keller's complete report). Condensed here to in-ring results save for the opening segment.

-Matt Hardly limped to the ring. Grisham said they are surprised to see him. Clips aired of what Drew McIntyre did to him in recent weeks, including the interview set DDT last week. Hardy finally began speaking, but before he finished his first sentence, McIntyre interrupted. Hardy said he won't go away unless he makes him. McIntyre said Vince McMahon himself looked him in the eye and told him he is the future of the company. He said that makes him The Chosen One and completely untouchable. Hardy said, "Come down here and we'll see how untouchable you are." McIntyre said he's not getting the message. Hardy shot back, "No I'm not." McIntyre said he'll have to beat his message into him.

McIntyre entered the ring and Hardy jumped him. Two referees tried to pull them apart. After they were separated, McIntyre jumped Hardy from behind. Hardy stumbled to ringside where McIntyre again attacked him. Mike Rotunda, Ricky Steamboat, and Tony Garea were among the agents and referees trying to separate them. It's so strange that announcers don't acknowledge these legends when they're on camera. G.M. Teddy Long came out and suspended McIntyre and then stripped him of his IC Title. McIntyre kicked Hardy in the head again. Long then said, "You know what, Drew? You're fired!" McIntyre was dragged to the back yelling, "I'm untouchable!"

1 -- MVP vs. LUKE GALLOWS (w/C.M. Punk, Serina)

After a clip of last week's tag match with these two. The announcers talked more about McIntyre's firing. At 3:00 Serina distracted MVP just as he went on a flurry of offense. That gave Gallows an opening to surprise MVP with a clothesline. It made MVP look like an idiot because he was about to deliver The Playmaker and stopped simply because Serina crawled up onto the ring apron. There was zero logical reason to not hit the move and go for the cover, or at least execute the move and then go over to get her off the apron. They can solve that by just having her slide into the ring and really create a threat to his execution of the move. Rey Mysterio ran to ringside and gave Punk a DDT, then escaped through the crowd out of sight. That distracted Gallows, and MVP gave him the Playmaker for the win.

WINNER: MVP in 4:00.

STAR RATING: * -- Fine for what it was.

2 -- KELLY KELLY & TIFFANY vs. MICHELLE MCCOOL & LAYLA (w/Vickie Guerrero)

Striker said he likes the LayCool nickname for Kelly Kelly, "Smelly Kelly." At 2:00 Kelly got the hot-tag and went after Layla aggressively. There was an awkward attempt at a handspring elbow by Kelly. Layla blocked it, sort of, and then tagged Tiffany back in. McCool kicked Tiffany from behind and then Layla finished her with a neckbreaker. Vickie applauded at ringside. Striker said McCool's master's degree came into play at the end of the match.

WINNERS: McCool & Layla in 3:00.

3 -- KOFI KINGSTON vs. DOLPH ZIGGLER -- IC Title Tournament Match

A clip aired of Ziggler slamming Hornswoggle a couple weeks ago. Kingston dove onto Ziggler at ringside at 1:00. Kofi threw Ziggler into the ring, but when he entered the ring a second later, Ziggler knocked him to the floor with a knee. Ziggler controlled the match for several minutes, but got frustrated with not being able to finish Kingston. Striker pointed out Ziggler's tendency to get frustrated at this point in matches. Kingston scored a surprise leverage two count, but Ziggler went back on offense afterward. At 11:00 Kingston made a full comeback. He went into his finishing routine including the Boom Drop legdrop, but when he went for the tornado roundkick, Ziggler avoided it. Kingston went for a bodyblock a second later, but Ziggler rolled through for a near fall. Ziggler followed up with an immediate sleeper attempt. Kingston struggled to block it. Ziggler blocked Kingston's mouth, leading to Kingston being vulnerable to the sleeper. Kingston dropped down near the top rope and clotheslined Ziggler, then rebounded immediately with a tornado roundkick "Trouble in Paradise" for the win.

WINNER: Kingston in 12:00 to advance.

STAR RATING: **1/4 -- Good match.

4 -- CHRISTIAN (w/Heath Slater) vs. CODY RHODES -- IC Title Tournament Match

Striker touted that Christian is a three-time IC Champion. Striker was irritated by Grisham saying Cody hadn't won a major singles title before because he says he hasn't had a chance yet. Grisham said this is his chance. At 2:00 Christian slidekicked Cody at ringside into the security wall. Christian chased after Cody at ringside, but Cody caught him with a kick to the gut and then shoved him into the ringside steps. They cut to a break at 3:00 with Cody in control. They fought back and forth for several minutes. Rhodes hit a moonsault bodypress at 10:00 for a near fall. Christian fired back with a Kill Switch for the win. Slater celebrated with Christian.

WINNER: Christian in 12:00. That sets up Christian vs. Kingston next week. Interesting face vs. face match-up. Will this include a heel turn or a tease of a heel turn for either?

5 -- JACK SWAGGER vs. KANE

Striker called this "an interesting challenge for Jack Swagger." A minute into the match Big Show walked to the ring. Swagger tried to take Kane down from behind, but Kane elbowed out of it. Grisham said Kane may be "amateur proof" after Kane snuffed Swagger's attempt to dominate him with ground action. Swagger showed some frustration. Big Show's music then played. Show joined Striker and Grisham at ringside. With Kane distracted, Swagger pounded him in the corner. Show said he wants to get an up-close look at Swagger's strength. Show said Swagger's wrestling skills are great against wrestlers his size, but those skills don't affect someone of his size. Striker asked Show how he'd get out of the front chancery Swagger had on Kane. Show looked at Striker and said he wouldn't let him get it on him in the first place. Kane caught Swagger leaping off the ropes with a punch to the gut. Show said he flew off the top rope once and he broke the ring. He smiled and said, "Vince made me pay for it." Kane hit a flying clothesline to take control. He signaled for a chokeslam. Swagger elbowed out of it. Swagger shoved Kane into the exposed turnbuckle in the corner several times. The ref warned him to stop, but he didn't, so the ref called for the DQ.

WINNER: Kane via DQ in 5:00.

STAR RATING: 3/4* -- Told its story fine, but not a lot to it. Show was good on commentary.

-Swagger grabbed his title belt and taunted Show with it at ringside. Show stood up. Kane then gave Swagger a big boot. Kane began to disassemble the ringside table. Swagger recovered during that time and threw Kane into the ringpost. Show then chokeslammed Swagger onto the announce table. There wasn't a ton of give at first, then the table collapsed. Show entered the ring and raised the World Title belt into the air and then looked down at Swagger splatted below him.

[Arcademan]

WWE RAW Results: 5-10-10

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

1 -- CHRIS JERICHO vs. Unified tag champion DAVID HART SMITH (w/Natalya)

Smith started on the offensive, but missed with a leg drop and Jericho smashed him in the face with a knee strike. Jericho went to work on Smith as the fans tried to rally behind Smith, who made a comeback with power offense. Smith then belly-to-belly tossed Jericho off the ropes before running into an elbow. Jericho tried to charge Smith, but Smith executed a powerslam for a two count. Smith then slapped on a Sharpshooter center ring and Jericho tried to crawl to the ropes to force a break. Jericho got the break, then gave Smith a thumb to the eye to temporarily blind him. Jericho then smashed Smith with the codebreaker for the win.

WINNER: Jericho at 3:05. Jericho and Miz get a Unified tag title shot at the PPV in two weeks. The match was okay. Smith is still rough around the edges working singles with the spotlight on him. He needs more time to develop. (*)

2 -- WILLIAM REGAL vs. R-TRUTH (w/Flavor Flav)

Suddenly, Carlito and Primo hit the ring to jump R-Truth to cause a DQ. The Colons set up Truth for the backstabber as Flav said on commentary they broke his man's back. He said if he weighed four more pounds, he would have done something. The Colons then bailed from the ring as Flav dropped his headset to check on Truth. Suddenly, Ted DiBiase was on stage sporting a suit. He handed Primo and Carlito an envelope with their pay-offs for the evening.

WINNER: Truth via DQ at 0:23. That was a random match, but the Colons aligning with DiBiase has some potential. We'll see where this goes. (n/a)

3 -- EVAN BOURNE vs. ZACK RYDER

Bourne landed early offense before taking the Rough Ryder lariat from Ryder for a two count. The Divas ringside began choosing alliances with Alicia (the heel) siding with Ryder and Gail (the babyface) siding with Bourne. Bourne ducked a corner attack before landing a running knee smash to the face. Bourne then sprung to the top-rope looking for Air Bourne as Alicia jumped on the ring apron. Gail yanked her down, though, and Bourne followed with Air Bourne on Ryder for the win. Post-match: Gail and Bourne left the ringside area locking arms. Meanwhile, Alicia tried to console Ryder after the loss. It's maybe not the smartest idea to pair Gail with Bourne with Gail taller than Bourne in heels.

WINNER: Bourne at 2:06. Another too-short singles match with WWE investing time in other segments and not having faith in a wrestling match to hold the audience's attention. Bourne and Ryder got some exposure on Raw rather than Superstars, which is the benefit to the trade-off of a short match. (*)

4 -- U.S. champion THE MIZ vs. TYSON KIDD (w/Natalya) -- non-title match

Miz started toying with Kidd early on before kicking him in the head to knock Kidd to the floor. Suddenly, Kidd caught Miz on the apron and executed an innovative flip-over-the-back into a rolling leg trap pinning combination for a quick three count and the win.

WINNER: Kidd at 0:42. Another too-short match, but the innovative finish was worth a star. (*)

5 -- NXT ROOKIES vs. JOHN MORRISON & GOLDUST & YOSHI TATSU & SANTINO MARELLA

Wade Barrett and Goldust started things off with Barrett trying to take it to Goldust before Goldust gained control and tagged in Yoshi. Justin Gabriel then tagged in for the Rookies and battled with Yoshi. They countered each other's moves before Gabriel landed a spin kick and discus punch. Suddenly, David Otunga tagged himself in and started working over Yoshi. Otunga then tagged in Heath Slater while John Morrison tagged in to the vocal screams from young women in the crowd. He's officially over now. Morrison started clearing Rookies before Slater tried a sunset flip, but Morrison rolled out into a knee smash to the face. Morrison then wanted the Starship Pain, but Slater got his knees up to block.

Daniel Bryan then tagged in and missed a knee strike on Morrison. Santino tagged in and tried a small package, but Bryan countered into a small package of his own to score a pin. Cole went nuts acknowledging Bryan winning a match. Bryan pumped his fist as the Rookies celebrated. Skip Sheffield and Darren Young hoisted Bryan in the air to give him shine with the victory. Meanwhile, Santino tried to collect his thoughts after the loss.

WINNER: Team NXT at 3:36. And Daniel Bryan scores his first WWE TV victory with a roll-up on Santino after ten seconds of in-ring action. There's your Trivia note. This was just a hodge-podge match with WWE desperately trying to boost interest in NXT for tomorrow night's show. (*)

6 -- RANDY ORTON vs. EDGE (w/Vickie Guerrero) & TED DIBIASE

Orton and DiBiase started things off with Orton running over DiBiase with a hard shoulder tackle early on. DiBiase then took a clothesline, but Edge had blind-tagged into the match and he blind-sided Orton to take control of the match. Edge continued to work over Orton before tagging in DiBiase, who landed kicks and stomps on Orton. They showed Vickie casually sitting ringside observing the action as the heels continued to work over Orton.

[Q9 -- over-run] Orton teased a comeback, but Edge dropped him with a strike to the head and scored a two count. DiBiase then tagged in and grounded Orton before Orton came back with an explosive clothesline. Orton then dropped DiBiase with a big powerslam and started his babyface IED routine. Orton bumped Edge off the ring apron to the announce table, then dropped DiBiase with a fallaway backbreaker. Orton grabbed his head and started to sense it before dropping to the mat to pound his fists to set up the RKO. DiBiase blocked, of course, but Orton back dropped DiBiase over the top rope to the floor. Suddenly, R-Truth walked down the ramp and DiBiase scampered back into the ring to avoid Truth. DiBiase fell right into Orton's hands and Orton nailed an RKO center ring. Orton then made the cover for the win.

WINNER: Orton at 4:55. Decent main event action (for five minutes, which was really long on this show), they gave DiBiase a main event spotlight, and they continued the DiBiase vs. Truth program that will probably spill over to the PPV. (*1/2)

Post-match: Orton slowly turned his head to look at Vickie Guerrero sitting ringside. Orton did his viper pose on the mat staring at Vickie as Vickie started calling for Edge to wake up. Orton then slowly walked out of the ring and stared down Vickie, who took a mic and told Orton, "Don't do it." Orton was within a few feet before Vickie warned him. She freaked out before announcing, "I resign! I resign!" Edge then came to his feet and Orton dropped Edge with an RKO on the floor right as Edge came to his feet. Vickie suddenly took off running as Orton watched her disappear from ringside up the ramp and to the backstage area. Orton returned to the ring and posed in the ring before staring down at Edge, who sold being out cold on the floor. After a replay of the ending, they showed Edge sprawled out on the floor and Orton staring down at him in the ring to close the show.

CLOSING THOUGHT: This was certainly a newsworthy Raw with some strong character development and solid PPV build-up. The short matches were bothersome with WWE trying to pack a lot of content into one show. Hm...sounds like the promotion that runs out of Orlando. Overall, this episode made Raw feel "can't miss" again, which has been missing since WrestleMania.

[Arcademan]

WWE NXT Results: 5-11-10

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

Michael Tarver and Daniel Bryan were eliminated at the start of the show, a decision made by WWE management.

1 -- HEATH SLATER vs. WADE BARRETT

The bell sounded and the Rookies locked up as Cole recapped Michael Tarver and Daniel Bryan eliminated by WWE management at the top of the show. Slater and Barrett took the fight to the outside where Barrett took control of the match. Back in the ring, Slater made a comeback and landed a series of clotheslines before hitting a faceplant for a two count. Slater tried a top-rope splash, but Barrett caught Slater in mid-air and smashed Slater into the mat with his bodyslam finisher for the pin and the win. Cue up Chris Jericho's theme music since he still doesn't have his own theme music after winning the competition weeks ago. Barrett, with a bloody lip, got his shine post-match. Good look for the bare-knuckle fighter with some blood on his mouth.

WINNER: Barrett in 5:00. Okay, but forgettable match. One of the biggest problems with the NXT show has been the lack of purpose for the Rookie vs. Rookie matches. No one believes the outcomes are going to influence how the Pros are going to vote. It's mere lip service from the announcers. (*)

2 -- SKIP SHEFFIELD (w/William Regal) vs. DARREN YOUNG

Cole and Mathews picked up their regular argument over Cole knocking the Rookies earlier in the season and now everyone's best friend. They put over Young for being the most-improved Rookie on the show. Skip took control early on as Regal watched intently. Skip then missed with a splash off the ropes and Young made a comeback as the crowd sat quietly. Mathews mocked Cole's "vintage," prompting Cole to suggest there's a Michael Cole Bingo game. Skip then cut off Young and hit his seated jawbreaker finisher for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Skip in 4:00. Another basic match with the crowd uninterested. Unfortunately, the NXT Rookies just aren't over. WWE has done the bare minimum to present a compelling program trying to introduce new talent. If NXT continues to a second season, they'll have to re-think this show's presentation. (3/4*)

3 -- JUSTIN GABRIEL vs. DAVID OTUNGA

Gabriel started on the offensive with a round of dropkicks and flying offense. He attempted a springboard e move, but Otunga blocked by dropping Gabriel gut-first across the top rope. Otunga went to work on Gabriel and slapped on an abdominal stretch. The crowd came to life rallying behind Gabriel, who made a comeback and scored a two count. Otunga then landed a weak-looking kick to the gut on the apron before dropping Gabriel with a uranage in the ring. Otunga with the pin for the win.

WINNER: Otunga in 3:00. Otunga needs a lot of polish in the ring. He works like he doesn't want to potato his opponent, but he doesn't know how to make his offense look real. This was another filler match and the crowd sat idly again. There's just no emotional connection between audience and Rookies. (1/2*)

Striker then went to the Pros break down and hyped the Pros Poll to come. #1 is Wade Barrett. #2 is David Otunga. Otunga gloated, of course. #3 is Justin Gabriel. #4 is Heath Slater. So, it's down to Darren Young and Skip Sheffield. Striker called for Young and Skip to step forward. Striker did the big build-up before revealing #5 is Darren Young, meaning Skip Sheffield is #6 and he's gone. Young smiled while Skip stared blankly ahead in shock. Skip said he's been misguided for the past 12 weeks and the people have not seen the real Skip Sheffield. Skip said William Regal isn't to blame and he should have listened from the beginning. He said he will be back. Skip then turned and walked off to the ramp and disappeared to the back.

[Arcademan]

WWE Superstars Results: 5-13-10

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

1 -- MARYSE & JILLIAN HALL vs. BELLA TWINS

Jillian and Maryse tagged in and out working over Nikki early on before Brie took a hot tag and cleaned house on Maryse with a flurry of clotheslines. Jillian entered the picture and the action broke down. In the confusion, Maryse hit the French Kiss DDT for the pin and the win. Post-match: Jillian held up Brie for Maryse to do some trash-talking before Divas champion Eve stormed the ring. She attempted to make a save, but Maryse cut her off. Eve then reversed a whip to the ropes and took out Jillian while Maryse bailed to the outside. Eve stood in the ring calling after Maryse, who hightailed it up the ramp to the stage to taunt Eve.

WINNERS: Maryse & Jillian in 4:00. Short, basic match setting up the post-match to advance the Maryse vs. Eve feud. It looks like the match will be on the next PPV, but you never know. It could be on this week's Raw or the Raw after the PPV. (3/4*)

2 -- KOZLOV vs. RYAN MITCHELL

Kozlov dominated early and often as the announcers talked up Kozlov's destruction. Kozlov then finished off Mitchell with the Iron Curtain for the decisive pin and the win. After the finish, they piped in some odd crowd noise with a mix of abnormally loud noise for a Kozlov match. It wasn't even clear if it was babyface or heel noise. Just noise.

WINNER: Kozlov in 2:00. Squash. The announcers were able to talk him up and that was about it. It was fine, but didn't stick out on the show. (n/a)

3 -- VANCE ARCHER & CURT HAWKINS vs. MATTHEW BUSCH & JAMES WHITE

Archer and Hawkins tagged in and out working over the enhancement talent. Archer hit a big leg-sweep reverse DDT before Hawkins came off the top with a flying elbow smash. Hawkins, who Striker described as a jaded wrestling star, kicked the losers out of the ring after securing the win.

Post-match: Archer took the mic and told the audience to pay attention. Hawkins then took the mic and said he's a future main-eventer. He said Archer is an unstoppable monster and they focused tight on Archer's face as he did an evil look. Hawkins said they've been given 30-day contracts simply to "make an impact."

WINNERS: Archer & Hawkins in 3:00. Ol' Hawkins is all grown up now. He doesn't have that "babyface look" trying to work heel where no one takes him seriously as a threat in a fight. In the middle of this, WWE is apparently re-emphasizing tag team wrestling, as evidenced by the Colons reuniting on last week's Superstars and a new tag team debuting on this week's Superstars. The Hart Dynasty needs a team to feud with, so it's good to see WWE developing two new teams the last two weeks. (n/a)

4 -- DOLPH ZIGGLER vs. CHRIS MASTERS

Masters knocked Ziggler to the floor early on, then Ziggler regrouped, only to have Masters knock him out of the ring again. Very interesting "sports-like discussion" between Grisham and Striker on why Ziggler was trying to punch and kick to score offense when he has an amateur wrestling background. Grisham surmised perhaps Masters had it scouted. That's unlikely, kayfabe, but the back-and-forth discussion by the announcers really enhanced the action here. It was Striker being efficient with the points he tries to make that typically become overbearing on PPV broadcasts. They cut to break with Masters in control.

After the Buzz Aldrin and Mark Henry spot aired, they returned from break with Masters grounding Ziggler on the mat working his left shoulder. Ziggler tried to break free, but Masters knocked him to the floor yet again. This time, Masters tried to follow, but Ziggler popped Masters with a kick to the face as he was leaning through the ropes. Masters made it back into the ring at nine, then Ziggler went to work on Masters with an aggressive offensive attack.

At 10:00, Masters crawled to a corner looking for a breather, then he landed a chop from his knees. Ziggler came back with kicks to the knees, though, and landed a Rocker Dropper ala Billy Gunn. Ziggler made a cover, but Masters kicked out. Ziggler then sat down on a half-Camel Clutch, but Masters powered out into an electric chair dropping Ziggler on his back. Masters then catapulted Ziggler into the top turnbuckle and started making his full comeback. Masters then missed with a corner splash and Ziggler rolled him up from behind with a small package for a two count. Masters came back with a sidewalk slam, but Ziggler got a foot on the bottom rope for a rope break.

Masters called for the Masterlock, but Ziggler rolled to the apron and caught Masters with a chinbreaker. Ziggler then tried to slap on the sleeperhold, but Masters fought him off and countered into a Masterlock. He didn't get a full application, though, and Ziggler sent Masters into the corner turnbuckle. Masters, dazed, walked backwards into the middle of the ring where Ziggler nailed the Zig-Zag for the pin and the win. After they replayed the finish, they showed Ziggler standing on the ramp fully satisfied with himself after the win. End show.

WINNER: Ziggler in 18:00. Nice match. The finish was well done with the flurry of counters and reversals before Ziggler hit the Zig-Zag for the win. The right man went over with Ziggler picking up a needed TV win. (**)

[Arcademan]

TNA Impact! Results: 5-13-10

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

1 -- TAYLOR WILDE (w/Sarita) vs. TARA

Taz said he's never put his career on the line like Tara did. After a plug for Dixie Carter's Twitter page, Tenay announced that at Sacrifice, Rob Terry will defend the Global Championship against Orlando Jordan, plus Abyss faces Wolfe with the Hogan's ring and Chelsea's "services" for a month at stake. Taz called out Wolfe for a chauvinistic move putting Chelsea's services on the line. Tara missed a flip legdrop into the ring. Wilde dove at Tara off the middle rope. Tara kicked her in mid-air and scored the extremely anticlimactic pin. Tara beat down Wilde with her knee brace afterward.

WINNER: Tara in 2:00.

2 -- DOUGLAS WILLIAMS vs. BRIAN KENDRICK

Williams wore the X Division Title belt to the ring. Does TNA have no authority to take the belt back, especially when he sets it at ringside during his match. Williams said Kendrick is both crazy and a loser. He said he hasn't seen him win a match, so he doesn't deserve a shot at his title, therefore it's a non-title match. Taz said he's not champion, so of course it's a non-title match. They continue to draw attention to the ridiculous decision TNA management made to strip him of the title because of the volcano stopping flights from Europe, giving fans reason to side with the heel Williams. Kaz said he won his title even though Williams has a legitimate gripe. Taz pointed out that the belt wasn't that far away. Kaz decided to go get his belt. Williams saw him coming and grabbed the belt. That gave Kendrick a chance to schoolboy him for the win. Williams immediately grabbed his belt again. Kaz stood outside the ring and pointed at Williams, failing to go take what is his, although even he believes it's not really fair to Williams that he got stripped, so it's good that there's a clear cut feeling of who to side with here... or not.

WINNER: Kendrick in 2:00.

3 -- THE YOUNG BUCKS vs. MATT & MORGAN

Matt Morgan isn't calling himself "Matt & Morgan," but I'm suggesting he should publicly as it'd fit his current gimmick of referring to himself as "we" and "us" perfectly. He gave big boots to both Bucks, then grabbed the mic and said, "Hogan, does it look like we're playing?" He said he's going to keep his promise and begin the bloodshed. He then threw Buck #1 to the floor and leaned him against the ringpost. Samoa Joe came out as the referee pulled Buck #1 away from the ringpost. Joe entered the ring and went after Mogan. Morgan went for a big boot, but Joe moved and then gave him an enzuigiri. Joe then gave Morgan the Muscle Buster. Steam them blew out of Joe's ears as he stared at the camera and huffed and puffed. Good to see Morgan's reign of bullying terror has been neutralized already.

WINNER: No contest in 1:00.

-Kevin Nash, Eric Young, and Scott Hall walked out with their briefcase. He opened it revealing a tag team title shot.

4 -- MATT & MORGAN vs. KEVIN NASH & SCOTT HALL -- TNA Tag Team Title Match

Nash made the cover and scored a pin to earn the tag titles for he and Hall.

WINNERS: Hall & Nash to capture the TNA Tag Team Titles.

5 -- TEAM 3D vs. THE MOTOR CITY MACHINE GUNS vs. INK INC. vs. BEER MONEY INC.

This felt like an absolute Iron Man match by the four minute mark relative to the length of the previous four "matches." At 7:00 the Guns went on a flurry of offense and cleared the ring. Shelley slingshot clotheslined Roode at ringside. Team 3D double-teamed Jesse Neal, including a top rope clothesline. Shannon Moore made the save. Neal knocked Devon out of the ring and then ate a slap by Brother Ray. Moore, though, caught Ray with a neckbreaker, known as the "Mooregasm," and then Neal hit a spear for the win. Taz said the student just took the teacher to school. He called it a massive victory. Moore bled pretty heavily from the earlobe. He must've lost an earring. He deserved that, just like that rookie female cop in season five of "The Shield."

WINNER: Ink Inc. in 8:00.

6 -- ORLANDO JORDAN vs. TYSON TOMKO

Tomko gave Jordan a spinebuster and went for a "ground and pound" style attack. Jordan slipped away and swept Tomko to the mat. Taz touted Jordan's amateur wrestling takedown technique and boxing background. Tomko gave Jordan a gorilla press into an overhead back suplex. Jordan fired back with a high dropkick. Jordan countered a Tomko slam attempt with a guillotine choke for the win. The ref, Earl Hebner, decided to stop the match because Tomko was supposedly knocked out even though it didn't look at all like he was KO'd. They tried to do make this look like an MMA fight, but it wasn't smooth to say the least.

WINNER: Jordan in 3:00 via ref stoppage.

-Bischoff ordered Tara to wrestle again. He said her attitude lately is "piss poor." He said she's now disrespecting her opponents and the referee earlier. Bischoff said he was tired of her and didn't want to hear another word. She stormed to the back.

7 -- SARITA vs. TARA

Sarita met Tara on the ramp as she made her ring entrance. At 2:00 Sarita tried to yank off Tara's knee brace. The ref tried to yank her away, but in the process Sarita swung her arms and hit the ref. Tara then surprised Sarita with the knee brace for the KO and the win.

WINNER: Tara in 3:00.

8 -- ROB VAN DAM vs. JEFF HARDY vs. A.J. STYLES

Hardy and RVD chatted like pals in the ring as Styles yapped in the face of a fan in the front row Scott Steiner-style. Tenay encouraged fan voting. Taz said not only will those votes influence Bischoff and Hogan, but there's a Championship Committee involved. Why can't they just explain this in a little more precise detail? What role do Bischoff and Hogan have relative to the this committee, and who is on the committee and what are their qualifications to make these decisions? Hardy kicked RVD in the opening minute, knocking him to the floor. Styles applied the figure-four on RVD at 3:00. Hardy broke it up with a legdrop. Hardy climbed to the top rope, but Styles popped up and knocked Hardy to the floor. Mr. Anderson showed up at ringside and attacked Styles. RVD went for a top rope kick, but the ref got in the way and went down. RVD kicked Anderson at ringside, giving Styles a chance to recover. Styles then flip dove onto Hardy, RVD, and Anderson at ringside at 4:00. Styles DDT'd RVD on the floor, then threw him into the ring. He covered RVD and pushed off the bottom rope with his feet for "added leverage" (it looked like it took away leverage based on how far he had to strain to reach the bottom rope with his feet) and scored the pin. Anderson mockingly apologized at ringside afterward.

WINNER: Styles in 5:00.

STAR RATING: *1/2 -- Kind of a mess, and just too short for a three-way match between stars of this level.

[Arcademan]

WWE Smackdown Results: 5-14-10

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

1- KOFI KINGSTON vs. CHRISTIAN- INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

Striker said the IC Title has changed hands three times in Buffalo. I think, for the most part, the fans were more in favor of Kofi live, especially as the match got going. The men struggled to get an advantage, but Christian dove onto Kingston on the outside after Kofi missed a dive. Both men were down after that move, and they went to break about two minutes in.

Christian was attempting to wear down Kingston with a chin-lock out of break. He settled into another rear chin-lock after Kingston fought out of the previous one. He got out again and did his flip kick in the corner. What would Scott Norwood think of that kick?, asked Striker. I know some friends who would like to meet up with Striker in a dark alley after that comment. High dropkick from Kingston. Jumping clothesline found the mark. Christian tripped him up during the Boom Drop and the men traded roll-ups. Leapfrog was countered by Christian, and he ended up giving an electric chair to Kofi. Another series of roll-ups for two. Cross-body off the top by Christian missed, but Kofi hit one of his own for a near-fall. Boom Drop found the mark, however, his finisher was countered into a reverse DDT for two. Killswitch was countered and Kingston landed his flip roll-through for two. Christian appeared to have his lip busted open at this point. Christian went for a sunset flip, but Kofi rolled through, got to his feet, and hit the Trouble in Paradise for the win.

WINNER: Kingston, at 12:02. I wonder if the commercial break padded the match out, because I had it pegged right at 10 minutes when I was there live. Just as good a match as I remember.

As Kingston celebrated with the title, the dapper Drew McIntyre made his slow walk to the ring. Long warned him that he'd have security escort him out of the building, but that didn't stop Drew. McIntyre gave an envelope with a letter in it to Long. Teddy read it silently, then tossed it down in anger. He told Kingston he was sorry and that he'd have to take the title. Kofi wasn't having it, but in the end, he gave it up. Crowd was not happy with the decision by Long here. The Smackdown GM handed the belt back over to Drew McIntyre, who left with his possession as Kingston seethed in the ring. McIntyre taunted Kofi by posing with the belt twice, once at the bottom of the ramp and again at the top.

2- SHAD GASPARD vs. JESSE GUYVER

Headlock take-over by Shad, as Guyver wasn't getting anything in. Sunset flip by the jobber, but Gaspard didn't fall for it. STO ended things.

WINNER: Gaspard, at 1:38. Impressive enough squash.

3- MVP & JTG vs. THE DUDEBUSTERS

Apparently, the Dudebusters are goofballs. Back-body drop by JTG on Baretta. The guys sitting behind us did not like the Dudebusters. Apparently, neither did MVP and JTG, as they clotheslined the duo over the top rope. Croft tripped JTG up behind the ref's back and Baretta landed a running knee to the face. The Dudebusters worked over JTG on the heel side of the ring. Frequent tags by the heels. MVP begged JTG for a tag, but Baretta grabbed his leg. JTG kicked him aside and tagged MVP. Croft tried to break up a pin, but MVP moved and he hit Baretta. Play of the Day on Baretta for MVP to get the win.

WINNERS: MVP & JTG, at 4:21. Not a good sign that they threw JTG back into a tag-team after breaking away from Shad.

3 -BETH PHOENIX vs. MICHELLE MCCOOL & LAYLA- HANDICAP MATCH FOR THE WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP

No tags here from McCool and Layla, even after Striker said that's how it would have to go. Phoenix fended off the Divas, but they went after her injured knee. Phoenix put both Layla and McCool on her shoulders for a Samoan Drop. Beth grabbed the knee right afterward. Cover on Layla for only two. Michelle and Beth knocked heads out of the corner and McCool had to bounce herself around to get knocked out of the ring. It was a bit absurd. Layla was able to make the cover on Beth to get the win.

WINNER: Layla, at 2:06. Shock is the best way to describe how the crowd greeted this result.

4- KANE vs. CHAVO GUERRERO

Kane grabbed Chavo by the throat for a chokeslam, but Chavo got out of it. Grisham mentioned Kane beating Chavo at Wrestlemania a few years back in record time. To the top went Chavo, but he was sent to the outside with a punch. Back in the ring, a little more offense from Kane before finally finishing Chavo off with a chokeslam.

WINNER: Kane, at 1:27.

5- REY MYSTERIO vs. C.M. PUNK

Rey kicked at the legs of Punk, then slid under Punk. However, he didn't get to his feet for some reason, allowing Punk to kick him in the head. That was a bit awkward. Mysterio landed on his feet on an aerial attack aimed at Punk, but Punk clotheslined him into the barricade. More after the break.

Punk was stretching Mysterio's arm and back out of break. Punk bonked his head in the corner and he hopped to the top rope, but Punk kicked his leg out and Mysterio got hung up on the top rope. Punk brought him back down and went for a pin, getting two. Abdominal stretch by Punk, who was called one of the best pure strikers in WWE. I think the Undertaker (and Michael Cole) would have something to say about that. Punk tossed Mysterio out of the ring under the bottom rope. Springboard clothesline for two by Punk. Bulldog by Mysterio and both men were down. Mysterio got a boot up in the corner and landed a springboard seated senton. Punk fired back soon after and catapulted Mysterio into the corner. Mysterio hopped on Punk's shoulders and set up for the 619. He dropkicked an advancing Luke Gallows and Punk rolled Rey up for two. Kick to the head by Rey. 619 connected, then he landed the springboard splash. He covered Punk but got up when he saw the masked man get into the ring. The person took of the mask and it was Serena. The real masked man attacked Rey from behind, drawing a DQ.

WINNER: Mysterio, via DQ, at 10:36. Fine match, but pretty formula. Hopefully saving the good stuff for Over the Limit.

The attack continued post match, with Gallows, the masked man and Punk all hitting their finisher on Rey. The Society took an unconscious Rey, put one hand over his heart and one hand in the air, as Punk recited the Straight Edge pledge. Punk patted Rey on the head as the show ended.

[Arcademan]

WWE RAW Results: 5-17-10

Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Caldwell's complete report). Brought to you in condensed version and commercial free from the Warlord of CLOW

1 -- EDGE vs. CHRISTIAN

Christian maintained control early on as Edge continued to sell shock he was actually facing his former friend and tag partner. Lawler said they're going to try to prove who's the superior wrestler. Yes, the word "wrestler" used on a WWE broadcast. Edge then slapped Christian across the face, leading to a game of cat and mouse that gave Edge control. Edge thought he was going to score a count-out, but Christian ran back into the ring at nine. Edge then played to the crowd, which drew a mixed reaction, and he went to work on Christian's injured left shoulder. Edge then taunted Christian before landing a kick to the shoulder. Cole talked about Edge and Christian breaking in together in the late 1990s as Edge continued to work over Christian.

Christian teased a comeback at 7:30 with open-hand slaps to the face before going up top. Edge cut him off, though, and they took the fight up top. Christian blocked a superplex and kicked Edge in the face before landing a Tornado DDT for a two count. Christian then landed a flying forearm smash and rallied the crowd before running into a back elbow smash. Edge tried to follow, but Christian pancaked him. He then went to the second rope for a missile dropkick on Edge for a two count. Christian tried to follow with the Killswitch, but Edge blocked. Christian retained control by slingshotting Edge across the top rope before going up top for a headbutt attempt. Edge moved, though, and followed up with an implant DDT center ring for a close two count.

Edge tried a running kick strike at 10:30, but Christian ducked and grabbed Edge's leg into a roll up for a two count. Edge then kicked Christian in the corner and then teased the Spear, but Christian blocked with a kick to the face. Back and forth they went before Edge finally had Christian in the corner. He missed with a spear again and Christian hid the pendulum kick. He then nailed a flying European uppercut and teased the Killswitch, but the shoulder issue flared up and he couldn't hit the move. Edge took advantage by ramming Christian shoulder-first into the ringpost. He immediately bounced off the ropes and hit the Spear off the ropes for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Edge at 12:09. Excellent TV match. Just a great exchange between two wrestlers who know each other so well and can work a good match together in their sleep. Well done. (***)

Post-match: Randy Orton appeared on the Titantron congratulating Edge on the win. Orton said he's not sure why Christian is out there because that's not who Edge is actually facing tonight. Cue up The Undertaker's theme music. Orton smirked and Edge shook his head in disbelief. Taker then made his slow entrance to the ring, marking the first non-Canadian on the show. And, again, the brand split is watered down. Or, perhaps Taker is omni-brand. Edge was on the floor during Taker's entrance selling disbelief over this. He eventually stepped onto the ring apron very tentatively.

2 -- THE UNDERTAKER vs. EDGE

The ref called for the bell and Edge refused to enter the ring. The ref reached a ten count as Edge simply dropped to the floor saying he's having no part of this. Christian then snuck up behind Edge and rolled him back into the ring. Taker took advantage by planting Edge into the mat with a chokeslam. Cue up Taker's music and he walked off satisfied with his damage inflicted for the evening. Edge still has to pick Orton's opponent tonight.

WINNER: Taker via count-out at 0:37. (n/a)

3 -- TED DIBIASE, JR. (w/Virgil) vs. YOSHI TATSU

The crowd was hot ringside with a "Virgil, Virgil" chant. Yoshi landed rapid-fire offense early on before making a cover for a one count. DiBiase then powered Yoshi into the corner and landed a forearm smash before executing a slingshot suplex across the top rope. Yoshi came back with a spin kick out of the corner after blocking elbow smashes, then hit a kick strike as DiBiase was seated on the mat. Yoshi tried a roundhouse kick, but DiBiase blocked and hit Dream Street for the pin and the win.

WINNER: DiBiase at 3:08. Okay match that was positioned as a come-down match in the middle of a commercial-free show. Yoshi had a good amount of offense so it wasn't a total squash. (*)

4 -- U.S. champion THE MIZ vs. BRET HART -- United States Title match -- No DQ match

The bell sounded and Miz bailed from the ring. Miz took the mic and said he forgot to tell Hart he doesn't trust him very much because he knows Hart Dynasty is ready to come on down and try to interfere. He said he paid a few guys to neutralize them. Out came Kozlov and William Regal. An American, a Canadian, a Russian, and an Englishman involved here. Suddenly, HD came through the crowd and a brawl was on ringside. Then, Chris Jericho snuck in the back door and joined Miz in the ring. Natalya then slipped into the ring and stood next to Hart. Jericho told Natalya to get lost, but she slapped him across the face. Miz tried to grab Natalya, but Hart smacked Miz. Jericho cut off Hart, though, and started choking him on the mat. Suddenly, D.H. Smith re-entered the ring and clotheslined Jericho out of the ring. Miz dropped Smith, though. And they were back to Miz vs. Hart.

Hart slowly pulled himself up and Miz stomped him in the gut before teasing the Sharpshooter. Miz then turned around and ate a springboard dropkick by Tyson Kidd. HD followed with a running Hart Attack on Miz before Hart grabbed Miz by the legs. He teased the Sharpshooter and slapped it on center ring. Miz quickly tapped out, giving Hart the win and the U.S. Title in Canada.

Post-match: Hart grabbed the U.S. Title and almost fell on the turnbuckles trying to celebrate. HD then helped Hart celebrate in the corner as Hart had a big moment in the ring. Nice moment. As the Harts wrapped up the celebration, Cole suddenly inserted a line that he thought Hart should have just stayed home. He said it took the entire Hart Family to beat Mr. McMahon. Cole said this isn't right, while Lawler enjoyed the moment on commentary. Cole channeling NXT here.

WINNER: Hart at 3:55 to capture the U.S. Title. They went the full bag of tricks route here trying to have as many moving parts as possible before setting up the finish with Hart slapping on the Sharpshooter. It was definitely a feel-good moment with the additional subtext that it seems like they're going to retire the U.S. Title. We'll see where this goes. (n/a)

Continued in next post...

[Arcademan]

WWE RAW Results: 5-17-10

Continued from previous post...

5 -- Women's champion LAYLA & MICHELLE MCCOOL & MARYSE vs. Divas champion EVE & BELLA TWINS

More Smackdown brand cross-overs with LayCool out for a six-Divas tag match. They replayed Layla winning the Women's Title on Smackdown, then Michelle McCool and Layla high-fived each other in the ring. Maryse then came out as their tag partner and WWE confirmed Maryse vs. Eve for the Divas Title at the PPV. As for tonight, Eve has the Bella Twins. This moved along pretty well with some back-and-forth action. After the action broke down, Maryse hit the French Kiss hair-flipping DDT on one of the Bellas for the pin and the win. Afterward, Eve tried to get to Maryse, but Maryse bailed and Eve was left having to get to Maryse at the PPV.

WINNERS: Team Maryse at 4:05. An extended-length (at four minutes) Divas match on Raw. The action had a good pace and kept moving before eventually putting the final touches on setting up Maryse vs. Eve at the PPV on Sunday. (*)

6 -- World Hvt. champion JACK SWAGGER vs. RANDY ORTON -- non-title match

Swagger bailed to the outside after a back-and-forth exchange and drew Orton to the floor to accept a blow into the announce table. Swagger then became distracted by loud "R-K-O" chants that allowed Orton to pull Swagger back into the ring. Orton teased the horizonal spike DDT, but Swagger reached his feet and blasted Orton with an aggressive amateur wrestling takedown. Swagger then followed with two running Vader bombs out of the corner and Orton rolled to the outside selling his mid-section. Orton reached the apron at eight and Swagger bumped him to the floor into the announce table. Back in the ring, Orton tried to come back with right hands, but Swagger ducked and hit a belly-to-belly suplex.

Swagger tried another running Vader Bomb, but Orton popped to his feet and kicked Swagger in the gut on the way down. Orton made a full comeback and put Swagger on the middle rope to hit the big horizontal spike DDT. Orton then got that look in his eyes and started stalking Swagger for the RKO. Suddenly, Edge hit the ring and went after Orton, causing the match to be thrown out. Orton fought off Edge momentarily, then hit the RKO on Swagger. Orton got up, then Edge dropped Orton with the spear. Man, I'm upset if I'm Undertaker. Edge stood tall and walked out of the ring in control going into the PPV vs. Orton one-on-one.

WINNER: No Contest at 7:17. Another big singles match given away between Raw and Smackdown wrestlers. Swagger had plenty of offense, but took the final blow yet again. Meanwhile, Orton was KO'ed to end the bit. And, Edge was flattened earlier by Undertaker, whose chokeslam apparently isn't big enough of a deal to take a wrestler out for the length of a show. Some really short-sighted booking here. (*1/2)

7 -- EVAN BOURNE & GAIL KIM vs. ZACK RYDER & ALICIA FOX

Bourne and Ryder started things off before the Divas tagged in and exchanged offense. Ryder helped out Alicia behind the ref's back as the announcers plugged all of Aldrin's accolades. The announcers also used every space-related cliche in the book. This match seemed to be setting up for Bourne hitting Air Bourne...but they pulled a switch with Gail hitting the Eat Defeat finisher on Alicia for the pin and the win. Post-match: Buzz joined Gail and Bourne in the ring to celebrate as Cole went "over the limit" with the cliches, according to Lawler. Buzz then did a Moonwalk, with this show completely off the rails thanks to the commentary. Cole threw in a Freebirds reference for good measure.

WINNERS: Bourne & Gail at 3:24. There was a time when the segment before the "main event segment/match" was typically just the dead zone segment of the show. Now, it's the segment where the show completely falls apart where you're either laughing or crying at the absurdity of what's happening before they try to recover and get the train back on the tracks. (*)

8 -- WWE champion JOHN CENA vs. SHEAMUS -- non-title match

Sheamus knocked Cena to the outside early on and beat him up on the floor before taking the beating back into the ring. With Sheamus dominating, Cole stacked the deck against Cena on commentary by noting Batista will be fresh going into the PPV after destroying Henry earlier in the show. Cena then made a comeback and knocked Sheamus to the floor. Back in the ring, Cena teased the Attitude Adjustment, but Sheamus countered with a backbreaker across his knee for a two count. Cena then came back with a sidewalk slam after reversing a whip to the ropes. Back and forth they went before Sheamus cracked Cena across the face with a knee that knocked Cena to the outside. Cena tried to pull himself back into the ring, then Sheamus airballed a knee smash. Cena had a flurry and teased the big Cena Comeback, but Sheamus countered the running bulldog into a kick to the face. They went to the floor again where Sheamus sent Cena face-first into the announce table. Cole reset the action, noting Bret Hart is the new U.S. champion. Back in the ring, Sheamus made a pin attempt for a nearfall. Sheamus played to the crowd and he received a mild face pop. It's been a mixed crowd for Cena and Sheamus with the fans vocal. After Sheamus took his time, Cena made his Cena Comeback and dropped the Five Knuckle Shuffle. Cena teased the AA, but Sheamus held onto the top rope.

Suddenly, Batista snuck in the back door and dropped Cena with a spinebuster to have the match thrown out. Batista hit another spinebuster, then a third. He teased the Batistabomb, but then dropped Cena on the mat and slapped on his new chicken wing submission as Cena writhed in pain. "Say you quit! Say it!" Batista shouted at Cena. Cena did his big determination face as Batista kept the hold on even tighter. Ref Jack Doane audibly said, "Five seconds" while feigning an attempt to break the hold. Batista kept the hold locked in, then the show went off the air...amazingly...five seconds later with Cena still trapped in the hold.

WINNER: No Contest at 9:19. As predicted on the Livecast, there was no way they were having a clean finish to this, especially if WWE goes with a Cena vs. Sheamus feud after Over the Limit. The whole point was to stack the deck against Cena for the PPV to presumably set up Cena making the big comeback and overcoming the odds to make Batista say he quits. Overall, too many non-finishes or TNA-style run-ins on this show after the Christian vs. Edge opener. (*3/4)

[Arcademan]

WWE NXT Results: 5-18-10

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

1 -- WADE BARRETT (w/Chris Jericho) vs. DARREN YOUNG

Young tried to tackle Barrett early on and land a ground attack, but Barrett rolled to the outside and lured Young into a trap on the floor. Back in the ring, Young absorbed punishment before nailing right hand blows to mount a comeback. Young then went up top for a high-risk move, but Barrett crotched Young on the top turnbuckle. Barrett then took Young on his shoulders and landed his finishing bodyslam for the pin and the win. They cut to Punk on stage and Punk had a look of "well, that sucked" as his Rookie taking the loss. Mathews suggested it was the dagger for Darren Young.

WINNER: Barrett in 3:00. Decent match with Young showing some fire to try to stand out. Barrett continues to quietly get the job done and WWE is obviously building him up as a threat to babyfaces on the Raw or Smackdown roster. (*)

Matt Striker was joined by Daniel Bryan and Michael Tarver, who were both eliminated "controversially" last week. Bryan and Tarver were dressed in street clothes here. Cole was beside himself with Bryan's presence. Striker fed to a video package on both of their eliminations last week. Back in the ring, Striker said both of them have had a week to absorb what happened. Tarver said he was told, like everyone else, that it would be judged by a Pros Poll, but he was eliminated by WWE management. "Who exactly is WWE management?" He said they're a group of easily-intimidated pencil pushers. He said they didn't have the courtesy to tell him he was eliminated. Tarver said he was told by WWE that the goal was to stand out and be different. He said he gave the fans something different and he knew exactly what he was doing the whole time.

Striker then introduced Daniel Bryan to a decent reaction. Bryan said the truth is he was eliminated by WWE management and not the Pros. He said when he came to WWE, he heard the nightmares about politics, Vince McMahon liking big guys, and WWE pushing wrestlers they made themselves, regardless of whether a wrestler can actually wrestle and connect with the audience. He said he was not invented by the WWE machine and you would think WWE, as a publicly-traded company, would want to utilize the wrestlers who can make the most money for the company. Bryan said he is the best person for this job. Striker said Bryan essentially eliminated himself with his comments.

Bryan said everyone knows how good he is in the ring. Cole kept complaining on commentary. Bryan said Jericho, Christian, and Regal know how good he is. Bryan said even The Miz knows he's better than him. "You're better than me?" Miz said from the stage. He called him an indy star who hasn't done anything in WWE. Miz ranted and raved before asking Bryan what he's done in WWE. Bryan told Miz that if he thinks he's so good, then come down to the ring and prove it. Striker tried to interrupt Bryan, so Bryan told him one thing he won't miss about NXT is him interrupting him.

Bryan then turned his attention to Michael Cole. He called him a parrot. He said Cole just repeats what McMahon says in his headset about him having no charisma and having no personality. He walked out of the ring and approached the announce table as Cole stood up from his seat. Bryan started bullying Cole and he knocked his headset off. Bryan called him a poor man's replacement for J.R. Bryan cornered Cole before knocking him down to the ground. Refs then intervened to pull Bryan back. Bryan was pulled away and Cole recovered as they cut to break with Bryan having an evil smile on his face.

2 -- HEATH SLATER (w/Christian) vs. JUSTIN GABRIEL (w/Matt Hardy)

After some early offense, Cole decided to leave the broadcast position and head to the back to "deal with this." The camera stayed with him as he walked away, missing Gabriel's attempted splash on the floor. Back in the ring, Slater landed a spinebuster center ring for a close two count. Mathews said the Pros Poll coming up could be just as close as the last nearfall. Nice. Gabriel then knocked down Slater in the corner and went up top. He nailed the big 450 Splash and scored the pin for the win. Apparently Gabriel doesn't get music for the win. After a delay, Hardy's music hit to mark Gabriel's win. With four babyfaces in the ring, Christian stood over Slater to help him regroup before Gabriel showed sportsmanship shaking hands with Slater. They replayed the finish before Christian grabbed Gabriel to shake his hand. Christian shook hands with Hardy to adhere to the Code of Honor. And now everyone's going out for ice cream after the Little League game.

WINNER: Gabriel in 3:00. Not a particularly memorable match with the focus on Cole and the post-fight happenings with Bryan. Gabriel's finisher is certainly over, which is a good sign. Slater, meanwhile, has lost momentum since the surprise victory over Chris Jericho a few weeks ago. (*)

Ringside: The five remaining NXT Rookies were assembled in front of the ring. David Otunga was there for the first time on the show. Striker did the build-up to the revelation by noting the winner of NXT has earned a championship match on PPV. Striker said the time has come for the new Pros Poll. #1 is Wade Barrett again. #2 is David Otunga again. #3 is Heath Slater, who moved up one slot. So, it's Darren Young and Justin Gabriel. Striker went to the video board for a drumroll to reveal Gabriel #4 and Young #5. Young is gone. They cut to a shot of Young staring straight ahead with no reaction. Striker asked Young for his thoughts. He told Young to tell the Pros what he thinks.

Young took the mic and walked up the ramp to the stage. He thanked the fans for giving him an opportunity. He said the difference between him and the NXT Rookies is he has respect. He walked down the line of Pros saying he has respect for all of them, including Punk. He said he's not going to holler and cry, but say "thank you." The audience applauded. Young said NXT is over for him. He paused as the crowd went from applauding to singing, "Na na na, hey hey, good-bye." Young lowered the mic and surveyed the audience while Cole got in one more shot at Daniel Bryan. Mathews suggested Young might have a different view of the WWE audience now. He then walked to the end of the stage and said this isn't the last of him in WWE. Striker took the mic and said the competition is just heating up.

[Arcademan]

WWE Superstars Results: 5-20-10

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

1 -- SANTINO MARELLA vs. KOZLOV

Santino playfully put his hand on Kozlov's chest, then Kozlov grappled him. Santino closed his eyes waiting for Kozlov's response, then Kozlov landed multiple headbutts as Santino shrieked. Kozlov hit the Iron Curtain and Santino folded up like a cheap suit on the mat. Kozlov with the pin for the win.

WINNER: Kozlov in 0:30. Good start to the show. Only 30 seconds of Kozlov in the ring, they got over his offense in a unique way, and Santino was able to do the comedy routine in front of an appreciative audience. (n/a)

2 -- GOLDUST vs. WILLIAM REGAL

The match started with a standing exchange as Cole listed Regal's accolades, including a former Raw GM. Regal then grounded Goldust and started working over Goldust's left shoulder. Goldust recovered in the corner as ref Jack Doane started putting on medical gloves to examine Goldust. A medic then attended to Goldust, who received a cut around his check and ear region. Lawler said the doctor makes the decision on whether a wrestler can continue in the match. Regal played to the crowd while the medical examination continued for a few minutes.

The medic cleared Goldust to continue, then Regal went on the offensive, but Goldust made a brief comeback. Goldust teased a DDT, but Regal countered with an exploding suplex. Regal then went for a running knee trembler, but Goldust ducked and hit the Curtain Call for the pin and the win. Post-match: Goldust recovered in the corner and stared down Regal after picking up the win. Good reaction for Goldust from the crowd before they replayed the high points from the match. Back in the ring, Goldust played to the crowd and acted fired up.

WINNER: Goldust in 4:00. Nice little TV match. Goldust continues to impress every time they give him an opportunity. (*1/4)

3 -- CODY RHODES vs. CHRIS MASTERS

Cody started with a lock-up, but Masters shoved him to the mat and did the pec dance. Cody tried to overpower Masters, but he couldn't, so he rolled to the floor to recover. Apparently he had Masters "scouted," as Masters tried to follow up on the outside, but Cody lured Masters into a trap by yanking his shoulder-first into the ringpost. Masters writhed in pain on the floor as they cut to break with a ten count being applied.

Cody was working over Masters in the ring back from break. Cody kept Masters on the mat working over his shoulder before Masters came to his feet and landed a short-arm clothesline. Masters landed a series of clotheslines before making a cover for a two count. Masters pumped up the crowd before attempting a one-arm Masterlock. Cody reached the ropes for a break, though. After Masters let up, Cody took advantage with a quick single arm DDT center ring. Cody then followed right up with Cross Rhodes for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Rhodes in 9:00. Very good execution of basic ring psychology by Cody. Target the shoulder, take away one of Masters's arms for the Masterlock, get a slight advantage to re-target the shoulder, and hit the finisher for the win. Cody is on the right track getting over as a smart heel just looking to win matches. It's not main-event level, but it's effective and marketable if WWE gets Cody on a nice winning streak. (*1/2)

4 -- CHRISTIAN vs. DOLPH ZIGGLER

The crowd was hot for Christian early on as he took early control. The action moved to the floor where Christian yanked Ziggler nose-first across the ring apron. Christian then hit a baseball slide kick through the ropes that knocked Ziggler to the floor. Christian rolled Ziggler back into the ring, where Ziggler caught him with a hard knee to the gut. Ziggler then flung Christian over the top rope and Christian ate the floor stomach-first. Christian sold as they cut to break.

Back from break, Ziggler was working on Christian with stomps and kicks and punches. Ziggler then missed with a corner attack and Christian hit the pendulum kick. Christian made his comeback while selling the mid-section and scored a nearfall following a missile dropkick. Christian then went all the way up top and hit a cross-body block, but Ziggler rolled through into a nearfall. Ziggler tried to follow with the Sleeper, but Christian slipped underneath and hit an inverted DDT for a two count.

Christian then tried a turnaround sunset flip, but Ziggler blocked and trapped Christian's shoulders to the mat for a two count. Ziggler immediately tried to follow with the Zig-Zag, but Christian held the ropes to block. Christian then hit the Killswitch moments later and scored the pin for the win. Post-match: They recapped highlights of the match before Christian was shown smiling and pumping his fist in victory to get his shine as they wrapped up the show.

WINNER: Christian in 10:00. Nice ten-minute TV main event. They had a good back-and-forth exchange at the end heightening the anticipation for the finish, which looked a bit "forced" with Ziggler kind of walking into Christian for the Unprettier. That aside, a solid bout between two solid wrestlers. It wasn't a blow-away match, as it fit Christian's basic wrestling style, but it told a good story and ended the show on a high note. (**1/4)

[Arcademan]

TNA Impact! Results: 5-20-10

Resutls courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Keller's complete report). Condensed to in-ring results and top 10 segment.

Bischoff announced Samoa Joe was no. 10. His music played and Joe walked out onto the stage. A short vignette aired touting his strengths. Up next was Global Champion Rob Terry. He walked out to his music. Another vignette aired. Next was Desmond Wolfe at no. 8. Then "The Pope" D'Angelo Dinero at no. 7, who is out with an injury so yeah, give him a title shot. No. 6 was Abyss, no. 5 was Mr. Anderson, no. 4 was Jeff Hardy, no. 3 was A.J. Styles, no. 2 Kurt Angle, and no. 1 was Sting. Angle didn't come out when he was announced. The crowd chanted "We want Angle! We want Angle!" Sting did walk out when announced.

1 -- ROXXI vs. MADISON RAYNE

Tenay said they were still awaiting the return of Angle. Taz speculated that Roxxi was concerned about her cardio since she went for three quick covers in the opening seconds. Tenay noted that Sting vs. Hardy tonight is the first time those two ever meet. Nice to see it get all of an hour and a half of time for fans to anticipate it and TNA to build it up. Roxxi only needed a couple minutes, though, to finish Rayne with a Voo Doo Drop. "This is humongous!" Who said it? Taz, of course. Tenay and Taz made a big deal out of this being a big upset. It would seem that way if Rayne had been built up for months in a logical manner as a rising Knockout with an impressive winning streak against tough competition. Instead, she won out of nowhere on a whim and thus beating her really doesn't mean much even if the announcers say so. The announcers are right to make the best of the lousy situation the bookers created for them, although injuries did force the booking team's hand.

WINNER: Roxxi in 3:00.

2 -- ROB TERRY vs. ORLANDO JORDAN

Jeremy Borash is such a better ring announcer than Dave Penzer (sorry Dave). He also vocally is much less associated with so many of those terrible WCW years. Jordan was lowered to the ring by that hot pink piece of cloth under his shoulders. Terry limped to the ring. Jordan focused on Terry's knee early in the match. Jordan pulled off Terry's knee wrap and then applied a cranking knee lock. The ref stopped the match even though Terry didn't tap. How about establishing what the rules actually are? These rep stoppages without a tapout or verbal submission are so flat because it just screams "copout finish" because "we didn't want either wrestler to do to the job." Jordan wouldn't let go of the hold afterward for a minute despite several referees yelling at him. Tenay said he's heartless.

WINNER: Jordan in 3:00.

3 -- BEER MONEY INC. vs. ROB VAN DAM & JAY LETHAL

No Black Machismo get-up for Lethal. Just orange and white trunks and boots. Taz said it was good to see Lethal being himself and not in some other persona. Storm shoved Lethal off the top rope at 4:00. Beer Money double-teamed Lethal with stomps in the corner. Taz said he doesn't like the chances of RVD & Lethal considering that Beer Money have teamed so much longer and have had so much success. Tenay said he just received word that the Championship Committee just received word of Angle's withdrawal from the no. 2 ranking. He said that opens up no. 10 because everybody is moving up a slot. He said TNA has added an eight-man X Division battle royal to determine the no. 10 position. "Talk about a high stakes match!" Tenay said. Why is it a high-stakes match? What does being no. 10 mean? And this seems rather arbitrary. What about career titles history and won-loss record? What about fan voting? Why an X Division wrestle? Isn't this top ten list supposed to be for the heavyweight title? So with no X Division wrestlers in the announced top ten, we're supposed to now accept that a battle royal will determine the lone X Division wrestler in the top ten? What about the X Division Champion and other X Division contender? They were all bypassed and none made the cut? Why would an X Division wrestler want to be in the top ten for the Heavyweight Title anyway? Putting one X Division wrestler in the top ten at no. 10 after all were bypassed previously just says none of the X Division wrestlers were good enough to make the cut. Instead, they should have a separate Top Contenders list. This is low-IQ booking on display here. Everything just seems so arbitrary or contradictory you just stop caring.

At 3:00 RVD tagged in. After a kick off the second rope, RVD went for a pin on Roode, but Storm broke it up. RVD fended off a double-team attempt. Lethal hit a top rope dropkick on Storm, then he gave Roode the Lethal Combination, then RVD hit Rolling Thunder on Roode, and then Lethal put Roode in the figure-four for the tapout.

WINNERS: RVD & Lethal in 4:00.

STAR RATING: * -- Way too short for a tag match with this level of wrestlers involved. It cheapens the whole concept of a big-name tag match to go just four minutes. How does anyone get excited about a PPV of six to eight matches when TNA establishes on TV intriguing matches between evenly matched wrestlers such as this is over in around four minutes. It's totally arbitrary that PPV matches go much longer than TV matches. At least in WWE, TV main events tend to be PPV length, although they're often guilty of going very short with evenly matched wrestlers otherwise on the show.

4 -- SHANNON MOORE (w/Jesse Neal) vs. ERIC YOUNG (w/Scott Hall, Kevin Nash)

Okay, I'm going to ask. Why does Tenay always call Eric Young "Eli"? Or is it "Ely" because his full name is "Eric Leslie Young" or something like that? And shouldn't that be explained now and then, or is it that obvious? [Edit: I've been informed he calls him simply "E.Y." That makes sense. I wonder if I've been alone in the world wondering from time to time why his nickname is Eli. I never cared enough to ask before; glad I did now. Scratch that off my list of things I need to figure out an answer to in life.] Moore punched his way out of a loosely applied armbar by young at 2:00. Ray walked to ringside a minute later. Neal tackled Ray. With the ref distracted, although awkwardly executed, Hall hit Moore in the back with a tag strap. Young then finished Moore with the leaping piledriver.

WINNER: Young in 3:00. 

5 -- 8-MAN BATTLE ROYAL

Homicide, Chris Sabin, Alex Shelley, Kaz, Amazing Red, Generation Me #1, Generation Me #2, Brian Kendrick. Hilariously, with 14 minutes left in the show, Tenay said Spike TV will stay with this even if it goes past 11 o'clock. Oh, he was including Sting vs. Hardy in that comment; that makes more sense. Flair walked out. Taz said Kaz got new energy when he saw Flair, indicating he wanted to impress him. Kaz played to Flair. Kendrick snuck onto the match late and battled Kaz. Tenay said this could be a "career-changing win" for whoever is the last standing. Taz said it would put them on the radar. Flair looked impressed. Kaz seemed excited to have impressed Flair.

WINNER: Kaz in 4:00

5 -- STING vs. JEFF HARDY

As Sting made his ring entrance, Taz said RVD may have a few cracked ribs for Sting hitting him in the head with a chair. Hardy came out second. With five minutes left in the show, this epic never-before-seen dream match began. The poor saps in the crowd had no idea how much time was left in the taping, so they thought they might actually be on the verge of seeing something special instead of yet another devaluing of the whole concept of a star vs. star match-up. Had Sting and Hardy's careers taken a slightly different course the last six months, this could have been a co-headliner at WrestleMania 26. And it would have boosted the WrestleMania buyrate had it been promoted right. And here it is, a five minute throwaway match on Impact given away with zero weeks' notice. This is why TNA deserves what they get (or, I should say, don't get). There's very little difference between Sting's in-ring style in 2010 and Kevin Sullivan's in the late-1990s. Both styles incorporate standing up during their methodical kick-punch office, raking eyes, and avoiding taking any bumps.

At 4:00, after Sting controlled the entire beginning of the match, he missed a Stinger splash in the corner when Hardy moved. Hardy missed with a top rope flip dive when Sting side-stepped him. Sting then moved Hardy nearer the bottom rope so Hardy could grab it after applying the Scorpion Deathlock to force a break. Hardy crawled toward the bottom rope and forced a break. The ref tumbled out of the ring when Sting yanked Hardy back into the ring. The ref had to create all of his own motion. Mr. Anderson entered and gave Sting a Scorpion Death Drop just as Sting was about to give it to Hardy. Anderson rolled to ringside and hid as Hardy scored the three count. Anderson then entered the ring and raised Hardy's arm.

WINNER: Hardy in 6:00.

STAR RATING: *

-Afterward, Hardy shoved Anderson. Anderson talked to him and tried to convince him he wasn't his enemy. Some vocal fans chanted, "Anderson! Anderson!" Sting entered the ring and hit both Hardy and Anderson from behind with a bat. Some fans chanted, "Hogan! Hogan!"

[Arcademan]

WWE Smackdown Results: 5-21-10

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

1 - LAY-COOL vs. TIFFANY & KELLY KELLY

They've officially got the Lay-Cool chyron, so I figured it's their official team name. Tony Chimel announced them as co-Women's Champions. Tiffany and Kelly Kelly have to be the least intimidating tag team of all time. But if you're counting Divas, they may have competition. Layla went for a quick cover, dodging a hip-toss. Kelly used the ropes to flip out of a wrist-lock, then knocked Layla off the apron and to the floor. Michelle McCool received the same treatment. Kelly landed a cross-body onto McCool, and Tiffany took out Layla. Tiffany tagged in and monkey-flipped Layla out of the corner. Layla took over soon after, and tagged her partner. She went for a monkey flip on McCool, but Michelle turned it into a Faith Breaker for the win.

WINNERS: Lay-Cool, at 2:01. Not as bad as I expected.

2 - JTG vs. CAYLEN CROFT

The Dudebusters did an inset interview during their entrance. They didn't have much to say, other than that they bust dudes up. For sure. Croft went down expecting JTG to hop over him, but JTG stopped short and kicked him. Neck snap by JTG for a one-count. Croft stopped JTG's momentum and got a neck-breaker for two. Knee to the neck by Croft, who went back to a neck vice. How many times can I type "neck" during this match? JTG made his comeback, including a flip clothesline and a dropkick. Mugshot out of the corner that looked ugly. Trent Baretta tried to distract JTG, but he hit his finisher on Croft (also ugly) to get the victory.

WINNER: JTG, at 2:33. Pretty nondescript action, with a poor finishing sequence. JTG and MVP got the win last week, why not give Croft the win here?

3 - CURT HAWKINS & VANCE ARCHER vs. JEREMY BARNER & BRENT ROBERTS

Grisham talked about the contracts Archer and Hawkins discussed on Superstars last week. Hawkins tripped up one jobber while Archer booted him in the face. Archer slammed the guy right on his face in an impressive move, unfortunately, they were showing a replay at the same time. Archer brought the other guy in and gave him the reverse DDT, then Hawkins landed an elbowdrop off the top for the win.

WINNERS: Hawkins and Archer, at 1:16. Impressive squash. I'm in favor of anything that helps build the tag division.

4 - JACK SWAGGER vs. KOFI KINGSTON

During Kofi's entrance, they showed what happened when Kofi was screwed out of the Intercontinental Title last week. Swagger seemed confident to start, but Kofi's kicks took him off his game. He found himself at ringside, let out a primal scream, and headed back in. The two men traded rights, with Kofi getting the advantage. Springboard right hand by Kofi, who then clotheslined Swagger out of the ring. They went to break at that point.

Kingston had Swagger in an arm-bar out of break. Kingston low-bridged an overaggressive Swagger, sending the champ to the outside. But Swagger put Kofi on his shoulders and threw him into the ring post. Swagger continued the assault in the ring, catching Kingston with a kick as Kofi came off the turnbuckle. Quick near-fall for Kofi, but Swagger countered with a belly-to-belly. Kingston got set on the top rope, but he came away with a tornado DDT, leaving both men gasping for air on the mat. Kingston pounded on Swagger's head, sitting on his shoulders in the corner. SOS by Kofi for two. He missed Trouble in Paradise, but landed a side-Russian leg-sweep. Big boot by Swagger, but Big Show walked out with a mic, trying to get Swagger's attention. He said he had something important to say, but that distraction allowed Kofi to hit a springboard cross-body for the three count.

WINNER: Kingston, at 11:41.

5 - REY MYSTERIO & MVP vs. C.M. PUNK & LUKE GALLOWS

MVP had the straps down on his outfit. MVP and Rey used some teamwork to keep Gallows at bay. Serena got on the apron and Gallows pulled MVP off the second rope by his leg. They went to break about 2:00 in.

Punk had MVP down out of break, and tagged Gallows in. Gallows prevented MVP from making the tag. Good tag team execution (Striker agrees with me) but the heels. Gallows settled into a rear waist-lock with MVP seated on the mat. Mysterio finally made the tag at about 9:00, flying all over the ring and onto Gallows. Mysterio was about to hit the 619, but Punk flew off the top rope and landed a clothesline to stop him. Nice move. He got Rey up for the GTS, but Rey rolled through for two. Gallows broke it up, but MVP neutralized him. The hooded stranger got on the apron to distract Rey, but Mysterio threw him into the ring post. Punk couldn't capitalize, and Rey hit a hurricanrana with a roll-up for three.

WINNERS: MVP & Mysterio, at 10:33. Good little match, and now I really think Punk is winning Sunday.

6 - THE BIG SHOW vs. DREW MCINTYRE

McIntyre tried to take a walk early, and dominated back in the ring with his hard slap to the chest. Show stepped on McIntyre's chest and the fans chanted, "one more time." So he tried another slap to the chest, but Mac countered with an eye gouge. Show clotheslined McIntyre back down and took some more time to recover. Headbutt sent McIntyre to the mat. McIntyre tried to hook in his DDT, but couldn't. Show made his comeback, but Swagger interfered to draw the DQ.

WINNER: Show, at 3:50.

Swagger went after Show's hand, to presumably prevent a knockout punch on Sunday. He went to get a chair, but Swagger ended up getting hold of it before Swagger could use it. And Show was not happy. Swagger escaped the ring and headed up the ramp as he kept his eyes on Show in the ring. Show's music played as he screamed in fury. The show went off the air at that point.

[Arcademan]

WWE RAW Results: 5-24-10

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

RAW started with Batista quitting the WWE and Bret Hart being announced as the new GM of RAW...

1 -- MARK HENRY vs. SHEAMUS -- Fatal Four-Way PPV qualifying match

Cole again referenced Sheamus taking out Triple H at Extreme Rules to keep Hunter's name on the air and in the minds of viewers. Sheamus tried to over-power Henry early on, but Henry out-muscled Sheamus and cleared him to the floor. Cole then cut his heel promo on Bret Hart wanting to know how Mr. McMahon allowed this to happen with Hart the new Raw GM. Lawler said they hope to get an explanation eventually. Back in the ring, Sheamus cut down Henry at the knees to begin working him over on the mat. Henry made a comeback from his feet before running over Sheamus with a brick-wall block. Henry then wanted a big splash and he connected. Sheamus kicked out of a pin attempt, though. He tried a running splash in the corner, but Sheamus moved. Sheamus then tried a top rope move, but Henry caught him in mid-air. He attempted a press slam, but Henry sold shoulder pain and dropped Sheamus on his feet. Sheamus then followed with an emphatic pump kick to the face that took out Henry. Nice sequence. Sheamus with the pin for the win.

WINNER: Sheamus at 4:05. Nice four-minute TV match with something on the line and a sense of urgency to the match. So, it's Cena vs. Orton vs. Sheamus vs. at the next PPV. (*1/4)

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

Eve acted like she wanted another piece of Maryse after the PPV last night, but Maryse blew her off and fixed her hair while standing on the apron. Tremendous charisma. Gail and Alicia started things off, then Maryse cut off Gail and went to work on Eve's partner. Eve then took a hot tag and cleaned house on Maryse. Eve hit Tara's standing moonsault, but Fox broke up a pin. In the confusion, Alicia blasted Eve with a kick to the face behind the ref's back. Maryse then hit the French Kiss DDT on Eve for the pin and the win. The heels then celebrated the victory on the way out.

WINNERS: Maryse & Gail at 2:11. And the Eve vs. Maryse feud must continue. It's fine, as they have a nice program going. (*)

3 -- THE MIZ vs. R-TRUTH -- U.S. Title match

Cole reset the deal that Bret Hart is the new Raw GM and this match is for the vacated title after Hart won the belt last week. Lawler checked Cole on his anti-Hart comments recently and Cole tried to backtrack that he didn't quite mean what he said about wanting Hart to go away. Truth knocked Miz to the floor early on and Miz regrouped as they cut to break.

Back from break, Miz was standing over Truth on the outside. Miz rammed Truth into the ring apron focusing on Truth's left shoulder before they recapped what happened during the break when Truth nearly broke his neck attempting a dive to the outside. Cole put over the heritage of the U.S. Title while Miz worked over Truth back in the ring. Cole: "I tell you, Miz looks a bit naked (awkward pause) without championship gold." It was as awkward as Cole excitedly saying he's dreamed of picturing C.M. Punk bald for a long time. Miz continued to work over Truth as they reached the top of the hour.

Miz hung Truth upside down in the corner and the ref reprimanded him, causing Miz to be distracted. Truth then suddenly did a sit-up into an overhead suplex toss. That was impressive. Truth then made a full comeback with a pancake followed by a missile dropkick from the second rope for a two count. Truth followed with a modified STO and scored a two count. Truth looked to the crowd, then went up top as Miz recovered to his feet. Truth hit a cross- body, but Miz rolled through into a pin attempt for a close two count. The crowd gasped as Truth nearly lost.

Miz then wanted the Reality Check, but Truth countered into a backslide for another close two. The crowd rallied with an "R-Truth" chant as Truth tried a small package, but scored a two count only. Truth then wanted a scissors kick, but Miz ducked. Truth then ducked a clothesline and smashed Miz off the ropes with the Lie Detector. Pin and the win. Truth is your new U.S. champion. They recapped the highlights as Truth got his shine celebrating with the title, although he was more casual than Kofi Kingston celebrating the IC Title victory last night.

WINNER: Truth at 10:05 to capture the U.S. Title. WWE obviously sees a lot in Truth as a featured babyface on Raw. The title victory explains why they had Truth go over DiBiase at the PPV last night. This was a strong TV match with some good nearfalls at the end and another sense of urgency to a match on Raw. (**1/2)

4 -- Unified tag champions HART DYNASTY (TYSON KIDD & D.H. SMITH w/Natalya) vs. WILLIAM REGAL & KOZLOV -- non-title match

The bell sounded and Regal blasted Kidd in the head to jumpstart the match. Kozlov then tagged in to work over Kidd. Kidd came back with a kick to the head before Smith tagged in and ran into a headbutt from Kozlov. Regal then tagged in and airballed with his Knee Trembler. Kidd then tagged in and they hit a double-team Hart Attack. Kidd made the pin as Smith knocked Kozlov off the ring apron.

Post-match: Suddenly, a new team and female valet hit the ring. It's the Uso Brothers, Jimmy and Jules. All three members of Hart Dynasty were KO'ed in the ring, then the Usos and their manager went up top and paused before hitting a triple simultaneous flying splash. They stood tall in the ring over the tag champs to close the segment without being named by name.

WINNERS: Hart Dynasty at 1:20. The story was obviously the post-match with the Usos getting a call up to the big leagues from FCW. Very interesting with WWE's apparent renewed emphasis on tag team wrestling. (n/a)

5 -- WWE champion JOHN CENA vs. CHRIS JERICHO vs. EDGE -- Jericho or Edge wins PPV title match spot with a win

The bell sounded and Cena quickly cleared the ring. Cena stood his ground waiting for the heels to regroup. Cut to break with Cena in control.

Back from break, Cena was on the defensive, then he charged out of the corner with a clothesline on Edge. Jericho cut off Cena, then Edge tried to sneak up behind Jericho with a small package, but Jericho kicked out. Cole reset what's at stake here before Cena cleared Edge to the outside. Cena then missed a flying shoulder tackle when Jericho ducked. Jericho attempted a stomp, but completely missed as the camera zoomed in tight. At least Cena didn't sell, which would have looked horrible. Jericho landed a stomp, then went to work on Cena's back to take advantage of Batista's work on the PPV last night. Jericho landed a DDT before missing with a corner attack and Cena started his trademark comeback routine. Cena dropped Jericho center ring and teased the Five Knuckle Shuffle with Edge on the outside. No sign of Edge as Cena hit the Shuffle. Cena then wanted the Attitude Adjustment as Edge entered the ring. They had an awkward exchange where Cena side-stepped Edge, who kinda speared Jericho in the corner.

Cena slapped on the STF on Edge, but Jericho slapped on the Walls of Jericho on Cena. Jericho then dropped the hold and slapped the Walls of Jericho on Edge. Cena then re-entered the picture and dropped Jericho with a neckbreaker before knocking Edge to the outside. Cena then countered a cross-body attempt by Jericho and rolled to his feet into AA position. Edge speared Cena, though, and all three men collapsed to the mat as they hit the top of the hour.

The action reset with close nearfalls by Edge and Jericho on each other as Cole reset the news on the show. Cena came to his feet and teased the AA on Edge, but Edge shoved him off to Jericho, who hit the codebreaker. Edge then dropped Jericho with the spear center ring. Edge made the cover on Jericho and scored the pinfall. He's going to Fatal Four-Way. Cole started the immediate stacking of the deck saying Cena could lose the title at the PPV if the same thing happens as what happened here.

Post-match: Sheamus came out on stage and stood on top of the ramp with Edge at the base of the ramp and Cena in the ring. Randy Orton's music suddenly hit and Orton came out on stage. There were no signs of an injury to Orton, who had a stoic look on his face. No cast or bandage or anything drawing attention to an injury. They went to a straight-on camera shot showing Cena in the ring, Edge on the floor, Sheamus half-way up the ramp, and Orton on the stage staring each other down to close the show.

WINNER: Edge at 10:22 to earn a Fatal Four-Way slot. Strong TV main event with the action moving at a quick pace to keep the live audience engaged despite some sloppy spots. Cena vs. Sheamus vs. Orton vs. Edge is an interesting match-up with the deck already being stacked against Cena. (**1/4)

[Arcademan]

WWE NXT Results: 5-25-10

Ring results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Caldwell's complete report)

1 -- CHRISTIAN & HEATH SLATER vs. U.S. champion R-TRUTH & DAVID OTUNGA

Truth and Slater started things off with Truth landing early offense on the Rookie opposition. Otunga then tagged in and Slater took control working over Otunga's shoulder. Christian then tagged in and landed an axehandle smash to continue working the shoulder. Michael Cole put over Otunga's charisma as Christian slapped Otunga across the face and landed a dropkick for a two count. Cole said perhaps Otunga's in-ring ability is lacking, while Mathews said he's impressed the Pros with his "mic skills." It's just plain pandering to the audience at this point.

Otunga cut off Christian and worked him over as Cole put over Otunga having the "it factor." He said Otunga is "flashy" and he sees him on the cover of magazines all the time. In the ring, Christian started slapping Otunga around before landing a flying European Uppercut. He then made a tag to Slater, who came in hot on Otunga. Slater landed a flying forearm, then a dropkick on Otunga for a two count. Mathews and Cole discussed the Daniel Bryan bit and Cole said he's going to call him out next. Back in the ring, Slater went up top and landed a cross-body, but Otunga rolled through and scored a three count for the win. Post-match: Otunga's nose was noticeably bright red, apparently from taking a blow earlier in the match. Otunga celebrated his victory as Truth stood behind him not really approving or excited.

WINNERS: Truth & Otunga in 6:00. Okay, basic match. Exactly what you would expect from a match on NXT looking like a basic run-through-the-motions type of exhibition. (*)

2 -- JUSTIN GABRIEL (w/Matt Hardy) vs. WADE BARRETT (w/Chris Jericho)

Barrett started on the offensive as Jericho shouted at the announcers to talk up Barrett. Gabriel then made a comeback with a spin kick that showed light before hitting a corner elbow smash. Gabriel then hit a sunset flip powerbomb. He started climbing up top and Hardy encouraged him to keep climbing. Gabriel then hit the 450 splash on Barrett for the pin and the win. Jericho had a great post-match reaction nibbling on the side of his mouth selling discontent. The Pros were shown evaluating the happenings as the announcers sold the match outcome as Gabriel possibly making it to the finals with that victory. They replayed the finish with Striker doing a good job pointing out flaws in what Barrett did in the ring that cost him the match. That was good.

WINNER: Gabriel in 4:00. Decent match with a rare sense of purpose to what was happening in the ring on NXT, as the storyline was the match had potential to influence who goes home, especially with Gabriel just missing the cut last week. (*1/4)

During the middle of the show, Daniel Bryan confronted Michael Cole and once again made him look like a fool. Also got into it with The Miz.

The pro's poll:

#1 is Wade Barrett still.

#2 is David Otunga still.

Striker then asked Gabriel to step forward, followed by Slater. Striker said they've come so close and one of them will be going home while the other one will make it to the season finale next week.

#3 is Justin Gabriel. That means Heath Slater is #4 and he's gone.

Next week has been billed as the season finale so we'll see who's the winner of NXT.

[Arcademan]

WWE Superstars Results: 5-27-10

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

1 -- JTG vs. CODY RHODES

Grisham provided the notes on the match that both men made their names as tag team wrestlers and now they're looking to make a name for themselves as singles wrestlers, but they have to win matches. It's refreshing to hear a wrestling announcer referencing the simple importance of winning matches. JTG and Cody started with a basic exchange before JTG pulled out a quick small package attempt for a two count. Rhodes then chucked JTG to the outside, but JTG flew back into the ring to tackle Rhodes. Cody reversed a whip to the ropes, then hit a dropkick for a two count. As Cody began a methodical attack, Grisham and Striker picked up a conversation on C.M. Punk losing his hair and suggested Punk will come back crazier after being humiliated at Over the Limit. They cut to break with JTG knocking Cody over the top rope to the outside to take control going to break.

Back from break, JTG landed a short-arm clothesline before doing sort of a rolling neck snap that was probably better on paper than in execution. The action moved to the apron where Cody took JTG's left arm across the top rope to begin working over the left shoulder. Cody continued a methodical attack taking his sweet time measuring every move. Cody then missed with a clothesline and cut off JTG's attempted comeback. Cody shot JTG off to the ropes, but JTG came back with a flip-over neckbreaker to begin a comeback.

JTG followed with a top rope leg smash, but Cody kicked out at two. JTG then went for a spinning neckbreaker off the ropes and it was sloppily executed with Cody falling down before JTG executed. Cody suddenly came back with a running enziguiri kick off the top turnbuckle. He followed right up with Cross Rhodes for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Cody Rhodes in 15:00. Very, very methodical match. They walked a fine line between having a steady build-up to the finish and completely losing the audience. JTG's comeback wasn't strong, especially with the sloppy neckbreaker, but Cody had a nice one-two combo for the finish. JTG still has work to do as a singles wrestler, while Cody has to do a better job of engaging the audience while he's going through the procedure of a methodical attack. (*1/2)

2 -- YOSHI TATSU vs. PRIMO COLON

The announcers talked around Primo's heel turn, with no mentions of Carlito, of course. Primo mock extended a handshake to Yoshi and Yoshi unwittingly accepted, leading to Primo dropping him with a short-arm clothesline. "Primo sucks" chant from the crowd. Lawler said he's not sure Carlos Colon would be proud of his son, while Cole shot back that it's about wins and losses and getting the job done. Lawler, with the full-fledged babyface turn on commentary, said sometimes you have to be able to look yourself in the mirror. Primo continued to work over Yoshi as Lawler referenced the number of injuries stemming from the PPV on Sunday. Lawler talked up Antonio Inoki in reference to Yoshi, who made a comeback with two feet to the gut as Primo came off the second rope. "Yoshi, Yoshi" chant as Yoshi ducked a right hand and landed kick strikes to the mid-section. Yoshi followed with a Shining Wizard for a two count, then tried a top rope move. Primo cut him off, though, but Yoshi punched Primo off the top rope. Yoshi then came off the top with a spinning heel kick to the mid-section for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Yoshi in 6:00. Nice Superstars TV match. Yoshi showed trademark energy and both men gave the show a nice dose of athleticism following the methodical opening match. (*1/2)

3 -- EVAN BOURNE vs. ZACK RYDER

Early on, Bourne went up top teasing Air Bourne, but Ryder popped to his feet and cut off Bourne. Bourne flipped down to the corner, then Ryder followed with a Samoa Joe-style face wash kick. Bourne fell through the ropes to the floor, leaving Ryder in control going to break.

Back from break, Ryder was stretching Bourne's neck with a mat hold back in the ring. Ryder bent Bourne like a pretzel, then Bourne transitioned into a crucifix pin for a two count. Ryder popped to his feet, though, and slingshot Bourne across the top rope for a two count. Ryder with a neckbreaker for a two count, then he went back to a side headlock. Lawler provided dating advice to the audience with no Divas ringside for Ryder this week on Superstars as Ryder continued to work over Bourne.

At 10:00, Ryder went back to a headlock continuing to ground Bourne and cut off his offense. Bourne suddenly busted out a spin kick, but he sold being too worn down to capitalize. Bourne then hit a leg sweep and multiple kick strikes that put Ryder down in the corner. Bourne followed with a running double-foot kick strike. He then went up top for Air Bourne, but Ryder came to his feet and avoided Bourne's finisher. He followed with the Rough Ryder and Bourne kicked out, with Lawler selling shock on commentary.

Ryder wanted the Zack Attack, but Bourne kicked him to the corner again. He wanted Air Bourne again, but Ryder moved out of the way and Bourne ate the mat. Ryder then hit the Zack Attack and scored the pin for the win. Post-match: They rolled footage from the high points of the match and Ryder avoiding Air Bourne. Ryder was shown celebrating on the way out as Cole plugged Raw from Austin on Monday.

WINNER: Ryder in 13:00. That's a pretty big deal they booked Ryder to have a very rare counter to one of the most over finishing moves in the company. Yes, it's a small stage on Superstars, but that has to be some anecdotal evidence Ryder will get future TV time on Raw to get himself over. Good, basic wrestling match overall to complete the Superstars package focusing on wins & losses, plus solid athleticism. (*3/4)

[Arcademan]

TNA Impact! Results: 5-27-10

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

1 -- THE BAND (Kevin Nash & Scott Hall & Eric Young) vs. SHANNON MOORE & JESSE NEAL vs. TEAM 3D

At the start of the match, Young battled Moore with Hall and Nash both on the ring apron awaiting a tag. Tenay explained, such as something like this can be explained, that the first person Young tags will reveal which of Hall and Nash is wrestling versus sitting out the match. At 2:00 Ray tagged in against Neal. Devon tagged himself in by slapping Ray on the back. Ray wasn't pleased. Devon shoved Neal into his corner to tag in Moore. Taz said he was disappointed in Devon taking mercy on Neal. Ray tagged back in and brutalized Neal again. Devon still had a problem with that. Ray told him to shut up. When Ray grabbed a chair, Devon yanked it away from him. Neal surprisd Ray with a spear for a pin. Quite the payday for Hall and Nash.

WINNERS: Ink Inc. in 4:00 when Neal pinned Ray.

2 -- JAY LETHAL vs. KAZARIAN

Flair walked out at 2:00 and distracted Lethal. Flair smiled as Kaz went on offense. Kaz smiled back, then went on the attack on Lethal. At 3:00 Lethal made a comeback and hit a flying shoulder and clothesline. Kaz kicked out of a moonsault body press pin attempt, then used a jaw-breaker to slow Lethal. Lethal followed up with a roundkick as Kaz rebounded off the ropes. Lethal smiled and looked at Flair as he signaled for the figure-four. Flair got upset as Lethal did a Flair-style dance before applying the hold center-ring. Flair stood on the ring apron and yelled at Kaz to grab the bottom rope. Kaz eventually reached the bottom rope. Lethal walked over to Flair. Flair pie-faced Lethal. Lethal fired back with an elbow or punch (whatever it was supposed to be, it showed light). Kaz then rolled up Lethal from behind for the win.

WINNER: Kazarian in 5:00.

STAR RATING: * -- Good short match that led to an angle to elevate the Lethal-Kaz feud. I'm still not sold at all on pushing Kaz as a major player as he's current cast. There's just nothing compelling about his character, but this is a decent try by mixing him with Flair. There's just nothing we know about Kaz's personality other than he's eager to get advice from Flair.

3 -- ORLANDO JORDAN vs. ABYSS (w/Chelsea)

Jordan came out in his hot-pink trunks. He kissed the camera lens while on his hands and knees. He also had some sort of paint or pasties on his nipples that looked like Abyss. Chelsea wore her "super-sad-face." Taz and Tenay wondered about the "pasties." After four minutes of back and forth action, Abyss set up a slam on Jordan at ringside. Jordan slipped free and shoved Abyss into Chelsea. As Abyss bent over to check on Chelsea, Desmond Wolfe ran out and attacked him from behind with a pipe. Jordan and Wolfe double-teamed Abyss. The ref called for the DQ.

WINNER: Abyss via DQ in 5:00.

STAR RATING: *

-Afterward, Rob Terry ran out and made the save, still favoring his injured left leg, though. He gave Jordan his Freakbuster chokeslam. Abyss went to ringside and carried a knocked out Chelsea to the back.

4 -- THE BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE (Lacey Von Erich & Velvet Sky w/Madison Rayne) vs. SARITA & TAYLOR WILDE

Puppet stuck around to provide color commentary with Tenay and Taz. As the Beautiful People made their provocative ring entrance, Taz said rumor has it they like little people. Puppet said he just grew an inch. Taz said he did. Tenay said, "Hey hey hey." Puppet and Taz continued to make a bunch of horny references and also joked about Puppet maybe being drunk. Puppet said they wrestled at a maximum security prison and these murderers were cheering for him.

WINNERS: Beautiful People in 3:00 when Lacey pinned Wilde.

5 -- DESMOND WOLFE vs. JEFF HARDY

Kurt Angle joined Taz and Tenay at ringside. Angle said Wolfe is a fierce competitor who goes after whatever body part he wants. He predicted victory. Angle noted he's never wrestled Hardy and he'd love to. He said he wants to have dream matches every time he wrestles. Angle said taking the month off was a great break for him. He said he watched Impact every week. Angle said his shoulder is still injured from wrestling Wolfe. Wolfe dominated most of the opening few minutes. He nailed Hardy with a running uppercut in the corner. At 6:00 Hardy flipped off the top rope at Wolfe, but Wolfe moved and Hardy's boot hit the ref. Hardy hit a Twist of Fate, but the ref was down. Wolfe then pulled a black sack full of coins out of his trunks and he KO'd Hardy. The ref came to and counted to three.

WINNER: Wolfe in 6:00.

STAR RATING: *3/4 -- Nice start to a potentially good match, but it ended pretty suddenly with the foreign object.

6 -- A.J. STYLES vs. MR. ANDERSON

They traded headlocks early, then picked up the pace in the closing minute with Anderson hitting a flying bodyblock, but Styles rolling through and wrapping his legs around the bottom rope for extra leverage while pulling on tights. Taz called it highway robbery. Anderson looked at Styles in appreciation rather than anger. Tenay said he respects that he was beat at his own game.

WINNER: Styles in 5:00.

STAR RATING: *1/4

-Afterward Anderson called for the mic and it lowered. Anderson called the lowered mic "magic." He told Styles, "You got me at my own frickin' game." Styles denied he cheated. Anderson asked his "********." He asked if Styles pulled his tights. The crowd chanted, "Yes you did! Yes you did!" Anderson then beat him into the corner. Beer Money ran out and attacked Anderson. Hardy's music played and he made a telegraphed save with a chair, clearing the ring instantly. Hardy held the chair up toward Anderson, but then dropped it. Hardy extended his hand and Anderson shook it.

[Arcademan]

WWE Smackdown Results: 5-28-10

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

1 - DREW MCINTYRE & JACK SWAGGER vs. KOFI KINGSTON & THE BIG SHOW

Pretty big match for the opener. Then again, when you've got the Undertaker in action, chances are good he's going to be in the main event. Kofi with the pine green tights tonight. Swagger wrestled him to the ground to start. Swagger had taped ribs under his singlet due to the damage inflicted by Show on Sunday. Matt Striker talked about how he texts with Vince McMahon instead of receiving letters like McIntyre. The image of McMahon texting almost made me laugh out loud. Kingston and McIntyre had a back-and-forth exchange. Flying forearm by Kingston as Striker for some reason mentioned people thinking that Tom Petty is the third Mulkey brother. Show tagged in and did a number on McIntyre. They went to break more than three minutes into the match.

Show was still in control of McIntyre out of break. He even managed to scare Swagger off the apron. Bodyslam by Mac in the babyface corner. Kingston tagged in and worked the left arm of the former I.C. Champ. McIntyre finally came back, but it was short-lived. I like how they're saying this Fatal Four-Way PPV is a new concept, when the entire premise is the titles defended in Fatal Four-Way matches, which is not a new concept at all. Swagger took out Kingston as he went for a high-risk maneuver, pulling his leg down before he could springboard, which bounced Kofi's head off the apron. The camera caught it nicely. McIntyre took advantage with a hard chop to the chest. He then tagged Swagger. McIntyre picked up where Swagger left off in taking the beating to Kingston. A Craig Ehlo name-drop by Striker. Well, they are in Cleveland. Kingston fired back against Swagger, landing a cross-body off the top. Both men were down and needed to make tags. Both did, and Big Show ate McIntyre's lunch. A distraction by Swagger allowed Mac to try the Future Shock, but it did not pan out. Show set up for the punch, staring right at Swagger as he did it. And he picked up the win with it.

WINNERS: Kingston and Show, at 13:46. Fun match, but the way it was put together, you could definitely tell McIntyre is in the doghouse.

2 - C.M. PUNK vs. KANE

Kane got off to a good start, slowly picking Punk apart. He worked the left arm as Striker tried to make a case for Punk being stronger with the mask on. Kane missed a splash in the corner, then Punk followed up with a knee to the face. Bulldog was not successful, and Kane grabbed at the mask. Punk was able to escape with his mask (and dignity) still in tact. They went to break about 2:30 in.

Back with Punk stomping away on the grounded Kane. Kane recovered and went to the top, but Punk crotched him, then kicked him to ringside. Punk continued work on the left leg of the Big Red Monster. Kane fought back on the mat and finally got to a vertical base, suplexing Punk for a two-count. But Punk went right back to the leg. Modified Indian Deathlock by Punk. Kane registered a couple of near falls, one close one on a sidewalk slam. To the top he went and he landed the clothesline, but Kane came up lame. He readied for the chokeslam, but Kane kicked at the legs. "The Executioner, Dr. X himself, C.M. Punk" said Striker. I can't even keep up with his references tonight. Punk hit a cross-body but Kane rolled through for two. Punk escaped a chokeslam and attempted to get Kane up for the Go To Sleep. Kane grabbed the mask, but Serena distracted the ref so Gallows could hit Kane with a right hand. Kick to the head of Kane got him wobbly, then a GTS finished it. The GTS was just awful, by the way. Like, really bad.

WINNER: Punk, at 13:59. Match never got out of first gear. Disappointing.

3 - CHRISTIAN & HORNSWOGGLE vs. DOLPH ZIGGLER & CHAVO GUERRERO

Vickie accompanied Chavo to the ring. Chavo went for the Three Amigos suplexes, but Christian stopped it short. Hornswoggle tagged in and sat on Chavo. His offense didn't last long, as Chavo put him on the mat. He lectured Hornswoggle, then slammed him in the heel corner. Ziggler tagged in and attached Horny to the corner, but Ziggler missed a charge. Christian and Chavo tagged in, with Christian getting the better of the exchange. Not much heat after the tag. Flapjack by Christian, then a second rope elbow. Flip kick in the corner, then a second-rope dropkick. Ziggler broke up the pin, but Hornswoggle kicked at Ziggler. Ziggler grabbed him by the collar and tossed him to ringside. Ziggler followed via Christian. Suplex by Chavo, then it was Frogsplash time. Christian moved, and Chavo rolled through. Killswitch by Christian for the win.

WINNER: Christian and Hornswoggle, at 4:15.

Ziggler attacked after the match and locked Christian into a sleeper.

4 - LUKE GALLOWS vs. MVP

MVP went to the announce table and got some powder, throwing it in the air before the match. It's a LeBron thing. Belly-to-belly suplex by MVP, then he rained down right hands on the cranium of Gallows. Flying forearm by MVP, but Gallows asked the referee to check his eye. MVP tried to attack, but Gallows sent him to ringside. Back in the ring, the Sober Soldier slowed things down. Boot to the face by MVP and he went on offense once again. Face-buster, then he set up and hit the "Ballin'!" elbowdrop. Gallows retreated to the arena floor, where MVP met him with a clothesline from the apron. Serena distracted MVP and the masked stranger DDT'd MVP on the apron behind the ref's back. Gallows hit the Gallows' Pole (or, the 12th Step) for the pin.

WINNER: Gallows, at 4:12. Just a match. Good win for Gallows, though.

5 - REY MYSTERIO vs. THE UNDERTAKER

Mysterio tried to dance away from Taker, but no dice. Front-first suplex onto the top rope by Taker, but Mysterio dodged a big boot and sent Taker to ringside. That just upset the Dead Man, and Rey wisely escaped the ring. Moonsault onto Taker on the outside as they went to break under 2:00 in.

Taker got Mysterio up for a bodyslam, but Rey slipped out. Mysterio fought out of a chokeslam, and then a Last Ride. Taker got set up for the 619, but Taker stood up and booted Mysterio down. Striker tried to claim Taker was moving better than he ever has before. My bullshit meter just blew up. Mysterio was thrown out of the ring. Mysterio was driven back-first into the ring post. More work on the back of Mysterio by the Undertaker. Rey came back with an ugly headscissors to send Taker into the corner. Seated Senton after Taker sat up, which was unique. Both men seemed drained at about the ten minute mark. Mysterio dialed up the 619 and went for the splash, but Taker put his arm up and Rey found himself in chokeslam position. He fought out and Taker gave him the Snake Eyes. Taker was bleeding from the mouth, I think. Springboard moonsault, but Taker caught it and Tombstoned Rey. That was all she wrote for Rey.

WINNER: Taker, at 10:43. Well, Rey can take his month off now. Surprised to see Taker back so soon, but with Rey out and Big Show as the top face, clearly, Smackdown needs him.

Taker posed as they were out soon after the match ended.

[Arcademan]

WWE RAW Results: 5-31-10

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

1 -- U.S. champion R-TRUTH vs. CHRIS JERICHO -- non-title match

Jericho grabbed a headlock early on as Cole formally introduced the show from on-campus at UT and recapped the opening segment. Truth then slingshot Jericho through the ropes to the floor in front of the announce table. Truth followed with a slingshot plancha and Cole sent to a commercial.

Back from break, Jericho was in control working over Truth as the announcers suggested the wrestlers in the locker room aren't taking Truth seriously as U.S. champion until he proves it. Jericho slapped Truth, so Truth came back with a flying fist smash. Truth showed his "quirky style" on offense with some awkward blows Jericho tried blocking. Truth then hit a boot to the face for a two count. Jericho blocked a corner attack, then hit a running bulldog out of the corner. Jericho airballed the Lionsault and both men recovered on the mat. Truth tried a scissors kick, but Jericho ducked and teased the Walls of Jericho. Truth flung him away, though, and kinda executed a facebuster suplex for a two count. Jericho then hit a clothesline after a referee distraction and scored a two count.

Jericho caught his breath and stomped on Truth before mocking him with "What's up?" shouts. Truth did his flashy acrobatics before Jericho attempted the Walls of Jericho. He couldn't lock it in and Truth countered with a small package pin for the three count and the win. Post-match: Truth smiled and soaked in the fan reaction to the victory. Meanwhile, Jericho stared at the mat in disgust selling confusion and shock over how he lost. Another loss for Jericho seems to be leading somewhere with Jericho perhaps snapping. Lawler said he's worried about Jericho.

WINNER: Truth at 9:46. Decent story to the match, but some sloppy spots. Truth has to clean up some of his offense, but he will apparently have plenty of opportunities with WWE strongly behind him. The post-match with Jericho was an intriguing post-script that will keep viewers wanting to see where it's leading. (*1/2)

2 -- Divas champion EVE & SANTINO MARELLA vs. MARYSE & WILLIAM REGAL (w/Kozlov)

Eve and Maryse started things off, then Regal and Santino tagged in. Regal dominated Santino, including hitting an exploder suplex before slapping on the Regal Stretch. Maryse broke it up, then the ref lost track of things as the Divas began brawling. Suddenly, Kozlov hit the ring and dropped Regal with a chokeslam that got a pop. Maryse and Kozlov suddenly ran off together. Back in the ring, Santino pinned Regal to score the win.

WINNERS: Eve & Santino at 2:25. That was an interesting match finish, especially Maryse running off with Kozlov after Kozlov seemed to turn babyface. Wait and see on how this sorts itself out. (n/a)

3 -- THE MIZ vs. DANIEL BRYAN

Bryan blasted Miz with clenched fists early on, then he missed with a corner attack. Miz landed left hand forearm blows as Cole did his customary promo on Bryan. The ref demanded a corner break as they cut to a shot of Cole continuing to cut his promo. Miz went up top and landed a double axe-handle smash. Cole then cut a promo on vegans. Miz slapped Bryan across the face, then Bryan trapped Miz on the mat with a Crossface. Bryan wrenched back as the crowd popped. Miz tried to counter out of it, but Bryan countered into a crucifix pin. He scored the three count for the win, which led to a look of shock by Cole ringside.

Post-match: Miz attacked Bryan from behind and chucked him to the floor. Cole tried to act like it was the biggest upset ever, which drew laughs from Lawler. Miz then tried to force Bryan to apologize to Cole, but Bryan shook off Miz and chucked him across the announce table into Cole's lap. Bryan jumped back into the ring and smiled for an appreciative crowd while having an eager look on his face to get a bigger piece of Miz. Miz recovered to his feet and huffed and puffed while Bryan left the ringside area. Lawler comically told Cole to get up. Lawler recapped Bryan making a big impression on a one-day contract. They continued to focus on Bryan and Miz on opposite sides of the ringside area before cutting to break.

WINNER: Miz at 2:02. A good development in the storyline despite the inherent flaws of creating a storyline focused on a non-wrestler who has to switch back and forth between a heel announcer and trusted play-by-play announcer on the same show. They left it open-ended on the future of the program, with Bryan being "signed to a one-day contract" on Raw. We'll see where this is going. I question WWE giving away the first match between Miz and Bryan on free TV without hype, but this program still has legs to it. (*)

4 -- WWE champion JOHN CENA & EVAN BOURNE vs. EDGE & SHEAMUS

Cena started things off as Bourne smiled from the apron. Edge started for the heel team and they locked up center ring. Edge controlled things from the start before Cena came back with a flying bulldog. Bourne then tagged in and landed a double foot smash from the second rope. Bourne worked over Edge's left shoulder before Edge smashed him in the back with a forearm smash. Bourne suddenly came flying off the ropes with a snap head scissors into rapid-fire leg attacks. Edge rolled to the outside to recover as they cut to break.

Back from break, Edge was working over Bourne as Cena was looking for a tag. Edge knocked Bourne to the floor and did a number on him before tagged in Sheamus back in the ring. Sheamus stomped on Bourne before elevating him for a big suplex. Bourne fought out with a knee to the shoulder, though, and he kicked Sheamus with body shots before teasing a hot tag to Cena. The crowd bought the hot tag as Bourne wiggled his fingers close to Cena before Sheamus yanked him away and nailed a Polish hammer for a two count. The heels went back to isolating Bourne as the crowd chanted, "Cena." Edge mockingly did his rock 'n roll hand signal, which has a much different meaning in Austin referencing Hook 'Em Horns, to draw heat. Bourne teased another hot tag before running into a big boot by Edge for another two count.

The match continued to the top of the hour with Edge settling into a chinlock on Bourne. Bourne broke free, then smashed Edge with an enziguiri. Cena played to the hot crowd giving them a big look to cheer on Bourne inching toward the corner. Bourne finally hopped across the ring and tagged in Cena, who exploded on Sheamus and did his routine. Cena did the You Can't See Me before delivering the Five Knuckle Shuffle. Cena then teased the Attitude Adjustment, but Sheamus blocked and hit a powerslam. Sheamus teased the pump kick, but Cena ducked and Bourne blasted Sheamus with an enziguiri from the apron. Cena then dropped Sheamus with the Attitude Adjustment center ring. Edge tried a spear out of nowhere, but Cena side-stepped him and Edge spilled to the floor. The crowd was going nuts at this point with Cena tagging in Bourne, who went up top and nailed the Air Bourne splash on Sheamus. Bourne made the pin for the win to a big pop.

Post-match: Cena celebrated with Bourne for a minute or two as the announcers talked up Cena's pick to replace Orton tonight. They replayed the finish with several replays of Bourne's finisher before cutting back to Cena and Bourne celebrating in the ring. Cena gave Bourne the floor to get his shine before the show wrapped up with Cena and Bourne standing tall in the ring.

WINNERS: Cena & Bourne at 11:16. They tried to make a star in one night here. It was fitting, as the show started with an angle trying to involve Evan Bourne in a big program, then finishing with Bourne looking like a big star getting in his finisher and standing next to Cena. The crowd was hot for the main event to create some energy for the formula finish that worked well for this show with two weeks remaining to build to the PPV. (**1/2)

[Arcademan]

WWE NXT Results: 6-1-10

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

1 -- WADE BARRETT (w/Chris Jericho) vs. DAVID OTUNGA (R-Truth) vs. JUSTIN GABRIEL (w/Matt Hardy) -- elimination-style triple threat match

They went to the ring for the beginning of the NXT Rookie three-way match. Mathews said he would send Gabriel home first and he agrees with the Pros that he might be a one-trick pony. Barrett started working over the other two Rookies while Jericho shouted words of affirmation from ringside. Cole said they've been informed about Season Two - Jericho interrupted Cole's plug to comically scream at the announcers to focus on the match. Barrett scored a nearfall and Cole continued to be delayed on his announcement. He then announced the Pros will have 50 percent of the vote and the WWE Universe will have the other 50 percent in Season Two's voting.

Otunga knocked Gabriel to the outside, then rolled him back into the ring to score a nearfall. Meanwhile, Barrett was holding his ankle in pain ringside. Barrett then re-entered, but he was knocked off the ring apron with a knee from Gabriel. Gabriel put Otunga in the corner and hit the big 450 splash from the top rope. He had the pin, but Barrett yanked Gabriel out of the ring and scored the pin on Otunga himself. Otunga is eliminated. Barrett stared down at Gabriel, who was selling ringside and Hardy talked him up before they cut to break.

Back from break, Barrett was working over Gabriel in the ring. Meanwhile, the eliminated Rookies sat with arms folded ringside. On the stage, the Pros were shown selling intense interest in the match while Punk had his head down taking notes. Barrett continued to work over Gabriel, who avoided a corner attack and smashed Barrett with multiple kicks. Gabriel then went to the corner for a springboard cross-body that Barrett sold beautifully and Gabriel scored a two count. Jericho continued to shout instructions from the outside as Gabriel scored another nearfall. Gabriel dropped Barrett with an STO, then went up top looking for his finisher, but Barrett got his knees up. That was a crunching counter. They both seemed to remain frozen with Gabriel on top of Barrett, who then rolled up Gabriel with a small package to score the win.

WINNER: Barrett in 10:00. Decent match once they removed Otunga from the equation. We'll see if the outcome has any bearing on the elimination. Wins and losses haven't really mattered thus far, so why should it start to matter now?

And the worst kept secret...Wade Barrett wins the first NXT competition. Otunga was 2nd but deserved to be 6th and Gabriel 3rd which is about right.

The complete list of NXT Pros and Rookies pairings for Season Two beginning next week is as follows:

NXT Rookie - WWE Pro

-- Alex Riley mentored by The Miz.

-- Husky Harris mentored by Cody Rhodes. Harris is Duke Rotunda in FCW, the son of "I.R.S." Mike Rotunda.

-- Eli Cottonwood mentored by John Morrison.

-- Percy Watson mentored by MVP. Watson and Season One NXT Rookie Darren Young were the "South Beach Boys" in FCW.

-- Titus O'Neil mentored by Zack Ryder.

-- Kaval (Low-Ki) mentored by Women's champion(s) Layla and Michelle McCool.

-- Lucky Cannon (Johnny Prime) mentored by Mark Henry.

-- Michael McGillicutty mentored by Kofi Kingston. McGillicutty is Joe Hennig, the son of Mr. Perfect Curt Hennig.