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

[Arcademan]

WWE RAW Results: 1-24-11

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

1 -- EDGE vs. JACK SWAGGER vs. DREW MCINTYRE vs. TYSON KIDD -- Over-the-top rope match

Jack Swagger stormed the ring, followed by Drew McIntyre, then Tyson Kidd. Edge fought them all off, then tossed Kidd over the top rope. McIntyre then blasted Edge with a boot to the head. Mac proceeded to drape Edge over the top rope, but Swagger jumped Mac from behind. Edge then tossed Swagger over the top rope. It was Mac and Edge left in the ring. Mac tried the Future Shock, but Edge dumped him over the top rope. So, none of the three gets the #40 slot.

WINNER: Edge at 1:07.

2 -- JOHN MORRISON & MARK HENRY vs. KING SHEAMUS & ALBERTO DEL RIO

Cole made light of Jerry Lawler's Royal Rumble history and excitedly said WrestleMania Season begins at the Rumble. It should have begun weeks ago. Sheamus and Del Rio isolated Morrison early on. Morrison then flipped the tables and the heels retreated on the outside as they cut to break.

Back from break, the heels were working over Morrison as Cole talked up Del Rio's recent mean streak. Suddenly, they cut to a shot of Michael Tarver watching the match on a backstage monitor. Cole and Lawler said he was lurking around all day before the show. Ol' Tarver was at the scene of Teddy Long's attack on Smackdown. Maybe something, maybe nothing. Back in the ring, Morrison tried to fight back against Sheamus, who cut him off and continued to wear down Morrison. In the big "turning point" spot of the match, Sheamus missed with a Brogue Kick and Morrison slingshot him across the top rope.

Morrison tagged in Henry, who quickly went to work on Del Rio. Henry fired up the crowd, then made a cover, but Sheamus broke it up. Henry slowly stood up to ask Sheamus if he really just did that. Henry then pounded on Sheamus, clotheslined Del Rio, and turned around to take the Brogue Kick square in the face. Morrison dropped Sheamus to the outside, though, then nailed a corkscrew splash ringside. Morrison instantly sold his left knee. Back in the ring, Del Rio suddenly dropped Henry to the mat with the cross armbreaker and Henry furiously tapped out to sell the submission move. Del Rio celebrated and was proclaimed the winner to a strong heel reaction. They went to a replay of Morrison selling his knee injury before the finish.

WINNERS: Del Rio & Sheamus via submission at 10:05. Good tag match designed to each of the four men's chances of winning the Rumble match on Sunday. The slow first eight minutes paid off in the end after they built to a nice two-minute finish that the crowd was hot for. (**)

3 -- Divas champion NATALYA vs. MELINA -- Divas Title match

The match quickly moved to the outside where Melina gained control. In the ring, Melina applied a unique submission trying to stretch Natalya. Melina then tried to a kick to the mid-section, but Natalya grabbed Melina's foot and fluidly transitioned into the Sharpshooter. Natalya even leaned back on the Sharpshooter to where her shoulders were nearly on the mat, and Melina tapped out.

WINNER: Natalya via submission at 2:47. Good match. It could have meant more if given more time, but they put together a nice match for only three minutes. (*)

4 -- World Hvt. champion EDGE vs. WWE champion THE MIZ (w/Alex Riley) -- non-title match

Everyone was so concerned about Teddy Long's condition that no one brought it up. It's like the Paul Bearer murder angle where WWE struggles to maintain a consistent tone when they run an angle beyond the scope of a wrestling show. After burying the lead, Cole finally mentioned they will have an update on Long later in the show. In the ring, Edge and Miz started off with a feeling-out process as Ziggler and Vickie shared sweet words with each other. They sounded like NPR radio hosts ripe for an SNL parody. For the first move of the match, Edge knocked Miz to the outside and they cut to break three minutes in.

Back from break, Miz and Edge traded control as Lawler went through more insults aimed at Vickie. Ziggler seems too nice to be a top heel. Cole called it confidence from Ziggler. Lawler continued to run through his jokes as they cut away from the ring to a shot of the announcers. Edge set up for the Spear at 7:00, but Miz ducked to the outside. Edge sold his ribs, but whipped Miz hard into the guardrail.

Back in the ring, Miz cut off Edge up top. He wanted a superplex, but Edge head butted him down to the mat. Edge then came off the top with a cross-body block for a nearfall. Edge then clutched his ribs and Ziggler noted that might have taken more out of Edge than Miz and criticized him for a poor decision. Ziggler said he wants to beat the champion at 100 percent. Edge then missed with a corner splash and Miz dropped Edge across the top rope to continue focusing on the ribs. Miz slowly looked around the arena, which signaled another break was coming. It's a rare three-segment match, but they were only 9:40 in when they headed to the next break.

Back from break at 12:50, Miz was pounding away on Edge as Ziggler talked about his match strategy against Edge at the Rumble. Ziggler continued to get over the idea that he will fairly approach Edge in their sporting event contest at the pay-per-view event on Sunday. Cole randomly referenced Lou Thesz, Bruno Sammartino, and Shawn Michaels, then explained he was endorsing Miz in that category. Ziggler and Vickie agreed with Lawler that they don't see it with Miz. Ziggler said it's time for a change with him as champ and Edge out of the way.

Miz measured Edge for a corner clothesline, but Edge moved and rolled up Miz for a close two count. Riley then tried to grab Edge's foot from the outside, which drew Edge to the outside. Edge stared down Riley, then returned to the ring, where Miz tried a small package roll-up for a nearfall. Edge then bumped Riley off the ring apron, kicked Miz in the gut, and landed a DDT center ring. The crowd started chanting, "Spear, Spear," as Edge backed up to a neutral corner. He wanted the Spear, but "fair play" Ziggler grabbed Edge from behind for a DQ.

WINNER: Edge via DQ at 16:40. A lot to review from this sequence. The commentary was a bit of a distraction at times and shifted the focus away from the match. It seemed like the audience only saw three minutes of action in the near-17-minute. Before the post-match, Orton almost seemed like a lost player in WWE land until his big spot on the show dropping heels with signature moves. The crowd being red-hot for Orton helped sell Orton vs. Miz more than anything WWE has really done thus far. (**)

5 -- U.S. champion DANIEL BRYAN & BELLAS (NIKKI & BRIE) vs. TED DIBIASE & MARYSE & ALICIA FOX

Bryan and DiBiase started things off with some basic offense. Maryse had enough of DiBiase's inability to defeat Bryan...after 20 seconds, so she tagged herself in, much to DiBiase's chagrin. That also meant one of the Bellas had to enter the ring. While Maryse and Brie battled, Nikki tried to work on DiBiase on the ring apron. Brie took exception to Nikki's tactics, then Maryse rolled her up from behind. Post-match: More drama with the Bellas arguing amongst themselves and Bryan trying to calm them down. On the other side, Maryse high-fived Michael Cole, then tried to show off in front of an upset DiBiase.

WINNERS: Maryse & Fox & DiBiase at 0:59. Oh, the humanity. (n/a)

6 -- WWE tag champion SANTINO (w/Tamina) vs. NEW NEXUS (HUSKY HARRIS w/ Michael McGillicutty, Mason Ryan, and David Otunga) -- non-title match

Lawler absolutely cut a promo on Cole, calling him a liar about the Tag Title false announcement and having his head so far up Miz's back side that he's lost sight of the show. They seem to be building to that inevitable Cole vs. Lawler match. Santino was sporting some new blue basketball shoes, which seemed somewhat silly.

Harris took apart Santino with power offense, building to Santino making a comeback without a hot tag. He teased the Cobra, but Mike threw off Santino, allowing Harris to drop Santino with a clothesline. He followed with an inverted facebuster for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Harris at 3:50. Random match that was clearly presented as filler. Cole's Tag Title announcement threw off the entire exchange for the TV audience. (3/4*)

7 -- WADE BARRETT (w/The Corre) vs. C.M. PUNK (w/New Nexus) -- John Cena special referee -- Loser's team out of the Rumble

Cena finally called for the bell and opened the match by punking both men, trying to draw a DQ from one or the other. Cena then dumped Punk over the top rope, which would have been good for a Rumble elimination. Cole noted that as well. Punk ran back in the ring with a clenched fist, but did not strike Cena. Punk had a pin on Barrett, but Cena suddenly left the ring and started signing autographs for fans on the front row. Cena "realized" there was something going on in the ring and returned to the ring to "apologize" to Barrett, who was now in control.

After a double knockdown, Cena suddenly called for the bell. He DQ'ed both wrestlers for "excessive use of profanity," claiming it's a PG show. (Instead of doing the PG excuse, an easier one would have been they failed to answer a ten count he made up in his head, which would have avoided the inevitable and unproductive PG reminder.) He then told Roberts that both Corre and Nexus are out of the Rumble. Roberts made the official announcement, the crowd popped, and viewers were given a brief and scary pause trying to think of how WWE would fill nine fewer slots than the current 26 slots (25 heading into Raw + Mason Ryan) for the 40-man Rumble.

WINNER: Double DQ at 2:01.

[Arcademan]

WWE NXT Results: 1-25-11

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

The following are news and notes from the Tuesday, January 25 episode of WWE NXT Season 4.

-- Brodus Clay has switched Pros to Alberto Del Rio, leaving Ted DiBiase without a Rookie on the current season.

The main event saw Clay defeat Johnny Curtis, Byron Saxton, and Derrick Bateman in a four-way elimination match. The winner received the option to switch Pros, which led to Clay dropping DiBiase in exchange for Del Rio. Del Rio's Rookie, Conor O'Brian, was cut from NXT on last week's episode.

-- The other match on the show was Ted DiBiase defeating U.S. champion Daniel Bryan in a non-title match. The match was given nearly 13 minutes and featured several believable nearfalls before DiBiase won with Dream Street.

-- The "Immunity Standings" were reset after last week's elimination, but no Rookies picked up points this week. The lone Rookie Challenge on the show was "Out-think the Fink" - a trivia contest.

Howard Finkel made a cameo appearance to set the bar for the contest. Fink answered two trivia questions, and none of the Rookies answered more than one question correctly. Therefore, all four lost the contest.

-- WWE did not announce when the next elimination will occur. Also not revealed yet on Season 4 is the length of the season.

[Arcademan]

ROH on HDNet Results: 1-24-11

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

1. The Bravado Brothers defeated Adam Cole and Kyle O'Reilly at 8:53. Cole and Lance started. Cole hit an arm drag and tagged in O'Reilly. Cole tagged back in quickly and ate a dropkick when Harlem tagged in. Cole came right back and he and O'Reilly continued to work in and out quickly on Harlem.

Cole went to the second rope and Harlem pulled him down to take control. The Bravados worked in and out quickly. Cole reversed a whip to the corner into a heel kick and made the hot tag to O'Reilly. He hit a missile dropkick on both Bravados and then two butterfly suplexes into a DDT for a near fall.

The Bravados snuck back in and hit a kick into a german suplex for a two. Cole and O'Reilly hit a superkick into a discuss clothesline for two. Cole and O'Reilly setup for their finisher, but the Bravados broke it up and scored a surprise rollup for the win…The announce team hyped the main event and Homicide confronting Jim Cornette next…[C]

Shore's Slant: We saw this match in Charlotte and it was my buddy's favorite. I think you saw why here. Both of these teams will certainly be on the Dot Net awards voting for next year. I love both groups, but I think the Bravados might be the better team right now.

2. Homicide defeated Ryan Bishop at 3:30. Homicide attacked quickly and spent most of the match in control. He even bit Bishop's ear at one point. Homicide won with the Ace Crusher…

3. The World's Greatest Tag Team defeated The All Night Express in 13:00. Kenny King and Shelton Benjamin started. They mat wrestled and King got the best at first. They ran the ropes and King did a leap frog and posed. Benjamin stopped and slapped King and tagged in Haas.

Haas slammed King's arm into the turnbuckle to work it, but King drove him back to the corner and tagged Titus. Titus hit a kick, but Haas grabbed the next one and scored a leg whip. Benjamin tagged back in and continued to work the leg, but King hit a cheap shot and the ANX took control.

King jumped over the top rope and hooked Benjamin's arm on the rope. He and Titus worked in and out on Benjamin's arm. Benjamin hit a kick out of nowhere and tagged Haas/ King didn't tag and Haas attacked. He ended taking out both men and sending Titus to the floor.

All four men ended up in the ring and Benjamin and King took each other out to the floor. The Kings of Wrestling ran out and slammed King into a camera man before fleeing to the back. In the ring, Haas hit a flapjack onto the ropes on Titus and then held him for Benjamin to do the splash across the back on the ropes. Haas hit a bridging German suplex for the win…

Shore's Slant: I apparently had too much good over the weekend because I was unable to see most of the last four minutes of tha match due to technical difficulty. Nevertheless, what I saw was as good as I expected. I would much rather see this on PPV or a house show where they would get great time, but 13 minutes ain't bad.

[Arcademan]

WWE Superstars Results: 1-27-11

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

1 -- TYLER REKS vs. TRENT BARRETA

Barreta went on offense first by throwing Reks in the corner. Reks then landed several big bodyblocks and Trent fought back with several slaps to the face. Reks with a huge knee after an Irish Whip, followed by a reverse powerslam. Reks then went to work on Barreta's chest with several huge knees for a two count. Reks then attempted another knee to Barreta's face, but he missed badly. Barreta tried to fight back with several kicks of his own. Barreta then landed a sweeping clothesline for a two count. Another knee by Barreta for another two count. Barreta went to the top rope, but Reks knocked him off. Reks picked up Barreta and hit the Burning Hammer for the win.

WINNER: Reks in 6:00. This was your basic squash match with Reks dominating most of the match with the exception of one offensive flurry by Barreta. Typical Superstars match. Also, it looks that will put a temporary end to Barreta's mini-push.

2 -- PRIMO & ZACK RYDER vs. YOSHI TATSU & DAVID HART SMITH

Smith and Ryder start. Smith on offense first with an armdrag. He then applied a side headlock, but Ryder fought out. Another armdrag by Smith. Smith then went to work on Ryder's arm. Tag to Tatsu and Ryder kneed Tatsu in the gut before tagging in Primo. Tatsu then landed several Japanese arm drags. Tag to Smith. Double kick to Primo's gut. Huge belly-to-belly suplex by Smith, which was good for a two count. Tag to Yoshi, who went to work on Primo's arm. Tag to Smith, who executed a vertical suplex for a two count. Primo then left the ring, and upon his attempted return, Smith kicked him as they cut to commercial.

Back from commercial at 6:55, Primo had Smith in a headlock. Primo and Ryder worked over Smith, who countered a roll-up for a two count. Ryder then applied a headlock that Smith fought out of with several punches to the gut. Tag to Primo, who landed a flying headbutt. Tag to Ryder, who started kicking Smith in the head. Smith then made a comeback with a back suplex. Double tags. Yoshi landed several chops to Primo's chest followed by a dropkick. Huge knee to the face by Yoshi for a two count. Yoshi went to the top rope and landed a big spinning heel kick for a two count. After some interference by Smith and Ryder, Primo then landed the backstabber out of nowhere on Tatsu for the 1-2-3.

WINNERS: Ryder & Primo in 11:30. I feel like I have seen some variation of this tag match for the last four weeks. Please, WWE, give me something different to cover next week. The crowd is crazy for Tatsu, but they still never really got into the match.

3 -- R-TRUTH vs. TYSON KIDD

R-Truth started the match with some dancing while Kidd looked on. Big "Truth" chant. Kidd on offense first with an armdrag. He then slapped on a headlock. Truth fought out with an Irish Whip followed by a Kidd bodyblock. Irish Whip by Kidd followed by a Truth body block. Kick to the gut by Kidd followed by an elbow to Truth's neck. Kidd then threw Truth in the corner, but his offense was reversed by Truth. Big hip toss by Truth. The wrestlers then clotheslined each other out of the ring as they cut to commercial.

Back from commercial at 8:06, Kidd had Truth in a headlock. Truth eventually fought out after quite some time. Elbow to the groin area by Kidd, which was good for a one count. Huge kick to Truth's face. Elbow to Truth's head followed by another kick. Kidd then slapped on another headlock. Truth fought out with punches to Kidd's gut followed by a belly-to-belly suplex by Truth. Both men got back up, clotheslines by Truth followed by one of Truth's signature maneuvers for a two count. Kidd with a spinning heel kick, followed by a dropkick for a two count. Kidd tried to apply the Sharpshooter, but he failed. Kidd with a failed roll-up, then Truth hit the What's Up reverse STO for the victory.

WINNER: R-Truth in 12:30. Finally, someone new on Supetstars. Is it really that difficult to present one new Superstar each week, or at least every other week? I remember a few months ago when there would be matches involving Kofi Kingston, The Miz, Chris Jericho, or Goldust. Now, it seems like the same wrestlers in the same tag matches every week on Superstars. That's one aspect of the show that's frustrating.

[Arcademan]

TNA Impact! Results: 1-27-11

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

1 -- SARITA & TARA & Knockouts champion MADISON RAYNE vs. MICKIE JAMES & ANGELINA LOVE & VELVET SKY -- six-Knockouts elimination tag match

Referee Jackson James has this assignment. The first portion of the match built toward a hot tag for Mickie to get her hands on Rayne, but Rayne scampered to the heel corner to escape Mickie's grasp. A graphic came on the screen advertising TNA champ Mr. Anderson vs. Jeff Hardy next week. The action completely broke down, then Sarita rolled up Velvet for the first elimination. Mickie then pinned Madison after another brawl. Suddenly, Sarita rolled up Mickie for the next elimination. Angelina was the last babyface left. They cut to break with Angelina against Sarita.

Back from break, Angelina tried to fight against the two-on-one odds. Eventually, she avoided a double-team attempt and scored a desperation pin on Tara. It was down to Angelina vs. Sarita, who attempted a quick roll-up, but Angelina rolled through into a roll-up for the win.

WINNER: Angelina in 10:00.

2 -- CHRIS SABIN vs. AMAZING RED vs. MAX BUCK (w/Jeremy Buck)

The match started with a bunch of rapid-fire moves and attempted pin attempts by each participant in the match. Sabin found himself on the outside as the other two men battled in the ring. Red wanted a top-rope move, but Jeremy crotched him from the outside. Max then hit a DDT on Red to score the win.

WINNER: Max Buck in 5:00. One-half of the X Title match is set with Kazarian vs. Max Buck vs. vs. . Too many rapid-fire moves that meant nothing at the end continuing to reinforce the idea that the X Division is an opening-match act. (*)

3 -- TNA World Hvt. champion MR. ANDERSON vs. MATT HARDY -- non-title match

Hardy targeted Anderson's left arm early in the match while the announcers talked about Carter having the legal ruling next week. Ref Hebner then interjected himself into the match as Hardy continued to work over Anderson, who was making Hardy look good here selling Hardy's offense. Anderson then made a comeback using his one good arm.

Anderson attempted a move from the fireman's carry position, but Hardy countered with a fireman's carry toss. He then started doing his little dance for the Twist of Fate, but Anderson countered into a forward roll for a nearfall. Anderson wanted the mic check, but Hardy blocked and hit the side effect for a nearfall that Anderson turned into a crucifix pin for the win.

WINNER: Anderson at 4:06. It will be difficult for Hardy to turn back the clock to 1999, so he just needs to embrace his inner Kevin Steen and become a brawler-type wrestler. It would make him a more effective heel. (*)

Post-match: Jeff Hardy ran down the ramp and attacked Anderson from behind. Jeff rolled Anderson into the ring and the Hardys put a beat down on Anderson. Suddenly, a man in jean shorts and a t-shirt came running into the ring. It was Rob Van Dam. The Hardys quickly bailed, including Jeff doing sort of a somersault dive over the guardrail onto the floor. Matt left the ring clutching his braids.

4-- IMMORTAL (JEFF JARRETT & BEER MONEY & KAZARIAN & ROB TERRY & GUNNER & MURPHY w/Ric Flair, A.J. Styles, and Karen Angle) vs. KURT ANGLE & CRIMSON -- handicap match

The bell sounded and Roode stomped and kicked away on Crimson. Crimson gained control, then tagged in Angle, who put the boots to Roode. Kazarian tagged in and Angle worked him over before James Storm tagged in and Angle worked him over. Suddenly, Storm dropped Angle with a backstabber to cut off Angle. The ref was bumped when Storm missed with a superkick, then the action completely broke down. The crowd was quiet as the heels stomped away on Angle. Suddenly, Jeff Jarrett's music hit. Jarrett, with Karen, slowly made his way to the ring. Karen sold being nervous about these proceedings. Jarrett measured Angle for a cheap shot, but Angle ducked a landed a German suplex. Immortal then jumped Angle again and pounded on him.

Jarrett nailed The Stroke on Angle. Jarrett then called for a new referee to enter the ring. Jackson James was Johnny on the spot as the replacement referee and he counted a quick three count for Jarrett on Angle. Tenay called it "bulls---." Taz said perhaps Angle's back-up got stuck in traffic.

WINNERS: Team Immortal at 4:24.

Post-match: Immortal continued to pound on Angle after the match. Suddenly, Matt Morgan's music hit and Morgan stormed the ring in street clothes. Morgan landed some punches before the numbers game caught up to Morgan. They couldn't get Morgan off his feet for a few moments before finally getting him down on the mat.

Suddenly, the lights went off and the familiar siren played in the Impact Zone. Scott Steiner was in the ring sporting the classic Main Event Mafia garb. "Holy s---, it's Scott Steiner," Taz said. Steiner pointed his weapon toward Immortal before making threats to kick all of their asses. Angle and Morgan recovered in the ring while Steiner told all of them they're dead. The show signed off with Angle smiling toward Steiner, who pointed his pipe toward Angle out of respect

[Arcademan]

WWE Superstars Results: 1-28-11

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

1 – LAYCOOL vs. KELLY KELLY & KAITLYN

The match began after Kaitlyn hit a double-clothesline in the ring. Bodyslam on McCool, then Layla tried to interfere. When Kaitlyn turned around, she was met with an awesome boot to the face by McCool, who got the pin. Didn’t McCool nail Kaitlyn with a similarly awesome boot to the face in NXT Season 3?

WINNERS: LayCool, at :40. Just a quick win for LayCool to get them over as a threat to the Divas Title on Sunday. They’ve been losing a lot lately, so even though it’s two-on-one, getting them a win before the PPV was smart.

2 – DREW MCINTYRE vs. JTG

JTG fired away with rights, then dropkicked McIntyre to ringside. McIntyre pulled JTG outside and decked him right in front of Kelly. He then pounded JTG’s head into the ring steps. Couple swinging neckbreakers back in the ring. “Who knows what’s going through Kelly Kelly’s head, if anything,” quipped Cole. How did the announcers no-sell that? McIntyre angrily put his hands through his hair as if he were entering another zone. Dropkick by McIntyre for only a one-count. JTG built some momentum and hooked in a crucifix roll-up for a near-fall. That was all the offense he could get during that exchange. McIntyre locked JTG in a rest-hold, while the crowd chanted “JTG.” Backslide by the former Cryme Tyme member for two. Another backslide, but McIntyre rolled through, hands locked, for the Future Shock DDT and the win. Nice counter.

WINNER: McIntyre, at 4:37. Give McIntyre credit for helping make undercard guys like Trent Barreta and JTG look good.

3 – ROYAL RUMBLE EXHIBITION

Seth Allen was the first one out there to face Del Rio. He lasted just under 30 seconds. Mike Stevens followed Allen, while the announcers made fun of Striker for knowing anything about these guys. Even the 30 second interval is gimmicked. As he tossed Stevens, Kane came out. This was clearly not in Del Rio’s plans. Uppercut by Kane, who then missed a corner charge. Enziguiri by Del Rio, but he ran into a chokeslam. And as Kane had Del Rio in a choke, Kofi Kingston came out. He eliminated both men at the same time, at about 2:45. Del Rio and Kane stalked Kingston and were prepared to take him out until Rey Mysterio charged the ring. The four men faced off but didn’t touch before Vickie Guerrero came out. She made a tag match between the four, which starts next.

WINNER: No Contest, at about 3:45 (no bells). Not a terrible way to showcase the Rumble, and the non-finish doesn’t bother me given that it was an “exhibition” done to get heat on Del Rio and really meant nothing.

4 – ALBERTO DEL RIO & KANE vs. KOFI KINGSTON & REY MYSTERIO

Like the opening tag on Raw this past week, this match seems like it’ll be used as a backdrop for Royal Rumble talk, as well as to discuss each participant’s chances in said match. Striker made a SyFy tie-in, with Merlin airing next, saying someone will need some sorcery to eliminate Kane on Sunday. Cover on Del Rio for two nearly two minutes into the match by Rey. Mysterio did his usual nice job of avoiding Kane, but he dodged a 619 attempt by fleeing the ring. Kane got kicked anyway, then the two heels discussed things on the outside, allowing the faces to take advantage. Kingston flew through the ropes onto Del Rio, while Rey jumped onto Kane with a seated senton. Back in the ring, Kofi went to the top, but Del Rio pushed him off as the ref’s attention was elsewhere. At 4:10, Del Rio tagged in to continue working over Kingston. Sidewalk slam by Kane for two. The heels made frequent tags in order to keep Kingston at bay. Kingston attempted to fight out of the heel corner, and finally made the tag without the two or three teases we’re used to seeing. Mysterio took out Del Rio and made a pin on Kane for two. At 7:50, Mysterio tried a springboard move, but Kane booted him while in mid-air, sending Rey to ringside. They went to break at that point.

Back at nearly the 10:30 mark, with Del Rio elbowing Mysterio down to the mat. Sunset flip by Del Rio, but Rey rolled through and kicked Del Rio in the chops. You’d think wrestlers would stop trying that move on Rey. Gut-buster by Del Rio, as Rey couldn’t recover in time to make a tag. Kane had Rey on his shoulder for a powerslam, but Rey tilt-a-whirled things into a DDT. Both men managed to make tags, with Kofi flying off the top with a cross-body on Del Rio. He was halted though by a back-breaker for two. Del Rio went for the tag, but Kingston had knocked Kane off the apron in Kingston’s flurry. Del Rio argued, allowing Kingston to get the upper hand. Kane broke up the pin, but Del Rio got in Kane’s face. Kane then booted Del Rio in the kisser. He then walked out on his tag team partner. Kingston held Rey while Rey kicked Del Rio in position for the 619. That move connected, as did the Trouble in Paradise for the victory.

WINNERS: Kingston and Mysterio, at 15:38. Slightly above-average, formula WWE tag match. Del Rio taking the pinfall loss here could signal big things for him at the Rumble Sunday. Liked Kane walking out on Del Rio: It fit his character and set up the “every man for himself” aspect of the Rumble.

5 – THE BIG SHOW vs. HEATH SLATER

Slater wasn’t very successful early on, but he went low on Show and took him to one knee. That’s all he could get, as Show clothesline Slater from one knee, then gave him a huge back-body drop. Running shoulder tackle by Show, followed by a chokeslam.

WINNER: Show, at 1:17.

The rest of Corre attacked after the match, with Zeke Jackson being the one to take Show down. Other superstars, including R-Truth, Chris Masters, Santino Marella, Daniel Bryan, and Vladimir Kozlov helped fend off the Corre. Strangely, most of the are Raw guys.

6 – THE MIZ & DOLPH ZIGGLER vs. RANDY ORTON & EDGE

Orton exploded out of the corner with a clothesline on Ziggler. He followed up with a Thesz Press. Edge came off the top with a clothesline on Ziggler after making a tag. Ziggler gained control of Edge, then tagged Miz. Alex Riley decked Edge with a cheap shot as Miz distracted the ref. Edge fired back with a big boot. Orton tagged in and gave Miz a scoop slam. He set up for the RKO by pounding the mat, but they went to break about 3:40 into the match.

Mathews apologized for the abrupt break, which Cole blamed on technical difficulties. Ziggler pulled Orton out of the ring during the break before Orton could land his RKO. Miz worked over Orton with a chinlock, then fed a knee-lift right to Orton’s mid-section. Back-breaker, neck-breaker combo from Miz for a near-fall. Miz went for a corner clothesline, but Orton gave him that move instead. With both men down, Miz made the tag first, but Orton tagged Edge soon after. Edge was a house afire, even knocking Miz off the apron. He lined up for the Spear, then had to knock Riley off the apron. Edge-O-Matic on Ziggler for two. Miz broke up the pin, but Orton took him out, and clotheslined Riley for good measure. Back in the ring, Edge shrugged off a sleeper attempt by Ziggler, speared him, and picked up the win.

WINNERS: Edge and Orton, at 11:24. Curious finish. Wondering what it could mean for the finish of Edge vs. Ziggler on Sunday.

Vickie Guerrero got the mic after the match and said that, in the best interest of Smackdown, the Spear will be banned. Didn’t she do this with the Undertaker’s Hell’s Gate finisher too? Anyway, if Edge uses the move and gets DQ’d this Sunday, he loses his championship. Edge took the news in stride and agreed with Vickie’s decision…just kidding, he speared Ziggler off the apron and again at ringside. Guerrero yelled at Edge as she stood in front of Ziggler. Edge ran at Vickie, who moved, and Edge again speared Ziggler. He better show up to the Rumble on Sunday with taped ribs or something to sell this beating. Edge raised his arms as he posed with the title in the ring.

[Arcademan]

WWE RAW Results: 1-31-11

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

1 -- WWE tag champions SANTINO & KOZLOV (w/Tamina) vs. NEW NEXUS (HUSKY HARRIS & MICHAEL MCGILLICUTTY) -- WWE Tag Title match

Cole and Lawler discussed Punk and Nexus helping Miz retain the WWE Title over Randy Orton at the Rumble. Cole said he spoke with Miz, who claimed he knew nothing - nothing! - about Nexus's interference ahead of time. Cole heeled on Santino remaining on the floor during the Rumble match, then sneaking in at the end of the match to almost eliminate Del Rio for the win. A graphic came across the screen advertising the world premiere trailer for Triple H's "The Chaperone" movie. Basic back-and-forth action early on. Husky then used his girth to knock around Santino. The heels tagged in and out working over Santino before eventually just knocking Santino to the outside. Tamina checked on him as they cut to break.

Back from break, McGillicutty scored a two count on Santino as Tamina sold concern ringside. Santino tried making a hot tag, but Miek cut him off. Kozlov then popped Mike from the ring apron and dual tags were made. Kozlov and Harris are legal. Kozlov with a boot to the face, then multiple head butts into a chest press for a two count. Santino then blind-tagged into the match and dumped Mike over the top rope. Santino then warmed up the Cobra for Husky, who took the strike. There must be a reason why they had big ol' Husky sell for that. Santino with the cover for the win.

WINNERS: Santino & Kozlov at 8:10 to retain the WWE Tag Titles. (*1/4)

2 -- U.S. champion DANIEL BRYAN (w/Gail Kim) vs. TYSON KIDD -- non-title match

The The Bellas were on commentary for the match heeling on Bryan. They explained the bet was like "Cruel Intentions" trying to be Bryan's first. After some basic action that the announcers didn't focus on, Bryan applied the LeBell Lock for a quick submission victory. Bryan and Gail hugged in the ring as the Bellas said it looks like true affection "for two losers." Gail planted a kiss on Bryan, then the Bellas entered the ring. Gail shoved one of them down, then another catfight broke out. Bryan tried to separate them before refs stormed the ring. Gail and one of the Bellas could not be separated. Bryan eventually separated Gail from Bella #1 to conclude the segment.

WINNER: Bryan via submission at 1:45. Too short to amount to much. Bryan just has to survive this phase of his WWE "indoctrination" until WWE gives him something to sink his teeth into. (n/a)

3 -- WWE champion THE MIZ (w/Alex Riley) vs. World Hvt. champion EDGE -- non-title match

The bell sounded right at the top of the hour to begin the re-match from last week's Raw. They replayed what happened earlier tonight when Del Rio popped the guitar across Edge's left arm. Edge took control of the match, though, and wasn't showing any ill-effects of the arm-breaker.

Riley then pulled Miz out of the ring to avoid Edge's offensive attack. Miz proceeded to yank Edge's arm over the top rope before ramming him into the ring steps. Cole also provided a medical update on Harris, saying he is undergoing tests backstage after taking the Punt from Orton. Back in the ring, Miz worked over Edge's left arm before Riley landed a cheap shot behind the ref's back. Edge came back with a heel kick to the face, but Miz yanked Edge by the arm to the mat. Miz applied a submission hold, yes, Miz with a submission, wrenching back on Edge's shoulder trying to force a submission. Edge cried out in agony, then escaped, and they had a double knock down.

Edge and Miz beat a ten count and reached their feet simultaneously. Edge dropped Miz with a facejam, then scored a nearfall. Cole and Lawler continued to trade jabs and Toby Keith song references as Edge scored another nearfall on Miz, who fired back with a quick boot to the head for a nearfall. Nice exchange. Miz and Edge, not Cole and Lawler. Miz then went up top for an axehandle, but Edge caught him with a boot to the gut. Edge then measured Miz for the Spear as Riley warned him. Miz side-stepped Edge and Edge ate the turnbuckles.

Suddenly, John Cena's voice interrupted from somewhere in the arena. Cena was up in the skyboxes announcing a party up in here. Cena led the crowd in a coordinated "Miz is Awful" chant. Miz, distracted, then turned around to take a Spear from Edge. It's only illegal on Smackdown. Edge made the cover to score the win on Miz.

WINNER: Edge at 8:54. Pretty good back-and-forth before the "sports entertainment" finish with Cena distracting Miz. The announcing was a distraction, as usual. If WWE can blow off the Cole vs. Lawler deal at Mania (or in the next segment), everyone would benefit. (*3/4)

4 -- Divas champion EVE & NATALYA vs. LAY-COOL (LAYLA & MICHELLE MCCOOL)

McCool wanted no part of Natalya, so she tagged in Layla, who suddenly dropped to the mat and covered herself. Layla then ran over to McCool looking for shelter from big bad Natalya. Eve eventually tagged in and Lay-Cool ran interference. Layla then executed a sort of flip-over jawbreaker from the second rope. She covered Eve for the win. Layla and McCool celebrated, then ran away when Natalya re-entered the ring to check on Eve.

WINNERS: Layla & McCool at 2:42. Not exactly a ringing endorsement of the Divas division for Eve to come out of obscurity to become new champion last night, then taking a loss at the hands of cowardly Layla tonight. Looking for a positive development here, they reinforced Natalya as an intimidating figure.

Continued in next post...

[Arcademan]

5 -- RAW RUMBLE MATCH

The bell sounded and Morrison and Sheamus picked up their feud. Morrison landed ten punches to the forehead as the countdown clock brought in John Cena as #3. Sheamus waited for Cena, who took his time entering the Rumble after playing to the crowd. Cena landed right hands on Sheamus before executing his trademark offense. Cena and Morrison then squared off and Morrison countered the Attitude Adjustment into a kick strike. The countdown clock wound down again to bring in C.M. Punk as #4. Cole noted Punk lasted longer than anyone else in the Rumble. Punk instantly cleaned house, but no eliminations. Mathews noted Punk will have to do this on his own rather than using New Nexus for back-up. No eliminations, but Sheamus had a handful of Cena's crotch in a close-up shot.

Out as #5 was R-Truth. Truth danced to the ring and ran over Cena for his first target. Truth then tried to eliminate Morrison, who skinned the cat back into the ring. Morrison then tried to eliminate Truth, but they both skinned the can back into the ring. Well, except for Truth, who had trouble skinning the cat and threw himself back through the middle rope. Not quite Kozlov quality. Punk then dropped Cena with a DDT as they reached #6, Jerry Lawler. Cole sighed as Lawler jogged to the ring. Punk wanted Lawler, who landed right hands on everyone. "Jerry, Jerry" chant as he cleaned house. He nearly eliminated Punk, but Sheamus made the save. Sheamus then tried to dump out Lawler as Cole cat-called from the announce table. Lawler held on for dear life.

No eliminations, then Randy Orton came out as #7 to get everyone in the mix. Before Orton entered, though, Punk slid under the ropes to hide under the ring. Orton went looking for Punk under the ring and proceeded to drag Punk out from under the ring. Orton unloaded with right hand blows, then Punk slid back into the ring. Orton followed in and they continued their battle. Orton then clotheslined Punk over the top rope at 8:52 for the first elimination. Truth suddenly clotheslined Orton over the top rope at 8:55. Orton stood up and shot Truth a look. Truth, channeling Aaron Rodgers, just did the belt-around-the-waist motion to tell Orton what it's all about. Hot exchange leading to commercial.

Back from break, the five remaining wrestlers were still in the match. Sheamus was working on Cena in one corner. Lawler and Morrison were working on Truth in another corner. Cena did a Cena Comeback on Sheamus, including the Five Knuckle Shuffle. He then stacked up Morrison and Truth in the corner for a double splash. He went for a double AA and dumped Truth over the top rope, but Morrison held on. Truth out at 13:12. Cena sold a back injury as Morrison and Cena battled on the ring apron. Cena teetered. Morrison with a kick to the back. Sheamus tried to eliminate both of them, but they ducked and Sheamus found himself on the ring apron. The crowd chanted for Jerry to eliminate all three, but Sheamus re-entered the ring and kicked Cena in the head. The action reset at the top of the hour as Morrison and Sheamus battled. Morrison found himself hung up in the ropes, but he saved himself, then tried to eliminate Sheamus, but Sheamus landed a catapult shoulder tackle on Morrison. Cena suddenly slapped on the STF on Sheamus, who tapped out. Morrison then grazed Cena with Starship Pain going for a big move that didn't quite work out. Suddenly, Lawler tried to dump Morrison, but Morrison caught his feet on the ropes again to save himself. Morrison then caught Cena with the flash kick. More back-and-forth action. Sheamus tried to dump Morrison again. Finally, a Brogue Kick eliminated Morrison at 16:48.

So, it's Cena, Lawler, and Sheamus. Lawler tried to eliminate Cena, but Cena held on to the top rope. Sheamus then rocked Lawler and tried to eliminate Cena, who held on to the top rope. Sheamus then bumped Lawler into Cena and Cena was gone. Lawler sold disbelief he eliminated Cena. Sheamus then tried to tackle Lawler, but Cena helped pull down the top rope and Sheamus was eliminated. Lawler is the winner. "This is a travesty!" Cole shouted.

WINNER: Lawler at 18:18 to earn a WWE Title shot vs. Miz at the Chamber. Excellent "Rumble" match. It had the "Final Four" elements that were completely missing from the end of last night's Rumble match and really delivered some compelling drama. Lawler's quest was elevated, Morrison was elevated, and WWE delivered just enough of a taste of Orton vs. Punk without giving away the whole thing. Great booking and good use of the "in-between Rumble and WrestleMania" PPV in February to deliver a different type of match with Miz vs. Lawler rather than giving away one of the few matches they actually have in their arsenal to save for WrestleMania. (***1/2)

ORDER OF ENTRY
1 -- John Morrison
2 -- Sheamus
3 -- John Cena
4 -- C.M. Punk
5 -- R-Truth
6 -- Jerry Lawler
7 -- Randy Orton

ORDER OF EXIT

1 -- Punk (via Orton at 8:52)
2 -- Orton (via Truth 8:55)
3 -- Truth (via Cena at 13:12)
4 -- Morrison (via Sheamus at 16:48)
5 -- Cena (via Lawler at 18:05)
6 -- Sheamus (via Lawler at 18:18)

[Arcademan]

WWE NXT Results: 2-1-11

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

1 -- CHRIS MASTERS vs. BYRON SAXTON (w/Dolph Ziggler)

Mathews became frustrated trying to figure out the Coaching Carousel in NXT Season 4 so far. Masters overpowered Saxton early on as Ziggler tried to encourage Saxton. Ziggler was selling that he wasn't all-in this week fresh off his World Title loss at the Royal Rumble. Masters snapped off an overhead suplex, then stalked Saxton. "Come on, Saxton, whatcha you got?" Saxton landed a boot to the stomach before crashing down on Masters's back from the second rope. Saxton then applied an armbar that Masters powered out of. Masters, with one good arm, dropped Saxton with a power clothesline before landing a big spinebuster. Masters turned up the volume and called for the Masterlock. Masters slapped on his finisher and Ziggler had a towel in his hand with the "tormented facial expression" teasing throwing in the towel. No matter, as Saxton tapped out anyways. Mathews had a good laugh at Saxton's expense.

WINNER: Masters via submission at 3:13. Dominating match for Masters, which is exactly what it should have been. It looks like Byron's number is up next week.

2 -- BRODUS CLAY (w/Ricardo) vs. TED DIBIASE

The camera focused on Maryse walking to the announce table as DiBiase tried to wear down Clay with a reverse chinlock. DiBiase popped Clay with a kick to the head before Grisham celebrated Maryse giving him her number. On the outside, DiBiase popped Clay with a running dropkick, showing aggression. Grisham said the number is 555-1212. A random Pro's voice was heard as DiBiase and Clay returned to the ring where Clay executed a Tazplex on DiBiase. Maryse seemed indifferent ringside as Clay wore down DiBiase. She took out her phone and snapped a picture of the action in the ring for some reason. Is she scouting? Who knows.

Clay continued to dominate DiBiase before Maryse backed up to the ring to take a picture of herself with the action in the background. DiBiase suddenly took out Clay at the knee. Instead of going to work on Clay, he became distracted as Maryse teased planting a kiss on Grisham before slapping Grisham. DiBiase then turned around to take a powerslam from Clay for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Clay at 4:29. DiBiase's woes continue as DiBiase and Maryse move closer to a blow-up.

3 -- U.S. champion DANIEL BRYAN & DERRICK BATEMAN vs. R-TRUTH & JOHNNY CURTIS

The announcers focused on Bryan's love of submission wrestling, which is depicted on his official WWE t-shirt, as Truth and Bateman started things off. Curtis and Bateman then exchanged holds and came to a stand-off. A Pro randomly started an "E-C-W" chant before his mic was cut off. Bateman and Curtis then took the fight to the floor. A scrap was on and their Pros had to separate them. Bateman sold fire in his eyes as they cut to break.

Back from break, Bateman and Curtis were having a civilized wrestling match in the ring. Mathews said he thinks Saxton is in trouble next week. Bateman ran over Curtis with a shoulder tackle and scored a two count. Bryan then tagged in and landed a kick strike on Curtis. Mathews said he heard this is the last season of NXT before saying he doesn't even know if that's true. "So, you're making up news?" Grisham asked. Bryan worked over Curtis as Mathews quipped that Korpela and Stanford are going to join them next season to form a four-man booth.

Bateman tagged in and worked on Curtis's knee as Mathews began talking to the voices in his headset. "Like Orton?" Grisham asked. Curtis exploded out of the corner with a roundhouse kick and continued to sell the knee before rolling over Truth to make a tag. Truth and Bryan in. Truth fired off a round of offense before tagging in Curtis. Double suplex. The action then broke down and Bateman flew to the outside. Truth then splashed Bateman on the outside. Back in the ring, Curtis missed with a top rope splash and Bryan slapped on the LeBell Lock center ring. Curtis tried to escape, but quickly tapped once Bryan applied it in full.

Post-match: Bryan and Bateman celebrated while Grisham noted they are 2-0 as a tag team on NXT. They replayed the finish as Mathews set up Bryan and Bateman's quest for the Tag Titles. Grisham signed off noting it's elimination week next week.

WINNERS: Bryan & Bateman via submission at 7:58. Decent action. Nothing that anyone will remember by next week, but they effectively presented Bateman as one of the two favorites, along with Clay, to win the contest.

[Arcademan]

ROH on HDNet Results: 1-31-11

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

Colt Cabana defeated Mike Mondo at 5:10. Mondo took the match more serious at first and he took early control He hit a flying headbut for two, but missed the second one. Colt hulked up and worked some comedy punches. He setup for the Colt 45, but Mondo reversed into a leg sweep.

Mondo set Cabana on the top turnbuckle and setup for a superplex. Colt reversed and lifted him in a fireman's carry. He dropped down and Mondo slammed on the top rope. He followed with the Billy Goat's Curse for the submission win.

Shore's Slant: Pretty standard fare from Cabana. Mon do got in some offense and Colt got a few comedy spots in. I'm interested to see him and Davey Richards at the 9th Anniversary show.

2. Roderick Strong and Michael Elgin (w/Truth Martini) defeated Alex Silva and Christian Hayme at 2:52. Elgin started and shoved Hayme around. He worked chops and strikes and tagged in Strong. Strong hit a chop and suplex and tagged back out. Hayme got the hot tag to Silva who hit a missile dropkick. Elgin blocked a hurricanranna and hit a buckle bomb, followed by a spinning sitout powerbomb for the win…

3. Sara Del Ray (w/Shane Hagadorn) defeated Taeler Hendrix at 3:10. The bell rang and Del Ray hit three big boots in a row. Del Ray put on a clinic. Even a fan at ringside yelled, "Taeler, do something." Del Ray won after hooking a serious Gory special and then covering for the pinfall victory…The announce team setup a video that hyped The WGTT and the Briscoes vs. the ANX and KOW as the main event next week…

Shore's Slant: Wow, that was brutal. Del Ray is just a cut above the rest. I would pay real money to see a promotion with her, Kong, Mickie James, and Beth Phoenix. Oh and Taeler because she is my one lady wrestler crush.

4. Christopher Daniels defeated Eddie Edwards for the ROH TV Title at 19:17. The crowd was split pretty even and dueling, "Eddie Edwards/Fallen Angle" chants broke out. Edwards started by working the arm through several chains.

They ran the ropes and Eddie went for a leap frog. Daniels caught him in a fireman's carry and hit an attitude adjustment. Edwards rolled to the floor and Daniels rolled him in for a two count. Edwards escaped a neck hold and hit a sick chop, but Daniels hooked a crossface and Eddie had to fight to make the ropes.

Daniels hit a stop from the second rope for two and tried for the stomp again, but Eddie got the feet up. Eddie hit a superplex and both men recovered. Eddie tossed Daniels to the floor and hit a moonsault off the apron. He hit his ankle on the railing at the same time and sold the injury.

Back in the ring, Edwards hit a kick to the head and then a flying head scissor with Daniels on the rope for a great near fall. Daniels stormed back and tossed Edwards to the floor. Daniels hit his own plancha and the announcer gave a three minute warning.

Daniels hit blue thunder for two as the crowd started the chants again. Eddie came back and hit a double stomp on Daniels who was laid acros the bottom rope. Both men recovered on the floor and entered the ring with one minute left as a clock countdown appeared on the screen.

Edwards hit a double stomp on Daniels. Daniels kicked out at two, but Edwards hooked the ankle lock at 30 seconds. He dragged Daniels back in to the center of the ring, but Daniels reversed into a Koji Clutch. The time expired and the result was a draw.

Daniels demanded the mic. He said he wanted five more minutes because he could beat Daniels. The clock appeared again with five minutes on it and the bell rang. Daniels went right at him and they spilled to the floor. They battled until Todd Sinclair got to 19 and then both rolled in.

Edwards worked his offense. He hit a super kick and a back suplex for two. Edwards set him on the top rope and hit a Frankensteiner with one minute. Daniels completely no sold it and reversed the next lift into angel's wings for the win. Daniels did the borderline crying celebration as the crowd chanted, "That was awesome…"

Shore's Slant: Wow, great match. That was as good or better than the World Heavyweight Title match last night on the Rumble, and probably the best match you will see all week. If you didn’t see it, find a way to do so for sure. And FINALLY, Daniels is shown winning the title he's had for months now.

[Arcademan]

WWE Superstars Results: 2-3-11

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

1 -- D.H. SMITH & YOSHI TATSU vs. ZACK RYDER & PRIMO

This is a re-match from last week's Superstars, which was won by Ryder and Primo. Stanford noted he saw Smith and Yoshi backstage before the show talking strategy in Japanese. Apparently that makes them a more formidable tag team. The announcers discussed the poor showings by these four men in the Rumble (Yoshi and Ryder quick exits and Smith and Primo replaced) and Mathews said they are all trying to break from the "also-ran" label. Before a mid-match commercial, Primo knocked Yoshi to the floor and Ryder landed a cheap shot. Smith checked on Yoshi, who was selling a leg injury, and they cut to break.

Back from break, the heels enjoyed extended offensive control isolating Yoshi. Mathews said he likes what he sees from Ryder and Primo as a potential tag team to be reckoned with. D.H. Smith eventually tagged in and showed off his delayed vertical suplex as Stanford seemed confused on why Smith held Ryder in the air for that long. The action broke down, then Yoshi blind-tagged into the match and delivered high-flying offense on Ryder. On his second try, Yoshi popped Ryder in the head with a roundhouse kick and that was good for the win.

WINNERS: Smith & Yoshi at 11:37. Basic Superstars tag match continuing the back-and-forth mini-tussle between the two teams. (*1/4)

2 -- MELINA vs. TAMINA

The background here is Melina looking for a rebound win after her Divas Title match loss on last week's Raw and this is Tamina's first televised match in 2011. Tamina, wearing an outfit from the Superfly Snuka collection and not accompanied by Santino, displayed an aggressive streak early in the match. Melina sold a nose injury and went to the corner to recover, which drew the referee's attention. It also cut off Tamina's momentum as Melina went on the attack after feigning the injury. Tamina made a comeback at 4:00, but Melina cut her off with a blast to the face. Melina then screamed and scored with her step-over sweeping leg drop for the win.

WINNER: Melina at 4:58. Good, aggressive, five-minute TV match ultimately getting over Melina's "mean streak" as a heel Diva. (*1/4)

3 -- TRENT BARRETA & JTG vs. CURT HAWKINS & TYLER REKS

The "former best friends," Hawkins and Barreta, locked up to start the match. Stalemate and they locked up again. Barreta got the better of the exchange and tagged in JTG. For what it's worth, Barreta and JTG were color-coordinated with DX-inspired green design and lettering on their pants. Back and forth tag action as the teams continued to feel each other while the announcers played up all four men's quest to get on this year's WrestleMania card. This led to Korpela questioning Striker's WrestleMania credentials and Striker noted his appearance at WrestleMania 23. No mention of the letters "ECW" for the ECW Originals vs. New Breed match, of which Striker was on the losing end with Elijah Burke (The Pope in TNA), Marcus Cor Von (Monty Brown in TNA), and Kevin Thorn. The faces took control of the match going to break.

Back from break, Tyler Reks had taken control of the match for the heels and he was working over JTG. Barreta was shown looking for a tag as the heels continued to isolate JTG. Meanwhile, Striker plugged Friday's Smackdown episode where they'll find out some of the Elimination Chamber participants on the Smackdown side. Reks applied neck vice and the camera zoomed in on JTG's face as he sold agony mixed with losing consciousness. JTG tried to escape, but Reks cut him off and brought Hawkins back into the match.

JTG eventually broke free and tagged in Trent to bring the match back where it started with Trent vs. Hawkins. Trent nailed a springboard dropkick on Reks, who tried to enter the match, then Hawkins dropped Trent with a flip-over facebuster for a two count. Hawkins targeted JTG, who also tried to enter the ring. Trent then crotched Curt and JTG took out Reks on the outside. The action settled down and Hawkins nailed a heat-seeking elbow from the top rope on Trent. It was good for a pin to give the heels a victory.

Post-match, Hawkins and Reks celebrated the victory a bit. Suddenly, Reks decked an unsuspecting Hawkins with a right hand before pulling him back into the ring to deliver his Burning Hammer finisher. Reks is the only one standing tall this week. Korpela signed off as Reks made his way out of the ring and surveyed the damage.

WINNERS: Reks & Hawkins at 13:13. Decent, formula tag match followed by a character-enhancing post-match angle for Reks. For the first time possibly ever, Reks showed a little bit of an "it" factor with the post-match attack and facial expressions trying to get over this unexplained character straight out of the mid-1990s WWF playbook. (*1/2)

[Arcademan]

WWE Superstars Results: 2-3-11

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

1 -- D.H. SMITH & YOSHI TATSU vs. ZACK RYDER & PRIMO

This is a re-match from last week's Superstars, which was won by Ryder and Primo. Stanford noted he saw Smith and Yoshi backstage before the show talking strategy in Japanese. Apparently that makes them a more formidable tag team. The announcers discussed the poor showings by these four men in the Rumble (Yoshi and Ryder quick exits and Smith and Primo replaced) and Mathews said they are all trying to break from the "also-ran" label. Before a mid-match commercial, Primo knocked Yoshi to the floor and Ryder landed a cheap shot. Smith checked on Yoshi, who was selling a leg injury, and they cut to break.

Back from break, the heels enjoyed extended offensive control isolating Yoshi. Mathews said he likes what he sees from Ryder and Primo as a potential tag team to be reckoned with. D.H. Smith eventually tagged in and showed off his delayed vertical suplex as Stanford seemed confused on why Smith held Ryder in the air for that long. The action broke down, then Yoshi blind-tagged into the match and delivered high-flying offense on Ryder. On his second try, Yoshi popped Ryder in the head with a roundhouse kick and that was good for the win.

WINNERS: Smith & Yoshi at 11:37. Basic Superstars tag match continuing the back-and-forth mini-tussle between the two teams. (*1/4)

2 -- MELINA vs. TAMINA

The background here is Melina looking for a rebound win after her Divas Title match loss on last week's Raw and this is Tamina's first televised match in 2011. Tamina, wearing an outfit from the Superfly Snuka collection and not accompanied by Santino, displayed an aggressive streak early in the match. Melina sold a nose injury and went to the corner to recover, which drew the referee's attention. It also cut off Tamina's momentum as Melina went on the attack after feigning the injury. Tamina made a comeback at 4:00, but Melina cut her off with a blast to the face. Melina then screamed and scored with her step-over sweeping leg drop for the win.

WINNER: Melina at 4:58. Good, aggressive, five-minute TV match ultimately getting over Melina's "mean streak" as a heel Diva. (*1/4)

3 -- TRENT BARRETA & JTG vs. CURT HAWKINS & TYLER REKS

The "former best friends," Hawkins and Barreta, locked up to start the match. Stalemate and they locked up again. Barreta got the better of the exchange and tagged in JTG. For what it's worth, Barreta and JTG were color-coordinated with DX-inspired green design and lettering on their pants. Back and forth tag action as the teams continued to feel each other while the announcers played up all four men's quest to get on this year's WrestleMania card. This led to Korpela questioning Striker's WrestleMania credentials and Striker noted his appearance at WrestleMania 23. No mention of the letters "ECW" for the ECW Originals vs. New Breed match, of which Striker was on the losing end with Elijah Burke (The Pope in TNA), Marcus Cor Von (Monty Brown in TNA), and Kevin Thorn. The faces took control of the match going to break.

Back from break, Tyler Reks had taken control of the match for the heels and he was working over JTG. Barreta was shown looking for a tag as the heels continued to isolate JTG. Meanwhile, Striker plugged Friday's Smackdown episode where they'll find out some of the Elimination Chamber participants on the Smackdown side. Reks applied neck vice and the camera zoomed in on JTG's face as he sold agony mixed with losing consciousness. JTG tried to escape, but Reks cut him off and brought Hawkins back into the match.

JTG eventually broke free and tagged in Trent to bring the match back where it started with Trent vs. Hawkins. Trent nailed a springboard dropkick on Reks, who tried to enter the match, then Hawkins dropped Trent with a flip-over facebuster for a two count. Hawkins targeted JTG, who also tried to enter the ring. Trent then crotched Curt and JTG took out Reks on the outside. The action settled down and Hawkins nailed a heat-seeking elbow from the top rope on Trent. It was good for a pin to give the heels a victory.

Post-match, Hawkins and Reks celebrated the victory a bit. Suddenly, Reks decked an unsuspecting Hawkins with a right hand before pulling him back into the ring to deliver his Burning Hammer finisher. Reks is the only one standing tall this week. Korpela signed off as Reks made his way out of the ring and surveyed the damage.

WINNERS: Reks & Hawkins at 13:13. Decent, formula tag match followed by a character-enhancing post-match angle for Reks. For the first time possibly ever, Reks showed a little bit of an "it" factor with the post-match attack and facial expressions trying to get over this unexplained character straight out of the mid-1990s WWF playbook. (*1/2)

[Arcademan]

TNA Impact! Results: 2-3-11

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

1 –INK, INC. vs. GUNNER & MURPHY

Gunner and Murphy gain the edge early as Taz continues to talk up how big they are. I just wish I knew which one was Gunner and which one was Murphy. Jesse Neal starts off down in the corner and Murphy is beating him up. I guess Murphy is the taller one with no tattoos. As Taz is talking him up, he hits a solid-looking big boot that drops Jesse Neal to the mat.

TNA is really hitting on the ‘Main Event Mafia is NOT they’
point tonight because Taz tells everyone he thought it was the MEM as well. Meanwhile, Moore gets a hot tag from Neal and manages to hit a moonsault off of the top turnbuckle for a nearfall. However, Gunner grabs him from behind and holds his arms behind his back. Murphy lines up for another big boot but Moore moves and Gunner takes the boot instead. This leads to the double team Mooregasm move on Murphy for the three count. Tenay says that perhaps Immortal is distracted after the opening revelation that ‘they’ isn’t the Main Event Mafia.

WINNER: Ink Inc. in 4:00.

2 – JAY LETHAL vs. JEREMY BUCK vsS. DOUGLAS WILLIAMS - X
DIVISION #1 CONTENDER’S TOURNAMENT MATCH

Judging by the early action, this is going to be another match with 20 minute of action jammed into five minutes of actual ring time. Jeremy Buck hit a big moonsault to the outside of the ring before Lethal followed it up with a suicide dive. Lethal re-entered the ring with a spinning heel kick and got a two count for his efforts.

Meanwhile, Max Buck talks up the X Division as the most exciting wrestling that he and his brother have seen in their travels all over the world. In the ring, Williams has taken control of things and has Jeremy prone atop one of the turnbuckles while Lethal is down. This prompts Max to make the surprisingly funny comment that his brother’s shoe is untied and he needs to go down to ringside to tell him. Safety first, after all! Max was surprisingly good on commentary for the two minutes he had a headset on.

Before Max can get down to ringside, Lethal hits a powerbomb on Williams, who is perched on the top turnbuckle and ready to suplex Jeremy Buck. This leads to a giant superplex/bomb that allows Lethal to get back in control. While Williams and Lethal face off, Max helps Jeremy up at ringside, where they smartly bide their time. Tenay takes this opportunity to tell the audience that next week’s three way match will feature Robbie E, Brian Kendrick, and the return of Suicide.

They don’t have to wait long. After Lethal tries his handspring elbow move off the ropes, Williams catches him and runs him into the corner, allowing Douglas to hit the Rolling Chaos Theory Suplex. However, Max is distracting the referee and this allows Jeremy to hit a low kick on Williams and steal the three count.

WINNER: JEREMY BUCK in 4:00 to move on to the #1 contender’s
match at Against All Odds.

3 – MICKIE JAMES vs. SARITA --- TAPED FIST MATCH

We find out early in the match that Mickie’s Knockouts Title match at Against All Odds will be a Last Knockout Standing match. Anyways, it looks like this is just a regular wrestling match, except you apparently have to win by knockout. Get it?

Mickie is in control for the first few minutes but Sarita manages to recover by throwing Micke into the ring post. She then focuses on Mickie James’s wrist by slamming it into the ring steps. Taz points out that it is hard to knock someone out with a broken hand, a nice point.

Sarita continues beating on Mickie and starts to play to the crowd before locking in a wristlock on the same wrist she’s been targeting all match. However, Mickie fights out with a head scissors before Sarita stops her and hits a backdrop suplex on Mickie to kill her momentum.

Tenay rightly points out that Sarita has been in control for most of the match. Well, it looks like Mickie is going to win this one. True to form with the giveaway on commentary, Mickie slithers behind Sarita and knocks her unconscious with her good hand.

WINNER: MICKIE JAMES IN 6:00

After the match, Madison Rayne comes through the crowd and attacks Mickie from behind while she is selling the effects of Sarita’s concentrated attacks on her wrist. Madison uses the loaded glove, so Mickie is knocked unconscious, leaving both ladies from the ‘taped fists’ match out on the mat.

4 – JEFF HARDY vs. MR. ANDERSON (TNA CHAMPION) - TNA TITLE MATCH

Back from break, the match is in progress. Anderson drops two quick elbows and earns a quick nearfall. After Hardy bails out of the ring and Anderson follows him, Jeff hits him coming back into the ring and then hits a strong-looking neckbreaker from the second rope to take control of the match.

Taz and Tenay talked up the one-on-one agreement between the two men to finally get an answer on who is the better man. Hardy hit a hard clothesline at 2:00 for another nearfall as the crowd starts dueling “Let’s go Hardy” and “Let’s Go A-hole” chants, the latter of which is the louder of the two. While the fans are chanting, Hardy locks in a lengthy chinlock.

Anderson eventually manages to get back to his feet and hit a sunset flip powerbomb on Hardy. However, his momentum was stalled by Hardy hitting a big clothesline. The anti-Christ celebrated by giving the crowd the double bird. Hardy decided to start beating up on one of Anderson’s legs, hitting numerous leg drops and slamming his knee into the ring post. Taz continued his solid color commentary by saying that a bad wheel could negatively affect the impact of Anderson’s Mic Check finishing move. At 5:00, Hardy rolled Anderson back into the ring for another long chinlock. His comeback attempt failed for the second time in this match as Hardy hit a Whisper in the Wind to lay both men out on the mat. This led to a long count by the referee before the two hit dueling big fists with the crowd appropriately responding loudly with big ‘yay’ and ‘boo’ cheers for each blow landed. The Impact Zone is hot.

Anderson finally managed to regain full momentum with two clotheslines followed by a back body drop and a swinging neckbreaker for a two count. Anderson tried to set up the Mic Check but Hardy blocked it. Anderson then hit a very similar series of kicks to the combination that Amazing Red uses, where the first kick whiffs but the second follows through with a vengeance. Another nearfall but then Hardy managed to fight back.

At 9:00, the two men countered a few moves in a row, culminating in a blocked Twist of Hate that led to Hardy bumping the referee to the outside. Right afterward, with the ref down, Hardy hit the Diamond Cutter, though the announcers called it the Twist of Hate.

But with the ref down, all of Immortal and Fortune hit the ring. Matt Hardy nailed a Side Effect and Fortune had Jeff hold up Anderson for Styles to take out. However, A.J. stopped his punch and held up the Fortune hand signal instead. Suddenly the other three members of the group cleared the ring while A.J. stared down Hardy, who sold shock. That led to Roode hitting a big clothesline on Jeff that allowed A.J. to hit the Styles Clash on Hardy before dragging Anderson on top for the three count victory.

WINNER: MR. ANDERSON in 12:00

-Post-match, Matt Hardy and the rest of Immortal were shown ringside throwing a fit as Fortune stood tall in the ring. Styles picked up the purple belt and handed it to Anderson as Tenay hyped A.J. Styles explaining Fortune turning on Immortal.

[Arcademan]

WWE Smackdown Results: 2-4-11

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

1- VLADIMIR KOZLOV & SANTINO MARELLA vs. HEATH SLATER & JUSTIN GABRIEL

Tamina accompanied the tag champs to the ring. As the champs came to the ring, they showed Randy Orton punting Husky Harris in the skull from Raw after the tag match. Kozlov kept Gabriel on the mat early on, but Gabriel rolled away and tagged Slater. Santino tagged in as well and took Slater down with a back-heel trip. Slater fired back with rights to the kidney area. Booker got the first Striker-ism of his new broadcast career, saying he’d been hearing about The Chaperone all over the social media networks and that it’s hot. Kozlov back in with a big kick to Slater’s chest. Big powerslam followed it up for two, with the count interrupted by Gabriel. After Kozlov kicked Gabriel out of the ring, Slater hit a reverse DDT then tagged Gabriel. That was a quick recovery. 450 splash connected for the pinfall win.

WINNERS: Gabriel and Slater, at 3:07. Sounds like Corre already has a slightly re-done theme song, and it’s not for the better. Good win for the Corre members.

2- KOFI KINGSTON vs. DREW MCINTYRE – ELIMINATION CHAMBER QUALIFYING MATCH

Booker gave his strategy for the Chamber match, having been in the first Chamber match. McIntyre and Kingston went back and forth, with McIntyre getting the first real advantage. McIntyre with a bodyslam then a shoulder tackle. Kingston turned things around and began to work the arm. Kingston hit his flip kick in the corner, then clotheslined McIntyre over the top rope and to ringside. Kingston charged at McIntyre, who lifted Kingston up and brought him down chest-first onto the steel ring steps. Can Kofi recover?

McIntyre went for a cover just after break. It only got two. McIntyre stretched out the mid-section of the Intercontinental Champion. Tilt-a-whirl gut-buster by Mac for two. Hard clotheslines to the throat in the corner by McIntyre. Standing dropkick by the Scot for a two-count. Kingston countered McIntyre for a DDT, but he couldn’t capitalize. He finally reached McIntyre for a pin, and Booker declared, “he got him.” Booker is learning quickly: McIntyre kicked out. Kingston hammered away at McIntyre in the corner and had to be restrained by the ref, which caused Michael Cole to lose it, saying he should’ve been disqualified. Boom Drop from Kofi. Trouble in Paradise swatted away and McIntyre grabbed the ropes. As Kingston tried to free McIntyre, Ricardo Rodriguez came on the Titan-Tron and introduced Alberto Del Rio. Del Rio smiled and winked, allowing McIntyre to take out Kofi’s knee and hit the Future Shock DDT to advance to the Chamber match.

WINNER: McIntyre, at 12:58. Is McIntyre in WWE’s good graces again? Hopefully Kingston gets a secondary match on the Chamber PPV. McIntyre got a lot of offense in this one.

3 – REY MYSTERIO vs. JACK SWAGGER – ELIMINATION CHAMBER QUALIFYING MATCH

Cole announced that Cody Rhodes will be undergoing facial reconstruction surgery next week due to injuries suffered at the hands of Rey Mysterio. Mysterio kicked Swagger, getting Swagger angry. He charged at Mysterio and Mysterio low-bridged him out of the ring. They went to break under a minute in. Is that really necessary?

Both men circled the ring after an apparent stalemate upon return from break. At least that’s a unique way to bring the show back. Bulldog by Rey for two. The announcers said Ziggler was automatically qualified for the Chamber match. Mysterio set Swagger up for the 619, but Swagger fled to ringside. Mysterio kicked him through the ropes and went for a springboard moonsault. Swagger tripped him up and twisted his leg in the ropes. Back in the ring, more work on the knee from Swagger. He even wrapped Mysterio’s knee around the ring post. At ringside, Mysterio grabbed at his knee. At the 7:00 mark, Swagger slammed Mysterio’s head into the announce table. He tossed Mysterio back in the ring and hit the Vader Bomb. The camera angle they had made the move look even more impressive. The leg of Rey continued to be the focal point of Swagger’s onslaught. Big beal out of the corner by Swagger, but he missed a second Vader Bomb at the 9:00 mark. Spinning DDT from Mysterio got him two. Swagger was set up for the 619, but Swagger caught Rey. He grabbed the ankle and applied the ankle-lock. Rey countered, sending Swagger head-first into the buckle. Swagger was dazed, and Mysterio kicked him in the shoulder, then rolled him up from behind for the win.

WINNER: Mysterio, at 10:20. A little better than the first Chamber qualifying match. Both had similar stories, with the heel working a specific body part for the middle portion of the match.

4 – CHAVO GUERRERO vs. KANE – ELIMINATION CHAMBER QUALIFYING MATCH

I get that Vickie would give Chavo the opportunity to be in the Chamber, but you’d think she’d give him an easier road to the PPV match. A few seconds in, Chavo already lasted longer than his ECW Title match against Kane at Wrestlemania a few years ago. Chavo brought Kane’s arm down across the top rope, then went for a Frog Splash. It looked like he hit it, but Kane had him by the throat. On his feet, Kane chokeslammed Chavo for the win.

WINNER: Kane, at 1:01. Kane gets to re-assert his dominance after a pedestrian Rumble performance (for him).

5 – THE BIG SHOW vs. WADE BARRETT – ELIMINATION CHAMBER QUALIFYING MATCH

The rest of Corre accompanied Barrett to the ring. Hard chop to the chest by Big Show on Barrett in the corner, then a punch to the gut. Another chop followed that. Barrett countered a third chop and worked the mid-section of Show. Barrett ducked a clothesline and dropkicked Show’s leg. Barrett ran into an elbow and Show whipped Barrett into the ref in the corner. Corre tried to interfere, and Ezekiel Jackson was the one who was successful, clotheslining Show to the mat. Barrett covered but only got two. Barrett then connected with a DDT while Show was on his knees, and picked up the win.

WINNER: Barrett, at 1:59.

Show attacked the Corre after the match, dumping Barrett to ringside. He fought off the others, but Jackson picked him up, held him for a few seconds, and bodyslammed him. Impressive. Jackson then got the mic and said Show’s time has come to an end.

6 – DOLPH ZIGGLER & LAYCOOL vs. KELLY KELLY & EDGE – HANDICAP MIXED TAG MATCH FOR THE WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

Mathews obnoxiously claimed it was obvious there would be a new champion tonight, and they should just switch the titles before the match. Tony Chimel handled formal ring introductions. Before the match, Vickie declared that if Edge uses the Spear, he’ll be stripped of the title immediately. As soon as the bell rang, Edge threw Ziggler around the ring. He set up for the Spear, but realized he couldn’t do it. Baseball slide to Ziggler outside the ring, then he tossed the challenger back in the ring. A tag was made to Michelle McCool. Edge hesitated before getting out of the ring. Kelly came into the ring as Mathews announced that she was now defending the World Title. Decent hook as they went to break about two minutes in.

The show returned with McCool working over Kelly in the corner. Kelly came back by using her athleticism to choke McCool in the ropes. Kelly pounded McCool’s head off the ringside mats, but Layla tripped her up on the apron. Kelly had McCool in position for a hurricanrana, but McCool twisted her around and slammed her head into the barricade. Layla tagged in and clotheslined Kelly for a two-count. Belly-to-belly throw by McCool. Kelly countered a suplex and slapped McCool. McCool was back in control, eight minutes in. Head-scissors applied by Layla. Kelly appeared to be losing consciousness, but the fans (and Edge) tried to keep her into it. Face-buster by Kelly. Everything started breaking loose with the ref not seeing Edge tag in. McCool accidentally kicked Layla in the face, allowing Kelly time to recover. She crouched in the corner and a few fans picked up on what was going on…she ran at and speared Layla for the win.

WINNERS: Edge and Kelly, at 10:13. Kelly’s new aggressive personality is the most interesting she’s been in a long time. Nice finish, too.

Vickie Guerrero did the slow clap as she entered the ring, then fired Kelly. Kelly began to cry as Vickie yelled at her. She said Kelly always had it in for her, and that this is Vickie’s show. Kelly backed up the ramp in tears. Edge was standing behind Vickie, appearing ready to spear her. Instead, Vickie turned around and addressed her former husband. She said next week, Edge will be the former World Champion. She made Edge vs. Ziggler for the title next week, with her as special referee. She cackled as she made the announcement, then Ziggler came from behind and gave Edge the Zig Zag. They went off the air with the heels standing tall.

[Arcademan]

WWE RAW Results: 2-7-11

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

1 -- MASON RYAN vs. R-TRUTH

Cole continued his rant as Truth and Ryan started the match. Truth sold a knee injury and Ryan targeted the left knee. Ryan executed a suplex dropping Truth knee-first across the bottom rope repeatedly. Cole and Lawler began arguing with each other as Ryan continued to work over Truth, who suddenly flipped onto the top rope, only to be yanked down to the mat. Ryan then applied a modified Texas Cloverleaf and Truth was forced to submit.

After the match, Ryan maintained the hold and the ref shouted some additional instructions to the ring announcer to apparently reverse the decision. Ryan then retrieved a chair, but the ref tried to reprimand him. Ryan shoved him away, then re-entered the ring and re-applied his submission hold while standing to keep bending Truth's knee. Ryan eventually dropped the hold and left the ring before the official announcement was made reversing the decision for Truth.

WINNER: Truth via reverse decision at 2:27. The knee work and post-match angle looked like a storyline write-off for Truth to get him out of the Elimination Chamber match. The match itself was an afterthought and Ryan still needs some sharpening in the ring. He was a little over-the-top with his facials and looks like the stereotypical big, lumbering big man at times. (3/4*)

2 -- Divas champion EVE & GAIL KIM & TAMINA vs. MELINA & NIKKI BELLA & BRIE BELLA

The match started with Gail Kim isolated by the heels. Natalya talked about not being pinned at the Royal Rumble PPV, so she's getting her re-match for the Divas Title next week on Raw. They built to a hot tag to Eve, who executed a trademark standing moonsault. The action then broke down and Gail Kim started brawling with the Bellas. Back in the ring, Eve dropped Melina with a neckbreaker and scored the pin for the win.

WINNERS: Team Eve at 2:16. Standard Divas action continuing the issue between the Bellas and Gail, while also giving Eve the credibility-boosting visual of scoring a pin before the title match next week. (*)

3 -- JOHN MORRISON vs. MICHAEL MCGILLICUTTY

Back from break, Mike was in the ring as Morrison was shooting him an icy stare measuring his opponent. The bell sounded and Mike took Morrison down to the mat with stomps and kicks. Mike then whipped Morrison hard across the ring into an opposite corner. Mike proceeded to pull Morrison into the corner ringpost. He tried to dropkick Morrison's left arm inside the ring steps, but Morrison moved just in time. Back in the ring, Morrison fired off inspired right hands and a clothesline that drew the audience into the action. Morrison delivered a leg whip before nailing a springboard flying chuck. Morrison went for Starship Pain and connected for the pin.

WINNER: Morrison at 2:30. Nice comeback victory for Morrison getting over his intensity and finishing offense. WWE obviously doesn't trust the New Nexus members in long matches, though. (*)

4 -- U.S. champion DANIEL BRYAN & JERRY LAWLER vs. WWE champion THE MIZ & TED DIBIASE

Bryan and DiBiase started things off against each other. Riley slipped trying to cut a promo on the U.S. champion, calling him Bryan Daniels. Cole corrected him as Lawler tagged in for Bryan. Miz and DiBiase then used a two-on-one advantage to knock Lawler to the floor. Cole celebrated Lawler being in trouble as they cut to break.

Back from break, Bryan ran over Miz with a clothesline. Miz then pulled the referee away from the corner, allowing DiBiase to crotch Bryan as he was standing on the top rope. Riley had jokes on Bryan and Lawler as they cut to a shot of Maryse taking pictures of herself. Cole ranted on Lawler, saying it's all about ego for him. Lawler eventually took a hot tag and back-dropped DiBiase. Lawler scored with a DDT on DiBiase, then the action broke down. Bryan took out Miz ringside with a suicide dive. Back in the ring, Lawler dropped the strap and measured DiBiase for a trademark fist drop as Cole said it's all about showboating for Lawler. Lawler with the cover for the win. In the ring, Lawler and Bryan stood tall while Riley vowed not to let Miz lose the WWE Title at the Chamber PPV. They cut to a shot of Miz selling that he was upset ringside.

WINNERS: Lawler & Bryan at 9:05. Fine tag match. It was presented like a mid-card match, though, rather than a chance to elevate some stars, which is the problem when DiBiase has been treated like a second-rate wrestler for months and Bryan has been run down by the commentators for months. (*1/2)

5 -- ALBERTO DEL RIO vs. WWE tag champion SANTINO

Del Rio re-entered the ring and the match officially started. Santino threw Del Rio over the top rope again, then tried to follow up on the outside, but Del Rio smashed Santino into the ringpost. In the ring, Del Rio landed a back drop for a nearfall. Del Rio then went to work on Santino's left shoulder to set up for the cross arm-breaker. Del Rio went for a step-up enziguiri, but Santino ducked. Santino then ducked Del Rio's clothesline and landed a hip toss. Santino started to feel The Cobra, but Del Rio ducked and dropped Santino with a fallaway armbreaker. Del Rio then measured Santino for a kick to the back and rolling cross arm-breaker. Santino immediately tapped, giving Del Rio the win.

WINNER: Del Rio via submission at 2:58. Del Rio didn't look like a WrestleMania headliner going even-steven with Santino. At least he was booked to win clean after turning the crowd's pro-Santino emotions into heel heat after he dashed Santino's hopes, but too much offense for Santino when WWE is trying to build up a future PPV headliner people are supposed to pay money to see. (*)

6 -- JOHN CENA vs. C.M. PUNK

The bell sounded and Cena kept looking around to make sure he was alone with Punk to start the match. Punk was the aggressor from the get-go, as they cut out Cena's opening offense and went right to Punk in control with the match starting just before the top of the hour. Punk landed a boot to the gut to cut off Cena's first comeback attempt. Punk went back on the offensive before throwing Cena to the outside. Punk measured Cena and landed a running clothesline on the floor. Punk smiled, then rolled Cena back into the ring. Punk landed a trademark corner knee strike followed by a bulldog out of the corner. Punk smiled again, then did the Cena hand wave over Cena. Punk teased the G2S, but Cena blocked and made his big comeback with right hand blows to the kidneys. Cena nearly got himself DQ'ed with too many punches in the corner, then he paused as the referee reprimanded him. Cena shrugged his shoulders, then punched Punk in the groin to draw a DQ.

WINNER: Punk via DQ at 4:52.

Post-match: Cena readied himself for Nexus to storm the ring. Otunga and Mike tried to corner Cena, but Lawler slipped Cena a chair. Cena cracked a chair over Otunga and Mike's back to clear Nexus to the outside. Mason Ryan checked on Punk, who sold the effects of the groin shot. Cena stood tall in the ring with the chair while Punk coughed up a lung. Cena then clutched the chair like a baseball bat and glared down at Nexus as the show ended.

[Arcademan]

WWE RAW Results: 2-14-11

Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Caldwell's complete report). Condensed here to in-ring results only, thank God since there was a whole lot of yapping going on :p

1 -- C.M. PUNK vs. JOHN CENA -- There must be a winner
Cole said Nexus has been banned from ringside and all three of the one-on-one matches tonight will have the other Chamber members banned from ringside. If anyone gets involved in another wrestler's match, he will be kicked out of the Chamber. Punk quickly knocked Cena to the floor, then took him down with a running clothesline. They cut to break 58 seconds into the match.

Back from break at 3:45, Punk was dominating Cena in the match. Mathews recapped that if anyone from Nexus or anyone else in the Chamber interferes, Punk or the interfering individual will be kicked out of the Chamber, respectively. Cole heeled on Cena for insulting him and said he thought Cena sounded desperate picking on him. Punk locked in a body scissors as Cole recapped Cena "needing WrestleMania" and needing to headline WrestleMania. Cena countered the body scissors into an attempted STF, but Punk easily thwarted the counter and went back to working on Cena's back. Cena then made a trademark comeback and dropped the Five Knuckle Shuffle. Cena teased the Attitude Adjustment, but Punk slipped out and leg-whipped Cena in the face for a nearfall. The two men paused for a bit, then Cena reapplied a body scissors looking to wear down Cena, who suddenly rolled onto his stomach and showed off his power lifting with an attempted electric chair. Punk blocked, but Cena came back with a gut wrench suplex for a two count. Cena went up top, but Punk hopped to his feet and kicked Cena off the top rope. Punk then went into his signature offense, hit a swinging neckbreaker, but only scored a two count

At 9:00, Punk went for the G2S, but Cena rolled through into a small package for a two count. Punk instantly cut off Cena with kick strikes before nailing a blow to the head for a Punk nearfall. Punk then went up top for a cross body-block, but Cena rolled through and power-lifted into AA position. Punk escaped, though, by grabbing the top rope and found himself on the floor. Someone with a Nexus armband then handed Punk a chair from under the ring. What if the match ended before this point? There's always that gaping logic hole. Punk slid the chair into the ring, the ref was distracted, then the Nexus Hand gave Punk a wrench to blast Cena in the face. Punk slid back into the ring and hit the G2S on Cena for the pin and the win. Cole said Punk is 3-0 against Cena, while Mathews said Punk proved he can't beat Cena without Nexus's help.
WINNER: Punk at 10:36. Good TV match involving the audience and creating some drama before the heel-cheating-to-win finish setting up the audience to want to see Punk to get his in the Elimination Chamber on Sunday. Punk escaping Cena's signature offense and comebacks was effective to heighten the drama and help stretch out the match. (**1/4)

2 -- Divas champion EVE vs. NATALYA -- Divas Title match -- lumberjill match
Natalya was already in the ring for the Divas Title match. Surrounding the ring as lumberjills were the Bellas, Maryse, Alicia Fox, Gail Kim, Melina, and Tamina. Eve then came out to defend the title. Early on, Natalya executed a unique surfboard stretch, then Eve stood up in the hold and went into a forward roll for a nearfall. Natalya then found herself on the outside and all heck broke loose ringside. Back in the ring, there were a few awkward exchanges before Eve kinda trapped Natalya's shoulders to the mat for a pin. Afterward, Natalya sold frustration with not being able to regain her title as Eve shrugged her shoulders that she won.
WINNER: Eve at 3:38 to retain the Divas Title. Off match. They didn't seem to be on the same page throughout and the ringside distraction via the pointless stipulation didn't help. For one week of actual build for a Divas Title match, you'd like to see them at least get five minutes. (3/4*)

3 -- WWE champion THE MIZ (w/Alex Riley) vs. U.S. champion DANIEL BRYAN -- Champion vs. Champion non-title match
Miz ran over Bryan with a shoulder tackle, then talked trash to Bryan, who showed grit that he would make a comeback. Mathews played up Bryan as an underdog, like Arcade Fire at the Grammys, before Bryan landed a flying dropkick on Miz. Miz then cut off Bryan and tried to wear him down with a neck vice. Bryan then countered with almost a rear naked choke and Miz showed fear that he might tap before reaching the bottom rope for a break. Miz came back with an aggressive back elbow smash before settling into a reverse chinlock. The crowd came to life with a "Daniel Bryan" chant as Cole over-sold Miz's historical WWE champion standing. Miz name-dropped Triple H and Shawn Michaels in the process. Even a Crusher reference.

Bryan built a head of steam ducking clotheslines before hitting a flying dropkick in the corner for a nearfall. Miz started to beg off, then he caught Bryan with a kick to the mid-section. Bryan then ducked a clothesline and dumped Miz over the top rope to the floor. Bryan measured Miz for a flying smash, but Miz ran away. Bryan then regrouped and ran off the ring apron with a flying knee smash, crushing the ring barricade.

Back in the ring, Bryan measured Miz for a top-rope missile dropkick and connected. Bryan made a cover, but Miz kicked out in time as Riley freaked out on commentary. Miz then responded with a jawbreaker, but Bryan teased the LeBell Lock, and Miz grabbed the bottom rope for a break. Miz and Bryan found themselves on the ring apron and Miz awkwardly dropped Bryan on the back of his head across the ring apron with a neckbreaker. That looked nasty. Bryan sold on the floor and Miz did his intense look as they cut to break at 6:30.

Back from break at 9:20, Miz was stalking Bryan in the corner. Miz hoisted Bryan up top for a high-impact move, but Bryan blocked and executed a big sunset flip powerbomb for a close nearfall that made Riley sweat again. The crowd popped, then Bryan fired off a rapid-fire series of kick strikes to Miz's chest. Bryan tried a final kick strike, but Miz ducked and Miz scored a nearfall on a roll-up attempt. Miz then wanted the Reality Check, but Bryan countered into an overhead suplex.

Miz came up wobbly and Bryan absolutely tattooed him with a kick strike for another nearfall. A collective "oooh" from the crowd before they replayed Bryan's kick to the head. Cole said he loves Bryan taking it to Miz tonight get Miz ready for the PVP. Bryan then tried a forward roll, but Bryan blocked and face-planted Bryan. Miz then followed up with the Skullcrushing Finale and scored a three count for the win. Cole and Riley sold that they were suddenly oh so confident in Miz after he escaped with victory. Mathews narrated replay clips before Cole interjected that taking the SCF will be Lawler's fate on Sunday.
WINNER: Miz at 11:55. Excellent second-half to the TV match getting the audience to really buy into the nearfalls and tell a good underdog story for Bryan while the heels (Cole and Riley) looked foolish selling for Bryan, who they knocked in the first-half of the match. Bryan delivering trademark kick-*** offense was refreshing after WWE opted not to utilize what he brings to the table the past several weeks. (**3/4)

Continued in next post...

[Arcademan]

Continued from previous post (damn 10,000 space limit!)

4 -- JOHN MORRISON & R-TRUTH vs. NEW NEXUS (DAVID OTUNGA & MICHAEL MCGILLICUTTY w/Mason Ryan)
Truth started things off as the camera focused on Morrison selling the effects of the spraycan with a big red mark around his eye. Truth found himself on the floor early on and Ryan waited for the ref to distract himself before attacking Truth ringside. Back in the ring, Mike with a cover for a nearfall. The announcers argued about the Punk vs. Cena finish in the opening match and Mathews speculated that Mike handed Punk the wrench from under the ring. Morrison then tagged in and, with limited vision, blasted Mike over and over.

The announcers focused on Morrison selling aggression, then Morrison blasted Ryan off the ring apron with a strike. Morrison then hip-tossed Truth over the top rope onto Ryan. Morrison sent a message to Punk, then creamed Mike with a running knee strike to the face for the pin. Morrison got up selling intensity, then Ryan tried to jump him from behind. Ryan awkwardly stumbled backward and Morrison showed no fear. Morrison and Truth then cleared Ryan from the ring. they went to back-and-forth shots of Nexus recovering ringside while Morrison sold intensity staring back at them.
WINNERS: Morrison & Truth at 4:18. Good focus on Morrison with him showing that intensity and fire that is finally starting to come together. Nexus continues to look like a merry band of helpless henchmen, but the money's on Morrison becoming a top-flight babyface. Back-to-back segments strongly focusing on future babyface stars Bryan and Morrison was a nice use of TV time. (*)

5 -- RANDY ORTON vs. SHEAMUS
Orton and Sheamus locked up and pulled themselves down in the corner. The ref forced Orton to break his grip on Sheamus before Sheamus came back with a boot to the gut. Orton then Thesz Pressed Sheamus before landing a boot to the head. Sheamus fired back with right hands from a mount position before Orton came back with a knock-down right hand. Orton followed with a leaping knee drop for a nearfall. Good back-and-forth early on. Cole noted Hunter has been in six Chamber matches and won four. The build toward Hunter's return continues.

Sheamus placed Orton inside the top and middle rope before blasting him with forearms to the chest. Sheamus followed with a running knee strike. Cole with a nice piece of commentary noting the referees have been allowing a lot of aggression tonight because the wrestler's emotions are high on the eve of the Chamber PPV and WrestleMania past that. Orton came back on Sheamus with a knock-down clothesline, then a snap powerslam. Orton started to enter that place and he landed a kick to the chest, but walked into the Irish Curse backbreaker from Sheamus for a two count. Sheamus then took Orton up top and executed a superplex that took their effect on both men. Sheamus was slow to follow up and Orton came absolutely out of nowhere with an RKO for the pin and the win.
WINNER: Orton at 5:03. Good, aggressive five-minute match doing exactly what it needed to do: sell the aggression and intensity of the Chamber match. (*1/2)
Over-run of the show (17 minutes) was the newly announced Wrestlemania 27 host 'The Rock' doing what he does best...talking :smirk:

[Arcademan]

WWE NXT Results: 2-15-11

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

1 -- R-TRUTH (w/Johnny Curtis) vs. BRODUS CLAY (w/Ricardo Rodriguez)

Truth quickly sidestepped Clay, sending the Rookie flying to the outside. Truth then dropkicked Clay into Ricardo, drawing a reaction. Suddenly, there was some activity on the stage in the background. It appeared a fan tried to get involved? Back in the ring, Clay executed a suplex and the ref checked on Truth to ensure he was okay. Ricardo was recovered at this point and talking 1,000 MPH to the announcers. The crowd tried rallying behind Truth, who is in a #1 contender match to the WWE Title at the PPV this Sunday and couldn't put away Clay. Truth never made that comeback and Clay splashed Truth to score the pin for the win. Truth sold a shoulder injury as Clay celebrated.

WINNER: Clay at 2:48. An NXT Rookie just squashed technically a #1 contender to the WWE Title based on Truth's entry in the Chamber match. They should have put Truth's Chamber slot on the line here if they really want to make a new star out of Clay rather than lowering the prestige of the WWE Title. It's a good thing the announcers drew zero attention to Truth in the Chamber match on Sunday and no one watches this show.

2 -- U.S. champion DANIEL BRYAN vs. DERRICK BATEMAN -- non-title match

Back from break, Bateman was in the ring still looking a bit slimy from being dumped on during the trivia segment. Bryan and Bateman shook hands before locking up. Ziggler mumbled, "This isn't ROH, you don't need to shake hands." He paused. "Or is it?" Bryan and Bateman felt each other out in the ring while the Pros cracked jokes from the stage. One reference was a joke about the Chargers. Grisham was apparently instructed to explain to the audience who the San Diego Chargers are. Bateman then whipped Bryan through the ropes and the Pro collapsed to the ground. Bateman followed up on the outside selling intensity as the referee told him to get it back in the ring. Cut to break.

Back from break, Bryan was blasting Bateman with trademark kicks and strikes. Bateman shouted, "I learned my lesson." Bryan let up a bit and Bateman mounted some offense before Bryan knocked him down with a back elbow smash. Bryan then went up top and went for a flying splash, but Bateman moved when Bryan took too long. Bateman then blasted Bryan with a clothesline for a nearfall. Bryan tried to come back with a sunset flip, but Bateman trapped Bryan's shoulders for a nearfall. Bateman then showed off a big lift-up powerbomb after countering the LeBell Lock for a nearfall that popped the crowd.

Bateman tried to follow up with a kick strike, but Bryan blocked. He then slowly approached Bateman, who tried to catch him off-guard with the LeBell Lock. Bateman couldn't apply it, though, and Bryan countered his own finisher with the LeBell Lock. The announcers noted if anyone knows the counter to the LeBell Lock, it's Bryan. Bryan locked in his finishing hold, stretching Bateman, who tapped out after a few moments. Bryan gets the win.

Post-match: They cut to a shot of Maryse, Ricardo, and Ziggler on-stage selling some interest in the proceedings. Bryan got up and flexed his shoulder to show he was impressed with Bateman's submission work even if he was able to counter it. Bryan then applauded Bateman and raised his arm for the crowd as the announcers concluded the show with a final plug for NXT voting on WWE's website tomorrow.

WINNER: Bryan via submission at 8:50. Nice match. Bateman sold intensity - more so than he has throughout this season - and Bryan found himself in another solid outing winning over a quiet crowd by match end. They're certainly building to a Clay vs. Bateman finale in two weeks.

Immunity Standings:
Clay - 5 points
Bateman - 0 points
Curtis - 0 points

[Arcademan]

WWE Superstars Results: 2-17-11

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

1 -- CHRIS MASTERS vs. TYLER REKS

Reks was on offense first with a kick to the gut, then he threw Masters out of the ring. Masters, back in the ring, threw several punches to Reks's face. Reks then put Masters in the corner and went to work with several kicks to Masters's gut. Huge clothesline by Reks good for a two count. Reks then applied on a headlock. Masters fought out with kicks to Reks's face. Reks with some sick kicks to Masters's chest, followed by a big boot to the face. Reks went for a clothesline, but Masters reversed and threw Reks out of the ring. reversed and Masters throws Reks out of the ring. Huge Samoan drop by Masters, followed by several chops to the chest. Irish whip by Reks, reversed by Masters with a shoulder block. Masters followed with a Sky High Spinebuster for a two count. Reks then went up top to jump at Masters, who caught him in the Masterlock. This one is over.

WINNER: Chris Masters via submission at 4:40. I thought this was a surprisingly good match. I've been saying for a while that I feel Chris Masters deserves a decent push. Will he ever get it? Who knows, but I think he deserves an opportunity.

2 -- YOSHI TATSU & D.H. SMITH vs. USOS (JIMMY & JEY USO)

Smith and Jey Uso started the match. Smith on offense first with an armbar. Uso fought out with punches to the back, then Kozlov made a pin attempt for a two count. Huge scoop slam by Smith for another two count. Tag to Tatsu, tag to Jimmy, and huge headbutt by Jimmy Uso, followed by several uppercuts to the face. Tatsu threw Jimmy out of the ring and dove onto him as they cut to commercial.

Back from commercial, Jimmy had Tatsu in a headlock. Tatsu worked his way to a tag to Smith, who scored with a seated powerbomb for a two count. The Usos then pulled a switch ala the Bellas. One of the Usos then threw Smith shoulder-first into the ringpost before rolling him up for the pin.

WINNERS: The Usos at 10:21. That was a really slow match. I don't think it was a bad match, but it just didn't do anything for me. On another note, if WWE can continue forming tag teams like they have with Tatsu & Smith and Zack & Primo, they could build a decent tag division, if only on Superstars each week.

3 -- WWE tag champions SANTINO & KOZLOV vs. ZACK RYDER & PRIMO -- non-title match Santino & Kozlov VS "The Woo Woo Kid" Zack Ryder & Primo in a non-title match.

Ryder and Santino started the match, which opened with Ryder running away from The Cobra. After Primo briefly tagged in, Ryder came back with an errant elbow drop. Santino applied an armbar, then tagged in Kozlov, who landed several shoulder blocks to Ryder's stomach. Santino tagged in and Ryder landed a big powerbomb. Primo and Ryder worked over Santino as they cut to break.

Back from commercial, Ryder had Santino in a headlock. Santino fought out with a hip toss. Tag to Primo. Primo landed a headbutt to Santino's stomach. Tag to Ryder. Ryder landed a big clothesline to Santino for a two count. Tag to Primo. Primo his a suplex for a two count, then backed Santino into the corner and tagged in Ryder. Santino then stepped out of the way of a double clothesline and tagged in Kozlov. Kozlov cleaned house, then went to work on Primo. After the action broke down, Santino tagged himself in and hit the Cobra. This one is over.

WINNERS: Santino & Kozlov at 10:20. I thought there were too many tags in this match and I felt the wrong team won this match. Even though Ryder & Primo lasted more than ten minutes with the champions, it seemed like all the match accomplished was hurting momentum that Zack & Primo had going for them.

[Arcademan]

TNA Impact! Resultd: 2-17-11

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

1 -- HERNANDEZ vs. DOUGLAS WILLIAMS

Hernandez dominated Douglas once the bell sounded. The camera cut to Sarita, who cut a promo on Velvet Sky while action was ongoing in the ring. Suddenly, Velvet charged Sarita and a fight broke out ringside. More fighting ringside that brought Angelina Love to ringside to defend Velvet. Back in the ring, Hernandez choked Williams with a towel as they cut to a shot of the Knockouts brawling up the ramp to the back. Hernandez cockily set up for the Border Toss and proceeded to throw Williams dangerously onto the back of his neck. Hernandez then made the pin, and they replayed the finish.

WINNER: Hernandez at 1:58. That Border Toss looked so unsafe and amateurish. I don't think anyone in TNA would want to work with Hernandez after seeing that. Regarding Williams, why feed him to Hernandez in a two-minute squash? Example of misusing talent. (n/a)

2 -- X Division champion KAZARIAN vs. ROBBIE E. -- X Division Title match

Robbie jumped Kaz to start the match as Tenay said he just received word of Beautiful People vs. Sarita & Rosita tonight. Kaz made a comeback, then set up for his finisher, but Cookie stormed the ring and popped Kaz in the gut with a handbag. The ref threw out the match and the crowd went quiet. Cookie then tackled and choked Kazarian as the bell continued to sound. Traci was apparently in the restroom, as it took her about a minute to come make the save. Traci and Cookie brawled for a bit before their men separated them.

WINNER: Kaz via DQ at 1:58. Not enough time or focus for the match to stand out. (n/a)

3-- A.J. STYLES vs. MATT HARDY

Styles flew into the ring and attacked Hardy, knocking him to the floor. Styles then hit a flip-dive taking out Hardy. Hardy recovered, then knocked Styles into the guardrail. Suddenly, Styles was in his more recent full-length wrestling pants. Ric Flair then came down to ringside for a closer look at the action. Styles made a comeback with multiple clotheslines before teasing the Styles Clash. Hardy escaped, then tripped over Styles trying to run over Styles. Hardy then stumbled into a patented dropkick. Styles high-fived Flair, then went for a springboard flying forearm, but Flair shoved him down. Styles crashed and burned and the crowd was silent. Hardy then hit the Twist of Hate on Styles for the win. Post-match: Flair choked Styles with his jacket before Beer Money and Kaz stormed the ring to chase off Flair, who celebrated with Matt Hardy a safe distance away from Fortune.

WINNER: Hardy at 3:23. Another short match leading to another turn. They missed an opportunity to make Flair turning on his year-long protégé, Styles, a big deal with about four weeks of TV packed into 20 minutes. There's just no sense of pacing to these stories. It's amateur hour. (n/a)

4 -- BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE (ANGELINA LOVE & VELVET SKY) vs. SARITA & ROSITA

Beautiful People's music hit to bring out Angelina Love, who was wearing one of the Knockouts division Tag Titles, and Velvet Sky. Sarita and Rosita were out next for the featured KO tag match of the show. They took their time entering the ring, so the BP jumped them on the entrance ramp to start the match. The match went back-and-forth before breaking down. In the confusion, Sarita covered Velvet for a pin as Rosita held down Sarita for additional leverage.

Post-match: Velvet grabbed a mic and cut a scathing promo on Sarita, who just laughed at her. Sarita responded by telling Velvet if she wants a one-on-one re-match, then put her career on the line. Velvet agreed.

WINNERS: Sarita & Rosita at 3:47. More build to the apparent blow-off match in the Velvet vs. Sarita feud.

5 -- TNA World champion JEFF HARDY vs. ROB VAN DAM -- TNA World Title match -- Mr. Anderson special referee

Tenay said he just received word Flair has accepted Styles's challenge for a match on next week's show. RVD dominated early on, then knocked Hardy to the floor. RVD connected with a spin kick as Hardy was draped over the guardrail, then sold a left knee injury. They cut to break.

Back from break, Van Dam hit a slingshot leg drop across the middle rope and continued to sell the knee. In the ring, Van Dam hit another slingshot leg drop for a nearfall. Hardy begged off in the corner and RVD mockingly acted sympathetic, drawing a few bleeped comments from Hardy. RVD followed with a split-legged moonsault attempt, but Hardy got his knees up to block. Hardy then smashed RVD into the ringpost, sending Van Dam flying to the floor. Hardy did his dance as Anderson casually sat down on the ring steps to check on RVD.

Back in the ring, Hardy landed a front suplex for a nearfall. He tried to follow with Whisper in the Wind, but RVD moved and followed right up with a standing moonsault. Both men recovered to their feet, then Van Dam dropped Hardy to the mat and hit Rolling Thunder for a nearfall. Hardy came back with offense and a nearfall, prompting Hardy to get in Anderson's face to complain about his cadence. RVD used the opening to come back with a spin kick, followed by the Five-Star Frogsplash. Van Dam was slow to make a cover, though, and Hardy got his foot on the bottom rope for a break that Anderson acknowledged.

They went to the finish with Hardy teasing a ref bump in the corner, which prompted Anderson to get right in Hardy's face. That caused Anderson to miss Hardy landing a mule kick since Anderson's anger had him too focused on Hardy. Hardy then hit the Twist of Fate on Van Dam. Hardy made a cover and Anderson maintained eye contact with Hardy with each reluctant pound of the mat for a three count.

Post-match: Anderson raised Hardy's hand in victory, then dropped him with the Mic Check. Van Dam recovered and asked Anderson what was up with the finish. Van Dam was holding his crotch half-heartedly complaining, then Anderson dropped RVD with the Mic Check. Anderson tossed the title belt down to Hardy and left the ring as the only man left standing to conclude the show.

WINNER: Hardy at 12:12 to retain the TNA Title. Good story to a going-through-the-motions title match. The main objective here was obviously keeping Anderson strong, setting up a future re-match vs. vulnerable heel champion Hardy. (*1/2)