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

[Arcademan]

TNA Impact Wrestling Results: 9-1-11

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

1 -- GUNNER vs. ROB VAN DAM -- BFG Series match

The wrestlers made their entrances and Matt Morgan is on commentary, which I really like for these matches. They’ve kept him incorporated without him being in the ring. Samoa Joe came out on the ramp right in the beginning of the match and Morgan got up to stop him while the match was going on. Morgan tried to stop Joe from going to the ring, but got a boot to the groin by Joe. Joe remained lurking around the ringside area. Gunner went for a suplex on the ropes that was reversed awkwardly by Van Dam. RVD then went on a flurry of offense including kicks and slams. RVD hit Rolling Thunder for a two count. Gunner came back with a clothesline.

And here comes Jerry Lynn. How many outsiders can they include in one match? RVD left the ring and told Lynn to leave the ringside area. RVD returned to the ring. Second awkward move of the match – RVD coming off the top rope with a single leg kick. Lynn came back down and pushed RVD off the top rope to allow Gunner to make the cover. Lynn had a huge grin on his face after the match.

WINNER: Gunner via pinfall.

EVANS'S KEY POINTS: RVD and Jerry Lynn could be a good wrestling feud, although they need a better story than: “I was trying to help you by getting you DQ’d, and you didn’t appreciate it!” Good for Gunner. Here’s hoping he shows something. I wish RVD and Gunner could have gone for a solid 7-8 minutes.

2 -- BRIAN KENDRICK & JESSE SORENSEN vs. AUSTIN ARIES & KID KASH

On paper, this match could be awesome. Granted, I haven’t seen much from Sorensen. Kash and Kendrick had a nice exchange to start things off. Aries complained that Kendrick was grabbing Kash’s hair...hilarious. Sorensen was tagged in and was pummeled by Kash before Kash tagged out to Aries. (On side note, Aries vs. Angle would be amazing.) Sorensen avoided a double team and crawled over to Kendrick for a tag. Kendrick came in to little reaction. He hit a bunch of leg lariats on Aries and Kash before Aries regained control. All four got in the ring and they hit a sick-looking Tower of Doom from the top rope that made it seem like Aries was dead. Moments later, Aries hit a nasty flying tackle onto Sorensen. Kendrick then dove onto Kendrick and the two brawled to the stage. Kash hit Sorensen with a top rope clothesline. He looked to be in control, but Sorensen snuck a pin in and got the duke. Kash freaked out.

WINNERS: Sorensen & Kendrick when Sorensen pinned Kash.

EVANS'S KEY POINTS: So much talent here. These guys could all be big players in TNA. The match did a lot to advance X Division feuds, especially Kash vs. Sorensen. Here’s hoping they are giving this program some effort. I like that Kendrick and Aries are being booked as equals, and Sorensen is being booked as lucky. However, like usual, it was too much in one segment to digest.

3 -- Knockouts champion WINTER vs. MICKIE JAMES -- Knockouts Title match

I'll admit it, I like Winter's theme. Mickie went right at Winter leading to some good wrestling early on with these two. Winter started out technical, and then when that didn’t work, she started biting. It shows a lot about her character. Angelina blatantly tried to give Winter the title to use as a weapon, so Hebner ejected her. Winter went back to work on Mickie with knees to the back. Mickie took control back with a single leg crab. Winter broke the hold, then Mickie went for a DDT, but Winter escaped. Mickie went for it again and scored a DDT, but Winter got a foot on the rope for a break on a pin attempt. Winter hit a sweet-looking enziguiri, but Mickie kicked out. (Announcers need to stop saying, “And that’s it. This match is over!” when it never is.) Moments later, Mickie got a side kick on Winter, scoring the win and the title.

WINNER: Mickie to capture the Knockouts Title.

EVANS'S KEY POINTS: Well, that was a short title reign. What ever happened to non-title matches? Two very talented performers with a very weak storyline.

4 -- A.J. STYLES vs. DANIELS -- Final Showdown

Some video packages highlighting all of the battles the two have had throughout the years in TNA would have been great to highlight the importance of this so-called Last Match Ever. Coming in, I was hoping they would get a good 15-20 minutes. Styles went for a quick cover and the two had a stand off. Daniels looked to be getting frustrated early and Tenay pointed it out. Daniels went for a cool-looking pin attempt, but Styles quickly rebounded with a nice dropkick. Daniels regained control with a headlock. Styles took Daniels down and hit a knee drop for a close cover. Styles hit an extremely effective-looking suplex for a pin attempt. There was a very cool spot where both men attempted dives on the outside, only to have Styles hit a hurancanrana from the apron on Daniels.

Back in the ring, Styles locked on a submission, but Daniels made it to the ropes. (I like the story they are telling with Daniels not being able to build momentum in this match. If they are setting up for a heel turn, this would be the way to book it.) Daniels hit the STO and then a series of forearms and an enziguiri. Styles was quick to rebound with a springboard clothesline for a two-count.

Styles and Daniels exchanged chops, then Styles hit a Pele kick on Daniels, taking him down to the corner. Styles went for the reverse DDT off the rope, but Daniels anticipated. Daniels went for a moonsault, but Styles anticipated. They exchanged a few reversals as Tenay pointed out that these two know each other so well. Styles went for a top rope move, but slipped and Daniels scored the cover. After the match, Styles went to shake Daniels hand, but Daniels refused and continued his victory celebration before they abruptly cut away.

WINNER: Christopher Daniels via pinfall.

EVANS'S KEY POINTS: It's unfortunate how quickly they fly through stuff on this show. Why not give this another ten or twenty seconds to let Tenay and Taz speculate as to why Daniels reacted the way he did? Maybe have Styles get on the microphone and say something like, “Hey, I gave you the match and you can’t even shake my hand?” Something! TNA needs to stop moving at warp speed. Other than that, I thought this was a great match with both men giving a nice effort and telling a good story. I liked how Daniels got the win on a fluke, but is still celebrating the win as if he defeated Styles outright. Interesting to see where TNA will go with this.

5 -- TNA World Hvt. champion KURT ANGLE vs. STING -- TNA World Title match -- Hulk Hogan ringside enforcer

Sting was able to frustrate Angle enough to make him powder out. Hogan give Angle a pep talk and he returned to the ring, only to be clotheslined again by Sting. Sting took the fight to the outside and tossed Angle in the barricade and steps. Sting went for a Stinger Splash, but Angle countered into a belly-to-belly suplex. That was awesome. Angle applied a rest hold. Sting powered out with a side suplex. Both men were down and the ref started the count, but they made it back up by seven. Sting started a flurry of offense including a boot and a DDT. He made the cover, but Angle kicked out.

Angle went for the trifecta of suplexes and succeeded, then went for a cover, but only got two. Sting hit the Scorpion Death Drop for a great nearfall. Sting went for the Scorpion Deathlock, but Angle reversed it into the Anklelock. Sting pushed off. Sting went for another Death Drop, but Angle reversed it into an Angle Slam. Sting locked on the Deathlock, but Gunner ran down. The ref tried to stop Gunner, so he missed Angle tapping out. Sting also became distracted by Hogan, which allowed Angle to get the Angle Slam on a steel chair for the win. After the match, Immortal came down to beat on Sting, until Mr. Anderson showed up and cleared house.

WINNER: Angle via pinfall to retain the TNA World Title.

EVANS'S KEY POINTS: Sting can now cry sour grapes and say that he got Angle to tap. It looks like Sting is moving into a match with Flair next, which eventually lead to a match with Hogan. Last week, Angle demanded no one interfere in his match, but this week it’s okay? I don’t get it.

OVERALL SHOW KEY POINTS: TNA seems to be in too much of a rush. This was way too much to lump into two hours and yet...not enough. TNA sped through the A.J. Styles vs. Christopher Daniels post-match, sped through Kid Kash and Sorensen's feud, and sped through the Mickie James vs. Winter post-match. It forces viewers to turn their focus off as TNA bounces around from segment from segment, not getting attached to any character. This is solely on TNA, as they are not signifying that anything is overly important. They are reinforcing to viewers that each segment is of equal importance, and that is simply not the case.

[Arcademan]

WWE RAW Results: 9-5-11

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

- C.M. Punk came out to chat, heeled on Nash. Nash came out to confront him. Triple H came next. Nash called Punk a cancer that needs to be rid of from the WWE (IRONY!). Nash starts pushing Triple H. Trips knocks down Nash and then fires him. Punk says "Good luck in your future endeavors".

1 -- WWE tag champions AIR BOOM (EVAN BOURNE & KOFI KINGSTON) vs. GREAT KHALI & JINDER MAHAL

Cole and Jim Ross noted it's a pivotal match for Jinder and Khali after Sheamus took them apart on Super Smackdown this past Tuesday. The announcers resumed a discussion on Hunter-Nash as Ross wanted an answer on why Laurinaitis left with Nash. Cole then asked Jerry Lawler for his thoughts on having a match against McGillicutty and Otunga tonight. Lawler re-directed to more Laurinaitis discussion - asking Ross if Hunter or Laurinaitis has more stroke. The heels isolated Bourne throughout the first 2:30 of discussion before Kofi tagged in and landed signature offense on Mahal. Khali then sort of pulled the top rope, causing Kingston to go flying to the floor. A double-team attack on Kofi back-fired, though, and it set up Kofi for a tag to Bourne. The crowd came to life as Bourne set up and delivered Air Bourne on Mahal for the pin and the win. After a replay, they cut back to the tag champs celebrating in the ring. Lawler said these guys have personality and charisma, unlike Otunga & McGillicutty.

WINNERS: Air Boom at 3:15.

2 -- EVE vs. BETH PHOENIX (w/Natalya) -- #1 contender match to Divas Title

Back from break, Eve was in the ring for a #1 contender's match. Beth Phoenix then came out flanked by Natalya as Eve's opponent. Natalya also joined the announcers for a five-person booth on this match. Basic start with Beth working over Eve as Kelly and Natalya bickered on commentary. Eve made a comeback, but Beth finished her with the Glam Slam for the pin and the win. Afterward, Kelly tried to check on Eve, but Natalya blasted her from phone. Nattie and Beth stood tall in the ring to conclude the bit.

WINNER: Beth at 2:03 to become #1 contender.

3 -- C.M. PUNK vs. R-TRUTH (w/The Miz)

Back live, Truth was arguing with the crowd as the bell sounded. Punk finally locked up with Truth and tried to wear him down as they hit the top of the hour. Ross and Cole bickered back and forth with Cole doing more of that "evaluating the show within the show" non-sense before Cole reset the show at the top of the hour. As part of the reset, the announcers discussed the Nash-Hunter issue. In the ring, Punk dropped Truth with a dropkick that sent Truth to the floor. Miz consoled Truth, then got out of the way when Punk came flying at Truth with a suicide dive. Miz distracted Punk, though, giving Truth an opening to wear down Punk back in the ring.

Punk found himself on the outside again and Miz took him out with a chopblock while Truth had the ref distracted. Back in the ring, Truth wore down Punk, targeting the injured knee per Miz's handiwork. Cole was all over the place continuing to heel on Hunter and anyone else before Lawler tried to calm him down so the entire audience wouldn't turn the channel to tune out Cole. Meanwhile, the in-ring battle went up top and Punk delivered a superplex to stop Truth's momentum. Punk followed with a leg lariat, then a corner knee smash into a bulldog. Punk followed with a springboard clothesline and called for the end.

Punk wanted the G2S, but Truth slipped out and Punk sold the knee. Truth then hit a face-buster suplex for a two count. Truth tried to follow with an axe kick, but Punk avoided. Miz then grabbed Punk from the outside, drawing a dropkick through the ropes from Punk. The ref had enough of Miz and sent him packing to the back. Meanwhile, back in the ring, Truth tried to sneak up on Punk, but walked into the G2S anyways. Punk made the cover for the win.

WINNER: Punk at 9:45. With the short-sighted, quick set-up for Hunter-Punk, apparently they felt the need to add a double stipulation to give this match some juice when it should have been able to sell itself with proper build-up.

4 -- JERRY LAWLER & ZACK RYDER vs. DAVID OTUNGA & MICHAEL MCGILLICUTTY

The heels isolated Ryder early on as Cole tried to get under Ross's skin with repeated jabs. Lawler eventually hot-tagged into the match before the action broke down. Lawler found himself alone in the ring with Otunga and hit the fist drop, but Ryder demanded a tag. Lawler obliged and Ryder dropped Otunga with the Rough Ryder. It was good for the pin and the win. Cole heeled on Ryder, Lawler, and the audience as the winning duo celebrated on the way out of the ring.

WINNERS: Ryder & Lawler at 2:08. Heel Cole is as bad as he's ever been this week.

5 -- World Hvt. champion RANDY ORTON vs. HEATH SLATER -- non-title match

Orton quickly went to work on Slater, who came back with brief offense to allow the audience to rally behind Orton. Slater delivered a spinebuster for a two count before applying a reverse chinlock that showed a lot of light. Orton easily escaped, then nailed a clothesline. And another. Then, a snap powerslam. Orton followed with a trademark hanging DDT from the second rope before entering RKO mode. Orton measured Slater and delivered the RKO for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Orton at 2:56. Fine, formula match to showcase Orton's signature offense and give the fans a look at his finishing sequence without interruption.

6 -- JOHN CENA & SHEAMUS & JOHN MORRISON & ALEX RILEY vs. WADE BARRETT & JACK SWAGGER & DOLPH ZIGGLER & CHRISTIAN -- elimination eight-man tag match

Back from break, the match was already in progress with Barrett going after Riley. The action broke down momentarily with men coming in and out of the match before Ziggler and Swagger tried to apply a double submission on Morrison. Morrison eventually tapped out to Swagger, sending Morrison to the back at 2:30. Vickie Guerrero then came walking to ringside, drawing a smile from Swagger. Ziggler was annoyed by her presence as they abruptly cut to break.

Back from break right at the top of the hour, the heels were working over Riley in the heel corner. All seven men were still in the match with no eliminations during the break. The crowd got into the match at Cena's urging, and Riley made a comeback on Ziggler. Riley delivered an emphatic spinebuster, but Ziggler cut him off moments later. Ziggler then argued with Swagger, who shook it off and delivered a Vader Bomb on Riley before applying the Anklelock. Riley tapped out at 8:23, giving Swagger another elimination in the match.

Sheamus was in next to battle Swagger. Lawler noted Swagger was going the extra mile to impress Vickie tonight. After Swagger absorbed some blows from Sheamus, Barrett tagged in and battled Sheamus. Barrett tried to wear down Sheamus as Cena tried to fire up the crowd again. Sheamus made his comeback, then delivered signature forearm strikes to Barrett's exposed chest. Sheamus then went up top and connected with a shoulder tackle before clearing heels from the ring apron. Sheamus missed with a Brogue Kick, though, but didn't miss on his second try for a pin and elimination of Barrett at 11:55.

Christian tried to slide in for a quick pin on Sheamus, but Sheamus kicked out in time. Christian then slapped the taste out of Sheamus's mouth, which only angered Sheamus. Christian tried to run away and eventually hopped over the guardail, then ran to the other side of the arena. Both men were counted out in the process at 13:10. It looks like Sheamus and Christian will begin a feud on Smackdown.

So, it was Cena vs. Ziggler and Swagger. Cena did the slow entry into the ring to get the crowd behind his underdog position. Cena then entered the ring and went nuts on Swagger. But, Ziggler dropped him with a textbook dropkick. Swagger tried to take advantage with a cover, but Cena kicked out. Swagger and Ziggler began trading tags to wear down Cena as the crowd entered Dueling Chants mode. Meanwhile, Vickie had a big smile looking at Swagger as Swagger wore down Cena. Cena suddenly fired off a comeback and dropped both heels center-ring. Cena wanted a double Five Knuckle Shuffle and connected.

Cena couldn't put away either man, though, as they reset with Swagger delivered a belly-to-belly suplex. Swagger then tried a running Vader Bomb and connected. Swagger wanted to finish Cena, but Ziggler blind-tagged himself into the match. Ziggler argued with Swagger, then walked into the AA. Cena made the cover to eliminate Ziggler at 17:10. Swagger then immediately slapped on the Anklelock as the crowd rallied behind Cena, who countered into the STF moments later. Swagger tried to fight the hold, but he tapped out, giving Cena the win.

WINNERS: Team Cena at 17:45. Classic Cena finish typical for gauntlet or elimination matches to build up Cena's title quest. Swagger had a fine showing - probably the best he's looked in months - but it was to set up Cena's big escape into the STF after seemingly being in jeopardy. Del Rio had a good night until taking the AA at the end, but that's standard WWE booking. (**1/4)

[Arcademan]

WWE NXT Results: 9-6-11

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

1 -- DERRICK BATEMAN & MAXINE vs. TITUS O'NEIL & A.J. (w/Hornswoggle)

Korpela noted Bateman and Maxine have bonded over their common spite for past NXT eliminations. He also noted Titus is fired up after the heels put their hands on his brother, Hornswoggle. Titus quickly took out his frustration on Bateman with repeated strikes before Bateman bailed to the heel corner to tag in Maxine. That forced a tag to A.J., who went after Maxine. After A.J. landed some offense, Maxine cut her off and tried to wear down Hornswoggle's love interest. A.J. eventually found an opening to tag in Titus, which brought in Bateman. Titus landed power offense before the action broke down. Once the Divas cleared out, Titus hit the sky-high bomb on Bateman for the pin and the win.

WINNERS: Titus & A.J. at 5:15. The usual NXT match this season with Titus coming out on top, then celebrating with Swoggle. As for Bateman, his story was sixth-most-important in this match behind Titus, A.J., Hornswoggle, Maxine, and the announcers.]

2 -- YOSHI TATSU vs. TYSON KIDD

Yoshi absorbed early blows from Kidd before attacking him with kick strikes. Yoshi knocked Kidd to the floor and they cut to break.

Back from break, Yoshi was still in control of the match, now in the ring. Yoshi knocked Kidd to the floor again, then measured him for a move on the floor, but Kidd avoided and rammed Yoshi back-first into the guardrail. Back in the ring, Kidd went to work on Yoshi for a few minutes. Yoshi eventually came back with a top-rope chop followed by a Muta-style strike on the mat for a two count.

Yoshi fired himself up and wanted to finish Kidd, but Kidd kicked his legs out from under him to cut off Yoshi's momentum. Moments later, Kidd lost momentum. Yoshi then went up top, but Kidd crotched him. Kidd tried a huracanrana, but Yoshi held onto the top rope to block. Yoshi followed with a top-rope spin kick and it was good for the pin and the win. Afterward, they went to a nice slow-motion replay of Yoshi's finisher. They cut back to Yoshoi for a close-up of his face as he sold the victory with determination.

WINNER: Yoshi at 10:28. A toned-down version of their matches focusing more on Yoshi's character change. Good action, though.

3 -- WILLIAM REGAL vs. DARREN YOUNG

Regal quickly taught Young a few lessons with elbow strikes, then knees in the corner. Regal then measured Young for the old crotch stomp, but acted like Steve Corino putting aside his heel tendencies for a simple elbow drop to the mid-section. Regal then knocked Young to the outside and beat him up some more. Regal dragged Young to the announce table, received Striker's headset, and asked Young if he wanted to apologize. "Never!" Young declared.

Back in the ring, Young did the old routine begging off, but Regal was wise to that old trick and stomped on his hand. Regal then went to work on Young's chest with forearm blows. Young finally found some offense with a basic whip to the turnbuckles that Regal sold like a gunshot to the back. Striker said old age is a concern for Regal as Young went to work on Regal. "This should be you, Striker!" Young shouted toward the announce table. Young then went to work on Regal, who made a comeback before doing the old trick of arguing with the ref while kicking Young in the lower regions as he was seated in the corner. Regal followed with an exploder suplex.

Suddenly, JTG showed up on the ring apron and Striker had enough, so he yanked JTG down off the apron and beat him up. Back in the ring, Regal nailed the Knee Trembler and it was good for the win. Striker grabbed the headset again and said JTG needs to mind his own business. For his final act, Striker unbuttoned his shirt and challenged JTG to come fight him in the ring. They signed off with Striker challenging JTG, Regal amused by JTG's attempted interference, and Young off-camera.

WINNER: Regal at 6:50. Regal is simply a master storyteller. Well done. The problem is the show continues to drift away from focusing on who the next "breakout WWE star is," which means this show will only be prolonged another month, two months, three months, longer?

[Arcademan]

WWE Superstars Results: 9-8-11

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

1 -- MASON RYAN vs. JTG

Jimmy the Gimmick wanted nothing to do with Ryan early on. JTG continued to stall, which allowed the announcers to talk up Ryan. In classic small heel vs. big babyface fashion, JTG went after the legs to try to cut down Ryan. Ryan shook it off as Stanford noted he looks like a cartoon character or a superhero from a comic book. Ryan then delivered a series of backbreakers into a swinging slam. Ryan called for the end, which was a boot to the gut, a slow set up for a pumphandle slam, and a pumphandle into powerslam for the pin and the win. Cue up a replay of Ryan's dominating win before they showed him celebrating in the ring.

WINNER: Ryan at 3:08. Lots of work for Ryan. But, per WWE's mindset, they believe they can plug any big-man into that slot and the audience will eventually accept the person. That's unless WWE cools off on the person first.

2 -- TYLER REKS & CURT HAWKINS vs. TITUS O'NEIL & PERCY WATSON

Watson showed off his vertical leap with a leaping dropkick early on. The heels then cornered Watson and went to work on him while taunting Titus, who seemed lost without Hornswoggle in his corner. Percy broke free from Hawkins and tags were made to each partner. Titus came in hot on Reks before doing an Ultimate Warrior top-rope shake. Titus tried the sky-high bomb, but Hawkins broke it up and the action broke down. With the ref pre-occupied, Hawkins and Reks combined on a double-team powerslam/neckbreaker combo on Titus. It was good for the pin.

WINNERS: Reks & Hawkins at 3:47. Fortunately, no one pays attention to Superstars, as Percy's big "main roster TV debut" should be a bigger deal. Even with the cookie-cutter ex-NFL player look and toned-down gimmick from NXT, he still had more charisma than anyone else in the ring.

3 -- ALICIA FOX vs. TAMINA

Korpela noted a recent rift between the former allies because Tamina believes Fox has gone soft. Striker added some misogynistic commentary as Tamina worked over Fox to start the match. The announcers then focused on the Kelly vs. Beth feud leading to Night of Champions as Fox sold a nose injury. Interesting commentary ensued as they discussed Hunter-Punk and whether Vince McMahon will return to WWE if Hunter loses to Punk and relinquishes the COO title. In the ring, Fox fought back and nailed her axe kick finisher. Fox slowly rolled Tamina over to make the pin for the win to pick up the comeback win.

WINNER: Fox at 4:28.

4 -- BRODUS CLAY vs. ALLEN TURNER

Korpela noted Turner has been scouting the last several weeks and seen Clay destroy each week's opponent. Korpela then stressed Clay hasn't even been taken off his feet since returning. Clay delivered a t-bone suplex and took his time following up with a fisherman-buster suplex. Clay had the win less than a minute in, but pulled off the pin. Striker went back to his one-week run as an agent for Tyson Kidd, noting he sees dollar signs with Clay. Clay eventually nailed his running shoulder tackle for the easy pin and the win. They cut to a great crowd shot of an adult fan selling horror. After a replay, the announcers continued to hype Clay before shifting to Night of Champions hype.

WINNER: Clay at 1:23. Ol' Clay took his time on this one. Just more action footage to put on tape for a video package when Clay returns to the main roster.

5 -- DANIEL BRYAN vs. HEATH SLATER

Striker said their feud goes all the way back to... Money in the Bank, leaving out their NXT Season 1 history and one week of Bryan being part of Nexus with Slater last year. Bryan stretched Slater with various submission holds early in the match. Bryan followed with kick strikes to the back and chest that resulted in a two count. Bryan continued to assault Slater and control the match, almost toying with Slater. Striker gave a shout-out to Dean Malenko in reference to Bryan's arsenal of moves before Bryan nailed a textbook dropkick that sent Slater to the outside. They cut to break with Slater trying to collect himself on the floor.

Back from break, Slater actually had some offense. Meanwhile, Striker stressed the rarely-focused-on idea that a victory means more money and a chance to rise up imaginary rankings to earn future title shots. Slater, after landing a few moves, cockily played to the crowd before accepting another round of kick strikes. Korpela then got genuine laughter out of Striker when Korpela kissed up to Triple H and said Hunter's not listening anyways. Striker name-dropped the "released" Kevin Nash, too, as Bryan went flying through the ropes with a suicide dive on Slater.

Back in the ring, Bryan blasted Slater with more strikes, but Slater ducked a third shot and nailed a reverse bodyslam for a two count. Both men sold on the mat before Slater absorbed right hand blows and delivered a gutbuster for a two count. They started trading control before Bryan executed a DDT and flowed right into a guillotine choke. Slater immediately tapped out, giving Bryan the submission win. No replays, but a close-up of Bryan celebrating the hard-fought win closed the show.

WINNER: Bryan via submission at 12:16. It's official - Bryan can have a good match with anyone. Another solid piece of in-ring work from Bryan and Slater showed something in the ring as well. Nice conclusion to this week's show.

[Arcademan]

TNA Impact Wrestling Results: 9-8-11

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

1 -- BRITISH INVASION (Brutus Magnus & Douglas Williams) vs. BROTHER RAY & "THE POPE" D'ANGELO DINERO

Mexican America joined Tenay and Taz on commentary, with Anarquia doing all the talking. Anarquia said Jarrett is the Mexican Heavyweight Champion and now "he's one of us." Devon pinned Williams clean. This teaming of Devon & Pope came out of nowhere without any backstory provided before the match and words from Devon explaining his decision to team with him. British Invasion, at last glance, were babyfaces, and here they were basically jobbers. Devon and Pope seemed all friendly with each other, no teasing of tension, and handshakes afterward.

WINNERS: Devon & Pope when Devon pinned Williams in 3:00.

2 -- ERIC YOUNG vs. ROBBIE E. -- TV Title Match

Robbie tried to score a pin early with a foot on the middle rope for leverage. They plugged the Bellator tournament on MTV2 and EPIX. Taz said the X Division is like the Lightweight Division in Bellator. Alvarez said he's partial toward smaller guys because of their athleticism and conditioning. Young finished Robbie with a leaping piledriver.

WINNER: Young in 3:00 to retain the TV Title.

-Afterward Rob Terry attacked Young from behind, officially signaling that he had joined Robbie E. after all. He powerbombed Young and then made a mean face at the camera.

3 -- KURT ANGLE vs. MR. ANDERSON with Sting as special referee - World Hvt. Title Match

Jeremy Borash handled formal ring introductions. Angle was announced at 225 pounds, qualifying him for the X Division. TNA should have defined the X Division at 205 to match the UFC's Light-Heavyweight Division as 225 is UFC Heavyweight level size, which is just silly as a limit for the X Division. Anderson scored a very near fall at 4:00, but Angle fired back with three unreleased back suplexes for a near fall. Angle applied an anklelock. Anderson winced, then rolled out of it and hit a Mic Check for a believable near fall at 6:00. The ref got mistakenly hit. Angle then hit an Angle slam. As the ref counted, Sting yanked the ref out of the ring by his leg. Angle got up and complained. He was bleeped as he yelled at Sting. Anderson then hit Angle with the Mic Check. The ref was still at ringside arguing with Sting. Gunner then attacked Anderson, prompting the DQ call.

WINNER: Anderson via DQ so Angle retained the title. Very good seven minutes of action, but it didn't quite add up to a whole full fledged World Title match.

4 -- ANGELINA LOVE & WINTER vs. VELVET SKY & MICKIE JAMES

Taz wondered what that phone call was all about. Tenay said next week is Sting vs. Ric Flair, and said, "Top that!" Well, 80 minutes into the show and that's the first plug means it's being undersold by TNA because they have so much else going on. At 4:00 Winter sprayed blood-like liquid into Mickie's face leading to the pin. Tenay noted Winter challenges Mickie for the Knockouts Title at the PPV on Sunday.

WINNER: Winter & Love in 4:00.

5 -- BULLY RAY vs. GUNNER vs. BOBBY ROODE vs. JAMES STORM -- Four-Way

As the match was about to begin, Joe walked to ringside. Morgan attacked him from behind before he got to the ring. At 2:00 Storm and Roode just looked at each other after dropping both Ray and Gunner. Ray got up and jumped them. When Gunner went for a pin seconds later, Ray yelled at him and said, "Hey, I'm the one who's supposed to win!" After double-suplexing Gunner, Roode and Storm stopped and posed and yelled "Beer!… Money!" That gave Ray a chance to recover at ringside and re-enter and double-clothesline them. Ray gave Storm a urinage for a two count. Tenay said Beer Money's celebration may come back to haunt them. Ray gave Roode a Bubba slam. Gunner, though, then gave Ray a running knee to the chin for the win. Taz said he never saw that coming, then said, "Way to go, kid!"

WINNER: Gunner in 6:00.

-Jeff Hardy walked to the ring to his entrance music, but looked more sullen and humbled not showing the charismatic gestures and enthusiasm he usually does. He stood mid-ring and waited for his music to switch off. He got a mixed reaction from the crowd. He told the fans, "I do not deserve that, but thank you." He was presumably talking to those cheering him, not those booing him. He said he wanted to thank The Network first and foremost. He said the last time he was in the ring, "I was pathetic, I was messed up." He said he had a main event match against someone he's looked up to a long time and he failed miserably. "I let everybody down; I let myself down because I wasn't the main evener I know I am. I got here today in Huntsville and the stress, the doubt was overwhelming." He said he almost felt hated. He said he felt epode were still mad at him in the back, and he said they had every right to be. He said he can't change what happened at Victory Road, but he said he considers Victory Road his rock bottom and he asked for one more shot. He said he doesn't expect everyone to forgive him, but he said he can at least ask. He dropped the mic and left the ring as the show ended.

[Arcademan]

WWE Smackdown Results: 9-9-11

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

1 – MARK HENRY vs. EZEKIEL JACKSON

The bell rang as soon as the show returned from break. Henry wanted a test of strength(!) and Jackson agreed. Nice old-school move here. Jackson went down to his knees but a well-timed “Let’s Go Zeke” chant from the crowd got him to his feet. Henry suplexed him anyway. Jackson wanted another shot at it, and Henry locked hands, but then kicked Jackson in the leg. They struggled over a top wrist-lock, and Jackson went down again. Jackson with some body shots, then a Torture Rack attempt. No dice, as Henry was just too much man. Henry then went to ringside for a breather. Jackson came out after him, but Henry just put his boot up to knock Jackson down. He then rammed Jackson spine-first into the ring post. Back in the ring, big clothesline by Henry. Splash found the mark. A second one did the same. Next, and last, was the World’s Strongest Slam.

WINNER: Henry, at 2:59. Dominant performance for Henry. Wisely kept short.

2 – SIN CARA vs. TYSON KIDD

Kidd’s entrance was not shown. Kidd flipped out of a wrist-lock and the two traded counters and reversals. Headscissors by Cara and Kidd went to the outside. Cara flew off the top rope and onto Kidd on the outside. In the ring, a pin by Cara got two at :56. Cole tried to get Mathews to interview Cara after the match about his actions. Mathews said Cara doesn’t speak English. Hip-toss by Kidd sent Cara into turnbuckle. Kick to the back by Kidd for two. Mathews finally said he’d do it if Cole would shut up. Kick to the back of the head by Cara, who made his comeback. Springboard headbutt to Kidd’s chest for two. Cole called Booker T. out for his over-use of clichés. Roll-through by Kidd for two. Booker followed up Cole’s comments by saying Cara dropped Kidd “like a bad habit.” Cara connected on his finishing sequence of the springboard swanton and springboard moonsault for the pinfall.

WINNER: Cara, at 3:33. Added some nice athleticism to the show, especially juxtaposed against the opening match.

3 – KELLY KELLY vs. NATALYA

Phoenix accompanied Natalya to the ring. Face-buster out of the corner by Kelly for one at :16. Kelly choked Nattie with her legs in the ropes. However, Natalya kneed Kelly to the ringside mat. She then plowed into her again on the outside. Beth watched while sitting on the steps, legs folded. She looked very comfortable. In the ring, Nattie trash talked a fallen Kelly, then applied an abdominal stretch. Kelly tried to fight out, but was sent down by her hair. Hook of the leg, two-count at 2:01. Natalya trash talked some more, but Kelly slapped her. Nattie picked Kelly up for a possible Alabama Slam, but twirled her around anyway. Booker admitted to not knowing if Nattie was a second or third generation wrestler. She was about to lock in the Sharpshooter, but Kelly rolled her up for three.

WINNER: Kelly, at 2:56. Standard booking there, and Nattie doesn’t look too bad since it was a somewhat “lucky” finish.

4 – SHEAMUS vs. WADE BARRETT

Crowd was solidly behind Sheamus. The referee demanded a break in the corner, and it was clean. Headlock take-over by Sheamus. Shoulder knock-down followed, good for a two-count. Some hard shots by both men in the corner, but a back elbow floored Barrett. Barrett fled to ringside, and the count was on. He got back in at six. Elbows to the back of the head of Sheamus. The Irishman came back with more forearms and knees. Barrett sent Sheamus hard into the corner, where Sheamus hit chest-first just over 3:00 into the match. Flying elbow by Barrett for two. Barrett had Sheamus in a rear chin-lock as they went to break at 4:01.

Back at 7:33 of the contest, with Barrett still in control. Barrett had Sheamus wrapped in the ropes and rapped his head with knees. Running boot caused Sheamus to fall to ringside. Sheamus tried to fight back, and at 9:35, began to turn things around. He did run into a corner boot, but hit a powerslam anyway. Running knee by Sheamus with Barrett in the ropes. Off the top, he landed a flying shoulder tackle. As he signaled for the High Cross, Christian ran in for the DQ.

WINNER: Sheamus, via DQ, at 10:25. Very punchy-kicky, but other than that, nothing technically wrong with it.

Barrett joined in post-match for the double team, but Sheamus was able to fight out. Christian left the ring, so Barrett fell victim to the Brogue Kick. Christian then snuck to the top and tried to hit Sheamus, but Sheamus got the boot up. He set up for his finisher, but Christian snuck out the back to avoid further damage. The two men stared at each other, Christian on the ramp, and Sheamus in the ring, to end the segment.

5 – AIR BOOM vs. JINDER MAHAL & THE GREAT KHALI

This is a rematch from Raw, at the request of Mahal. Cole said Mahal was reading Khali the riot act backstage prior to the show. Bourne avoided a leapfrog and took Mahal down with a hurricanrana. Mahal pulled Bourne off the top by his foot, then clotheslined him out of mid-air, all in one motion. That was sweet. Tag to Khali, who kicked Bourne in the gut. Booker admitted he doesn’t care for the tag team name of Bourne and Kofi Kingston either. Khali worked over Bourne, then tagged Mahal again. Bourne countered a suplex and his jumping knee to the chin found the mark. Kingston got the hot tag at 1:52. Kofi was all over Mahal, then set up for the Trouble in Paradise. Mahal avoided it, but a springboard cross-body only got two. Bourne tried to cut off Khali, but Khali just tossed him out. Mahal took over and saw Khali in the ring. He screamed for Khali to get out, then slapped him. Khali pie-faced Mahal right into a Trouble in Paradise.

WINNERS: Air Boom, at 3:11. Seems early for a break-up of the heels.

6 – CODY RHODES vs. RANDY ORTON

Quick roll-up by Rhodes for two. Mathews said Rhodes underwent “mandatory facial reconstruction surgery.” Is “mandatory” really the best word to use there? Orton booted Rhodes in the gut. Overhead forearm on Rhodes, then a hard whip into the buckle. Rhodes reversed one, but Orton charged out of the corner with a clothesline. Thesz Press and Orton hammered away with rights. Rhodes headbutted Orton down. Orton came back and even headbutted Rhodes, despite the mask. High knee-drop, but Rhodes moved. Rhodes then went on the attack, looking to take out the knee Orton came up favoring. Orton attempted to set up Rhodes for the rope-assisted DDT, but Orton found himself on the apron and Rhodes hit the springboard enziguiri. Orton recovered on the outside as they went to break at 5:08 of the match.

Back at 9:34 with Rhodes sending Orton face-first into the buckle. Arm-lock by Rhodes, a unique submission maneuver. Top wrist-lock, but Rhodes used it to jam his knees into the mid-section of Orton. Rhodes continued to stay aggressive, not giving Orton much time at all to recover. Back to work on the left arm, after working the knee earlier on. Orton fought back with rights, but Rhodes connected with a knee-lift. Arm-bar by Rhodes. Rhodes missed a corner shoulder charge, but it barely slowed him. Alabama Slam for two at 13:06. Orton shoved Rhodes off on a bulldog attempt, but he fell to the mat as well. Orton slithered into position and landed some offense, including his rope-assisted DDT. He set up for the RKO at 14:40. Rhodes tried to avoid Orton by going out of the ring, then coming back in. Cross-Rhdoes was set up, but Orton countered. Springboard kick missed, but the RKO did not.

WINNER: Orton, at 15:20.

Right after the match, Mark Henry’s music hit and he walked to the ring. He entered the ring and the two men circled each other. Orton pounded away on Henry, but the RKO was avoided. Henry clobbered Orton. This all despite the “no-touching” edict laid out by Smackdown GM Theodore Long. World’s strongest slam by Henry, then another. The announcers were silent throughout this, including when Henry went to ringside to retrieve a chair. Henry sat down over Orton with the bottom part over Orton’s throat. He said he could’ve broken Orton’s leg, but he wants the title, the only reason he’s not going to break Orton’s leg. They went off the air right after Henry’s speech.

[Arcademan]

TNA No Surrender PPV Results: 9-11-11 (next three posts)

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

1 -- KID KASH vs. JESSE SORENSEN -- #1 contender's match to the X Division Title

Kash and Jesse went back-and-forth early on as the announcers talked about the new weight limit for the no-limits X Division. Taz threw out a Bischoff quote on the X Division being a "brand within a brand," which means nothing of substance. Kash then blasted Jesse with multiple kick strikes, followed by a front-face slam for a two count. Kash began taunting Jesse, who teased a comeback before Kash cut him off. Kash played to the crowd, then shoved ref Brian Hebner, who shoved back. Kash backed off, then slammed Jesse to the mat again. Kash wanted a top rope move and nearly botched a springboard moonsault, landing on Jesse's forehead. They reset, then went to the finish of Jesse countering a move into a slam that resulted in a pin out of nowhere.

WINNER: Sorensen at 7:55. Sloppy at times and Sorensen had a case of the over-sells. Not a strong opener. (*1/2)

2 -- BULLY RAY (49 pts) vs. JAMES STORM (40 pts) -- BFG Series match
 
Once the bell sounded, Ray stalled, then left the ring and ripped up a fan's sign. Ray returned to the ring, then stalled again. Back to the outside Ray went, which brought Storm to the outside to chase Ray back into the ring. Taz said everyone's had it with Ray trying to avoid fighting. This brought up a "Pussy Ray" chant. Ray teased re-entering a fourth time, but bailed when Storm tried to get at him. Storm turned his back in frustration, which allowed Ray to smash him from behind. Ray did a Stan Hansen shout & pose, then began working on Storm's lower back. Ray suddenly missed with a corner attack and Storm locked on a submission, but Ray bailed to the floor after escaping.
 
Back in the ring, Ray teased locking up with Storm, but ducked under the ropes to stall again. The crowd started its own "Beer...Money" chant before Storm finally got his hands on Ray to apply an armbar submission. Ray escaped, slid to the outside again, and Storm followed up with right hand strikes before smashing Ray's injured left arm into the ring steps. Ray blocked follow-up offense, though, took a swig of beer, distracted the ref with a chair, and spewed the beer in Storm's eyes to temporarily blind him. Ray then telegraphed a Bubba Bomb, which Storm countered into another submission. Ray made it to the bottom rope to escape, though, then Storm followed up with a Sharpshooter. Ray fought the hold, then crawled to the bottom rope for a break.
 
Storm reset with strikes to the injured shoulder before applying another armbar submission, Robert Roode style. Ray escaped, though. Storm then grabbed his beer, took a swig, and spewed the ref in the eyes on accident. Storm then applied a submission and Ray tapped out this time. The ref was slow to come around, then called for the bell. The crowd thought it was for Storm, but the ref ruled a DQ about 15 seconds after a DQ should have been rendered.
 
Post-match: Ray took the mic from So Cal Val after screaming at her, then declared himself as the next World Hvt. champion. Somewhere off-camera, Storm apparently knocked down ref Jackson James after the DQ finish. Tenay reviewed the leaderboard, which now has Ray with 52 points and Storm with 30 points. So, Roode and Gunner, with 42 points, can only tie via a submission victory in their match later on, which would then set up who knows what to determine the BFG Series winner.
 
WINNER: Ray via DQ at 11:48. Good story to the match with Ray stalling and Storm bringing out several submission moves that he can incorporate into his arsenal down the road as a singles wrestler. The only drawback to the match was the latest attempt to use Jackson James in a screwy referee-focused finish that didn't come off smoothly, yet again. (**)

3 -- Knockouts champion MICKIE JAMES vs. WINTER (w/Angelina Love) -- Knockouts Title match
 
Winter attacked Mickie from behind before the opening bell, but instead of ref Earl Hebner resetting the participants to ensure a clean start to the match, he called for the bell. One of those little things TNA consistently does that doesn't make any sense. The match started off with a basic formula of Winter wearing down Mickie to set up a comeback, then the match completely broke down with interference, mist-spewing, referee incompetence, and Winter pinning Mickie to re-capture the Knockouts Title while Mickie's face was covered in a rub substance, which ref Earl Hebner ignored. Post-match, medics checked on Mickie as Winter and Angelina regrouped since Angelina took mist in the confusion.
 
WINNER: Winter at 8:38 to capture the Knockouts Title. Just a complete booking mess and another title change continuing to hot-potato the title.

4 -- TNA tag champions MEXICAN AMERICA (HERNANDEZ & ANARQUIA w/Rosita and Sarita) vs. "THE POPE" D'ANGELO DINERO & BROTHER DEVON -- TNA Tag Title match
 
The challengers held the early advantage, then Rosita hopped on the apron to try to distract Pope, who forced himself onto Rosita for a cheap pop. Ref Jackson James lost control of the match, allowing the heel tag champs to take control in the confusion. The heels began working on Devon as Pope protested from his corner. Pope eventually took a hot tag at 7:00 and cleaned house before taunting Rosita. Pope followed with a top-rope cross-body splash on Anarquia for a two count. The action broke down again moments later and the tag champs collided mid-ring before Sarita randomly entered the ring. Rosita then tried a cross-body splash on Pope, who caught her in mid-air, then spanked her over her knee.
 
The match broke down again and Rosita got involved again. Anarquia then blocked a suplex by Pope as Rosita held down Pope's foot from the outside. Anarquia made the cover, Sarita continued to hold down Pope's foot, ref Jackson James ignored the outside aid, and Anarquia scored a pin for the win. Post-match, Pope laughed at the outcome as MA celebrated ringside.
 
WINNERS: Mexican America at 9:45 to retain the Tag Titles. Another over-booked mess that continued to set back TNA's tag division a few years.

[Arcademan]

5 -- SAMOA JOE vs. MATT MORGAN
 
"Morgan, Morgan" chant as the opening bell sounded. Morgan landed early offense, but Joe came back with chop. Morgan then turned it around with hard chops and slaps of his own. Morgan followed with his rapid-fire elbow strikes in the corner that put Joe on the seat of his pants. Morgan followed with a running knee to the face, then a headbutt. The crowd chanted for Morgan as the match moved to the floor. Joe came back with right hand strikes, re-entered the ring, and delivered a flying elbow suicide dive. Joe popped up, then shot a double-bird gesture to the crowd before rolling Morgan back into the ring.
 
In the ring, Joe landed right hand jabs. Morgan came back with a corner attack, then uncharacteristically went up top, steadied himself, and landed a cross-body splash for a two count. Joe then yanked Morgan's arm across the top rope to regain control. Joe began targeting the left shoulder with throws, strikes, and submission holds. Morgan recovered to his feet and the two men started trading blows before Morgan rebounded off the ropes and delivered a discus clothesline to begin a comeback. Morgan fired himself up, then measured Joe for a corner splash and a sidewalk slam for a two count. Joe came back with a belly-to-belly throw after an awkward pause for a count, drawing a "Morgan, Morgan" chant.
 
They reset at 10:00 with Joe measuring Morgan for a rear-naked choke, but Morgan rammed Joe into the corner for a break. Joe re-applied, then brought Morgan to the mat with the hold firmly applied. Morgan stomped his foot trying to get the crowd to rally behind him, then he draped his foot across the bottom rope for a break. Joe had to control his temper arguing with Hebner, then he charged Morgan, but missed with a corner attack. Morgan followed right up with the Carbon Footprint and it was good for the pin. Post-match: Joe seethed as he collected himself on the mat and Morgan celebrated the victory.
 
WINNER: Morgan at 11:35. Solid singles match with a refreshingly clean finish. Good action and a nice back-and-forth creating the idea of Joe and Morgan on an equal level before Morgan used Joe's temper against him to score the win. (**1/2)
 
6 -- GUNNER (42 pts) vs. ROBERT ROODE (42 pts) -- BFG Series match
 
Roode quickly targeted Gunner's left arm to begin wearing him down for submission attempts. Gunner cut him off with a DDT straight into the mat, though, and began working on Roode's upper body. The two men began trading control and submission attempts before Roode delivered a spinebuster to reset the match. Roode followed with an armbar center-ring, but Gunner crawled across the ring on his belly to reach the bottom rope for a break. They exchanged holds again, then Roode re-applied the armbar. Gunner teased a rope break, but Roode transitioned to a Cross-face. Gunner fought the hold, but couldn't hold on and was forced to tap out, giving Roode the win.
 
Post-match: Eric Bischoff's music hit to bring out Bischoff to address Roode. Bischoff disingenuously congratulated Roode before telling him he just called out Bully Ray, which he can't back up in the ring. Bischoff said since Roode and Ray are tied atop the standings, they're going to settle it tonight.

WINNER: Roode via submission at 11:58. Nice focus on Roode to set up the finals. Good to see two consecutive clean, solid singles matches delivering good action viewers want to see. (**1/4)

7 -- X Division champion BRIAN KENDRICK vs. AUSTIN ARIES -- X Division Title match
 
Aries was out first, followed by Kendrick wearing his Sabu and Kamala-inspired pants while slinging the title belt around in the air like a toy. Once the bell sounded, Kendrick attempted an early armbar submission, so Aries rolled to the floor to take a breather. Aries bailed again moments later and Kendrick followed out, where he took a standing Russian legsweep into the ringpost. Back in the ring, Aries followed up with repeated offense targeting the back. Kendrick then came back with a pin attempt, but Aries got his foot on the rope, which ref Jackson James saw this time and stopped his count. Aries followed by throwing Kendrick clear over the top rope before flying through the ropes with a suicide dive that missed when Kendrick moved.
 
Back in the ring, the two men reset and started trading forearms. Aries then side-stepped a charging Kendrick and Kendrick went flying to the outside. Aries tried to follow with a twisting splash, but maybe caught two percent of Kendrick, causing both men to splatter on the floor with Kendrick selling that he took the blow. Back in the ring, they traded rapid-fire pin attempts before the PPV froze momentarily. It was stuck on Aries preparing to suplex Kendrick for about 15 seconds before the PPV returned with Kendrick delivered a suplex for a two count. They went to the finish, which started with the referee caught in the corner. Aries then delivered a kick that could have been low before landing a spinning brainbuster suplex. Aries made the pin for the win. Afterward, Aries did a victory parade in the ring before taking a victory lap ringside.
 
WINNER: Aries at 13:24 to capture the X Division Title. Solid, unspectacular match. Just good work for the most part. And, the right outcome to give the division a firm cornerstone champion to build upon. (**1/2)

[Arcademan]

8 -- BULLY RAY (52 pts) vs. ROBERT ROODE (52 pts) -- BFG Series Finals
 
Once the bell sounded, the two finalists came face-to-face to "sell the moment," as the crowd chanted "Beer...Money," then "Pussy Ray." The two men started jawing with each other before Ray backed away to a neutral corner. He teased locking up before stalling, just like the match with James Storm. Ray then approached a man on the front row to intimidate him, but the large man stood up to stare down Ray, who backed away. Ray eventually re-entered the ring to lock up with Roode and begin the match. They got over Roode's toughness early on, as he absorbed a round of punches before delivering a big knock-down clothesline that sent Ray scurrying to the outside again.
 
Back in the ring, Ray locked up and delivered a shoulder block before channeling Stan Hansen again. Another lock-up and another shoulder block for a two count. Roode came back with a Crossface out of nowhere and Ray grabbed ref Earl Hebner to gain some leverage for a counter into a quick pin for a one count. Ray came back with a neckbreaker to target the neck and begin a methodical attack. Ray then delivered hard chops that Roode had enough off and no-sold before firing himself and the crowd up. Ray and Roode had a great tough-guy exchange before Roode backed Ray into the corner and delivered a flying neckbreaker for a two count.
 
At 12:00, Ray delivered a Bubba Bomb, but Roode kicked out in time. Ray sold frustration before going to the second rope for a flying butt splash that did not connect. Roode followed right up with a spinebuster nad made a pin near the ropes. It was good for the win, giving Roode the win and the BFG Series victory. Post-match: Roode sold exhaustion as blood spilled from his nose. Roode posed in the ring before doing the belt-around-the-waist motion. After a replay, they showed Roode celebrating in the crowd as Ray sold shock, then disappointment in the ring. Roode declared he's the next World Hvt. champion as he continued his celebration ringside. Good to see TNA actually stay in a moment rather than abruptly cutting away.
 
WINNER: Roode at 12:30. Very good singles match based on the story and hard physical exchanges. Roode is getting his main event shine and Ray continues to be a top-notch heel for TNA. Overall, a nice four-match sequence of strong singles matches with clean finishes. (***)

9 -- TNA World Hvt. champion KURT ANGLE vs. STING vs. MR. ANDERSON -- three-way TNA World Title match
 
Once the bell sounded, Angle bailed to the outside to let Sting and Anderson fight, but they opted to wait for Angle to return to the ring and double-team him. The challengers eventually cleared Angle to the outside and battled each other while Angle regrouped on the floor. Angle re-entered and delivered a double German Suplex that took its toll on all three men. Angle took control of the match and applied a rear naked choke on Sting. They did the bit with one hand drop, then a second hand drop, then a teased third hand drop that didn't pop the crowd when Sting tried to sell fire that he was still alive. Sting then came back with a DDT, but Anderson broke up the pin.
 
At 10:00, Angle started his German Suplex sequence on Anderson, then had the same offering for Sting. Angle tried pins on both, but they each kicked out. Angle and Anderson battled up, like they were waiting for Sting, but he was down and out in the corner. Angle then threw Anderson off the top rope with an overhead suplex for a two count. Sting came to life and dumped Angle to the outside before grappling Anderson for a Scorpion Deathlock. Anderson considered tapping, but Angle broke it up and delivered an Angle Slam on Sting. Angle made a cover, but Sting barely rolled a shoulder to escape. Anderson was next in line for an Angle Slam that also resulted in a nearfall.
 
At 13:45, Angle dropped the straps and applied the Anklelock on Sting. Anderson took his sweet time teasing breaking it up, so Sting rolled through to escape the hold. Suddenly, there was life in the crowd as something was going on off-camera. Apparently it was Hogan, as they went to a spot moments later where Angle took Sting to the outside and whipped him into the guardrail, where Hogan was standing by to mace Sting.
 
Back in the ring, Sting stumbled into the ref to tease the Scorpion Deathdrop since he was "blinded," but Angle grabbed Sting and delivered the Angle Slam. Angle pinned a blinded Sting for the anti-climatic pin and the win. Afterward, Hogan made his way into the ring to celebrate with Angle. Tenay said Immortal has Angle's back and Robert Roode needs to watch out at Bound for Glory. They signed off 51 minutes past the top of the hour.
 
WINNER: Angle at 15:28 to retain the TNA World Title. A now-typical TNA PPV main event this year: cheap outside interference, slow action, an anti-climatic finish, a sense of indifference toward the characters, and an exhausted crowd nine matches into the PPV. Apparently Hogan costing Sting the TNA Title that Sting's character doesn't even care about will set up the Hogan-Sting match at BFG, assuming Sting beats Ric Flair on Thursday's Impact. Not much juice behind a Sting-Hogan match right now based on the feeling in the crowd during the PPV, but TNA has a few weeks of TV to attempt to get people interested, if that match is actually happening. (*3/4)

[Arcademan]

WWE RAW Results: 9-12-11

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

1 -- JOHN MORRISON & ALEX RILEY vs. U.S. champion DOLPH ZIGGLER & JACK SWAGGER (w/Vickie Guerrero)

Cole and Lawler bantered back and forth, suggesting Lawler is wrestling again this week. The heels quickly cornered Morrison as Ross talked about the history of managers in wrestling. Swagger wanted a tag, so he blind-tagged himself into the match after Morrison KO'ed Ziggler. Riley cleaned house, but Swagger came back on him with the anklelock. Riley escaped by tossing Swagger into Ziggler, then he finished off Swagger with a finishing move. Ziggler had a chance to break up the pin, but refused to intervene. Post-match, Vickie screamed at Ziggler for screwing it up before they went to a replay of the finish. Back live, Swagger complained from the ring as Ziggler and Vickie stood on the stage.

WINNERS: Riley & Morrison at 2:44. Presented as a filler segment with this program stuck in neutral.

2 -- WWE tag champion KOFI KINGSTON (w/Evan Bourne) vs. THE MIZ (w/R-Truth)

Miz quickly took control of the match, looking to keep Kofi on the mat. Miz and Kofi had a rapid-fire exchange before spilling to the outside together. The non-wrestling partners helped their partners to their feet as Ross sent the show to break 1:30 into the match.

Back from break, Miz had Kofi in a reverse chinlock while Truth was jawing with the ringside fans. Cole turned his attention to trying to get a reaction out of Ross while Miz lost control of the match in the ring. Kofi made a comeback with rapid-fire offense before connecting with a double springboard cross-body splash for a two count. Kofi tried a small package, but Miz escaped. Kofi with a standing dropkick, but Miz crotched Kofi on the top turnbuckle. Miz then dropped Kofi on the back of his head before calling for the end. Miz wanted the Skullcrushing Finale, and he connected. No resistance from Kofi and it was good for the win. Post-match: Bourne checked on Kofi as Miz and Truth gloated. Truth, satisfied, left the ring with Miz as the announcers stressed the challengers's chances to capture the Tag Titles on Sunday.

WINNER: Miz at 8:22.

3 -- JERRY LAWLER & SHEAMUS vs. MICHAEL MCGILLICUTTY & DAVID OTUNGA

Lawler started things off for his team and took an early beating from the former tag champs. Lawler escaped Mike, then tagged in Sheamus, who delivered a running bodyslam before delivering trademark forearm strikes across the chest. Sheamus nailed a running knee lift, smiled to the crowd, and went up top for a flying shoulder tackle. Sheamus called for the end, but Otunga slipped into the ring. Sheamus then dropped him with a Brogue Kick, turned around, and dropped Mike with a Brogue Kick. Sheamus called for the end and set up for the Cross. Lawler told Otunga to watch as Sheamus dropped Mike with the Celtic Cross. Sheamus with the pin for the win. Post-match: Sheamus and Lawler celebrated as the camera picked up a shot of Lawler with a bloody nose.

WINNER: Sheamus at 2:31. They really made Sheamus look like a huge, dominating star here.

4 -- JOHN CENA & BRET HART vs. WWE champion ALBERTO DEL RIO & RICARDO RODRIGUEZ

Cena did a matador routine waving his red t-shirt into the crowd to make Ricardo run through it like a bull. Cena then tossed his t-shirt into the crowd and Ricardo tried to attack him from behind, which made Cena slowly turn around before back-dropping Ricardo across the ring. Ricardo hugged Del Rio's waist, which was considered a blind tag. Cena chased Del Rio and Ricardo around ringside before Del Rio blasted him with a kick to the head back in the ring. The champ went to work on Cena before Cena came back with a corner attack and dropkick. Ricardo then accidentally tagged into the match and Cena delivered his comeback routine on Ricardo. The crowd wanted Hart, though. Cena then hoisted up Ricardo for the Attitude Adjustment as Del Rio walked away from ringside. Cena connected with the AA, saw Del Rio was gone, and approached Hart for a tag after trying to get the crowd invested.

Hart took his time entering the ring and approached Ricardo for the Sharpshooter. Ricardo immediately tapped, giving Hart the win. Post-match: Hart's music played before Cena took the mic. He told Del Rio to keep running all the way to Night of Champions. He said at the end of the night, The Champ is here (pointing to himself) for a mixed reaction. Cena and Hart celebrated in the ring before Hart's music played again. Hart posed in the ring as they faded to commercial.

WINNERS: Cena & Hart via submission at 3:23. What you would expect on the show before a PPV trying to give Cena some of Hart's rub in Canada and give the crowd/TV audience a happy moment.

5 -- Divas champion KELLY KELLY vs. VICKIE GUERRERO (w/U.S. champion Dolph Ziggler) -- non-title match

Vickie did some stretching to pretend like she was warming up, then Kelly began toying with her over-matched opponent. Jack Swagger came to ringside and jawed with Ziggler before punching the U.S. champ in the mouth. Vickie, distracted, was rolled up from behind by Kelly for the win. Afterward, Vickie argued with both men before Beth Phoenix ran into the ring to get her hands on Kelly, but Kelly avoided and ran away, setting up their title match at the PPV.

WINNER: Kelly at 1:09.

6 -- World Hvt. champion RANDY ORTON vs. Intercontinental champion CODY RHODES -- Champion vs. Champion non-title match

Rhodes took the early advantage, but Orton came back with a back-body drop that sent Rhodes half-way across the ring. Suddenly, Mark Henry came out on-stage, so Orton grabbed a chair and teased chasing after him, but Henry ran away to the back. Rhodes then attacked Orton from behind on the entrance ramp and the two men brawled ringside before re-entering the ring. Moments later, Henry re-emerged on-stage with his own chair. Henry sat down on the stage, drawing Orton out of the ring again. After a lengthy stare down with Henry, Orton returned to ringside and Rhodes dropped him with a kick. The ref should have been near a ten-count at this point (the ref was only at four, though) and WWE abruptly cut to break.

Back live, the crowd was trying to rally behind Orton as Rhodes was in control of the match with Henry watching from the stage. Cole with a Big Show & Kane reference as Orton broke free of Rhodes. That drew Henry down from the stage to ringside for a closer seat. Orton tried to divide his attention between Henry and Rhodes, which allowed Rhodes to try Cross Rhodes before Orton countered with his trademark DDT off the second rope. Orton then dropped down on the mat for the RKO, which Henry's attention. Henry stood on the ring steps, which drew Orton's attention. Rhodes then popped Orton with his mask behind the ref's back and nailed Cross Rhodes for the pin and the win.

Post-match: The announcers stressed it was a cheap victory before Henry entered the ring with chair in-hand. Henry measured Orton and popped him across the back with the chair before demanding the title belt. Henry held it up high as Orton sold on the mat. Henry's music played before Henry shouted down at Orton that it's his time now. After a replay of Henry's attack, Cole rhetorically asked if the 15-year wait is finally over Henry.

WINNER: Rhodes at 10:25. More maintenance work for Night of Champions. Fine.

[Arcademan]

WWE NXT Redemption Results: 9-13-11

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

1 -- TYSON KIDD & DERRICK BATEMAN vs. TITUS O'NEIL & PERCY WATSON

Showtime started things off against Bateman before tagging in Titus to double-team Bateman. Of note, no sign of Maxine with Bateman, nor Hornswoggle with Titus for this tag match. Kidd then tagged in and took a beating from Titus and Percy. Percy was only slowed down when Bateman grabbed his foot from the outside to allow the heels to take control of the action. Kidd made a mistake at 5:45 attempting a top-rope move that Watson intercepted with a dropkick. Titus then hot-tagged and ran over Bateman, who also tagged in. Titus channeled Ultimate Warrior with the rope-shake and delivered a powerslam for a pin...except Kidd broke it up. Moments later, Titus dropped Bateman with his sky-high bomb - Clash of the Titus - for the pin and the win.

WINNERS: Titus & Showtime at 7:06. Your basic NXT tag match enhancing Titus and giving Showtime some ring time.

2 -- A.J. vs. MAXINE

Regal told some stories as the two Divas exchanged blows fighting over the whereabouts of Hornswoggle. Maxine took control as Regal turned his attention to running down Darren Young and Jimmy the Gimmick ahead of the main event tag match later in the show. "Where's your boyfriend at, huh?" Maxine taunted A.J. before A.J. teased a comeback. A.J. never really made a comeback and eventually succumbed to a power move from Maxine for the pin. Afterward, Titus represented Hornswoggle by checking on A.J. to ensure no further damage from Maxine.

WINNER: Maxine at 5:40. Well, at least someone from the Bateman & Maxine duo is getting over on NXT.

3 -- WILLIAM REGAL & MATT STRIKER vs. DARREN YOUNG & JTG

Cole, standing up, declared he is back home here on NXT. Regal leaned on the top rope to engage Cole before Cole asked Korpela what happened to the other guy (Grisham). JTG and Regal then started running the ropes simultaneously as Cole tried to understand what was going on here. Regal and Striker playing battering ram to clear the heels to the outside. Korpela sent it to break as Cole heeled on the show for cutting to a break so early in the match.

Back from break, Cole told "Jim" he needs to correct something. He called out Korpela for calling this an "incredible" main event going to break. Cole then heeled on Striker and his outfit, said no one can understand JTG, said Young is still living on Summerslam two years ago (one year ago), and said the show has completely gone off the deep end. Cole said Striker being back in the ring shows how low the show has gone. Cole just kept talking as Korpela just smiled and watched Cole. Korpela threw Cole a softball saying Striker is a fan and has so much respect for WWE. Cole said he's flabbergasted that WWE actually pays to send Striker and Korpela to TV every week. He said he'd like to see Triple H sitting at his desk at Titan Towers when the expense account comes in from Korpela's breakfast tab. Cole then heeled on the show for being on Internet only, and not even on television. Cole noted Zack Ryder's YouTube show gets more hits than this show gets.

While all this was going on, the heels were working over Striker. Cole suddenly flipped his opinion of Young and talked him up. Crazy Cole then flipped his opinion again and heeled on Young for trying to question Regal's credibility. Korpela tried to defend Striker, saying he's been in the gym a whole two times a week the past two weeks. Cole had a field day as the heels continued to work on Striker. Cole then heeled on Hunter again, saying WWE could finally be on the right path if Hunter loses on Sunday to be gone as COO. Cole then heeled on hockey, Canada, and Striker getting a cheap pop in the opening segment.

Regal hot-tagged at 9:15 and cleaned house before doing his bit mule-kicking Young while having the ref distracted. Regal cleared JTG to the outside before tagging in Striker again. Striker charged Young with a right hand, then blasted him with a boot to the face. And another one in the corner. Striker made a cover, but JTG broke it up. Regal and JTG battled to the outside, while back in the ring, Striker and Young had a weird exchange trying to set up a spot. Afterward, Young power-lifted Striker to his shoulders and delivered a Roddy Strong-style gutbuster for the pin and the win. Cole said it's time for something new on NXT. Cole noted it was his pleasure to carry Korpela the last few minutes.

Suddenly, the Usos randomly stormed the ring and cleared JTG and Young to the outside. The Usos stood tall in the ring and Cole said perhaps the Usos will get their opportunities if Hunter loses on Sunday. Korpela signed off as Cole tried to get the last word in.

WINNERS: Young & JTG at 11:02. What was that? Since WWE isn't trying to sell anything and this show went off the tracks a long time ago, Cole was great in his absurdity. At the end of the day, there's still no end in sight for this season. It will never end.

[Arcademan]

WWE Night of Champions PPV Results: 9-18-11 (Next two posts)

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

1 -- WWE tag champions AIR BOOM (KOFI KINGSTON & EVAN BOURNE) vs. AWESOME TRUTH (THE MIZ & R-TRUTH) -- WWE Tag Title match

Early on, the announcers discussed past memorable tag teams (all singles wrestlers joining together, rather than natural tag teams). Booker actually said, "I was part of a great team...Booker T and Goldust." Booker then heeled on the Air Boom team name as the tag champs landed high-flying offense on the outside to take out Miz. Back in the ring, Truth cut off Bourne and the heels began working over Bourne. Miz started dancing around the ring like a boxer, drawing a Floyd Mayweather reference from Booker. Miz lost control, though, and Kofi hot-tagged for a leaping cross-body, then Boom Drop on Miz. Kofi followed up with the SOS, but Miz kicked out in time, showing resiliency. Miz came right back with an implant DDT on Kofi and the announcers said it was all over, but Kofi kicked out.

There was an over-done spot where Bourne feigned a tag behind the ref's back, and the ref allowed the tag based on sound. After some nearfalls for Bourne, Bourne went top for Air Bourne, but Miz moved and delivered an implant DDT. Miz made the cover, but Kofi broke it up. The ref lost control when Truth made a tag behind the ref's back, but the ref didn't allow Truth into the ring because he didn't hear it. In the background, Miz hit the Skullcrushing Finale on Bourne, but the ref was still occupied with Truth on the apron. That allowed Bourne to kick out in time. Miz had enough and shoved down the ref out of frustration. The ref then came to his senses and called for the bell, DQ'ing Miz and Truth.

WINNERS: Air Boom via DQ at 9:51. More like a TV match than a PPV bout. Three things happened here: Air Boom continued to look weak, WWE played up Miz and Truth's conspiracy theory program, and WWE took the referee controversy from the Mayweather-Ortiz fight last night and incorporated it into the opening match.

2 -- Intercontinental champion CODY RHODES vs. TED DIBIASE -- IC Title match
 
Basic exchange early on, then Cody slapped Ted, who tackled him, but couldn't take advantage. Cody landed a headbutt to continue wearing down DiBiase before delivering his trademark springboard kick for a two count. Rhodes continued to wear down DiBiase as Booker said he appears to be ready to take the next step to World Title material. DiBiase finally showed some life with strikes before delivering a running knee for a two count. DiBiase followed with a dropkick to the face, but Cody grabbed the bottom rope to avoid a three count. The first noticeable reaction of the match came 9:30 in when DiBiase ripped off Rhodes's mask and held it up for the crowd. DiBiase tried to use the mask as a weapon, but Rhodes ducked, rolled him up, hooked the tights, and scored the three count for the win to retain the title.
 
WINNER: Rhodes at 9:44 to retain the IC Title. Forgettable match. WWE has damaged DiBiase's character so much that the audience didn't care until DiBiase ripped off Rhodes's mask.

3 -- U.S. champion DOLPH ZIGGLER (w/Vickie Guerrero) vs. JACK SWAGGER vs. ALEX RILEY vs. JOHN MORRISON -- U.S. Title match -- fatal four-way
 
Ric Flair reference early on as Cole noted past U.S. Hvt. champions. Wrestlers were in and out of the match to start things off before Swagger cleared Morrison to the floor with a hip-toss over the top rope. Swagger then found himself in the ring with Ziggler, drawing screams from Vickie. Swagger cleared Ziggler to the floor, then Riley dropped Swagger with a TKO for the pin, but Vickie put Swagger's foot on the bottom rope. Everyone started yelling at Vickie, allowing Morrison to score a close nearfall on Ziggler. The action picked up at 5:00 when they teased a few Tower of Doom spots that left Morrison and Ziggler on the floor and Swagger and Riley KO'ed in the ring. Morrison re-entered with a hot streak of offense before attempting Starship Pain, but Riley got his knees up to block.
 
After a teased double submission spot for Swagger and Ziggler, Swagger ran into Ziggler. Riley then dropped Swagger with his finisher, but Swagger kicked out just in time. They reset with Swagger delivering a gut wrench powerbomb on Riley, but Ziggler did the house show finish shoving Swagger out of the way, then pinning Riley to retain the U.S. Title. Ziggler retains. Afterward, Vickie celebrated with Ziggler as Swagger sold shock in the ring.

WINNER: Ziggler at 8:21 to retain the U.S. Title. Very nice second-half to the match, some well-done and believable nearfalls, and the Vickie-Dolph-Swagger triangle continued with some measure of advancement compared to the snail's pace of this storyline on TV. (**1/4)

4 -- World Hvt. champion RANDY ORTON vs. MARK HENRY -- World Title match
 
Cole played up a big-match setting for the World Title match as Booker noted he brought the World Title over to WWE. Also, Batista was referenced as a former World champion. Champ and Challenger circled the ring before Orton landed decisive offense to take Henry off his feet. Orton landed a knee drop to the jaw, which caused Henry to slap the mat, pop up, and stare down Orton, who then side-stepped a charging Henry to throw him to the floor. The story got the crowd involved before Henry re-entered the ring and delivered a big boot to the face. Henry teased the World's Strongest Slam, but Orton slipped over Henry's head and slapped on a sleeperhold. Henry escaped by placing Orton on the top turnbuckle, then punching him clear off the top to the floor.

Back in the ring at 4:15, Henry began assaulting Orton with a variety of punishing offense. Henry delivered a big splash and Cole declared it's over, which meant it wasn't, and Orton kicked out before three. Orton tried a comeback at 8:00, but Henry fought him off, only to miss with a second big splash. Orton was the first man to his feet and he delivered ten big punches. Five more almost drew a DQ. Henry was taken off his feet again via dropkick, then Orton stalked Henry for his patented DDT, only to have Henry headbutt him away. Henry followed up with the World's Strongest Slam, but Orton kicked out. Henry sold frustration as the announcers suggested he really can't win the big one. Henry tried to go for a corner splash to end it, but Orton got his feet up. Orton then hit a DDT and dropped down to the mat to tease the RKO, but Henry rolled to the apron. Orton tried the patented DDT from the second rope and managed to execute it to a big reaction. Orton made a cover, but Henry grabbed the bottom rope for a break.

At 11:30, Orton reset and stalked Henry, who flung him into the ropes out of nowhere. Henry used the opening to kick Orton in the gut before coming to his feet. Henry sneered down at Orton looking for the kill and kicked him in a now-injured left knee. Orton tried pulling himself up on one leg, then tried a desperation RKO, but Henry shoved him away and delivered the World's Strongest Slam. Henry made the cover and it was good for the win. They cut to crowd shots of disappointed and shocked fans while Henry took his World Title belt and held it up in the air.
 
WINNER: Henry at 13:07 to capture the World Title. Good, sports-oriented story after solid build-up on TV. Orton's "knee injury" gave him an "out" and sets up a likely re-match in two weeks at Hell in a Cell. Also looming is Sheamus, who split two matches with Henry over the past month. (**)

5 -- Divas champion KELLY KELLY (w/Eve) vs. BETH PHOENIX (w/Natalya) -- Divas Title match
 
Even offense to start the match and Beth nearly got herself DQ'ed for being over-aggressive. Later, Eve tackled Natalya ringside and a brawl broke out. Beth nearly scored a pin in the ring during the chaos. They reset and Beth scored a superplex, but sold the effects and couldn't make a pin in time for a three count. Beth tried to remain calm, then went for a powerbomb, but Kelly rolled through into a quick pin for the win. Kelly jumped out of the ring to celebrate with Eve as Beth (and the crowd) sold disbelief. They stayed in the moment for a while as Beth sold fighting back tears, unable to get the job done.
 
WINNER: Kelly at 6:30 to retain the Divas Title. Good story with the crowd invested due to Beth. Rarely does someone win in his or her hometown, though, so the finish wasn't surprising. It will be interesting if they go the "one last shot" route for Hell in a Cell in two weeks. Or, if they move on to Natalya.

[Arcademan]

6 -- WWE champion ALBERTO DEL RIO vs. JOHN CENA -- WWE Title match
 
The crowd was hot early with a "Let's Go Cena" vs. "Cena Sucks" chant. Lawler noted some members of the Buffalo Bills are ringside after their win over the Raiders earlier in the day. Cena paused to acknowledge the dueling chants before Ricardo grabbed Cena's foot from the outside during a sequence. The ref saw Cena drop, saw Ricardo standing on the outside, and gave him the boot. Ricardo protested, but headed to the back. Another loud dueling chant picked up as Del Rio controlled the action. The two men reset in the ring, came to their feet, and knocked each other down with a double clothesline. Cena tried to get in some offense, but Del Rio continued to cut him off.
 
Cena made his trademark comeback at 10:00 and wanted the Attitude Adjustment, but Del Rio countered with a backstabber for a two count. Del Rio and Cena started a series of counters and reversals that ended with Del Rio in control. Del Rio hung up Cena in the corner and went for a diving headbutt, but Cena moved and Del Rio ate the ringpost. Cena then hit a top-rope guillotine leg drop, but Del Rio kicked out. More counters and reversals. Del Rio tried a top-rope move and connected with an ugly-but-effective flying splash that looked like a kid jumping into the pool with no idea what he was going for, but Cena kicked out. Del Rio then tried the cross arm-breaker, but it gave Cena an opportunity to "display his power" with a powerbomb counter after powerlifting Del Rio into the air. Cena then hit the AA, dumped a returning Ricardo off the top rope, and slapped on the STF. Del Rio fought the hold for a while, but tapped out, giving Cena another title victory.
 
Post-match: Del Rio and Ricardo recovered on the outside before Cena celebrated in the ring. Cena then shook hands with Lawler and played to the ringside fans before declaring the Champ is Here. Cena paused to interact with some Cena Haters as Michael Cole's voice continued to fall apart. They went to a replay of Cena celebrating the title victory.
 
WINNER: Cena via submission at 17:32. Slow spots early on, then some decent-to-good sequences leading to the finish. It sets up a re-match at Hell in a Cell in two weeks, where Del Rio could win the title back before WWE travels to Mexico for TV tapings. Del Rio needs a sustained run since WWE is desperate for top stars, but WWE was booked in a corner where Cena had to win here, as their top star couldn't lose three straight PPV title matches. (**3/4)

7 -- C.M. PUNK vs. TRIPLE H -- No DQ match, Hunter's COO role on the line
 
The brawl moved to the announce table position. Hunter teased a Pedigree, but Punk slipped out and scrambled back into the ring. Hunter stared at him while standing on the announce table, then slowly entered the ring to square off against Punk. Once the announcers reset, Booker and Lawler carried the broadcast, with Cole interjecting a soundbyte here and there. The match moved to the floor and Hunter ran Punk's leg into the ringpost. They teased going over the guardrail, but Punk kept it ringside and sent Hunter into the ring steps.
 
Hunter came back with a whip over the guardrail that moved the action to the floor. The ringside fans sat politely as Hunter and Punk brawled on the floor. The fight then moved along the floor section toward the entrance area. The fight spilled over to the set, where Hunter catapulted Punk into a videoboard. Punk then sent Hunter over the videoboard, where a laptop was spotted. The Raw GM? Punk landed a double axehandle before throwing some equipment toward Hunter's head. Punk sent Hunter into the other videoboard before dragging Hunter down the entrance ramp toward the ring.
 
Punk rolled Hunter into the ring at 9:20 before going under the ring for a chair. Punk cracked it over Hunter's back before doing a crotch chop. Punk with a cover, but Hunter kicked out. Punk was the aggressor, but ran into a Double A spinebuster from Hunter for a two count. Hunter followed up with a hard whip into the chair propped up in the corner that sent Punk spilling to the floor. On the floor, Hunter clipped Punk's left knee and Punk screamed out in pain to sell the move. Hunter then wrapped Punk's knee around the ringpost before smashing the knee into the post with a steel chair. Hunter did a crotch chop before attempting a figure-four on the floor, but Punk shoved Hunter away and into the ring steps. Punk then kicked Hunter onto the Spanish announce table (no-selling the knee work) and returned to the ring. Punk perched himself up top, did the Randy Savage pose, and delivered a flying elbow onto Hunter through the table, which popped the crowd. Lawler called the move "savage" as both men recovered on the floor.
 
Back in the ring, the two men sold the effects before R-Truth and The Miz stormed the ring. They attacked both Hunter and Punk before Miz delivered the Skullcrushing Finale to Hunter. Punk then took Paydirt from Truth. Miz then rolled Punk on top of Hunter and told the ref to count. Hunter kicked out, though, and Miz sold shock. Truth called the next shot for them to take out ref Scott Armstrong. Armstrong tried to stand up to Miz, then popped Miz with a right hand. Truth jumped him from behind, though, and the two men beat down Armstrong. Booker and Lawler were trying to make sense of this, with the COO currently in a match and no one in charge.
 
John Laurinaitis then came out and tried waving some people down with him. Back in the ring, Hunter and Punk sold life to clear Miz and Truth out of the ring. In the confusion, Hunter dropped Punk with the Pedigree. No ref was available, though. A new ref came out, but Ace told him to check on the original ref, Armstrong. Hunter demanded answers, then turned around and took the G2S from Punk. This time, Ace allowed the new ref to count the pin, but Truth broke up the pin. (Why would Truth break it up when they want Hunter fired?) On the floor, Punk smashed Truth with the G2S.
 
Back in the ring, Punk slowly reset and went for a springboard clothesline, but Hunter intercepted with a kick to the gut and Pedigree. Hunter made the cover, but Punk kicked out to a huge reaction. New referee in here, of note, as Laurinaitis turned around to place a phone call or send a text. Suddenly, the crowd started popping for something off-camera and there's Kevin Nash. Nash went over the guardrail and into the ring to pop Punk, then Hunter. Nash pounded on Hunter, then tried a Jackknife, but Punk broke it up. Nash absorbed the blow, though, and delivered a Powerbomb on Punk. The crowd was quiet as Nash left the ring to clothesline Punk on the floor. Nash then started clearing the announce table as Booker tried to ask Nash what was going. Suddenly, Hunter emerged out of nowhere with a sledgehammer to KO Nash. The camera zoomed in on Hunter with those big determined eyes as he slid back into the ring. Hunter crawled toward Punk, who recovered to his feet. Hunter delivered the Pedigree center-ring, rolled Punk over, and it was good for the win.
 
Pot-match: Hunter remained on top of Punk, selling the effects. They showed Nash still KO'ed ringside. Hunter stared down at Punk as Lawler and Booker recapped what just happened. Hunter then made it to his feet and got his hand raised. Booker noted that tonight Hunter was the Last Man Standing (foreshadowing for what's to come at Hell in a Cell?) as the credits came on. Booker said they have a lot to sort out here. Hunter did a crotch chop toward Punk, who began to stir on the opposite side of the ring. They signed off at 10:47 p.m. EST.
 
WINNER: Triple H at 24:09; Hunter remains COO. A wild brawl with the expected interference to give Punk an "out" for his expected loss. One item coming out of this was the latest paragraph in the chapter of Laurinaitis trying to undermine Hunter, which kept things where they are for now since Hunter remains COO. It seemed like WWE was going for something bigger than how the match finished, but they're either saving it for TV, one of the upcoming PPVs, or they're keeping things the way they are for now. Miz and Truth had to interfere, but there's no explanation for Truth breaking up Punk's pin on Hunter other than Truth's character is just nuts. The match delivered on expectations, but perhaps fell short on the wild booking scenarios created by the No DQ stipulation and TV mysteries. (***)

[Arcademan]

TNA Impact Wrestlig Results: 9-15-11

Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Keller's report though Caldwell had to complete it in another report). The usual condensed in-ring crap.

1 -- MEXICAN AMERICA (Sarita & Rosita & Hernandez & Anarquia) vs. TARA & MISS TESSMACHER & DEVON & "THE POPE" D'ANGELO DINERO

As Mexican America walked to the ring, the announcers recapped their successful tag title defense on Sunday at No Surrender.

When the match began, the announcer touted Roode's victory on Sunday, earning him a World Title shot against Angle at Bound for Glory.

At 4:00 all eight were in the ring briefly. Tara and Tessmacher double powerbombed Sarita and Rosita for a dual pinfall. The "STUPID REF" for some reason allowed two illegal people in the ring at once and counted their pin simultaneously. It looked good, but made no sense.

WINNER: Tara & Tessmacher & Pope & Devon in 4:00.

2 -- ANGELINA LOVE (w/Winter) vs. VELVET SKY

Love attacked Sky as she entered the ring. The "STUPID REF" decided that was a good time to signal for the bell to start the match, needlessly rewarding the heel for the illegal attack. The "OBLIVIOUS ANNOUNCERS" were not the least bit bothered by this. Tenay said what Love did without even a hint of outrage. He might as well have been saying she waved at a friend in the crowd he was so matter-of-fact about it. It ceases to be an effective heel tactic if the "OBLIVIOUS ANNOUNCERS" aren't outraged or upset. All announcers today should listen to Mick Karch's current calling of local Minnesota indy wrestling that airs on a local channel. He's the best announcer in wrestling today because he's the only one who gets that his job is to accentuate the awfulness of the actions of the heels and the heroics of the babyfaces, and announce the action as if the outcome makes a difference and rules should be enforced in order to get a true deserving winner. Effective announcing is such a lost art at this point for a wide array of reasons.

They cut to a very early break after Love beat up Sky in the ring, then threw her to the floor.

Love locked Sky in a chinlock tighter than most of Cena's chinlocks. Sky elbowed out of it, but Winter tripped her as she bounced into the ropes. Love then regained her advantage with a barrage of punches. Taz said the ref didn't see the interference, but again didn't seem the least bit upset by Winter's actions. Winter choked Sky on the middle rope. Tenay "objectively" showed zero emotion toward that heel tactic. Winter went back to another chinlock.

Sky made a comeback and played to the crowd. Winter swung her belt from the ring apron at Sky, but she ducked and the belt hit Love, leading to the pin.

WINNER: Sky in 8:00.

3 -- SAMOA JOE vs. MATT MORGAN - Submission Match

How did this match not get hyped before this? It totally defines down the importance of the match to just throw it out here at the top of the second hour without any context or hype. Joe attacked Morgan from behind, so the "STUPID REFEREE" called for the bell to start the match. The "OBLIVIOUS ANNOUNCERS" didn't react with any outrage at the heel's cheating tactic. Tenay flatly said, "Here comes Joe from behind." That's all. Morgan fought back right away with some corner offense a la Kevin Nash.

Joe went for a sleeper, and there was a strange edit I've never seen before where they showed Joe apply the sleeper from one angle, then quickly cut to another "live" angle which showed Joe two seconds back in time applying the sleeper again.

More intensity in this match than almost anything on Sunday's PPV. Joe applied a figure-four leglock at 5:00 and Morgan tapped out. Taz noted that Joe set the table by going after his ankle all match. Yeah, all five minutes of it. Taz said he tapped so he could fight another day. Tenay put Joe over as a "submission specialist" and throughout the match they sold this as Joe's style of match. It was pretty evenly fought until the finish.

WINNER: Joe in 5:00 via tapout.

***

The final 30 minutes of Impact started with the second-half of Robert Roode vs. Kazarian, with Roode picking up a nice, clean win via submission to continue his quest for Kurt Angle's TNA World Title at Bound for Glory.

STING vs. RIC FLAIR -- Sting's career on the line vs. Sting receiving a match against Hulk Hogan at Bound for Glory

Very, very basic start to the match to cut a slow pace. They cut to break 2:10 in after a shoving match put Flair on his back.

Back from break at 6:10, Sting cleared Flair to the outside, allowing Flair to catch a breather on the floor. Some reference incompetence from Earl Hebner gave Flair control via a low-blow and an opening to catch his breath again. They did the classic figure-four spot with Flair holding onto the ropes for additional leverage while Hebner was occupied with Sting.

With Flair in control, the match continued to the top of the hour into the over-run. Sting started no-selling, so Flair begged off, then Sting executed a superplex from the top turnbuckle. At this point, Immortal stormed the ring and Sting fought them off one by one. Hogan was the last one to the ring, then Mr. Anderson's music hit and he chased off Bully Ray.

In the confusion, Hogan handed brass knucks to Flair, who popped Sting. Flair clutched his arm, then made the cover, but Sting lifted an arm to "kick out." Hogan gave them a cue to take it home as confusion ensued. Sting then hit the Scorpion Splash and slapped on the Scorpion Deathlock. Sting pointed toward Hogan as Flair tapped, giving Sting the win at 15:00.

Impact then closed with Tenay plugging Sting vs. Hulk Hogan at Bound for Glory. Hogan and Sting had a stare down from a distance to close the show three minutes past the top of the hour.

WINNER: Sting via submission at 15:00. Thanks to editing and a very methodical pace, this wasn't as bad as it came across live on Monday, but the match still shouldn't have happened. They stuck to the tried-and-true Flair sequences and leaned on the usual TNA outside interference to stretch this out to 15 minutes. Hogan doesn't look like he can have a match, so it remains to be seen if that Hogan-Sting match actually happens, even after TNA promoted it at the end of this week's show.

[Arcademan]

WWE Superstars Results: 9-15-11

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

1 -- EZEKIEL JACKSON vs. TYSON KIDD

Striker noted Kidd is a very confident man and believes he can defeat anyone on the roster. Kidd knocked Zeke down to one knee early on, but then accepted a gorilla press slam from Zeke for a two count. Kidd then took Ezekiel completely off his feet with dropkicks before settling into a reverse chinlock. Zeke escaped, then made his comeback, and caught Kidd out of the corner in the Torture Rack. Kidd fought momentarily, but tapped out to give Zeke the win.

WINNER: Jackson via submission at 3:04. What happened to monster wrestlers never leaving their feet? Granted, Kidd is a credible opponent, in theory, but you'd like to see a return to big-men not being taken off their feet in short matches.

2 -- BRODUS CLAY vs. MIKE PALMER

Striker noted Vickie Guerrero might be interested in obtaining Clay's services and Vickie could stand to take over as COO if Triple H loses. Striker suggested someone not signed to WWE could replace Hunter, or even Michael Cole. Korpela asked if Mr. McMahon would be allowed to come back, which drew silence from Striker. Meanwhile, Clay was destroying Palmer. Clay had the pin at 1:15, but pulled off a pin. Clay then went into his finishing sequence culminating with the high cross-body splash - the Fall of Humanity - for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Clay at 1:38. There's a big-man not leaving his feet. More solid build-up for Clay ahead of his main roster return at some point this year.

3 -- THE USOS (JIMMY & JEY USO) vs. TRENT BARRETA & JOHNNY CURTIS

Barreta started things off for his team, which led to running commentary from Curtis complaining about Barreta's attack. Curtis then took matters into his own hands, tagging into the match. Suddenly, Striker called the person who greenlit NXT a genius. He defended his point that NXT has produced several stars over the past five seasons. Curtis and Barreta continued to struggle to work together as a unit, leading to the match breaking down and Curtis eating a superkick on the floor. In the ring, Barreta wanted a top-rope move, but Jimmy side-stepped him. Jey then tagged in for a Superfly Splash on Barreta for the pin and the win.

WINNERS: Usos at 5:12. Usos back in the Tag Title hunt (even if they were invisible on NXT and Superstars this week) and Curtis actually showed some personality in this match. Fine tag match.

4 -- ZACK RYDER vs. DREW MCINTYRE

Stanford noted Ryder won the match-up a few weeks ago and McIntyre is even more incensed due to Ryder's higher profile on Raw as of late. The two men went back and forth early on before Ryder nailed the Broski Boot in the corner. Ryder wanted the Rough Ryder, but Mac slipped to the outside to stay alive. Mac pounded the announce table, then ripped off the cover out of frustration as they cut to break.

Back from break, McIntyre was in control in the ring. Ryder tried a quick roll-up, but Mac escaped and became even more upset, leading to more punishment for Ryder. Mac still couldn't put Ryder away and tried using the ropes for additional leverage on a pin attempt, but Ryder still kicked out. Mac called for the end, but Ryder fought back until Mac landed a knee to the gut. Two count only, then Mac pounded on Ryder from the mounted position, drawing a reprimand from the ref.

The two men traded quick pin attempts, drawing Mac's ire again. Mac had enough and wanted Future Shock, but Ryder slipped out and nailed the Rough Ryder. It was good for the pin and the win. Afterward, Mac slipped out of the ring and sold frustration with another loss as Ryder celebrated on the way out of the ring. After a replay of the finish, they showed Ryder celebrating some more whole Mac pounded the mat in frustration. A kick to the ring steps closed out the show.

WINNER: Ryder at 12:35. Another solid match between these two. McIntyre is in a holding pattern selling frustration every single time he's in the ring while WWE effectively played up Ryder as a resilient, underdog babyface.

[Arcademan]

WWE Smackdown Results: 9-16-11

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

1 – SIN CARA vs. DANIEL BRYAN

Sin Cara got booed pretty good coming out; I wonder how much of that is post-production. Fans will still want to cheer him, I would think, given his style. During his entrance, they showed his attacks on Daniel Bryan. The announcers were shown on camera as Bryan came out. He whipped Cara into the turnbuckle to start, then connected on a running dropkick. He took Cara down and pounded on him, then gave Cara a European uppercut. Cara flipped over the top turnbuckle, but Bryan sent him to the floor. Back in the ring, Cara cut off a probable Suicide Dive attempt with a dropkick to Bryan’s legs. Cole and Booker were putting over the new aggressiveness of Sin Cara. Let’s remember that for later. Cara propelled Bryan out of the ring and Bryan came up holding his knee. They went to break at 1:57.

Back at 5:52. Cara had Bryan in a leg-lock, which Bryan fought out of with right hands. Cara kicked Bryan in the leg again, then dropkicked him in the head. Springboard headbutt by Cara. Cara tried a springboard moonsault, but Bryan got his feet up. Not his knees…his feet. It looked good. Hard shot to the face of Cara as Bryan showed some viciousness of his own. Cover for two. Kicks to the chest of Cara in the corner, but Cara crotched Bryan. Bryan got caught in the Tree of Woe. Cara kept going after Bryan, even after the ref’s count, so Cara got disqualified.

WINNER: Bryan, via DQ, at 8:55. Solid match as you'd expect between the two, with the more physical nature as an added dimension.

Running dropkick in the corner by Cara, and as that happened his theme music played. The second Sin Cara (the original) came out. He threw his robe down in anger and pointed at Cara in the ring. Cole said he didn’t get it. Second Cara made the dive into the ring and faced off with the heel Cara. Like Highlander, Cole said there can only be one…Sin Cara. When they faced off, you could tell Hunico was so much bigger to the point that it makes the announcers look bad for not noticing. Both Caras raised their arms for reactions and the heel got the heel reaction of course. It looked like they were going to come to blows, but heel Cara just walked off. Cole asked who was who. Okay…so Cole and Booker talked about loving the aggressiveness of the new Sin Cara during the match, when he ended up being the heel. So why put him over as a babyface like that? It makes the real (face) Sin Cara seem less aggressive by comparison, and what babyface wants to be known as not aggressive?

2 – AJ vs. BETH PHOENIX

Kaitlyn was with AJ and whatever she was wearing was not real flattering. AJ slipped out of the corner and Trish kicked Beth in the leg. AJ went for a bulldog, but Beth stopped her and suplexed her. Press slam by Beth, and she even lifted her up and down over her head. AJ fought back and kicked Beth in the face. Beth kicked AJ in the chest as a reply, then beat AJ with the Glam Slam.

WINNER: Phoenix, at 1:24. AJ actually got more offense than I expected.

3 – WADE BARRETT & CHRISTIAN vs. JUSTIN GABRIEL & SHEAMUS

I think Gabriel’s music is different. Before the match started, Sheamus got the mic and offered some pleasantries. He said he couldn’t say anything nice about Christian, because his face reminds him of a horse’s arse. He said Barrett’s like a sack of cow manure, only half as useful. Sheamus did a rhyme about why he chose Gabriel as his partner saying he couldn’t find the Ax or the Smasher, so he got him the 450 splasher.

Match began just shy of the beginning of the second hour. Barrett blocked a drop-toe hold, but Gabriel came back with another one, this time successfully. Back leg-sweep by Gabriel for a one-count. Barrett took Gabriel to the apron and there seemed to be some bad timing as Gabriel missed a springboard and Barrett landed a side slam (which Booker credited to Big Bubba Rogers). Christian tagged in and Gabriel got a small package for two. Clothesline right after got two. Barrett came back in and put the boots to Gabriel in the corner. Suplex blocked and Barrett was rolled up for two. Rest-hold applied just after three minutes in. Gabriel worked out with elbows and kicked Barrett in the legs. Barrett tossed Gabriel in the air, and he landed chest-first on the mat. Christian came in again and took over on offense, and even whipped him into the buckle. The heels were firmly in control when they went to break at 4:34.

Back at 8:04 of the match and Gabriel was still being beaten down. Barrett with a straight kick to the head, then Christian tagged in. He missed a charge and Gabriel took Christian down. Somehow, that took ALL of the energy out of Christian and both men made tags at 9:17. Sheamus slammed Barrett down gave him a knee-lift. Christian stopped Sheamus on the top rope by grabbing his foot. Sheamus headbutted Barrett off the top and landed a diving shoulder tackle. Celtic Cross on Christian, but he countered and Sheamus clotheslined Christian over the top. Barrett tried Wasteland, but Sheamus got off and hit the Brogue Kick. Gabriel tagged in and hit the 450 splash for the win.

WINNERS: Sheamus and Gabriel, at 10:37. The work on Gabriel got a little tedious, but otherwise solid.

4 – THE GREAT KHALI vs. HEATH SLATER

Slater tried to stick and run, but didn’t really get the “run” part down. Big forearm by Khali sent Slater to the mat. At the :30 mark, Jinder Mahal walked down with a mic and yelled at Khali in another language. He was very intense. Mahal came to ringside and Slater tried to attack from behind. Khali grabbed him by the throat and Mahal ran in to help for the DQ.

WINNER: Khali, via DQ, at 1:09. More of an angle than a match.

Khali took out both Slater and Mahal, but Slater ran interference so Mahal could avoid the Tree Slam. Instead, Slater took one as Mahal watched from ringside.

5 – EVAN BOURNE vs. R-TRUTH

Miz went to ringside to do guest commentary, as did Kofi Kingston. The fight went to the outside immediately and back inside, Truth went for a cover. It’s gonna be another one of those “guys arguing on commentary takes precedence over the match.” Truth got Bourne up for a suplex, but Bourne used the knee to get out of it. Bourne nailed Truth with some body shots with his leg. Face-plant by Bourne with his legs. Bourne landed on his feet when Truth moved on a 450 splash, but Truth kicked Bourne and hit his finisher for the win.

WINNER: Truth, at 1:54. Was the show running long? Truth was just in the main events, but it’s awfully quick for a tag champ to lose in singles competition.

Show ended with 'The Cutting Edge' with Mark Henry and Randy Orton. At the end of it all, Henry took out a bunch of jobbers and Orton.

[Arcademan]

WWE RAW Results: 9-19-11

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

1 -- SHEAMUS & JUSTIN GABRIEL & WWE tag champions KOFI KINGSTON & EVAN BOURNE vs. CHRISTIAN & WADE BARRETT & DAVID OTUNGA & MICHAEL MCGILLICUTTY

The heels quickly isolated Bourne to deliver some offense as the announcers bantered back-and-forth about Miz and Truth's DQ loss last night and what the repercussions will be. Lawler said he heard they were fired. Ross noted Christian is looking for another World Title opportunity and Cole and Lawler said they disagree. Otunga lost control for the heels and Sheamus hot-tagged into the match. Sheamus cleaned house before dropping Otunga with the Irish Curse backbreaker. The pin was broken up, leading to chaos in the ring. Kofi with a high cross-body on Barrett, then Sheamus called for the end on Otunga. Christian provided a distraction, though, but Otunga still walked into the Brogue Kick. Sheamus could have made the pin, but posed for the crowd before calling for the end. The other disappeared at this point, except for Christian watching in the background, as Sheamus delivered the Celtic Cross to Otunga for the pin and the win. Post-match, Sheamus locked eyes with Christian to keep their program in the spotlight. After a replay of the finish, the faces celebrated in the ring.

WINNERS: Team Sheamus at 4:40. More build-up for Sheamus on Raw. Strong showcase for him, some focus on the Sheamus-Christian Smackdown program, and everyone else seemed to be background players.

2 -- ALBERTO DEL RIO vs. JOHN MORRISON

Actually, there is more they could do to make Morrison look like a lower-card wrestler, as he tapped out to the cross arm-breaker in 50 seconds. Del Rio kept the hold locked on for some extra pain to display his current frustration after the title loss last night. Del Rio added a kick to the back for good measure. Lawler tried to cover for Morrison that he was caught off-guard by Del Rio's onslaught. Del Rio stomped out of the ring with Ricardo.

WINNER: Del Rio via submission at 0:50. Nothing WWE does with Morrison is surprising anymore, but that was interesting. As for Del Rio, this is what they should have been doing with him as WWE champion: picking up decisive victories and looking like a strong, credible champion.

In-ring: Sin Cara's music played as Cole called the events on Friday's Smackdown one of the most bizarre things he's ever seen. What appeared to be the real Sin Cara came out for a match as Lawler and Cole tried to figure out what the real Sin Cara looks like. IC champion Cody Rhodes was out next, flanked by the baggers.

Before the match started, Sin Cara's music played again. Sin Cara looked around the arena selling befuddlement before the other Sin Cara came out on-stage. The announcers changed their stance on which one is the original. Ross framed the crowd's silence for being confused on what's going on. The two then played to the crowd for the loudest cheers. Suddenly, a Lucha match broke to in the middle of the ring. Flips. Dives. A dropkick sent one Sin Cara to the outside, then the other Sin Cara did a backflip and posed in the ring. Sin Cara's music played again and Ross said they don't know why there's to Sin Caras, but they hope to have answers.

3 -- Intercontinental champion CODY RHODES vs. SIN CARA -- non-title match

Match Never Started.

3 -- Divas champion KELLY KELLY & EVE vs. DIVAS OF DOOM (BETH PHOENIX & NATALYA)

Divas champion Kelly Kelly's music brought out Kelly and Eve for a Divas tag match. Beth Phoenix and Natalya then came out as their opponents, re-starting the Divas Title feud after Kelly retained over Beth last night. Kelly started things off, then Eve was isolated by the heels. Eve suddenly scored a roll-up on Natalya for the pin, frustrating Beth and Natalya again.

WINNERS: Kelly & Eve at 1:42.

4 -- U.S. champion DOLPH ZIGGLER (w/Vickie Guerrero) vs. ZACK RYDER (w/Hugh Jackman) -- non-title match

Ryder scored a quick two-count on an early roll-up that frightened Ziggler. The fans chanted, "Let's Go Ryder," as Jackman encouraged louder chants from ringside. Ziggler then caught Ryder in the corner and began working him over. Cole continued to heel on Ryder and people who watch videos online as Ryder tried to make a comeback. Vickei then slapped Ryder across the face and ref Miek Choida, returning from suspension, gave Vickie the boot. Suddenly, Jackman stepped up on the ring apron and absolutely cold-cocked Ziggler behind the ref's back. Ryder then dropped Ziggler with the Rough Ryder for the pin and the win. Post-match, Ryder and Jackman celebrated in the ring as Jackman played to the crowd. They stayed with the celebration for a while before the announcers plugged the main event still to come.

WINNER: Ryder at 3:06. Jackman has a future in wrestling if he wants one. Great energy throughout the show tonight. As for the match, Ryder had to win and Jackman had to give Ziggler his comeuppance, but they couldn't have Ziggler lose clean, so they went with a heel-oriented finish, which is counter-productive in long-run when WWE continues to have faces act like heels (see Bourne and Kofi's blind-tag behind the ref's back last night and other recent examples).

5 -- WWE champion JOHN CENA & C.M. PUNK vs. AWESOME TRUTH (THE MIZ & R-TRUTH)

Cole and Mathews discussed Cena having respect for Punk, even during their heated rivalry over the summer. To start things off, Miz slowly walked up to referee Charles Robinson and shook his hand to apologize. Cena, amused, walked up to Charles to shake his hand, so Miz tried to jump him, but Cena fought him off and tagged in Punk. Meanwhile, Mathews said he wasn't buying Miz and Truth's apology, which generated a defensive response from Cole. Punk tagged in and Truth landed some blows before shouting at the fans chanting, "C-M-Punk." Punk then cut off Truth and aggressively tagged in Cena, who allowed Truth to crawl across the ring to tag in Miz. Miz, back home in Cleveland, circled the ring before locking up with Cena. Miz won the exchange with an implant DDT for a nearfall. Cole then fed to commercial with Cena on the defensive.

Back live, Miz was still working on Cena as an "I (heart) Colt" sign hung over Punk's shoulder as he stood on the ring apron. Miz cut off Cena's comeback attempt before scoring a two count. Miz sold frustration with the ref, so Truth entered the ring to calm down Miz and get him away from ref Charles Robinson. The heels then went back to work on Cena. Mathews did a good job reinforcing Punk's physical condition after the "war" with Triple H last night, then Cole noted Punk only has two weeks to heal before Hell in a Cell. Miz did his boxing routine dancing around the ring in-between landing left jabs. Cena then fought back, per Punk's encouragement, but Truth cut off Cena before Cena could make a tag.

Miz sold that he's a good wrestler, taking a pass on an opportunity to strike Cena while Truth had the ref occupied. The heels then went back to work exchanging tags as they continued to wear down Cena. Miz then lost focus trash-talking Punk, allowing Cena to land offense, but Miz came right back with a knock-down clothesline. Miz then stalked Cena for a charging clothesline, but Cena moved and made the tag to Punk.

Punk landed clotheslines on Miz, then a dropkick, before dropping Truth with a suplex. Punk caught Miz with a signature high-knee and running bulldog followed by a springboard clothesline. Punk called for the G2S, but Miz avoided. Punk then dropkicked Miz into Truth and Miz rebounded into Punk, who delivered the Go 2 Sleep. Punk made the cover for the win.

WINNERS: Cena and Punk at 13:11. Strong TV main event. Good showcase for Miz and Truth in control for most of the match before Punk looked strong heading into Hell in a Cell, which, along with Del Rio looking strong tonight, gives Cena the "stacked deck" on the PPV in two weeks. (**)

Post-match: Cena came in right behind Punk, almost teasing the AA, but Cena simply accepted his WWE Title belt before emphatically raising Punk's hand. Suddenly, Triple H's music played and Punk and Cena held their ground in the ring. Hunter stood on-stage and half-apologized for breaking up the celebration. Hunter told Punk good match. He then told Miz and Truth: "You're fired," before turning right back around and leaving. Miz sold bewilderment. Cole was beside himself on commentary. The crowd shrieked and cheered before Miz and Truth collected themselves and ran backstage.

Backstage, the locker room was shown sitting down watching the happenings on monitors. Some wrestlers showed they were questioning Hunter's decision. Triple H walked backstage and Scott Stanford tried to get a word with Hunter, who was then jumped by Miz and Truth. The locker room separated everyone, then Hunter sent Miz and Truth flying out of the building. After they were kicked out of the building, Hunter was shown storming back inside the building, shoving wrestlers aside. He walked past Laurinaitis, who stood to the side as Hunter kept walking. They faded out with a shot of Hunter still walking down the hallway.

[Arcademan]

WWE NXT Redemption Results: 9-20-11

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

1 -- A.J. vs. MAXINE

Still no word on Hornswoggle's whereabouts. The announcers said wrestlers have to leave their personal business in the background when competing in WWE, so A.J. needs to ignore Swoggle's situation. So, he's been "missing" for seven days and no one seems to care? Classic NXT storyline. Regal engaged the viewers with a monologue as Korpela seemed to be intently listening to Regal. Maxine lost control of the match and A.J. scored some offense, but it wasn't good enough for the win. A Shining Wizard was good enough moments later, though, and A.J. picked up the win, to the delight of the kids in the crowd.

WINNER: A.J. at 5:14. Even-Steven the last two weeks and still no sign of Swoggle.

2 -- DERRICK BATEMAN (w/Tyson Kidd) vs. YOSHI TATSU

Yoshi dominated early on, then Bateman smeared Yoshi's facepaint on Yoshi's chest to try to get in his head. It only intensified Yoshi's attack, causing Bateman to retreat to the outside. Yoshi followed up and ripped off a series of chops, but Bateman ducked a final chop and crotched Yoshi into the ringpost. Back in the ring, Bateman wore down Yoshi as Kidd shouted encouragement from ringside. Bateman struggled to apply an abdominal stretch, then Yoshi countered it and Bateman found himself on the floor again. Back in the ring, Bateman accepted another round of chops followed by a corner boot. Yoshi followed with a running roundhouse kick, but Bateman kicked out of a pin attempt. Yoshi then went up top and landed a cross-body splash for another two count. Yoshi tried another pin following a big martial arts kick, but Kidd broke up the pin, drawing a DQ. The kids shrieked as Kidd attacked Yoshi and put the boots to him.

WINNER: Yoshi via DQ at 6:41.

3 -- TITUS O'NEIL & SHOWTIME PERCY WATSON vs. JTG & DARREN YOUNG

The faces quickly took control of the match, working over Young. Titus displayed his power offense while seemingly toying with Young. More work on Young, who finally drove Titus to the heel corner to bring in Jimmy the Gimmick. Gimmick was quickly dropped with a shoulderbreaker by Titus, then Titus flung No Days Off clear over the top rope to the floor.

Back from break, Regal continued to marvel at Titus flinging Young over the top rope. The faces were still in control of the action, of note. Gimmick decided to bail from the ring again, so Showtime picked him up and threw him back into the ring after Regal asked him to smash his head in. The heels finally cheated to take control at 6:30 and began working over Showtime. It was so unrealistic watching JTG wear down the much larger and more physically imposing Showtime.

At 11:00, Showtime finally reached out and made the tag to Titus, who cleaned house. The action broke down moments later and Showtime went flying to the outside. JTG was then knocked to the outside. Suddenly, Young clipped Titus and set up for a gutbuster across his knee. Young made the cover and it was good for the win. Post-match: Young and JTG celebrated the victory before the Usos stormed the ring and took out the victors. The Usos then went to opposite corners and delivered dual Superfly splashes. Cue up the Usos's theme music and Regal called them future tag champions to close out this week's NXT.

WINNERS: Young & JTG at 11:56. Why are the Usos on NXT again? Where's Striker to get an interview? When is this show going to end? Multiple Choice - are they waiting for Maryse to return, the end of the year, NXT to return to television, or all of the Pros to be released?

[Arcademan]

Hugh Jackman’s Mighty Fist Injures Wrestler

Let it never be said that Hugh Jackman won't do anything to promote a movie. The star of the upcoming "Real Steel," a futuristic boxing flick opening next month, had a guest appearance on WWE "Raw" on Monday night. And you better believe Hugh came out swinging.
 
Jackman assumed the role of a temporary manager for wrestler Zach Ryder, an underdog who was about to take on the hated Dolph Ziggler. Ziggler appeared to be winning the match against Ryder when Jackman noticed that the ref (Can somebody remind us why they have refs in pro wrestling?) was distracted. So Jackman punched Ziggler right in the kisser. Check out the video from the match. Gotta be the first time a host for the Tony Awards did something so macho.

Boom! Down goes Ziggler, and Ryder wins the match. The Huffington Post points out that the confrontation was certainly staged, but the results may not have been. After the event, Ziggler tweeted that he had a possible fractured jaw thanks to Jackman's vicious punch. Later, Ziggler tweeted that he had a "hairline mandibular fracture."
 
Whether or not that's true is anybody's guess (wrestlers have been known to exaggerate from time to time), the punch certainly looked authentic. And it should, considering the training Jackman went through for his role in "Real Steel." To play a former contender turned trainer, Jackman studied with Olympic gold medal winner and International Boxing Hall of Fame member, Sugar Ray Leonard.

[Arcademan]

TNA Impact Wrestling Results: 9-22-11

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

1 -- MICKIE JAMES vs. MISS TESSMACHER

When Tessmacher engaged in "strip-tease behavior," Tenay wondered if Karen would disqualify her. Taz said he was ready to hand her the Knockouts Title. Mickie won clean with a DDT. They hugged afterward.

WINNER: Mickie in 3:00 with a DDT.

2 -- AUSTIN ARIES vs. JESSE SORRENSEN -- X Division Title Match

They showed Twitter messages during the match from fans talking about the X Division. Aries mocked Sorrensen by running around ringside with his football in hand. Sorrensen slidekicked him and then dove onto him at ringside at 2:00. Kid Kash then walked to ringside. Aries went for a superplex, but Sorrensen shoved hi to the mat and then hit a top rope crossbody block for a near fall. Kash shoved the football into the chest of Sorrensen. Sorrensen whipped the ball at Kash. Kash jumped onto the ring apron, but the ref blocked him. Aries then dropkicked Sorrensen from behind for the win.

WINNER: Aries in 5:00 to retain the X Division Title.

3 -- BULLY RAY & JERRY LYNN vs. MR. ANDERSON

RVD was unable to wrestle due to the backstage attack, so this become a two-on-one match. Ray at ringside shoved Anderson off the top rope at 1:00, then Lynn tagged in Ray legally with Anderson down. Lynn whipped Ray toward Anderson at 3:00, but Anderson moved and Ray went chest-first into the turnbuckles. Anderson countered a Bubba Bomb attempt hit the Mic Check, but Lynn yanked Anderson out of the ring. Anderson whipped Lynn into the ringside steps, then nailed Ray with a flip senton off the top rope. When he made the cover, Lynn climbed to the top rope and dove off toward Anderson. Anderson moved, Lynn hit Ray. Anderson then recovered Ray for a two count. Anderson knocked Lynn off the ring apron, then charged Ray who met him with an elbow. Anderson then lifted Ray onto his shoulders, but Lynn dropkicked him. As the ref ordered Lynn out of the ring, Ray clotheslined Anderson with the chain. Tenay said if it wasn't enough that it's two-on-one, now Ray is using a chain. Tenay stressed Anderson gets a one-on-one match at BFG.

WINNER: Ray & Lynn in 6:00. Well booked two-on-one match in terms of putting heat on the heels and showing Anderson had good fighting spirit.

4 -- KURT ANGLE vs. "COWBOY" JAMES STORM

Jeremy Borash handled the formal ring introductions. He's still the best in the business at that. After a headlock by Storm, he backdropped a charging Angle over the top rope to the floor. He followed him to the floor, but Angle threw him head-first into the ring steps. Taz said that Angle was now "literally in the driver's seat." Angle applied a side headlock. Storm elbowed out of it, but Angle kneed him coming off the ropes to retain control. Angle went on to apply the anklelock at 7:00, but Storm rolled through and scored a leverage two count. Storm them side-stepped a charging Angle, who went shoulder-first into the ringpost. Storm scored another two count on a schoolboy. Storm set up his signature superkick, but Angle blocked it and went into his unreleased German suplex series. The crowd chanted "Angle sucks!" After a third suplex, Angle scored a near fall. Storm blocked a top rope suplex attempt by Angle, then landed an elbow off the top rope for a near fall. Storm then lifted Angle for an Eye of the Storm (Razor's Edge), at which point Gunner ran out. Angle gave a distracted Storm an Angle Slam for a believable near fall. "Can you believe it?" exclaimed Tenay. Storm went for a superkick, but Angle moved and the ref took the kick. Storm then superkicked Angle. The fans counted well past three. Another ref slid in to make the count, but Gunner yanked him to the floor. Gunner than hit Storm with Angle's championship belt. As Kaz punched away at Storm, Roode ran out and made the save. With Storm, Angle, and the ref all down, Roode picked up the world championship belt and looked at it longingly. He held it in the air in front of Angle. The Beer Money music played as Roode delicately placed the belt down in front of Angle.

WINNER: No contest in 12:00.

STAR RATING: **3/4