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

[Arcademan]

WWE Smackdown Results: 10-14-11 (next two posts)

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

1 – 41-MAN BATTLE ROYAL

Cody Rhodes was first out at :09, via Randy Orton. I don’t think anyone would’ve guessed that. Johnny Curtis followed :25 in, as Drew McIntyre tossed him. John Morrison tried to pull Jack Swagger out with an assist from Yoshi Tatsu. David Otunga held on after Santino Marella tried to get rid of him. JTG was out at 1:26 thanks to Wade Barrett. Michael McGillicutty out at 1:40 via Kofi Kingston. Derrick Bateman out at 1:50 via Titus O’Neil. Swagger eliminated O’Neil at 2:00. Tatsu out a second or two after that, I believe by Curt Hawkins. Striker out at 2:30 by his NXT broadcast partner William Regal. Booker thought Striker could’ve lasted longer, to which Cole said, “Booker, you’re an idiot.” Primo landed on the apron as Justin Gabriel tried to get rid of him. Many wrestlers ended up on the apron as they went to break at 3:16.

Back just after 6:00 in, as Mathews said they were down to 32 superstars. Regal out via his mentor Daniel Bryan at 6:50. Percy Watson out at 7:11 by a slew of people, John Morrison at 7:22 by Ziggler and Swagger, and Dolph Ziggler at 7:24 by Zack Ryder. That would be a big deal if anyone mentioned that. Trent Barreta out at 8:09 by Awesome Truth, then one of the Usos at 8:24, thanks to Miz. CM Punk and Randy Orton were both teetering on the top rope as they battled. Ted DiBiase out at 8:56 as Zeke Jackson tossed him. Tyson Kidd out at 9:06 by the Miz. Another break at 9:39.

Back at 13:36 with Christian in trouble by Ryder. Daniel Bryan out at 13:46. Gabriel kicked McIntyre in the head to work his way back in. Mason Ryan tossed Tyler Reks at 14:43, then Curt Hawkins at 14:45. McIntyre back-dropped out by Ryan at 15:03. Ryan pressed Gabriel over his head at 15:14 and tossed him to the floor. Barrett came from behind Ryan and pushed him out at 15:20. Primo held on but Ryder kicked him out at 15:45. Santino attempted the Cobra, but Christian punched him in the face to send him to the showers at 16:06. Alex Riley out via Miz at 16:21. Zack Ryder and Jinder Mahal went at it as Kofi tried to grab Swagger and eliminate him. Instead, Swagger got Kofi in the ankle-lock at pushed him out at 17:21. Ryder out at 17:39. Otunga out via Sheamus at 17:51, then one of the Usos by Sheamus at 17:59. Sheamus clotheslined Jackson out at 18:08 after a failed Torture Rack. Brogue Kick to Heath Slater, who sold it like a champ at 18:20. Sheamus powerbombed evil Sin Cara on those who were eliminated at 18:35. After a brief face-off, Christian went out by the hand of Sheamus at 19:08. Down to eight Superstars. Punk went after Miz and Truth. Truth out at 19:27 by Punk, Punk at 19:30 by Miz. Barrett and Sheamus matched up in the near corner. Also remaining: Swagger, Mahal, Miz. Sheamus out via Christian at 20:07. Sheamus chased the already-eliminated Christian to the back. Barrett out at 20:29, then Swagger at 20:37 after an RKO by Orton. Mahal was out by Orton at 20:40, as Orton thought he was the last one. But Miz popped back up and tried to toss Orton out. Orton held on. Orton went all Vintage Orton here. Skull-Crushing Finale avoided, but neither man would fold. They ended up on the apron, hammering away on one other. Orton hit the RKO on Miz on the apron, and both men fell to the floor. The announcers played up that they weren’t sure who won. Eventually, it was decided (and confirmed on replay) that Orton won.

WINNER: Orton, at 22:37. Fine battle royal, and I don’t mind having lower-card guys involved to get some rare air-time. WWE has been close to overdoing battle royals lately, though.

2 – BETH PHOENIX vs. KELLY KELLY

Strangely, this was not billed as a Diva’s Championship match, so this isn’t Kelly’s rematch that she’d presumably get. Cole once again talked of Kelly’s “serious anger issues” as she smiled to all the fans while she walked to the ring. Beth went right after Kelly and choked her in the corner, treating her like a rag-doll. Kelly turned things around and put the boots to Beth. Phoenix put the brakes on a headscissors attempt. Phoenix trash-talked as Cole put over Beth and Nattie’s “Sisters of Salvation” nickname. What happened to the “Divas of Doom”? Spinning DDT by Kelly on Beth that took a while to get going. Beth played defense and Kelly ended up on the apron. Phoenix dragged Kelly into the ring from that spot and gave Kelly the Glam Slam for the win.

WINNER: Phoenix, at 1:51. Again, strange that if they were going to put Beth over again, why not make it Kelly’s rematch clause? If they went to the rematch now, it wouldn’t make sense because Kelly just lost in a non-title match. And if they wanted to move on from Kelly, why not just do that and not job Kelly here? Oh well.

3 – JUSTIN GABRIEL vs. SIN CARA NEGRO

Cara Negro wore the Cara Azul mask. Booker wouldn’t even concede that Sin Cara Azul is the real Sin Cara. Cole again gave the back-story on both Caras, dating back to Mexico. Gabriel dropkicked Cara out of the ring, then performed a twisting splash over the top rope and onto his opposition. Back in the ring, Gabriel came off the top and Cara dropkicked him in the chest. The two hammered away on each other in the middle of the ring. Powerbomb by Gabriel for two. Gabriel again went to the top, but Cara tripped him up. Cara ascended the top rope and landed a diving Swanton bomb for the win.

WINNER: Cara, at 1:35. They had a few weeks where it looked like Gabriel would be built up a little. I guess that’s out the window, even though it was good to get Cara Negro a win.

4 – ALBERTO DEL RIO vs. SHEAMUS

Cole complained about this match being made, and Booker said it was all about ratings and that Long is doing a fantastic job. Ugh. Mathews noted that both men are two-time WWE Champions. Shoulder knock-down by Sheamus early on. I felt like I was watching a prison movie as I saw Sheamus struggle to lift Del Rio’s arms while he was in the ropes in order to bash him over the chest with forearms. Sheamus missed a charge in the corner and Del Rio came off the turnbuckle with a dropkick. Arm-bar applied by Del Rio. Del Rio brought Sheamus’ arm across his knees to continue softening up that part of his body. Sheamus caught Del Rio charging at him, then knocked Del Rio down with a few Irish Hammers. Irish Curse back-breaker by Sheamus for two. Sheamus went to the top rope, but Ricardo Rodriguez got on the apron. The ref dealt with him as Christian, from out of nowhere, knocked Sheamus off his perch. Del Rio gave Sheamus an enziguiri, then once back in the middle of the ring, kicked him in the head for the pinfall.

WINNER: Del Rio, at 3:57. Even with Christian’s interference, too quick for a match with men of this caliber. Good to see Del Rio get the pinfall win though.

[Arcademan]

WWE Smackdown Results (continued)

5 – JACK SWAGGER & DOLPH ZIGGLER vs. KOFI KINGSTON & ZACK RYDER

WWE had to ruin another theme song by adding Ryder’s catchphrase to the beginning of his theme song, something they do way too often. It’s like some of the cool t-shirt designs they’ve had that are ruined by the giant WWE logo on the shirt. Face-plant by Ryder, but Swagger reversed things and gave Ryder a belly-to-belly throw. Ziggler tagged in and connected on a neck-breaker for two. Kofi tagged in and did his signature spots. He did a suicide dive onto both Ziggler and Swagger outside the ring as they went to break.

Ziggler was in control of Kofi upon return, and they showed how the heels took over during break. Evan Bourne was out there to try to offset Vickie’s presence. Fameasser for two by Ziggler, then Swagger tagged in. Slam by Swagger for two. Kofi fought back and neared a tag, but Swagger grabbed him and sent him back-first into a neutral corner. Kofi was set on the top rope, but he fired back with a Tornado DDT. Both men were down and needing to make a tag. Both men did, and Ryder cleaned house on Ziggler. Broski boot by Ryder, then a pin, which got two. Ziggler created some separation to land a dropkick. Booker called him “Zig Zag Man.” Rough Ryder was countered into a sleeper hold. Ryder began to fade, but he threw Ziggler off and shoulder-first into the ring post. Ryder tried to regain his bearings and make a tag to Kingston. As he closed in on a tag, Swagger knocked Kingston off the apron. Kingston got back into the ring and gave Ziggler a Trouble in Paradise as the ref got Swagger back to his corner. Ryder made the cover for the win.

WINNERS: Ryder and Kingston. Hey, at least the Smackdown writers didn’t forget that Ryder and Ziggler had a feud going. Would’ve been nice if the Raw writers had remembered.

6 – MARK HENRY vs. RANDY ORTON – WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

During Orton’s entrance, they showed Cody Rhodes bagging him on Raw this past week. Orton jabbed and ran to start, then tried to clothesline Henry. It didn’t move him. European uppercuts by Orton, and a kick took him down to one knee. He tried a low DDT, but Henry shoved Orton off and to ringside. Orton landed a few punches outside the ring, but Henry headbutted him. Henry picked Orton up and rammed him shoulder-first into the ring-post. Pin back in the ring only got the big man a two-count. Orton ran right into Henry, and the girth sent Orton back to the mat. Henry stood on Orton’s back near the ropes. Headbutt by Henry in the middle of the ring. Another rest-hold and again Orton worked out. Orton pounded away on Henry in the corner. Henry came back and dropped an elbow on Orton for only a two-count. Final break taken at 9:52 EST, 4:28 into the match.

Back at 7:25 of the contest. Henry was still in control, with the pace of the match having slowed to a crawl. Powerslam by Henry. He put two hands on Orton’s chest for the pin, and Orton kicked out. Henry choked Orton in the ropes by putting one of his giant legs over Orton’s neck. Bodyslam by Henry, then a big splash. That was a near-fall at 8:59 of the match. Henry dragged Orton to the corner, where he set up for a second-rope splash. Orton got his feet up however and tried to take the big man down. Dropkick did it, 9:44 in. Cody Rhodes ran out and got to the apron. Orton tried to set up his DDT, but Henry attacked from behind. The ref rang the bell for a DQ.

WINNER: Orton, via DQ, at 10:01.

[Arcademan]

TNA Bound For Glory PPV Results: 10-16-11 (Next 2 posts)

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

Mike Tenay and Taz hyped the pre-show match for the TNA Tag Titles. Out first was Ink, Inc. to challenge for the Tag Titles. Neal brought an American flag with him to the ring before Mexican America came out in possession of a Mexican flag.

A -- TNA tag champions MEXICAN AMERICA (HERNANDEZ & ANARQUIA w/Rosita and Sarita) vs. INK, INC. (SHANNON MOORE & JESSE NEAL w/Christina Von Eerie) -- TNA Tag Title match

One minute, 15 seconds for the first outside interference and referee distraction of the night. Moments later, there was a spot where Moore appeared to be legit KO'ed, as Anarquia made a cover and pretty much had to pull off the pin because Moore wasn't responding. The match continued with Mexican America still working over Moore. Moore eventually scored with a desperation moonsault to make the tag to Neal, who cleaned house. Neal then scored with a spear and appeared to score a pin, but Anarquia apparently broke up the pin in time.

The action momentarily broke down before Neal missed with a splash on the outside. Moore then hit a moonsault on Anarquia, leaving bodies everywhere. Hernandez was the last man standing and airballed a big dive on the floor. Suddenly, the women were in the ring. Sure, why not. Von Eerie ripped off Sarita's mask and slammed her. Anarquia and Von Eerie were left in the ring, where Von Eerie pantsed Anarquia. Tenay and Taz had no idea what to say here. In all of the confusion, Hernandez rolled up Neal from behind for the win.

WINNERS: Mexican America at 8:02 to retain the Tag Titles. What a mess. Why would anyone spend $35 on the subsequent PPV broadcast after watching that on the pre-show? Unbelievable incompetence from TNA that made the product look like a joke.

1 -- X Division champion AUSTIN ARIES vs. BRIAN KENDRICK -- X Division Title match

The crowd established early on they were in favor of Aries and not in favor of Kendrick, who was booed by the vocal males when he scored early offense. Aries was cheered when he returned fire and scored close nearfalls. Kendrick came back with a pin attempt following a Tornado DDT, which led to an audible "Aries, Aries" chant. Aries then nailed a flying suicide dive on the floor. Back in the ring, Aries landed a flying dropkick in the corner. He wanted a brainbuster, but Kendrick countered with knees to the head for a two count. Aries then blocked Sliced Bread #2, but Kendrick nailed it on a second attempt. He made a cover, but Aries grabbed the bottom rope just in time. "Austin Aries" chant before Aries blocked a Sliced Bread attempt from the ring apron to the floor. Back in the ring, Aries executed another corner dropkick before delivering a brainbuster suplex. Aries made the cover and it was good for the win.

WINNER: Aries at 10:28. Very good match to start the PPV. Nice finishing sequence and the crowd was fully invested, not just because of Aries, but the good action. (**3/4)

2 -- ROB VAN DAM vs. JERRY LYNN -- Full Metal Mayhem match

A ton of counters and not a lot of mayhem to start things off. After two stand-offs following counter exchanges, the two men collided near the ropes and kind of fell to the outside. RVD tried a springboard moonsault from the guardrail, but Lynn moved and RVD ate the padding. As RVD sold the effects, Lynn pulled out a ladder and slid it into the ring. A chair was also introduced into the proceedings. Meanwhile, RVD randomly posed for and talked to the ringside fans.

Back in the ring, the two men then traded chair-assisted offense, continuing the match theme of there being numerous counters. This was followed by a chair toss to the head by Lynn to RVD. There should be a fine attached to that until people learn. Lynn then introduced a second ladder, leading to a dangerous spot when Lynn tried a sunset flip powerbomb onto the ladder, but completely missed and RVD ate the ringside guardrail on the back of his neck. Back in the ring, RVD recovered and delivered a Van Terminator sending a chair into a ladder into Lynn's face. Lynn sold unconsciousness as the crowd popped. RVD then made a cover on Lynn for the pin and the win. Afterward, RVD and Lynn sold respect before Lynn left the ring and RVD celebrated.

WINNER: RVD at 13:15. The presentation from TNA was this was "fun to go back in time," but this set the wrestling industry back two decades. Too many dangerous spots around the head/neck region for comfort. It wasn't entertaining at all in that respect. Just shaking my head at a replay showing all of the dangerous spots. It would be like ESPN still glorifying head shots on defenseless NFL receivers because it "gets a reaction." (n/a)

3 -- SAMOA JOE vs. MATT MORGAN vs. CRIMSON -- three-way match
 
Joe started the match telling Morgan and Crimson to beat each other up, but they jumped Joe for an early double-team attack. Crimson then accidentally popped Morgan in the mouth, but Morgan kept his cool and the two big men pin-balled Joe across the ring with strikes. Joe came back with a leg sweep targeting Morgan's right knee after dumping Crimson to the floor. The match moved to the floor after Joe splashed Crimson with a suicide dive. The seven-foot Morgan then went up top, balanced himself on the top turnbuckle, and splashed Crimson on the floor. Joe admired his handiwork turning the two men against each other before the match returned to the ring.
 
Morgan and Crimson then started to get heated with each other. Morgan won the crowd and the exchange with a shoulder tackle before Joe yanked Morgan to the outside and ran him into the guardrail. Back in the ring, Joe delivered high-impact offense on Crimson before Morgan became involved again. A final three-man exchange led to Crimson delivering a spear on Joe for the pin and the win. Post-match: Crimson and Morgan stared each other down before Morgan limped off and the vocal males booed Crimson as the winner.
 
WINNER: Crimson at 7:14. Fine execution of the story with Joe trying to pit the faces against each other, then Joe getting his comeuppance by taking the loss. Noteworthy was Joe getting that Austin Aries reaction from the vocal males. (*1/2)

4 -- BULLY RAY vs. MR. ANDERSON -- Philadelphia Street Fight -- Falls Count Anywhere
 
After some basic holds, Anderson went to the floor to retrieve a pro-A-hole sign. Anderson popped it over Ray's head, then revealed it was a loaded sign complete with a street sign. Anderson then popped Ray clean over the head with the street sign. Another fine-worthy offense. The match then moved to the floor, where Anderson threw a beer into Ray's face. On the other side of the ringside section, a woman threw a beer onto Anderson. The action moved to the stage, where Ray mocked Anderson's mic drop gimmick before Anderson popped him in the face with the mic. The match moved backstage, where Ray scored with a piledriver for a nearfall. They returned to the stage area on the floor before spilling over the guardrail toward the ringside area.
 
Back in the ring, Anderson landed a few punches before going to the floor to remove a section of the guardrail. Anderson heaved the rail into the ring, but Ray cut off Anderson with a clothesline. Ray then grabbed a table and set it up in the ring. But, Anderson recovered and back-dropped Ray onto the guardrail, causing it to bend in the middle. Anderson decided a top-rope move was the next court of action, but he missed with a senton splash and crashed into the rail. Ray followed right up with a Full Nelson suplex through the table, but Anderson kicked out of a pin attempt.
 
Anderson, with blood coming from his mouth, came back with a Mic Check into the guardrail, but Ray kicked out. Ray then rolled out of the ring to catch his breath and Anderson followed to the outside, where he retrieved a trashcan. Anderson smashed Ray over the head with the can, which thankfully bent with the blow, and Ray found himself flat on a table. Anderson then went back into the ring for a top-rope move and brushed Ray with a flying senton after over-shooting. The crowd was disappointed, then Anderson and Ray called an audible and Anderson finished off Ray with a Mic Check through the table. Anderson made the cover for the win.
 
WINNER: Anderson at 14:33. The story carried the contest, which still had one too many head/neck blows for comfort, but it delivered on what was advertised. Anderson needed an impressive, decisive win to reverse course on his TNA career, and this accomplished the goal. (**)

5 -- Knockouts champion WINTER (w/Angelina Love) vs. VELVET SKY vs. MADISON RAYNE vs. MICKIE JAMES -- four-way Knockouts Title match -- Karen Jarrett special referee
 
The story early on was Karen officiating in favor of the heels (Rayne and Madison). The heels then became upset with each other, so Karen tried to restore order, while ignoring the babyfaces when they were on the advantage. Karen was eventually bumped, which brought out Traci Brooks to check on Karen. In the confusion, Velvet had a pin on Rayne, Traci tried to decide what to do, and then counted the pin for Velvet. New KO champion. Post-match: Karen was helped away and Velvet celebrated while Winter and Angelina stewed ringside.
 
WINNER: Velvet at 8:31 to capture the KO Title. That was a complete mess with an over-complicated situation. The crowd did respond to the title change, though, after wanting the match to end about 30 seconds in.

[Arcademan]

6 -- A.J. STYLES vs. DANIELS -- I Quit match
 
Daniels tried to get Styles to quit a few seconds into the match, but Styles blew him off, then Styles sustained an attack, but Daniels wouldn't quit either. On the floor, Daniels tried to grab a toolbox from under the ring. He found a wrench and chucked it at Styles, who ducked to avoid the baseball throw. Daniels then tried to jab a screwdriver into Styles's face, but Styles fought him off. Daniels then sustained an attack and congratulated himself on a BME to Styles's lower back. Daniels opted for a single-leg Boston Crab, but Styles refused to quit.
 
Daniels then retrieved a chair and placed it on Styles's throat before sitting on the chair. He said he's been dreaming of watching Styles die in front of him and now he'll get everything Styles has been given in TNA. Daniels said he'll tell his wife that his last words were, "I love you." Daniels then addressed the hard camera and told Wendy to take the kids out of the room so they don't see Styles murdered in cold blood. Too heavy-handed. Styles then made his comeback after Daniels took too long talking and Styles fired up the crowd. Daniels told Styles to die, but Styles hit a Pele kick, then the Styles Clash. Styles picked up a chair to bash Daniels, but grabbed a screwdriver instead. Daniels backed away to the corner and said, "Okay, A.J., I quit. Don't hurt me." The crowd booed the anti-climatic finish, then Daniels ran away from the ring to avoid Styles's wrath.

Post-match: Styles pounded the mat as he left the ring. Styles posed on the stage, then Daniels jumped Styles from behind. Daniels then dropped Styles with Angel's Wings. For some reason, Daniels was rewarded with his music playing. "He never beat me!" Daniels declared, hinting the feud will continue. Daniels then "kicked dirt" onto Styles. On-camera the announcers sold they weren't happy with the non-conclusive finish that didn't resolve anything and said Styles won't be happy with how the match finished.
 
WINNER: Styles at 13:42. This had potential to be a stand-out match, but the mid-match promo took this from a heated, competitive battle to an unrealistic, unentertaining situation vowing to kill someone. (**)

7 -- HULK HOGAN vs. STING -- No DQ match for control of TNA
 
Once the bell sounded, Hogan danced around the ring before doing some shadow boxing. He then pointed to the entrance ramp and Ric Flair's music hit. Flair came out to ringside as Dixie sold disgust ringside. Hogan shook hands with Flair as Flair's music kept playing. Dixie was shown panicked before the music stopped. Loud "whoos" before Hogan and Sting went back to circling around each other. The two men locked up (yes, a lock-up in a "fight") and Sting worked a side headlock for a while. Hogan then delivered a shoulder tackle and started going nuts with his poses and a crotch chop. Sting, shocked, threw away his t-shirt and went after Hogan, but Hogan knocked him down to the mat. They cut to Dixie sitting in her seat with her hands underneath her chin.
 
Hogan knocked Sting to the outside and Sting went looking for Flair before returning to the ring, where Hogan landed more offense. Hogan then dumped Sting to the outside again and Flair choked the life out of Sting before delivering chops right in front of Dixie. Hogan followed up with a low blow to Sting as ref Jackson James watched. Hogan bit into Sting's forehead before Flair handed Hogan a foreign object. Hogan rammed it into Sting's head over and over before rolling Sting back into the ring.
 
In the ring, Sting came up bleeding from the forehead. Hogan then did a combination P.S. Hayes/Ric Flair strut as Sting bled onto the mat. Sting suddenly came back with right hands and Hogan actually took a bump on his back. After chasing Flair on the outside, Sting landed another right and Hogan took another bump on his back. Sting bought Hogan some more time by running to the outside to chase down Flair. Back in the ring, Sting jabbed Hogan with a weapon and Hogan took a flatback bump. Hogan was bleeding from the forehead now. Sting hit a Stinger Splash, then knocked Flair off the apron. Sting followed with a Stinger Splash to Hogan's back before slapping on the Scorpion Deathlock. Hogan tapped out, but ref Jackson James ignored it. Hogan kept tapping, though, so Jackson reluctantly called for the bell.
 
WINNER: Sting at 9:43 to win control of the company.

Post-match: Dixie jumped up and down in celebration before Flair smashed Sting from behind. Immortal, led by Eric Bischoff, then hit the ring and delivered an attack on Sting. Abyss was shown watching in the distance. Bischoff then went for a chair shot, but Jackson stole the chair from Eric. Eric then cracked a chair over his son's back as Hogan was shown getting up in the background. Immortal continued to beat down Sting, who looked up to Hogan and asked Hogan to help him. Sting crawled toward Hogan as the crowd encouraged Hogan to help. Hogan then ripped off his t-shirt, Hulked Up, and went to town on Immortal. Hogan and Sting had Immortal caught in the middle and they cleaned house.
 
The only man left from Immortal was Bischoff, who was cowering in the corner. Hogan and Sting then came together before Hogan pointed down at Bischoff. Hogan and Sting slowly picked up Bischoff before Hogan wound up a big right hand and decked Bischoff. Dixie had stars in her eyes ringside. "I'm back," Hogan said. Hogan then dumped Bischoff out of the ring before standing tall with Sting. Sting said he wants Hulkamania back. Sting did Hogan's poses as Dixie was shown crying ringside. Hogan and Sting then shook hands before Hogan's music played. Dixie was shown hugging husband Serge ringside as the announcers recapped what happened. Sting left the ring first, followed by Hogan, who limped out of the ring and bent over ringside, selling the adrenaline was wearing off.
 
8 -- TNA World Hvt. champion KURT ANGLE vs. ROBERT ROODE -- TNA World Title match
 
They started with a quick offensive exchange. The crowd was still invested early on, including the vocal males chanting for Roode. Angle then wanted a moonsault, but Roode delivered an overhead toss and Angle landed face-first on the mat. After a pause for everyone to recover, Roode delivered successive offense before snapping off a neckbreaker for a two count. Roode tried a top-rope move, but Angle cut him off with a belly-to-belly suplex for a nearfall. Roode came back with a Crossface, but Angle countered with the anklelock. Roode fought the hold, then countered right back with a Crossface. And, back to the anklelock for Angle. Roode escaped, then delivered a spinebuster. Roode followed with a Fisherman Suplex with a bridge pin, but Angle rolled a shoulder just in time.

At 10:00, the crowd broke out in a "Let's go Angle / Let's go Bobby" chant. Angle went back to the ankelock, but Roode countered. Roode continued to sell the leg work, then Angle used the ref as a shield to distract Roode, who walked into a mule kick from Angle. Angle followed with the Angle Slam, but Roode kicked out in-time, popping the crowd. Angle followed with two German Suplexes and Roode countered #3 with another Crossface. Angle escaped, though, and both men sold the effects of the match thus far. Another dueling chant as they reset. Angle then speared Roode, who kicked out of a pin.
 
Angle tried another top-rope move, but Roode blocked and re-applied a Crossface center ring. Angle fought out, though, and the two men traded finishing moves. Angle then hit the Angle Slam and scored a pin despite Roode's hand being under the bottom rope and Angle using the ropes for leverage. It looked like the ref stopped his count, so the crowd didn't know what to think. The ref called for the bell anyways and the ref did the X signal as Angle took off his boot. Angle was then helped out of the ring as Roode sat in the corner selling disbelief over the outcome. They signed off at 10:52 p.m. EST.
 
WINNER: Angle at 14:15 to retain the TNA World Title. This was certainly Hogan's TNA dream night. TNA dropped the ball only allotting 15 minutes to the match and not going all the way with Roode after the build-up. If they were going to do this finish, the match needed to be about 25 minutes so Roode was legitimized as being able to "hang with Angle." Instead, he looked like another typical TNA babyface unable to win the big one. Even if Roode gets a re-match due to the non-clean finish, they can't get back to the position they were in leading to BFG. (***)

[Arcademan]

ROH TV Results: 10-15-11

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

1 - - THE BRISCOES vs. ANX (Kenny King & Rhett Titus) - #1 Contender match for the ROH World Tag Team Titles

No Code of Honor here. Kelly said ANX was here to avenge the chair attack in NYC at “Best in the World.” The Briscoes quickly double teamed King and stomped away at him in the corner during the early stages of the match. They took King out to the floor, but he fired back with a senton off the apron on Jay as Titus ran in and took out Mark. ANX went to work on Mark inside the ring tagging in and out to work him over. Jay caught Rhett with a knee on the apron that gave Mark the upper hand. The Briscoes ended up hitting a leg sweep/running kick on Titus moments later. The Briscoes continued to work over Titus as Jay nailed him with a big chop in the corner. Titus fired back with a slap to the face, but Jay cut him off right away with a knee to the gut.

Kelly read the Tweet of the Week as Mark worked over Titus. Titus caught Mark with a boot out of the corner. Mark fired back and both men went at it on the turnbuckles. Mark went for a hurricanrana, but Rhett dropped him face-first on the top turnbuckle. Both men tagged out and King ran wild on the Briscoes. Kelly compared King to Deion Sanders as he nailed Jay with a leg cradle suplex and the crowd popped. Mark dragged Jay out of the ring, but King backdropped Titus over the top to the outside onto the Briscoes.

ANX went for a double team, but Jay fought out of it. Mark dragged Titus to the outside and slammed him into the guardrail. Mark sent King into a big boot from Jay and then hit a running senton off the apron onto Titus on the outside. Jay hit a frogsplash elbow off the top, but King kicked out. Mark and Titus brawled near the announce table. This made Kelly very upset. Jay got a small package on King for the pin after hitting a low blow on King behind the ref’s back.

The ref asked Jay if he hit King low after the match. The ref told Titus there was nothing he could do about it. Titus attacked the Briscoes, but was quickly outnumbered. Several referees came out and separated the Briscoes from Titus.

Winner: The Briscoes – The way these two teams wrestled once again didn’t match the tone of the video packages. The heel/face dynamic simply wasn’t defined here as it was in the video packages. Management needs to figure out a way to get the Briscoes to come across like heels. Another thing that was missing was the intensity from ANX right from the start. They should have come out aggressive against the Briscoes given what was shown on television, but the match was wrestled like it was just another meeting between the two teams. The match itself was good, but as was the case with Strong-Richards, the action in the ring didn’t match the story being told. Some fans stood and cheered the low blow pin from the Briscoes. There certainly weren’t boos of outrage given the Briscoes actions. There wasn’t even much of a reaction to the post-match activity.

2 - - MICHAEL ELGIN (w/Truth Martini) vs. EDDIE EDWARDS

Elgin didn’t follow the Code of Honor. Kelly then ran down the “Tale of the Tape” noting that Elgin was slightly younger than Edwards. Both men exchanged forearms in the middle of the ring during the early stages of the match. They switched to slaps to the face. Elgin finally took down Edwards with a shoulder tackle. Elgin went to work on Edwards and hit a delayed vertical suplex, but only got a one count. Both men exchanged big chops. Elgin hit a big chop that sent Edwards into the corner. Elgin followed up with a series of kicks in the corner. Edwards went for an arm drag, but Elgin caught him. Edwards eventually caught Elgin with a hurricanrana and locked in the Achilles lock, but Elgin shoved him off. Edwards hit a big kick and a springboard moonsault for a 2 count.

The crowd chanted for Edwards after the nearfall. Edwards hit a back drop out of the corner. Elgin blocked the double knees off the second rope from Edwards and drove Edwards into the turnbuckles before tossing Edwards over his back. They went to commercial.

Back from commercial, Edwards tried to fire back, but Elgin nailed him with a series of backbreakers followed by a side-slam for a 2 count. They went to footage from the commercial break that showed Elgin elevating Edwards before dropping him down with a Samoan drop. Elgin blocked a backdrop driver, but Edwards hit a superkick moments later and followed up with a falcon arrow. Both men were down on the mat as the crowd popped. Edwards hit a running boot, but Elgin caught him with an elbow. Edwards caught Elgin with an enzuguri from the apron and followed up with a missile dropkick for a 2 count. Edwards sent Elgin to the outside and nailed him with a dive through the ropes as the fans at ringside slapped the barricade.

The ref counted as both men struggled to get to their feet on the outside. Kelly put over Edwards’s “Die Hard” personality while mentioning him battling through injury to win “Survival of the Fittest” last year. Edwards hit a running kick to Elgin’s chest for a two count. The fans chanted for Edwards as he lifted Elgin to his feet. They actually went away from the match to show a ROHWrestling.com ad. Elgin caught Edwards coming off the ropes when they came back to live action. Both men ended up on the apron. Both men battled for position. Edwards caught Elgin with a superkick. He then went up top and nailed Elgin with a doublestomp on the apron and the crowd applauded. Edwards hit another stomp across Elgin’s back inside the ring. Elgin countered Edwards and nailed him with a buckle bomb. Edwards countered a powerbomb attempt into a rollup. Elgin kicked out, but Edwards hit him with the die hard (2k1 bomb) for the pin.

Winner: Eddie Edwards – This was a good match. I liked how they set a purpose for both men within the context of the match. Edwards has to win to avoid falling off his path towards an eventual match with ROH World Champion Davey Richards. Elgin was there to block his path, as he serves as the enforcer for the House of Truth, which also features Roderick Strong. This was solid television all-around.

[Arcademan]

WWE RAW Results: 10-17-11

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

1 -- RANDY ORTON & SHEAMUS & JOHN MORRISON vs. World Hvt. champion MARK HENRY & IC champion CODY RHODES & CHRISTIAN -- six-man tag match

Orton and Christian resumed their rivalry to begin the match. Orton scored with early offense, which the crowd was hot for. Sheamus and Rhodes then tagged in and Sheamus destroyed him with boots to the mid-section. Rhodes had enough and tagged in Henry, who slowly entered the ring to confront Sheamus. Meanwhile, Orton took advantage of Rhodes's weakened state by running to the other side of the ring to land blows and strikes. Orton blasted Rhodes up the rampway, then Rhodes tried to run to the backstage area as they cut to break.

Back live, Morrison scored a bit of offense before Mark Henry blasted him with a right hand. Cole noted Orton and Rhodes fought out of the arena prior to the break. Lawler said it was more like Rhodes running out of the arena to avoid Orton after Rhodes bagged him on Raw last week. In the ring, Morrison began taking a pounding when the heels used a two-on-one advantage to take control. Henry then applied a bear hug that Lawler said should be called a Henry Hug. We'll see if that catches on.

Morrison finally had a chance to tag in Sheamus, but Christian ran to the other side and yanked Sheamus off the ring apron. Sheamus and Christian then brawled over the guardrail to the arena area. So, it was Henry vs. Morrison. Morrison tried offense, but Henry threw Morrison into the air for a mid-air World's Strongest Slam. Henry made the cover for the win.

WINNERS: Team Henry at 11:20. Although more attention was spent on outside-the-ring happenings, a good six-man tag match to promote a handful of items for the PPV. It was nice to see a hot crowd invested in the action, as well.

2 -- EVE (w/Kelly Kelly) vs. NATALYA (w/Divas champion BETH PHOENIX)

Natalya completely dominated early on and taunted Eve on behalf of Phoenix before the PPV. Eve shook off the taunts and landed a moonsault for the win. Afterward, Beth tried to attack Eve, but Eve bailed from the ring.

WINNER: Eve at 2:10. Short match, basic story setting up the PPV.

3 -- C.M. PUNK (w/Triple H) vs. THE MIZ (w/R-Truth)

Cole tried to explain that Hunter was even more upset last week on Raw when Laurinaitis re-instated Miz and Truth. So, the Raw GM is more powerful than the COO? Lawler noted the people he's talked to are excited about Hunter getting back in the ring again. But, if Hunter's still COO, wouldn't he have to run that by the Board of Directors like he did for Night of Champions? WWE has apparently given up on this making any sense. As for the match, Punk and Miz found themselves on the outside, which drew Hunter around ringside to the heel corner when Truth became involved. Back in the ring, Miz and Punk traded control leading to the top of the hour as Lawler talked about Hunter getting back into wrestling mode on Sunday, which seemed to be the entire point of "firing" Hunter last week.

Hunter tried to get involved in the match when the heels cheated to take advantage, but referee Scott Armstrong reprimanded Hunter. Regarding Miz acting mean, Lawler referenced Taylor Swift's "Mean" song, which prompted a quip from Cole that T-Swift's in Lawler's age bracket. Loud "C-M-Punk" chant as the crowd tried to rally behind Punk. Miz then tried a top-rope move, but Punk intercepted with a roundhouse kick. Hunter had enough of R-Truth trying to interfere, so he chased him up the ramp.

Suddenly, John Laurinaitis emerged on-stage and asked for the match to be stopped. He also had a piece of paper in-hand and told Hunter they have an immigration problem. Several men stood next to Laurinaitis as he told Hunter they have to deal with this right now. Hunter reluctantly walked up the ramp, but not before punching R-Truth, who was comically trying to wave Hunter good-bye. Hunter walked off to the back and they cut to break.

WINNER: No Contest at 8:46. This show was going just fine until they re-visited and replayed everything that went wrong on last week's show in this segment. Is this whole conspiracy angle still in-play with someone still trying to sabotage Hunter, this week via immigration issues?

3b -- C.M. PUNK vs. THE MIZ (w/R-Truth)

After some back-and-forth action, Punk hit a top-rope Macho Man elbow drop before calling for the end. Punk knocked Truth off the apron first, then went for the Go 2 Sleep, but Miz slipped out. Punk scored a roll-up pin moments later to secure another one-on-two-style win. Post-match: Miz and Truth attacked Punk and inflicted a beating since Hunter wasn't there to make the save. Referees then stormed the ring to get Miz and Truth away from Punk. Miz and Truth acted like they were willing to co-operate by raising their arms and quietly leaving the ring. Suddenly, Truth ran back into the ring and gave Punk his finisher. Miz then tried to act like a peacemaker, which the refs bought. Miz then hit the Skullcrushing Finale on Punk.

WINNER: Punk at 1:55.

4 -- JACK SWAGGER (w/Dolph Ziggler and Vickie Guerrero) vs. ZACK RYDER

Swagger landed an emphatic bodyslam to begin the match. Ryder came back with high knees out of the corner, then Ryder suddenly made a cover for a very quick three count. Post-match: Ziggler and Swagger tried to corner Ryder, but Mason Ryan's music hit. He even looks goofy walking to the ring. Ryan scared away the heel trio as Cole noted Ziggler is supposed to be in action against Ryan next. Ryan then grabbed a mic and told Ziggler to get back in the ring since they have a match next.

WINNER: Ryder at 0:32.

5 -- U.S. champion DOLPH ZIGGLER (w/Jack Swagger and Vickie Guerrero) vs. MASON RYAN (w/Zack Ryder) -- non-title match

Back on Raw, the match was already in progress with Ziggler trying to avoid Ryan. Ziggler scored brief offense, but Ryan landed a big shoulder block that sent Ziggler rolling to the floor for a breather. Back in the ring, Ryan tossed Ziggler into the turnbuckles, then knocked him to the floor. Ziggler reluctantly returned to the ring, where he landed a desperation dropkick, but Ryan absorbed and landed a bodyslam. Ziggler went back to the outside and Ryan gave chase. Vickie got in the middle and slapped Ryan, who then turned his anger toward Ziggler back in the ring. Ryan destroyed Ziggler and was DQ'ed for not breaking a corner attack.

WINNER: Ziggler via DQ at 2:36.

6 -- WWE champion ALBERTO DEL RIO & MICHAEL COLE vs. JOHN CENA & JIM ROSS -- Winner chooses stipulation at Vengeance

Before the bell sounded, Cole said he wanted a piece of Ross. Cena checked with Cole if he really wanted that and tagged in Ross. The two announcers squared off, Cole taunted Ross, and Ross popped him in the mouth to cheers. Cole then scampered over to Del Rio, who tagged in, as did Cena for Ross. Loud dueling chants as Cena and Del Rio exchanged holds and offense. Lawler noted at New York Comic-Con over the weekend, everyone came up to him and said they want someone to shut up Cole. Meanwhile, Del Rio began an offensive attack. The crowd was red-hot chanting for Del Rio before Cena teased a comeback, but Del Rio cut him off leading to the top of the hour.

Cena teased the STF to boos, but Del Rio flung him away. Del Rio then landed a spinning backbreaker for a two count. Mathews noted this has essentially become a one-on-one match with Cena and Del Rio doing most of the battle in the ring. Del Rio then went up top, but missed with a flying butt splash. The males booed as Cena began his full comeback. Cena set up for the Five Knuckle Shuffle, which drew a big mixed response. Del Rio then bailed to the corner and tagged in Cole, who stood stunned on the apron. Cena suplexed Cole into the ring and Cole begged off as he inched closer to Ross. Cole pleaded with Cena, who looked around the arena before shaking hands and dropping him with the Attitude Adjustment. Cena set up for the STF on Cole, but paused and pointed toward Ross. Cena fired up the crowd, then tagged in Ross, who positioned Cole for the anklelock. Cole tapped out furiously before clutching his ankle.

WINNERS: Cena & Ross at 11:37. The hot crowd made this an acceptable main event, even though WWE gave away too much Cena-Del Rio before the PPV, and Ross and Cole played their roles well. As for the purpose of the match, it came across like a last-ditch effort to get some PPV buys to avoid a disastrous domestic buy total. It seems like Cena won't be winning the title after getting a "visual victory" with Del Rio counted down for a ten count and no verbal proclamation to re-take the title. Then again, McMahon could change his mind on Sunday.

[Arcademan]

WWE NXT Redemption Results: 10-19-11

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

1 - YOSHI TATSU vs. TYLER REKS (w/Curt Hawkins)

Reks's power quickly lets him get control. Some back and forth between Tatsu's speed and Reks's power makes for a nice contrast. Suplex by Reks gets him two, and he moves to a chinlock. Korpela tries to make up some backstory for Reks. Reks with a gutwrench gutbuster, which really shows off his strength well. Yoshi gets in some offense, then reverse a suplex into a lateral press for two. Reks comes right back with a big boot for two. Reks back to a side headlock. Tatsu with a kick to the head which backs Reks to the corner, but Reks catches him with a boot when he charges. Reks beats on Tatsu in the corner, charges and eats ringpost. Reks is stunned and Tatsu goes to the top and connects with a spinning heel kick for the win.

WINNER: Yoshi Tatsu in about 6:00.

Post-match, Hawkins and Reks beat Tatsu down to get their heat back, but the Usos make the save.

2 - KAITLYN (w/A.J.) vs. MAXINE

Kaitlyn wins an early lock-up, then powers out of Maxine's hold. Maxine with a cravat, Kaitlyn impressively powers her up into the air, holds her horizontal at shoulder height (like a front suplex held at the top), walks over to the rope and drops her over. When Kaitlyn is hitting on all cylinders, I think she could be the next Beth Phoenix. Maxine drags Kaitlyn to the apron, gets out, and starts chopping her chest quite loudly, drawing some reaction form the crowd. The cover gets Maxine one-and-a-half. Kaitlyn fights out of the corner, but Maxine reverses a suplex or throw into a Dragon sleeper hold. That was a sweet reversal. Kaitlyn is able to walk to the ropes to get a break.

There's a little bit of a clumsy exchange and Maxine ends up moving into a side chinlock, her specialty. The crowd rallies behind Kaitlyn, who tries to power out by Maxine takes her down again. Maxine ends up on Kaitlyn's back, but Kaitlyn backs into the corner then throws her off, and comes back with a leaping spinning elbow. She jumps on Maxine in the corner then does a quick toss across the ring and covers for two. Maxine with chops, but Kaitlyn puts her in a full nelson and does a sort of sit out slam while holding the full nelson. When Maxine is on the ground, Kaitlyn transitions into a full nelson using her legs (haven't seen that in a while!) causing Maxine to tap with her leg.

WINNER: Kaitlyn in 8:00. I absolutely loved this match. The speed was a bit slow, they needed to pick up the pace a bit, and there were a few occasional clumsy spots. But, they had a good back-and-forth brawl, with both Divas showing off a different style, and Kaitlyn using her strength to do some thing you don't expect from the Divas. And, good gracious, how often do you see a women's match end by submission? If these two can pick the pace up a bit, this match would be something I'd like to see on a main show if given the chance.

3 - PERCY WATSON & TITUS O'NEIL vs. JTG & DERRICK BATEMAN - Tag Team Match

Bateman and Watson start off and they stall a bit, lock up, and stall some more. Watson with some very crisp moves. Regal commends Bateman for doing a headlock properly. Watson with his big dropkick, and Titus tags in, sending Bateman to the corner to bring JTG in. JTG and Titus go back and forth. Percy and Titus do rapid tags. Bateman tries to interfere and gets a double clothesline for his efforts, then they clear JTG from the ring.

Back from break, Bateman is controlling Watson, but Watson gets out. Watson ends up on the apron, and gets distracted by JTG, letting Bateman ambush him. Bateman with a missile dropkick from the apron to Watson on the floor which looked sweet, and some fiercely intense facial expressions. They return to the ring and Bateman stays in control. Heel tag teaming in the corner. The ref is arguing with Titus and misses a cover by JTG.

JTG tags in Bateman, hits the Mugshot, and Bateman makes the cover for two. Percy does jackknife for two, but Bateman drags him back to the middle of the ring and hits a jumping elbow drop. Regal asks where Todd Grisham is, and says Grisham was better at feeding him lines for jokes. Bateman with a headlock, but Watson stands up and drops on his back to escape.

Percy tags out, so does Bateman, and WWE shows Titus's hot tag act to the very move. Bateman breaks up the cover and dumps Watson out when he comes in, then goes back tot he corner. JTG takes in Bateman, who tries a big axe handle from the top rope, but misses. As he gets up, Titus gets the sit out slam and makes the cover for three.

WINNERS: Titus O'Neil and Percy Watson in 13:00. Good match; could definitely have been a main show match. Derrick Bateman and Percy Watson really stand out. Titus does a great hot tag, but it's become routine and he needs to change it up; he's no John Cena or Randy Orton.

[Arcademan]

TNA Impact Wrestling Results: 10-20-11

Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Caldwell's complete report). If this was condensed to in-ring results only, it'll be one of the shortest reports I've copied and pasted so I added my own stuff to it in italics

The following is how the first 45 minutes went down in my words (Arcademan):

- Sting opened the show
- Hulk Hogan came out and said he was back in the red and yellow
- Dixie Carter came out, made Sting her right hand man
- Kurt Angle came out, made fun of them since they were expecting Roode to be the champion
- Roode came out, said he was screwed, wants rematch. Sting says yes but wait! Contract clause from PPV says nope
-Enters James Storm to back up his partner. Wait! How about Angle-Storm for the championship? "Sorry about your damn luck"

1 -- Knockouts tag champions TARA & MISS TESSMACHER vs. ANGELINA LOVE & WINTER -- KO Tag Title match

The heels tried a sneak-attack to score a quick pin to secure the titles, but to no avail. After the heels isolated Tara for a while, Tessmacher tagged in and the action broke down. After Angelina was cleared from the scene, Tessmacher scored the pin on Winter for the win.

WINNERS: Tess & Tara at 3:28 to retain the Tag Titles.

Jeff Jarrett calls out Jeff Hardy. Jarrett wants Hardy gone. Hardy says fans want him. Both exchange blows. Security and officials step in. 'Balzac!" to Hardy. Let's get back to wrestling.

70 minutes into the show...
2 -- GUNNER vs. ABYSS

Abyss took Gunner apart early on, so Gunner bailed to the outside, but Abyss threw him into the ring steps. Abyss spit on himself and threw Gunner back into the ring, but Gunner ran through the crowd and to the backstage area, selling fear. Gunner was counted out, giving Abyss the win. Taz said Abyss is in the zone and more whacked out and crazier than ever.

WINNER: Abyss via count-out at 2:01.

Velvet Sky comes up new Knockouts champion. Karen Jarrett bitches and screams (believe it when I say she's even more annoying voice-wise than Vickie). Gail Kim returns to TNA, beats down Velvet Sky. Yep, one of these nights but wait, there's more...

Hogan and Bischoff meet in the ring...yadda, yadda. Eric punches Hulk who no-sold it. Immortal tries to back Eric up but Sting come in and stand with Hogan. Bischoff retreats but his son the referee meets him on the stage. Words exchange, punch thrown, Eric down, Hulk and Sting gives the thumbs up.

3 -- TNA World Hvt. champion KURT ANGLE vs. JAMES STORM -- TNA World Title match

After the bell sounded, the two men stood their ground before teasing a lock-up, but Angle kicked Roode in the gut to take early control. Angle continued a basic corner attack since he was physically limited, then he argued with the ref. Angle took his time returning to the corner and walked right into a Last Call Superkick. Storm made the cover and it was good for the win.

WINNER: Storm at 1:19 to capture the TNA World Title.

Post-match: Storm and Angle remained motionless on the canvas before Robert Roode stormed the ring to celebrate with Storm, who shed tears. Storm then ran into the crowd to celebrate. Fortune members came out to toss Storm beers as Storm continued to celebrate in the crowd as Taz put over the superkick catching Angle right on the button to get the win that quickly. Styles, Kaz, and Roode gave Storm a beer bath as Beer Money's music continued to play.

Storm the mic and slowly walked around the ring surveying the scene. Storm soaked in the moment before noting he's been with TNA since Day One and watched people come and go. But, one thing's for sure is the Cowboy is here to stay. Roode smiled before Storm noted the victory was bittersweet. He said Roode is his best friend and they are the best tag team in the world, and this belongs to him. Roode accepted the title belt, then took the mic and said this looks real nice, but he agrees with the people that Storm deserves it. Roode then put the title belt around Storm's waist as Storm looked up toward the ceiling. Fortune then raised Storm's arms in victory as the trademarks were displayed. They signed off without commentary two minutes past the top of the hour.

[Arcademan]

WWE Superstars Results: 10-20-11

Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to James's complete report). Condensed to in-ring results per usual however no extra commentary from me this time 

1 - TED DIBIASE vs. JINDER MAHAL

DiBiase came out to a bit of a pop, which I don't get. What's he done to get one? Early chain wrestling with a variety of counters, but DiBiase gets the overall advantage. The pacing feels like a long match. DiBiase hits a dropkick for two. Mahal ducks out the the ring, and when Ted chases him in, Mahal catches him with a knee lift to the face. Mahal drags Ted so his head is off the apron, goes outside and hits Ted a few times, then wraps the ring skirt around his head and knee lifts the head again. Jinder brings him back into the ring with the cover for two. Mahal holding Ted's head in a lock and hitting a trio of knee lifts. Jinder with a headlock and cuts off Ted's comeback.

Suplex for two and then Mahal chokes Ted in the ropes and then the corner, drawing the ref's ire. Ted tries to fight out of the corner, but Mahal locks his head in a lock against the ropes. Jinder brings him in mid-ring for a side headlock, and Mahal cuts off the comeback again with a knee lift. Ted surprises Jinder with an inside cradle for two, and when they reset, Mahal connects with a big boot for two. Another side headlock from Mahal, this time DiBiase sustains a bit of offense coming out, but Mahal back body drops him outside the ring, and they cut to commercial.

Ted's fighting out of a submission hold out of the break, then catapults Jinder into the turnbuckle, and lands an atomic drop. Ted with the surprise clothesline and fires up. He charges Jinder who gets knees up. Ted comes right back with a spinebuster for two. Ted gets frustrated and calls for Dream Street, but Jinder tosses out and hits a high knee, throws Ted into the ropes and another high knee. DiBiase with a backbreaker/dropkick combo, and goes to the top turnbuckle. Mahal crotches him and DiBiase rolls into the middle of the ring. Mahal with the full nelson suplex for the win.

WINNER: Jinder Mahal in 10:00. Ted did an okay job bouncing around for Mahal. Jinder, though, showed some really unique stuff here. With his emphasis on knee strikes, it really felt like watching a martial artist. This is a really odd comparison, but I almost feel like Jinder Mahal is basing his fighting style on Sagat from Street Fighter; they have a similar build (tall, lanky, muscular) and now the fighting style is similar too.

2 - SANTINO MARELLA vs. HEATH SLATER

I thought Heath was suspended? Heath no-sells Santino's martial arts attempts, but runs from an early Cobra threat. Some chain wrestling. Santino spins on his belly on top of Slater's back, then a hip toss, armbar, and wristlock. Slater gets control, and does some basic heel stomps and kicks to the prone Santino. Apparently, Slater considers himself the "Axl Rose" of WWE, according to Josh Matthews. That might explain the Wellness Policy violation.

Slater with some basic offense. Neckbreaker from Slater gets two. Slater misses with double knees fromt he top, and Santino does punches, the split, hip toss, and sailor salute headbutt. Santino prepares for the Cobra and Slater eats it mid-ring, Santino makes the cover for the win.

WINNER: Santino Marella in 8:00. Slater got an awful lot of offense for a guy going out on a Wellness Policy violation. Santino was fun, as always, and Slater was bland, as always. Slater's role really should be limited to being a heel jobber. He sells well, but his offense is so insanely boring.

3 - WWE tag champions AIR BOOM (EVAN BOURNE & KOFI KINGSTON) vs. MICHAEL MCGILLICUTTY & DREW MCINTYRE -- non-title match

[Q3] I see McIntyre and McGillicutty as a demotion for Drew. He's earned better as far as I'm concerned. Bourne and McIntyre start off. Drew quickly puts Evan in the corner. They lock up against and Drew pushes him in the corner. Evan sits on the turnbuckle as Drew mocks him. Evan bounces back with an armdrag from the turnbuckle then a wheelbarrow transitioned into an armdrag.

Kofi tags in, Evan holds Drew in the ropes, and Kofi drops on him from the turnbuckle. Drew powers up and goes back on offense. Drew has Kofi in the electric chair position, but Kofi transitions into an armdrag. Mac tags in Mike, who eats a Japanese arm drag. Evan tags in, Kofi gives Mike a gutbuster, holds him on the knee, and Bourne does a standing moonsault onto Mike's back for two. Clever.

McGillicutty is able to get control for a moment, but a huracanrana gets Evan back on top. Evan tags in Kofi, who comes in with a kick to Mike's chest, getting two. Evan tags back in and hits a basement dropkick to Mike in the corner. Who's the heel here? Mike on the ground, tries to get out, but Evan applies a leglock of sorts, then hits a blockbuster to the leg and tags Kofi in. They do a Hardy Boys-like team move, clear Drew from the apron, then do a double suicide dive to the heels on the floor.

McGillicutty has control of Kingston back from break. So he uses his advantage to apply a side headlock. Kofi tags out, and Evan hits is a huracanrana. Bourne shows off some neat moves and heads to the turnbuckle. Drew comes in, the ref argues and Kofi comes in. The ref turns to Kofi and Drew crotches Bourne. Drew tags in, and Drew abuses Borne in the corner. Some offense from Mac and McGillicutty tags back in. Backbreaker from McGillicutty for two, then a rear chinlock. Stanford ensures that Mathews knows who James Taylor is.

McIntyre tags in, but gets rolled up for two. McIntyre tags Bourne outside for more punishment, and throws him back in. McGillicutty tags in, and tries a suplex but Evan knees out at the top, and hits a suplex of his own. Double tag and Kofi with a huge springboard Superman punch, a pair of clotheslines, and clears Mike off the apron. Drew shoves off an SOS attempt, but Kofi hits the ropes and lands another Superman punch.

Kofi calls for the Boom Drop, hits it, then signals Trouble in Paradise. Drew sees it coming and heads for the corner, dodges Kofi's charge, but Kofi does his double-bounce crossbody out of the corner. McGillicutty breaks up the pin then dumps Borne. Kingston ducks Drew's big boot which hits McGillicutty instead, lands Trouble in Paradise and tags in Bourne. Air Bourne shooting star press for the win.

WINNERS: Air Boom in 14:00. Mike McGillicutty really stood out like a sore thumb here in terms of being boring. Sad to see Drew take the pin, not him. Good match to showcase Air Boom's moves, although some of the tag team moves felt a bit too choreographed.

[Arcademan]

WWE Smackdown Results: 10-21-11

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

1 – MARK HENRY vs. JOHN MORRISON

As if I need any more of a reason to dislike Booker T, color commentator: He’s a Tim Tebow fan. I’m sure I’ll get letters for that one. Morrison started with punches, but Henry just shoved him so hard that Morrison bumped over the top rope. Henry pushed Morrison’s head into the ring post and held it there. He brought Morrison throat first over the side of the apron. Back in the ring, Henry landed a headbutt, then applied a neck vice. Morrison went to the top and landed a glancing blow to Henry’s back. Flying Chuck kick connected, as did a knee to the head. He set up for Starship Pain and hit the move. Henry kicked out, almost before two. Morrison tried to sneak underneath Henry and was unsuccessful. Henry again tossed Morrison up, caught him, and slammed him for the win.

WINNER: Henry, at 3:19. This was a combination of the same stuff we saw earlier in the month when Henry squashed Morrison on Raw, and from last week’s six-man tag match.

2 – WADE BARRETT vs. DANIEL BRYAN

Mathews said Bryan told him earlier in the day that Bryan isn’t going to shave his beard until Wrestlemania. The Bryan Wrestlemania Beard Watch is underway. Bryan with a backslide for two, then he tried to grab the arm for the LeBell Lock. Big Boss Man slam by Barrett for two at :54. Barrett tangled Bryan in the ropes, then gave him a running boot to the face, sending Bryan to ringside. The announcers kept discussing how Bryan has been on a losing streak lately. Bryan got his boot up on a corner charge at about 2:30, then hit a second-rope dropkick for two. Barrett with another kicked for a near-fall. Bryan moonsaulted over Barrett and hit a running elbow. Running dropkick in the corner for two at 4:02. Pumphandle slam for a near-fall by Barrett. Barrett got Bryan up for Wasteland and connected. That was enough to finish Bryan.

WINNER: Barrett, at 5:13. I’m assuming this “losing streak” is leading to something bigger, as the announcers kept alluding to it, but in this day and age, that might not mean as much as it used to. Hopefully WWE this signals the start of the re-building of Barrett at least.

3 – SHEAMUS & ZACK RYDER vs. DOLPH ZIGGLER & CHRISTIAN

As Sheamus came to the ring, they showed clips of his match against Alberto Del Rio last week. During Christian’s entrance, they showed Carlos Cabrera and Marcelo Rodriguez, the Spanish announcers, at ringside. No Hugo Savinovich, whose contract was not renewed by WWE. As Booker defended Long’s decision to put Ziggler in two matches at Vengeance, Cole for some reason mentioned Booker’s previous identity as GI Bro. Ryder was taken to ringside early on by Christian. Neck-breaker by Ziggler for two. Ryder with a roll-up for two at 2:16. Ziggler kept Ryder in the heel corner and tagged Christian. Sheamus made the hot tag at 3:04 as Booker tried to rant through the entire sequence. Mathews thankfully re-directed the conversation. Ziggler was set up for the finish, but Christian provided a distraction and headed up the ramp. Sheamus shrugged off a sleeper attempt, then Sheamus Brogue Kicked Ziggler out of his boots. Pinfall followed.

WINNERS: Sheamus and Ryder, at 3:58. Thought they’d give this a little more time. They were wise to spend an additional segment hyping both matches that were announced earlier in the show.

4 – SIN CARA vs. SIN CARA

Mathews said this is the first mask vs. mask match in Smackdown history. Great pop for Sin Cara Azul. Interestingly, John Cone was the referee here; because of his ability to speak Spanish (and Cara Azul’s lack of English skills), Rod Zapata had been doing Cara Azul’s matches. Cara Negro was on offense to start as Cole covered the history between these two. Springboard hurricanrana by Azul. He jumped off the top and onto Cara Negro outside the ring. Springboard cross-body by Cara Azul. Booker brought up Mil Mascaras and Cole talked about him at length. Headscissors take-down by Cara Azul. Another springboard attempt, but Cara Negro dropkicked him. Cara Negro tried to tear the mask of his opposition off, to no avail. Back body-drop by Cara Azul. Cara Negro tried to recover at ringside as they went to break at 3:15.

Back at 6:15 with a back-breaker by Cara Negro. I think they needed to do a better job setting up what losing a mask means for a Mexican wrestler, especially with the match taking place in Mexico. Cara Negro hooked in a potential submission move, then locked in a Camel Clutch. Another tilt-a-whirl back-breaker by Cara Negro for two. Cara Azul attempted to come back, but Cara Negro shooed him away on a dropkick attempt. Cara Negro tried for the mask again and got it past the chin of Cara Azul. Sounds like the fans may have been chanting “Mistico,” but either way, it was a chant they broke out in several times during the match. Cara Negro missed a dive in the corner and Cara Azul came back with kicks. Wrist-lock take-down, followed by an arm-drag. Hurricanrana into a pinning combination for two. Roll-up out of a wheelbarrow for two. Suplex by Cara Negro for a near-fall. Cara Negro tried to go to the top, but Cara Azul stopped him with a kick. Hurricanrana off the ropes by Cara Azul. He then went to the top…but decided Cara Negro was too far away, so came down, kicked him, and set up on the opposite buckle. Swanton for a two-count at 12:55. Cara Negro fought back, but Cara Azul spun him around in a headscissors, landing in a set-up for an arm-bar. He locked it in and Cara Negro tapped.

WINNER: Cara Azul, at 13:23. Surprised they gave these two so much time after their stinker at Hell in a Cell. Still, a hotter crowd did wonders for the match.

Cara Negro was ready to walk off without unmasking. Cara Azul stopped him and they continued fighting. Cara Azul finally unmasked Cara Negro. He tried to hide his face, but we got a clear view of it for a couple seconds. Booker made fun of him for being ugly. I thought they might try something cute, like having the loser wear another mask underneath or paying it off with another angle rather than an unmasking, but they actually went through with it here.

5 – ALBERTO DEL RIO vs. THE BIG SHOW

Slap to the chest, then a slam by Big Show. Hip-lock take-over by Show, making his in-ring return here tonight. Also the return of Cole’s ridiculous similes and metaphors for Show’s body parts. Del Rio retreated to ringside, but Show pulled him up on the apron by his head. Del Rio choked Show over the top rope and tried to launch himself off the top, but Show slapped him in the chest. Back to the outside went Del Rio as they went to break at 2:16 of the match.

Back at 6:27 with Del Rio aiming for Show’s legs. Show caught a kick and pushed Del Rio to the mat. Del Rio was clotheslined over the top as Ricardo tried to provide aid to Del Rio. ADR dropkicked the steps into Show’s legs, but Show chopped Del Rio to keep him at bay. Show put on the brakes after Del Rio snuck out of the corner, but the WWE Champion could not capitalize. Del Rio slid out of a pin at 8:55. Show choked Del Rio in the ropes, but Del Rio dropkicked Show’s leg and got him down to a knee, then fully down on the mat. Work on the arm by Del Rio, but Show swatted Del Rio away and the big man got back to his feet. Show splashed Del Rio in the corner, then gave him a running shoulder tackle. He set up for the chokeslam, but Del Rio escaped and chop blocked Show. Cross arm-breaker locked in, but Show was face-down on the mat rather than on his back. Show refused to tap and worked to get to his hands and knees. He then got to his feet, picking Del Rio up in the process, and slammed him down. Show tried another chokeslam, but Ricardo Rodriguez ran in and jumped on Show’s back for the disqualification.

WINNER: Show, via DQ, at 12:49.

After the match, Show hit his knockout punch on Rodriguez, then on Del Rio. As Show recovered, Mark Henry ran out and ran right into a knockout blow from Show. They replayed all there KO’s. Show looked on from the stage as they faded out.

[Arcademan]

WWE Vengeance PPV Results: 10-23-11 (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. U.S. champion DOLPH ZIGGLER (w/Vickie Guerrero) & JACK SWAGGER -- WWE Tag Title match

Ziggler did most of the work early on as the announcers bickered. Bourne wanted Air Bourne five minutes in, but Swagger got his knees up to block, which took the air out of the arena. Ziggler and Bourne then traded pin attempts before the heels isolated Bourne. Swagger tried a running Vader Bomb, but Bourne got his knees up to block a la Swagger blocking Air Bourne earlier. Kingston then tagged into the match, as did Ziggler. Kingston delivered a flying cross-body splash, but Ziggler kicked out just before three. The action broke down moments later and Bourne and Swagger found themselves on the outside. In the ring, Ziggler tried to hook the tights on Kingston, but Kingston kicked out and hit Trouble in Paradise. Kingston followed with a tag to Bourne, who hit Air Bourne on Ziggler for the pin and the win.

WINNERS: Air Boom at 13:23 to retain the Tag Titles. Slow start and a strong finish to get the crowd involved. Looking at the challengers, Ziggler continues to out-shine his tag partner in terms of ring work and Swagger needs something else to sink his teeth into. (**)

2 -- U.S. champion DOLPH ZIGGLER (w/Vickie Guerrero and Jack Swagger) vs. ZACK RYDER (w/Air Boom) -- U.S. Title match
 
After the bell sounded, Ziggler slowly walked around the ring to sell the effects of the tag title finish. Ryder tried some quick pins, but Ziggler kicked out in time. "Let's go Ryder" chant from the crowd. After Ziggler tried to bail and Air Boom rolled him back into the ring, the referee gave Air Boom the boot from ringside. Ziggler's associates remained ringside as Ziggler finally scored some offense to grab control of the match. Ziggler missed with a corner attack and Ryder tried to follow with the Broski Boot, but Ziggler ducked. Ziggler then scored a close nearfall as the face announcers stressed Ryder's resiliency. Ryder came back with a Broski Boot on his second attempt, then the heels ran interference ringside. Ryder avoided the Zig-Zag, though, but walked into a James Storm-style flash superkick. Ziggler made the cover for the win.
 
WINNER: Ziggler at 6:02 to retain the U.S. Title. Odd that neither title match resulted in a title change and everything stays the same. Not that WWE is necessarily in the business of protecting Ryder, but WWE needed the outside distraction from Vickie & Swagger to give Ryder an "out" for losing against a softened-up Ziggler. (*1/4)

3 -- Divas champion BETH PHOENIX vs. EVE -- Divas Title match
 
Eve was the aggressor early on, indicating this match would be given a good amount of time. Beth then cut her off on the outside and went to work on Eve back in the ring. Eve made a comeback at 5:00 to even the match out after a strong start. Beth came back with a Glam Slam attempt, but Eve escaped. Eve then appeared to have a shot at winning via top-rope moonsault, but Beth avoided and followed up with the Glam Slam for the win.
 
WINNER: Phoenix at 7:18 to retain the Divas Title. Solid effort given a singular spotlight without outside distractions. It's rare for WWE to book long title reigns, but they could have something special on their hands if WWE keeps the title on Beth until Awesome Kong returns in 2012.

4 -- CHRISTIAN vs. SHEAMUS
 
Before the bell sounded, Christian paced around the outside, demanding Sheamus back up. After trying some stall tactics, Christian slapped Sheamus across the face once the bell sounded. Sheamus responded with an aggressive attack. "He's leaning on that boy!" Booker shouted twice. Christian absorbed Sheamus's early attack and landed some offense, but missed with a top-rope dive. Sheamus went back on the offensive as the announcers tossed around some baseball analogies with the World Series going on in Texas.
 
Sheamus started to show some concern after not being able to finish off Christian, then walked into a pendulum kick out of the corner. Christian tried to follow with a turnaround splash, but Sheamus countered with the Irish Curse backbreaker for a two count. Sheamus tried to follow with the Brogue Kick, but Christian countered with a spear for a two count. The action moved to the top turnbuckle, where Christian snapped off a huracanrana. "You gotta be kidding me" #195 from Booker. Christian then tried to finish off Sheamus with another spear, but Sheamus dropped him with a Brogue Kick for the pin and the win.
 
WINNER: Sheamus at 10:38. Basic, placeholder match to get Sheamus and Christian on PPV. The result was another good win for Sheamus as WWE waits for the right time to insert Sheamus into the title picture. WWE gave Christian enough offense to retain some measure of credibility losing yet again and he can restore his position on the mic, which seems to be Christian's main objective on TV these days.

5 -- TRIPLE H & C.M. PUNK vs. THE MIZ & R-TRUTH
 
Punk and Miz started things off as Hunter looked the part of a part-timer standing on the ring apron. After a brief exchange, Hunter slap-tagged himself into the match and Miz went flying to his corner to tag in Truth. Truth took a right hand to the jaw and tagged in Miz, who Hunter and Punk toyed with. Included was Hunter applying the figure-four leglock as the crowd whoo'ed. The heels then took control of the match against Punk before the action broke down ringside. Hunter took the worst of it and the heels began working over Hunter back in the ring.
 
Hunter escaped the beating with a clothesline on Miz, then dropped Truth with a DDT once Truth tagged in. Punk tagged in moments later and cleaned house. The action moved to the floor again and Hunter threw Truth into the front row. In the ring, Punk delivered a Macho Man elbow drop. Suddenly, Kevin Nash re-appeared ringside and attacked Triple H. In the confusion, Miz and Truth hit a double-team finisher on Punk. Miz then made the cover on Punk for the win as the fans booed, not necessarily because of the heels cheating, but the anticlimactic finish.
 
Post-match: Nash threw Hunter into the ring steps, then climbed into the ring. Nash delivered knees to the gut as Lawler asked how Nash got into the arena. Nash then delivered a Jackknife Powerbomb and left the ring. No security to escort away the "non-employee." Nash just slowly left the ring and disappeared through the crowd again as people pulled out their cameras to document his arrival. Lawler wanted to know who was behind Nash being able to enter the arena. Booker, not paying attention to the plot that an authority figure is helping out Nash, said Nash must have bought a ticket. Cole showed he was paying attention by shooting down the ticket purchase theory. After a few replays of the Powerbomb, they showed Hunter collecting himself in the ring. Hunter was helped out of the ring while selling a left shoulder/elbow injury based on how he landed on the mat during the Powerbomb.
 
WINNERS: Miz & Truth at 15:24. Snoozer tag match with no juice behind it, which is reflective of the poor state of WWE's top storyline. With Nash, WWE keeps "re-heating the steak" and the audience didn't react much to the third or fourth installment of Nash returning as an "outsider." It looks like Hunter's injury - storyline or legit - will lead to an in-ring write-off. That remains to be seen since WWE did plant seeds for a Hunter-Nash one-on-one contest. (*)

[Arcademan]

6 -- RANDY ORTON vs. Intercontinental champion CODY RHODES -- non-title match
 
Cole noted Rhodes scored a victory over Orton a few weeks ago as Orton dominated early on. Rhodes absorbed the attack and went on the offensive for a few minutes, scoring a few close falls. Rhodes became frustrated and went for a top-rope moonsault that Orton easily avoided. Orton then took Rhodes up top, but Rhodes knocked him to the mat and scored with a moonsault on his second attempt. Orton kicked out in time, though.

One of Rhodes's baggers then randomly hopped on the ring apron and Orton decked him. Rhodes followed with Cross Rhodes, but Orton kicked out. Rhodes sold frustration, then dropped to the mat and started pounding the mat as if he were going for the RKO. That woke up the crowd. Orton popped to his feet and blocked with a dropkick, though. Orton then did his own mat-pounding routine, but another bagger hopped on the ring apron. Orton sent Rhodes flying into the bagger, then Orton hit the RKO for the win.
 
WINNER: Orton at 12:14. Basic singles match with Rhodes scoring a handful close falls to retain some credibility, but the completely random bagger involvement took this down a notch. At the end of the day, this felt like another match that won't matter after this PPV is over. (*1/2)

7 -- World Hvt. champion MARK HENRY vs. RANDY ORTON -- World Title match
 
After the two big men locked up, Show landed a flurry of offense to send Henry reeling to the outside. Henry returned to the ring and was knocked off his feet again. Henry rolled to the floor to regroup again as Show waited for him to get back in the ring. Henry walked over to the other side of the ring and asked for his title belt to leave the match, but Show cut him off and threw Henry back into the ring. Getting back into the ring, though, Show was cut down at the knees. Henry followed with a big bodyslam as the announcers suggested Henry suckered Show to the outside. Henry then went to work on Show with a methodical attack. The two men then slowly came to their feet simultaneously, stared at each other across the ring, and knocked each other down with double clotheslines.
 
The two men reset and Show went on the offensive. After knocking Henry off his feet, Show delivered a big chokeslam, but Henry kicked out in time. Show regrouped and teased his big KO Punch, but Henry avoided and delivered a World's Strongest Slam center-ring. Henry made the cover, but Show kicked out. After selling shock, Henry shouted, "What?!" before trying to re-strategize. The strategy included a top-rope attempt, but Show caught Henry and delivered a Super Chokeslam. Show made an immediate cover, but Henry kicked out again. Show sold disbelief this time.
 
The two men reset again with Show looking around the ring trying to figure out what to do next. Show decided to follow Henry's lead by trying a top-rope move, but Henry cut him off. Booker said he hopes the ring is reinforced. Henry went for a superplex and WWE cut away to a wide shot, which foreshadowed the ring collapsing. The crowd popped at the sight as the announcers sold shock over the moment.
 
After several replays, the WWE trainer hit the ring to check on both men. Paramedics were called to ringside before WWE went to a few different angles of the superplex. Since a gurney was not big enough to hold Show or Henry, an arena cart was brought to ringside. Smackdown GM Teddy Long and John Laurinaitis came out to check on the situation. No official word yet on the outcome. "Big Show" chant as the two men were helped out of the ring. Show was placed on a cart while Henry was dropped on the floor. Henry then flung everyone away, wanting no one to help him. Long tried to get Henry help, but he refused. After another replay of the ring collapse, medics and refs eventually helped Henry to his feet to help him walk out of the ring. Laurinaitis then took a mic and introduced himself. After introducing himself, he said that no matter what injuries were sustained by Henry and Show and regardless of the structural damage to the ring, he's going to give everyone what they want: a WWE Title match tonight. Laurinaitis said he hopes everyone agrees with his decision. Weird promo.
 
WINNER: No Decision announced. It was clear WWE had to find an out to avoid a finish since they weren't going to have Henry drop the title and they didn't want Show to lose in his PPV return. Henry seemed to lose some mystique during the match, but he recovered with the superplex and WWE focusing on him as he left the ring under his own power in the post-match. (**1/2)

8 -- WWE champion ALBERTO DEL RIO vs. JOHN CENA -- WWE Title match -- Last Man Standing match
 
Once the bell sounded, Ricardo tried to jump into the ring, but Cena knocked him down. Del Rio used the distraction to take control and suplex Cena onto the broken ring. The announcers stressed the old line about "the show must go on" that Laurinaitis used earlier to defend the worked conditions. Lawler then dropped in a Brock Lesnar reference about the last time he saw something like this. The crowd picked up a "Let's go Cena / Cena sucks" chant as Del Rio went to work on Cena. Del Rio snapped off a series of suplexes as the announcers stressed the idea of the entire ring possibly collapsing with each move.

Cena made a comeback and wanted a Five Knuckle Shuffle, but he didn't have any ropes to bounce off, so he just dropped the fist to the face. Del Rio avoided an AA, though, and tried to unhook one of the loose ropes, but then walked into a gutwrench suplex. Cena followed with an Attitude Adjustment, but Del Rio got up at an eight count. Cena wanted another AA, but Ricardo entered the ring. Cena kicked him away, but then walked into a submission from Del Rio. Cena sold that he passed out in the hold, but he got to his feet at a six count. Del Rio, frustrated, tried to charge Cena, but Super Cena flung him out of the no-ropes ring into the barricade.
 
On the floor, Cena threw Del Rio face-first into the barricade. Cena tried a whip into the ring steps, but Del Rio reversed and Cena ate the ring steps. Moments later, Ricardo ate one of the loose ringposts crotch-first. Cena, now recovered, started re-arranging ring steps, but took a kick to the gut and blow into the steps. Del Rio then aimed the steps toward Cena's head and Cena did the rest selling a blow to the head. Cena returned to his feet at eight and the two men fought up the entrance ramp to the backstage area.
 
Backstage, Del Rio went flying over a catering table and various supplies went flying. Cena then approached a giant traveling trunk and tried dumping it onto Del Rio, but Del Rio slipped out of the way. Del Rio then suplexed Cena onto the case. After a seven count, Cena stumbled toward the promo area, where Del Rio dumped four aluminum back drop structures onto Cena. The ref started his count as the only visible body parts were Cena's ankles. Cena then powered out of the "rubble," as Cole called it, and reached his feet at nine.
 
The fight spilled back into the arena and the two men traded blows on the floor below the staging area. Ricardo interjected himself out of nowhere to help Del Rio, who then threw Cena through the base of the "V" structure on the stage. An easy "V is for Vengeance" line was missed by the announcers. Cena escaped, though, as Del Rio randomly started climbing another structure. Cena then yanked Del Rio off the structure through a wood table below. Fans shrieked as Cena waited in the background as the ref applied a ten count. Del Rio made it up, though, and the fight spilled into the crowd.
 
The action returned to the ringside area at 23:00. Cena ate the announce table and fell into one of the leather chairs as the announcers sold concern over their well-being. Cena recovered, of course, and knocked down both Del Rio and Ricardo. Cena then measured Del Rio for a Super AA from the ring steps through the Spanish announce table and he connected. The crowd popped and Cena said that's it. Cena rolled back into the ring to wait for a ref's count. But, Miz and Truth stormed the ring and attacked Cena. The ref was focused on Cena, who was KO'ed by Miz and Truth. The ref then began his count on both men as Del Rio started moving. Del Rio made his feet as Cena remained KO'ed in the ring. The crowd rallied behind Cena, who made it back to his feet at nine. Del Rio then blasted Cena with a belt shot and the ref began his count again. On the floor, Del Rio pulled himself up at eight, the ref reached nine, and the ref reached ten with Cena still on the mat. Del Rio then collapsed to the floor after ten, still WWE champion.
 
Post-match: Lawler and Booker talked down Cole, who defended the outcome. Booker said Cena should be WWE champion right now. Del Rio was shown walking up the rampway, still in possession of the WWE Title belt. Cole played up shock and never-before-seen as the talking points coming out of this, since that's the shifting sand WWE's business is built on now. They closed the PPV with a final shot of Cena selling disbelief in the broken ring and signed off at 10:57 p.m., just before the top of the hour.
 
WINNER: Del Rio at 26:58 to retain the WWE Title. It had all the tricks & funny business expected for this type of match, especially with Cena not winning the title. Since WWE is in the John Cena business, they had to protect him taking the loss, and they set up Miz and Truth as two of the likely opponents for Cena and Rock at Survivor Series. The match itself had a "big fight feel," which helped overcome some issues like a lack of selling and constant interference. It was also interesting the announcers avoided noting Cena's character picked this stipulation and it came back to back-fire on him, which would have made Cena seem weaker in defeat. (***)

[Arcademan]

ROH TV Results: 10-22-11

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

Bobby Cruise did the ring introductions before they went to the “Tale of the Tape” graphic. Mondo was listed as having a 16 pound weight advantage over Perkins. Both men shook hands before the bell rung.

1 - - T.J. PERKINS vs. MIKE MONDO

Perkins took down Mondo with a dropkick early. After a series of quick exchanges, Perkins locked Mondo in a Boston crab that he turned into a reverse walking chair. Perkins let go and locked in an STF, but Mondo got the ropes. Perkins tied up Mondo in the corner and nailed him with a running dropkick. Perkins went for a dive, but Mondo got out of the way. Perkins walked over near the ropes, but Mondo dragged him to the outside and shoved him into the guardrail. Mondo then nailed Perkins with a senton off the apron that popped the crowd.

Kelly mentioned Mondo had held the OVW Championship many times. McGuinness continued to repeat that Perkins had wrestled all over the world. Kelly thanked Poison’s Bret Michaels for promoting them on twitter. Kelly then plugged ROH’s twitter while Mondo got the heat on Perkins. Kelly said Cornette would speak to the Briscoes in the next segment and make a ruling on the #1 contender for the ROH World Tag Team Titles while Mondo grabbed a headlock.

Perkins fought back and both men exchanged forearms. Perkins won the exchange and locked himself in the ropes. Mondo charged at him, but Perkins got out of the way and he went flying through the ropes to the outside. Perkins then followed up with a dive through the ropes. Perkins followed up with a springboard dropkick to the back of the head for a 2 count. Mondo stumbled around as Perkins stalked him. Mondo countered the detonation, but Perkins caught him in the figure 4 death lock. Mondo quickly reached the ropes and Perkins went on the attack in the corner. The lights are way too bright from the floor camera looking up. Mondo fired back and caught Perkins with a code breaker. Mondo followed up with a dropkick to the face, but Perkins kicked out. McGuinness said Perkins was going to be mad. Mondo yelled at the ref and Perkins went for a superkick. Mondo blocked it, but Perkins nailed him with another superkick. They did a bunch of stuff and Perkins caught Mondo in a pinning combination for the pin.

Mondo refused to shake hands after the match.

Winner: T.J. Perkins

2 - - ROH TV Champion JAY LETHAL vs. MIKE BENNETT (w/Brutal Bob)

McGuinness and Kelly touched on Bennett’s ego. Both men locked up and came to a stalemate. Lethal hit an arm drag into a dropkick for a 2 count. McGuiness said Lethal has a fantastic move set, which you need to succeed in ROH. The fans chanted for Lethal as both men went back and forth. Bennett ended up catching Lethal with a dropkick for a 2 count. Lethal fired right back and dropkicked Bennett off the ring to the outside. Bennett got out of the way before Lethal could complete a dive to the outside. Lethal slid to the outside and both men battled on the outside. Several fans chanted for Kevin Steen. Kelly said they were chanting for a controversial figure. Bennett got the upper hand and slammed Lethal into the ring apron.

Lethal fired back quickly and locked in a unique leg submission on Bennett in the middle of the ring. Lethal then bridged up using his legs to push Bennett’s arms up. Bennett screamed, but Lethal let go of the hold when he could no longer support Bennett’s weight. Kelly mentioned that Lethal and Bennett wrestled in a competitive match at “Best in the World” that Lethal won.

Lethal continued the attack as fans chanting “this is wrestling.” Lethal went up top. McGuinness said it was too early. Bob grabbed Lethal’s leg and he shook him off. Bennett caught Lethal going for a springboard and dropped him neck-first over the top rope. Bennett followed up with a nice clothesline for a 2 count as Bob taunted Lethal from the outside. The crowd chanted for Lethal as Bennett taunted them heading into a commercial.

Back from commercial, Lethal fired back at Bennett with a chop, but Bennett caught him with a clothesline in the corner. Bennett followed up with a neckbreaker for a 2 count. Kelly pitched to a split-screen shot of some action that took place during the commercial break. They actually made the replay screen bigger with the live action in the background, which is something I have been in favor of doing for several weeks.

Bennett taunted Lethal and told him to get up. Bennett stomped away at Lethal in the corner as the crowd tried to rally behind Lethal. Kelly ran down a list of past TV Champions as Bennett caught a charging Lethal with a nice powerslam for a nearfall. Bennett grabbed a body-scissors submission on the mat as the fans chanted for Lethal. Bennett began driving some elbows into the side of Lethal’s head. Lethal tried to unlock himself from Bennett’s grasp. He finally broke free with an elbow to Bennett’s head. McGuinness put over “Final Battle” as the Super Bowl of pro wrestling. Bennett grabbed a front face lock and dragged Lethal back down to the mat. The fans tried to rally behind Lethal again as Bennett squeezed on the hold.

Lethal tried to rally to his feet as the crowd roared. Lethal fired back with a punch and a chop. He followed up with an inverted atomic drop as McGuinness told Bennett to suck it up. Lethal ran wild on Bennett as Cruise announced there were under three minutes left in the match. A clock with the time remaining in the match was posted in the corner of the screen as Lethal hit a neckbreaker for a 2 count.

Lethal teased going up top, but he saw Bennett moving and went back on the attack. Bennett fought back and both men exchanged blows. Lethal went for a springboard, but Bennett countered it into a spinebuster for a 2 count with under 2 minutes remaining. Bennett sold frustration, but went back on the attack. Lethal fought free of Bennett and landed on his feet out of a German attempt. Lethal hit a DDT as the time remaining neared 1 minute, but Bennett kicked out. Bennett caught Lethal with a cradle for a 2 count, but Lethal came right out of the pin attempt and nailed Bennett with a superkick. Lethal went up top for the elbow drop, but Bennett rolled out of the way. Bennett mounted Lethal and nailed him with a series of punches with less than 30 seconds left. The announcers teased that the ref might stop the match. Lethal countered and rolled on top of Bennett, but the time limit expired.

Winner: Time limit draw

Star rating: (***1/2) – I liked this match more than the match Davey Richards had with Roderick Strong two weeks ago. Both men told a good story and built drama throughout the match. They also did all of the little things right when it came to telling a pro wrestling story in the ring. Both men worked submissions extremely well, as the camera caught their facial expressions whether it was Bennett cranking on a hold or Lethal selling for him. The crowd was behind Lethal and against Bennett. I highly recommend checking out this match. The only thing I don’t like is the repetition of working around the time limit draw within such a short period of time, as we just saw Generico and Lethal get more time a few weeks back when Lethal won the ROH TV Title in the extra time period.

[Arcademan]

WWE RAW Results: 10-24-11

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

Opening of RAW- Triple H comes out mad, demands Kevin Nash, Laurinaitis tells Trips to calm down, he leaves and gets attack on the stage from behind by Nash. Trips gets strapped in gurney, attacked again by Nash. Yeah, in real life, Nash would be in jail for assault but not in the WWE Universe.

28 minutes later...

1 -- RANDY ORTON & SHEAMUS vs. IC champion CODY RHODES & CHRISTIAN

Orton dominated Christian early on, resuming their summer-long World Title feud. Rhodes then tagged in and took some offense from Sheamus before Rhodes cut him off. Rhodes with a reverse chinlock on Sheamus as Cole robotically fed to a break at 2:45.

Back from break, Sheamus was still being worked over by the heels. Orton took a hot tag and cleaned house before delivering his trademark DDT from the second rope to Christian. Orton set up for the RKO on Christian, but Rhodes distracted him and Christian nailed a flying elbow strike to give the heels the advantage again. Christian took too long setting up for a second-rope, which allowed Orton to intercept him with a dropkick.

Sheamus tagged in and delivered impactful offense on Rhodes, but he couldn't put him away. Sheamus tried the Brogue Kick, but Rhodes avoided, then nailed a step-up kick to the jaw. Christian nailed a spear behind the ref's back, but Orton broke up a pin by Rhodes. The action broke down at this point before Orton nailed the RKO on Christian. Rhodes then dumped Orton over the top rope. Sheamus tried to intercept Rhodes with a Brogue Kick, but the move was botched. Sheamus quickly recovered and delivered the High Cross on Rhodes for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Orton & Sheamus at 11:27. Nice, professional TV tag match the crowd invested in. Orton and Sheamus continue to be protected as future World Title contenders and the heels were given enough offense to retain some credibility. Basically a copy & paste of last night's PPV. (**)

2 -- U.S. champion DOLPH ZIGGLER (w/Vickie Guerrero and Jack Swagger) vs. SANTINO -- non-title match

Ziggler didn't take Santino seriously early on, so Santino dropped him with a hip toss. Ziggler, angered, started a methodical attack. Santino ducked a clothesline, though, and delivered another hip toss followed by a sailor's salute fist drop. Santino then wanted the Cobra, but Swagger provided a distraction. Ziggler with the Zig-Zag for the win.

Post-match: Swagger and Ziggler put the boots to Santino before Swagger slapped on the anklelock. Suddenly, Mason Ryan hit the ring to little reaction. Ryan cleared the heels from the ring and started ranting and raving in the ring. On the floor, Ziggler and Swagger no-sold Ryan, who continued to scream and shout.

WINNER: Ziggler at 1:48.

Alberto Del Rio comes out to a victory speech, says no one is better than him. Out comes CM Punk to say otherwise. Another appearance by GM Laurinaitis, demands respect from Punk...yeah, you don't need to guess how that went. Punk attacks Del Rio, ends up putting the GTS on Ricardo.

3 -- NATALYA (w/Divas champion Beth Phoenix) vs. ALICIA FOX

Natalya dominated the match, but too much taunting caught up with her, as Alicia scored a quick roll-up pin for the win. Afterward, Kelly Kelly and Eve were shown watching the match on a backstage monitor and having a laugh at Natalya's expense. Beth and Natalya attempted a post-match beating on Alicia, but she made it out of the ring to safety.

WINNER: Alicia at 2:15.

4 -- JOHN MORRISON vs. WADE BARRETT

Lawler asked Cole why he keeps tweeting during the show instead of paying attention to the show. Cole referenced Jim Ross and said he's trying to set the record straight on Ross's potshots. Barrett dominated early on and took Morrison to the floor, where he threw Morrison into the barricade. They cut to break with Barrett in control.

Back from break, Barrett continued to punish and dismantle Morrison. Meanwhile, Cole said he's about to embarrass Ross after all of the things Ross has said about him tonight online. Barrett lost control, then Morrison nailed a knee strike to the face for a two count when Barrett reached the ropes. Barrett came back with a spinning sidewalk slam for a two count, then tried Wasteland, but Morrison countered with a legsweep. Morrison then wanted Starship Pain, but Barrett avoided. Morrison then tried a springboard move and landed on Barrett's shoulders, but Barrett couldn't hold him and dropped him to the mat. A la Sheamus in the opening match, Barrett recovered with a second attempt at Wasteland for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Barrett at 9:08. WWE is trying to sell a resurgence for Barrett, but it's the boy who cried wolf since WWE has tried this four or five times since writing him off from Nexus earlier this year.

Miz and Truth jump Ryder before the match and take him out...

5 -- JOHN CENA vs. THE MIZ & R-TRUTH -- handicap match

Cena dominated each opponent individually to begin the match, then the heels used the numbers advantage to cut off Cena and begin working him over. Cole noted Cena has switched to camo trunks to honor the U.S. military. Cole added that Austin is close to Fort Hood, which hosted Tribute to the Troops last year.

Cole reset things at the top of the hour, noting Hunter is currently hospitalized following an attack by Nash earlier in the show. The crowd started a dueling chant as the heels continued to wear down Cena. Cena fought back against Miz and set him up for the Five Knuckle Shuffle. Cena wanted the AA on Miz, but Truth smashed Cena with a steel water bottle, causing a DQ.

WINNER: Cena via DQ at 4:49.

Post-match: Miz and Truth inflicted a beating on Cena. The heels then left the ring to retrieve steel chairs. Suddenly, Laurinaitis walked out on-stage, flanked by referees. He said he's not standing for chaos and they have disrespected him like Punk did earlier tonight. He said he wants them to get out of the ring. Now. Miz and Truth slowly walked out of the ring, turning their backs on Laurinaitis.

Laurinaitis then told them to stop. He's now going to allow Cena to choose his own partner for a legit tag match. Therefore, Miz and Truth will be teaming up at Survivor Series against Cena and a partner of his choice. Cena yanked the mic away from Laurinaitis, collected himself, and accused Laurinaitis of a set-up. He then paused to reflect on being able to choose anyone he wants. Cena told Miz and Truth he's sick of them thinking they run this show, but if he's going to defeat them, then his partner is going to have to be someone who can bring out. Pause for "Rocky, Rocky" chant. Not out of friendship, but he chooses his partner to be...The Rock. "Are you kidding me?!" Truth shouted toward Miz, who sold shock. Cena then stood in the ring as the announcers called Cena & Rock possibly the biggest pairing in WWE history. WWE stayed with back-and-forth shots of Cena and Miz & Truth for a while before they signed off eight minutes past the top of the hour.

[Arcademan]

WWE NXT Redemption Results: 10-25-11

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

1 - PERCY WATSON vs. JTG

Regal applauds the beginning of the match and says he is tired of hearing the Rookies talk nonsense and delivering bad promos. Basic wrestling with Percy controlling JTG.

Watson with a nice throw off the break, and the announcers says he was on top all during the break. Watson attacks JTG's back, then face, and JTG hilariously groans, "Oohhh, my back! Ooohhh, my face!" That may be the only time JTG has every entertained me. JTG finally feeds Watson his knee as Watson comes into the ring, and then runs him over outside. JTG rolls Watson in and makes the cover for one. JTG with a spinning neckbreaker that gets two. Regal says he hates praising JTG and then knocks the talking segment again (with good reason). Korpella with a great point that the difficulty of the talking segment shows how hard it is to be a "Superstar." I'm not sure if he came up with that on his own or through the magic headset, but I would like to see WWE reinforce that point more often.

JTG off the top turnbuckle, but Watson steps back and turns it into a facebuster on his knee. Regal keeps hammering home the idea that Watson needs a mentor, Korpella says Regal should do it but Regal says it wouldn't work. Watson back on the attack with the dropkick and a shoulder tackle, and his leaping, turning splash for two. Watson fires up. Watson with his finisher (fireman's carry to a flapjack) that Korpella calls the "Persecution." That feels really wrong for a face character.

WINNER: Percy Watson in 10:00. Perfectly fine match. They did the right thing by limited JTG's traditionally boring offense, and letting the face win after slowly wearing down the opponent with offense. It's so rare to see the wrestler with the most offense actually win a match now.

2 - JEY USO (w/Jimmy Uso) vs. TYSON KIDD (w/Curt Hawkins)

I suspect Curt's cane will come into play here to give Kidd a dirty win...

Kidd with early offense and just dominates the larger Jey, but Jey turns it around with heavy punches in the corner. They trade offense in the corner and Jey gets the better end of it, and manages a two count. Kidd with a kick to a telegraphed back body drop and a dropkick for two, then puts Jey in the corner again. Regal praises the Uso's work ethic while Tyson dominates. Korpella rightfully asks why Curt is ringside when he is suspended. Korpella and Regal are talking Twitter, ugh. Jey back on offense.

It looks like Jey is trying to wrestle a tag match - he looks for a hot tag that isn't there, and then tries the "Alley-Us" double team move for no reason (which Kidd slips out of). It makes Jey look really incompetent. Jey superkicks Tyson and then goes to the top rope for the Superfly Splash. Hawkins tries to distract him with the cane, but Jey doesn't notice. Kidd gets the knees up and then does his spinning neckbreaker finisher for the win.

WINNER: Tyson Kidd in 8:00. Kidd looked great, as always, but Jey looked lost without Jimmy. Kidd's upside is unlimited if he can tighten up his promos a bit.

3 - KAITLYN vs. TAMINA

Tamina dodges a lock-up attempt and shoves Kaitlyn down. They trade blows and Kaitlyn gets a dropkick and a hip toss, then a splash the in the corner and knees to the gut. Tamina shoves her off and hits a monster superkick. She taunts and eventually covers for two. Tamina with a sloppy hold. Kaitlyn escapes and tries a roll-up for one. Tamina with a clothesline and gets mad at the ref because it's just two. Tamina pushes Kaitlyn around a bit, then moves to another submission hold. Kaitlyn fights out but Tamina puts her back down. Tamina with a fireman's carry, but Kaitlyn shimmies down her back and rolls her up for the win.

WINNER: Kaitlyn in 3:00. Tamina's offense looked typically sloppy. Kaitlyn was fine with her limited time to shine.

4 - TITUS O'NEIL vs. DERRICK BATEMAN (w/Maxine)

Bateman outwits Titus on the first lock-up. Maxine's happy that Derrick shaved his mustache. Korpella wants details on the rivalry between Maxine and A.J. Bateman dominates Titus and Maxine says she hates when women act like girls (or is it the other way around?). Titus is now showing off his usual offense. Maxine insinuates that A.J. was in an relationship with Titus and Hornswoggle at the same time. Derrick goes to the announcer table but Maxine encourages him back. Titus rolls Bateman into the ring, but Bateman drop kicks him back to the outside when he comes in. Maxine points out that Titus has been calling her fish lips but his mouth looks like a horse's with big teeth. Fair enough. Bateman re-lives last week with a missile dropkick from the apron to Titus on the outside and the same intense look as Maxine praises him.

Bateman rolls Titus into the ring and makes the cover, which is good for one. Bateman abuses Titus in the corner. Maxine denies that she's with Derrick for personal gain. A.J. says Maxine is only with Derrick to get onto NXT. Titus makes a comeback and does a shoulder breaker, then a pair of shoulder tackles, a running clothesline, and he grabs the ropes and barks. O'Neil to the top rope but Derrick dodges the shoulder tackle and rolls Titus up for the win.

WINNER: Derrick Bateman in 8:00. Good match, but the bickering between the ladies got a little but too heavy. I would have liked to hear either Maxine or A.J. on commentary by themselves.

[Arcademan]

WWE Superstars Results: 10-27-11

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

1 - CODY RHODES vs. TED DIBIASE

Ted and Cody trade holds and takedowns until Ted knocks Cody down with a shoulder block. The crowd rallies behind Ted. What has Ted DiBiase done to get fans to chant his name? Hand out free drinks at the gate? Huge back-body drop by DiBiase puts him fully in charge. Cody makes a comeback and gets in some sustained, basic offense. Ted dumps Cody to the outside by dodging a charge, they take it to the outside and Cody tries the Beautiful Disaster kick bouncing off the apron, but Ted dropkicks him in midair and they go to commercial.

Back from break, Code and Ted trade offense in the corner. Korpella brings up ancient history, Dusty Rhodes leading a team against Ted BiBiase's team at Survivor Series 20 years ago. That's the kind of thing I expect from Matt Striker. Striker knows that Rhodes will go for a submission hold about 30 seconds before he does, which is rather funny. Ted get in some brief offense, but Rhodes cuts him off. Ted fires off a series of punches but Cody gets legs up when Ted charges. Ted does the turnaround clothesline and atomic drop combo, then a clothesline for two. Ted catches Rhodes with a spinebuster for another two count. Rhodes to the top rope and hits a moonsault for two. DiBiase just stood there waiting for it, this looks dumb. Roll-up from Cody for two. Rhodes fights off Ted at the ropes and gets Cross Rhodes for the win.

WINNER: Cody Rhodes in 13:00. I thought this match dragged and was of the more boring Cody Rhodes or Ted DiBiase matches I've seen in a long time. I didn't there was any juice here and both men moved at a snail's pace.

2 - EZEKIEL JACKSON vs. JINDER MAHAL

Jackson wins an early lockup with a shoulder block for two. Jinder fights back but Jackson with a suplex. Mahal comes out of the corner strong. Jinder with heel offense using the ropes. Jinder locks in a cravat and hits multiple kneelifts to Jackson. Jackson turns it around with multiple clotheslines in the corner and starts his never-ending bodyslam sequence. Mahal cuts it off at two, but Jackson gets in more offense. Jackson with the torture rack and Mahal taps within seconds.

WINNER: Ezekiel Jackson in 5:00. I like Mahal's ringwork, but there seems to be no hope for Jackson.

3 - WWE tag champions AIR BOOM (EVAN BOURNE & KOFI KINGSTON) vs. JTG & PRIMO - non-title tag match

JTG starts by bullying Kofi, who responds with kicks, but JTG knocks him down. Kofi with a back elbow and tags in Bourne for a tag team. JTG tags in Primo, but Bourne does a sweet takedown with his legs for one. Primo in control for a moment. Cool spot where Primo jumps in the corner to get behind a charging Evan, who stops short, and hits the turnbuckle for a springboard move, but Primo catches him and Bourne transitions to a huracanrana, followed by a dropkick. Primo dodges Bourne's follow-up and tags in JTG, who stomps on Bourne. Stanford with a series of "JTG is so fly..." and "JTG is so cool..." comments. Primo tags in and keeps Borne isolated. The crowd rallies for Bourne, but Primo tries to cut him off.

Evan does a slick roll-through which allows him to catapult over Primo and tag in Kofi, who goes to work with a Superman punch and clotheslines, and a dropkick. Kofi misses another Superman punch in the corner, but catches Primo with a pendulum kick when he tries to capitalize. Kofi cuts off JTG's interference and gets a big springboard crossbody for two. He calls for the Boom Drop, gets it, then signals for Trouble in Paradise. JTG interferes, letting Primo roll up Kofi for two. Kofi nails SOS, but JTG breaks up the pin. Bourne clears JTG out, Primo knocks Evan to the apron but Evan gets a roundhouse kick to Primo's head. As Primo staggers away, he walks into the Trouble in Paradise. Kofi tags in Bourne, who gets Air Bourne for the pin.

WINNERS: Air Boom in 8:00. Did anyone really think JTG & Primo had a chance against Air Boom? All the same, it was a decent match, and it's good to see Primo getting quality ring time. Nice match to continue to build Air Boom as a team. I won't be shocked if they hold the titles for a while. Also, Air Boom seems to (finally) have their own true tag team music.

4 - EVE TORRES & KELLY KELLY vs. THE BELLA TWINS - Tag Team Match

Eve's new music is just as bad as her old music. The Bellas mock Kelly Kelly's and Eve's fascination with their own rumps, but Even takes advantage, including a standing moonsault for two. They turn it around and use distractions to keep control. The Bellas are quite entertaining as heels, with their taunts. Brie tags in and Eve pushes her away, but Brie catches up and knocks Kelly Kelly down, drags Eve back to the corner, and tags in Nikki. Nikki picks Eve up and throws her down, and slaps on an armbar, but Eve forgets to sell for a moment. Brie on the apron holds her ears to block out Eve's screams. Nikki shrugs off a sunset flip and brings Brie back in. Brie with more armbars.

Eve powers out of the armbar by turning it into a Samoan Drop and tags in Kelly, who does her ill-conceived Thesz Press, clears Nikki, then catches Brie with her helicopter spin, then the World's Weakest Bulldog (that really should be the name of that move). Next, the stinkface, but a distracted ref lets Nikki cheap shot Kelly. Eve comes in, and Brie ties to capitalize, but Kelly Kelly gets the K2 legdrop for the win.

WINNERS: Kelly Kelly & Eve in 5:00. This was a perfectly fine match until Kelly Kelly tagged in. Until she shows improvement, I don't think she has any business in a ring except as a house show host. The Bella Twins have come so far in the last few years and really hit their stride as heels.

[Arcademan]

TNA Impact Wrestling Results: 10-27-11

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

1 -- CHRISTOPHER DANIELS vs. ROB VAN DAM

Daniels was ridiculously happy with himself after shoulder blocking RVD to the mat in the opening seconds. He cartwheeled over RVD and then went into a jackknife pin attempt. Styles joined Tenay and Taz on commentary. Styles said he'd rather be in the ring beating the piss out of Daniels. Taz said he could do that; it'd be fine by them. RVD avoided a Best Moonsault EVer and then took control. Daniels avoided an RVD top rope Five-Star move, but RVD adjusted and landed on his feet. Daniels went to the floor. RVD slidekicked him into the railing. RVD hit a leaping spin wheel kick off the ring apron onto Daniels who was teetering over the ringside barrier. RVD was slow to get up, too. Daniels crawled over and grabbed a tool box under the ring and hit RVD with it, getting himself DQ'd. Taz said, "That's what a coward does!"

WINNER: RVD via DQ in 4:00.

-Afterward Styles charged out to stop Daniels from attacking RVD further. Daniels fled the scene like he had just stolen a stereo from a car and the car owner showed up and was chasing him with a tire iron. RVD and Styles walked to the back together.

2 -- TARA vs. GAIL KIM

Taz and Tenay talked up Tara's credentials. Kim attacked Tara at ringside. She dominated at the start and threw her to ringside. Karen didn't like when Traci checked on Tara's condition at ringside. They cut to an early break at 1:00. After the break, Kim remained in control and dominated until winning clean.

WINNER: Kim in 8:00.

3 -- ERIC YOUNG vs. ROBBIE E. (w/Rob Terry) -- TV Title Match

Young wore two title belts to the ring. Taz said he wants Young to shave that beard. Young hit an early belly-to-belly suplex that Taz compared to Magnum T.A. Young scored a pin with a crucifix in about a minute.

WINNER: Young in 1:00 to retain the TV Title.

-Afterward Terry attacked Young from behind, then held him for Robbie to punch in the gut. Robbie called for one more shot. Then he kneed him in the gut. As Robbie and Terry walked toward the stage, Young got up gasping and told them he had something to say. He said: "You punched me in my stomach. Who does that?" That's funny. He said he's never been accused of being the smartest guy, but he is a man of his word. He said now that Terry got involved, he has to bring in the Hollywood heavies. He said in Macon, Ga. he'll bring in Jersey Shore's Ronnie.

4 -- BULLY RAY vs. JEFF HARDY

Bully continued to beat on Hardy as the match officially began. They cut to a break a minute in. After the break, Hardy made a comeback with a Whisper in the Wind out of nowhere, but Ray fired right back with a boot as Hardy rebounded off the ropes. Ray sold the Whisper for a few seconds as Hardy lay flat on his back in the ring. Ray then settled into a nerve hold. Tenay plugged that Ronnie from "Jersey Shore" will be on Impact next week, plus Storm faces the winner of the Joe-Roode match next. At 6:00 Hardy elbowed out of a nerve hold, but Ray pounded him back to the mat quickly. Hardy came back with a legdrop off the ropes for a two count. Ray came back with a backdrop, but missed a splash mid-ring. Hardy then nailed the Twist of Fate out of nowhere, then climbed to the top rope and nailed the Swanton for the win.

WINNER: Hardy in 9:00. STAR RATING: **

5 -- ROBERT ROODE vs. SAMOA JOE -- Winner Is No. 1 Contender for World Hvt. Title

Jeremy Borash did formal ring introductions. Joe escaped an early crossface attempt and bailed out to ringside to regroup. Joe came back with a snap powerslam, big boot, and sexton splash for a two count at 3:00.

Tenay plugged that next week the winner of this match faces James Storm for the TNA World Title, then with equal excitement plugged that Ronnie from "Jersey Shore" would be on the show. Both men were down at 4:00 and slow to get up. Joe got up and rallied and got a near fall. He played to the crowd and set up the fisherman's suplex, but Joe countered with a fireman's carry drop onto Roode's head for a two count of his own. Joe then set up a Muscle Buster out of the corner, but Roode slipped free and countered with a crossface. Joe rolled Roode back onto his shoulders for a two count in a nice counter. He followed up by driving Roode's knee into the mat, then set up a figure-four. Roode kicked Joe off of him and hit the fisherman's suplex for the win.

WINNER: Roode in 6:00 to earn a title shot next week.

[Arcademan]

WWE Smackdown Results: 10-28-11

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

1 – R-TRUTH & THE MIZ vs. AIR BOOM

Miz’s knee-lift on Kingston was the first impact move of the match, :36 in. Headscissors take-down by Bourne on Truth. Kick to the head, and Miz had to be chased back to his corner. That allowed Truth to knock Bourne to ringside. Miz took a cheap shot at Bourne while he was outside the ring. Strange seeing the babyface team tagging out of the lower right corner of the camera, rather than the upper left, where they are usually stationed. They went to break with the heels in control at 2:11 of the match.

Back, 6:07 into the contest. Miz pulled Bourne up with a chicken wing, then tagged Truth. Some double-teaming by the heels led to a two-count on Bourne. Truth grabbed Bourne by the heel to stop him from making the tag. Bourne countered with an enziguiri. Tags were made by both men, and Kofi hit his signature spots. Springboard cross-body for two as Truth made the save. Running knee to the face by Bourne on Truth, but Bourne missed a cross-body onto Truth at ringside. Truth tagged himself in and they stopped Kofi with a combination of both men’s finishers.

WINNERS: Miz and Truth, at 8:23. I wonder if beating the tag champs will earn them a shot in the future, or if they’re too high up the food chain for WWE to worry about putting the straps on them.

2 – WADE BARRETT vs. TRENT BARRETA

Barreta was already in the ring out of break. Hurricanrana by Barreta early on, but he walked into a Boss Man Slam. Barrett stretched the arms of Barreta, then caught him with a knee-lift. Knees to the face by Barrett, followed by a running boot. Outside the ring, Barrett clotheslined Barreta. Barreta fired back with a chops back in the ring. He hesitated, and Barrett kicked him in the stomach. Cole spent the match talking about his challenge with JR set for Monday. Wasteland finished things.

WINNER: Barrett, at 2:32. Good win for Barrett to continue his winning ways, but shouldn’t he have started with Barreta and worked his way up to a match with Daniel Bryan, rather than the other way around?

3 – RANDY ORTON vs. DOLPH ZIGGLER

Before the match could begin, Cody Rhodes walked out with his baggers. “This is a pleasant surprise,” said Cole. Cole then said Rhodes is coming to join them for commentary. The bell rang to start the match, and Ziggler and Orton fought over a collar-and-elbow tie-up. Shoulder knock-down by Orton, then a rear chinlock at 1:05 of the match. Rhodes said he wouldn’t field any questions from Booker. Cole had played up Booker’s hatred for Cody as Rhodes made his entrance. Ziggler with a headlock take-down. Two minutes in and neither man had gained full advantage. Another headlock take-over. Rhodes said he’d have to wear his mask “for the foreseeable future.” Roll-up by Orton for two. High knee-drop by Orton. Ziggler got his boots up in the corner on an Orton charge and took over on offense. Orton shook off Ziggler, causing Ziggler to run out of the ring. Orton chased him and even leap-frogged over Vickie (who was at ringside with Dolph) during the chase. Vickie verbally abused Orton, who stood there looking at her with wide eyes. They went to break at 5:01 of the match.

Back at 8:32 of the match. European uppercut followed by a dropkick from Ziggler. Orton powered out of a rest-hold, but Ziggler planted him with a DDT. With Orton in a rest-hold, he had enough energy to yell for Vickie to “shut up!” Neck-breaker, lateral press for two. Ziggler to the top, but Orton crotched him. Superplex by Orton. No mention of the superplex that broke the ring at Vengeance. Orton made the pin, but only got two. Orton got the better of an exchange of rights in the middle of the ring, then hit all of his signature spots. Vintage Orton DDT. Ziggler dodged an RKO and superkicked Orton for two. Ziggler actually helped Orton slip out by leaning back too far while sitting on Orton’s chest. Booker smartly pointed that out. Sleeper was avoided by Orton, who then nailed him with the RKO.

WINNER: Orton, at 14:00. There’ve only been a few one-on-one encounters between these two, but it’s easy to tell they have great chemistry together.

4 – DANIEL BRYAN vs. TYSON KIDD

No entrance for Kidd. Kidd and Bryan began the match by continuing their argument from earlier. Kidd tried a Sharpshooter immediately, but Bryan took Kidd down with an arm-drag. Dragon Sleeper by Kidd. Cole said he had photos of JR training for the Cole challenge Monday night. Bryan connected with a running clothesline, then dropkicked Kidd in the corner. Booker again brought up Tim Tebow and how awesome his performance on Sunday. Cole said he’s just a nerd like Daniel Bryan. Action was fast and furious in the one. Another Sharpshooter attempt, but Bryan transitioned into the LeBell Lock. After a few seconds, Kidd tapped.

WINNER: Bryan, at 2:36. They fit a ton into the time allotted. Fast-paced match.

5 – CM PUNK vs. CHRISTIAN

Punk and Christian traded shoulder knock-downs. Heel kick by Punk for two, then he worked Christian’s arm. Cole talked about how John Laurinaitis does charity work on his time off. Flying European uppercut by Christian, but he missed a headbutt off the top. Punk set for the Go To Sleep, but Alberto Del Rio’s music played. Punk’s facial reactions while Christian was still in the GTS were funny. Christian backed out of the move and took Punk down for two. Ricardo Rodriguez and Del Rio walked to ringside as they went to break at 3:26.

The show returned at 7:14 of the match. Del Rio and Rodriguez were shown watching the match intently near the announce table. Christian attempted to keep Punk grounded. Inverted DDT by Christian for only a one-count. Punk was thrown out of the ring after Christian did some old-fashioned gouging of the eyes and nose. Christian sent Punk head-first into the announce table, then back into the ring for again, only a one-count. Punk fought back with kicks to the head and both men were down, 9:30 in. High back body-drop by Punk. Neck-breaker found the mark for a near-fall. Punk rolled through a sunset flip and kicked Christian in the head. Punk turned his attention to ADR ever so briefly, and that cost him. Cross-body off the top by Christian, but Punk rolled through again for two. Springboard clothesline was turned into a bodyslam by Christian. The men traded finisher attempts, but Punk hit the running knee and the bulldog. Rodriguez got on the apron, so Punk went to ringside, which chased Rodriguez all the way up the ramp. Springboard clothesline for two. Rodriguez was back to distract the ref once Punk went to the top rope. Del Rio crotched Punk, who fell to the mat. Christian then set up for the spear. Sheamus then ran out to run Rodriguez off. His music playing and his presence distracted Christian, allowing Punk to hit the GTS and eke out a win.

WINNER: Punk, at 13:25.

[Arcademan]

ROH TV Results: 10-29-11

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

1 - - KYLE O’REILLY vs. RODERICK STRONG (w/Truth Martini)

Martini discussed the Roderick Strong Invitational Challenge at “Final Battle.” Strong worked an arm bar, but O’Reilly escaped and grabbed a leg submission. Strong countered and went for a crossface, but O’Reilly got the ropes. Martini discussed how Strong had now found his purpose under his guidance. After a fast-paced exchange both men came to a stalemate. Strong shoved Richards and they exchanged slaps. O’Reilly took down Strong with a dropkick and got a small pop from the crowd. Strong fired back and hit a big chop. O’Reilly fired back and took down Strong with a heel trip for a 2 count. O’Reilly continued to dominate the action and got a 2 count with a northern lights suplex. O’Reilly charged Strong in the corner, but he countered and nailed O’Reilly with a backbreaker for a 2 count.

When they came back to commercial, Strong was still dominating the action. Strong grabbed a waist-lock on the mat as they went to footage of Strong chopping O’Reilly on the outside during the break. O’Reilly drove Strong into the corner to break the hold. O’Reilly caught Strong with an overhead suplex moments later and both men were down. O’Reilly caught Strong with a series of kicks and strikes once they got to their feet. O’Reilly dropped Strong’s arm over the top rope and followed up with a missile dropkick to Strong’s arm. Strong countered O’Reilly, but O’Reilly slipped out of a suplex attempt and hit a series of butterfly suplexes on Strong for a 2 count. The crowd showing their investment in the characters in the ring chanted “this is wrestling.” Strong countered O’Reilly up top and sent O’Reilly to the apron.

Strong nailed O’Reilly with several strikes in the corner. Strong followed up with a sit out powerbomb for a nearfall. Kelly said we’d hear from Lethal and Edwards in the “Inside ROH” segment tonight. O’Reilly countered a suplex attempt, but Strong caught him with a kick against the ropes. Strong hit a gut buster, but O’Reilly kicked out. Strong locked in the Stronghold, but O’Reilly eventually got the ropes. Strong set up for the Gibson driver. O’Reilly countered, but Strong caught him with a forearm. O’Reilly got a flash rollup and hit a DDT moments later. O’Reilly locked in a guillotine choke right after the DDT. Strong struggled and finally bridged O’Reilly onto his shoulders for a pin and he had to let go. Strong hit a knee strike and a series of blows to O’Reilly’s head. Strong got a running start and hit the sick kick for the pin.

Winner: Roderick Strong

2 - - ALEX SILVA vs. TOMASSO CIAMPA (w/The Embassy)

Corino said Ciampa doesn’t need a guy like Prince Nana at his side. McGuinness said he could take or leave Nana. Ciampa jumped Silva at the bell and pounded him in the corner. Silva dragged Ciampa to the outside and nailed him with a series of strikes. Ciampa shoved him into the guardrail and nailed him with a big chop. Ciampa suplexed Silva on the outside and Corino said you can’t win matches on the outside. Ciampa rolled Silva into the ring and covered him for a 2 count.

Ciampa pounded on Silva’s chest and paused to glare at the crowd. Ciampa grabbed a chinlock. Silva got to his feet and tried to fight out, but Ciampa nailed him with a knee to the gut. Silva hit a kick to the back of Ciampa’s head and went for a rollup, but Ciampa slipped away and nailed him with a dropkick to the knees off his back. That was impressive. Ciampa followed up with a kick to Silva’s head and a knee drop. Silva ducked a charge in the corner and nailed Ciampa with a clothesline for a 2 count. Silva missed a springboard and Ciampa caught him with a neckbreaker. Ciampa dragged Silva to the corner and nailed him with a running knee strike. Ciampa hit several running knee strikes in the corner. Ciampa then held up the Embassy sign and hit project Ciampa for the pin.

Winner: Tomasso Ciampa

3 - - ANX (Kenny King & Rhett Titus) vs. The Briscoes (Jay & Mark Briscoe) ROH World Tag Team Titles #1 Contender match

Both teams quickly brawled to the outside. At least the intensity picked up once Titus and King were done dancing and posing for the fans. Kelly said neither team could risk a DQ here as Titus and King isolated Jay in their corner. Titus nailed Jay with a kick and followed him to the corner and nailed him with a chop. Jay fired back with a kick and drove Titus head-first into the middle turnbuckle. Mark tagged in and went on the attack as Kelly ran down things the Briscoes like such as beer and chickens. King nailed Mark with a shot from behind and tagged into the match. King went to work on Jay and nailed him with a suplex and some punches before tagging Titus back into the match.

Titus nailed Mark with some punches. King tagged back in a mounted Mark before nailing him with some punches. ANX continued to tag in and out of the match while working over mark with several combination maneuvers. Titus & King hit a double team suplex on Mark. King choked Mark in the corner, but Mark cut him off and whipped him into a clothesline from Jay after a blind tag. Jay went on the attack and worked over King with a series of punches as they went to commercial.

The Briscoes nailed King with a double team shoulder tackle when they came back from the commercial. They showed a replay of King trying to fire back, but getting cut off. King fired back and nailed Mark with an atomic drop and a spinning kick to the back of the head. King struggled to tag in Titus, but Jay knocked him off the apron. Jay tagged into the match and put the boots to King. The fans cheered as Jay put the boots to King. McGuinness said Titus is so good in the bedroom that when he’s finished the neighbors light a cigarette. Mark raked away at King’s face before cinching in a chinlock. King got a back slide on Mark for a one count, but Mark went right back on the attack. The Briscoe hit a tandem ace crusher on King, but Titus broke up the pin. King countered a Jay-driller and backdropped Jay. King tagged in Titus, who ran wild on the Briscoes. Kelly hyped some upcoming live events as Titus sent Mark to the floor. ANX hit a combination of moves on Jay in the corner, but Mark broke up the pin at the last second.

The fans chanted for the Briscoes as Titus and King had Jay isolated in the ring. Jay countered King and Mark held onto Titus. Jay hit a big spinebuster on King. He then went after Titus on the top turnbuckle, but Titus dropped him face-first onto the top turnbuckle. Mark ran into the ring and nailed Titus with a running dropkick. He put Titus on the top rope and nailed him with a springboard ace crusher as the fans applauded. King then caught Mark with a springboard blockbuster. Jay ran into the ring and hit a big DDT and all four men were down as the fans chanted “Man up.” Titus went after Mark, but Jay ran in broke it up. Mark was on King’s shoulders, so Jay clotheslined Mark into a rollup for the win.

Winners: The Briscoes to earn a ROH World Title shot at “Final Battle 2011.”

[Arcademan]

WWE RAW Results: 10-31-11

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

Pre-taped segment with The Rock agreeing to be Cena's partner at Survivor Series.

1 -- World Hvt. champion MARK HENRY vs. C.M. PUNK -- non-title match -- if Punk wins, he faces Del Rio at Survivor Series

Cole played up the idea of Henry being in a weakened state due to the ring collapse eight days ago. Lawler said he doesn't think Punk has a chance against the mammoth Henry. Punk scored with early offense before delivering a top-rope Macho Man elbow drop. Punk made a cover, but Henry kicked out. Del Rio and Ricardo Rodriguez then made their way to ringside as Punk rolled to the floor. Ricardo started hitting Henry, but the ref didn't do anything. Ricardo continued to hit Henry with his shoe, so the ref DQ'ed Punk, giving Henry the win.

Post-match: Punk assaulted Ricardo before throwing him into the ring to eat a World's Strongest Slam from Henry. Henry demanded his title belt as Punk seethed on the outside. Too much happening at once for the director to keep up with. Punk then chased Del Rio to the back as Henry's music played. Henry stood over Ricardo, then stepped over him.

WINNER: Henry via DQ at 2:47. Apparently there will be follow-up after WWE slotted this in the opening segment.

Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy comes out. So does Vickie, Swagger and Dolph...then Santino. Need I say more?

2 -- DIVAS HALLOWEEN COSTUME BATTLE ROYAL -- #1 contender match to Divas Title

Back from break, a variety of costumed-Divas were in the ring for the next match. Divas champ Beth Phoenix was ringside on commentary for the match to determine the next challenger to her title. The Final Four was Kelly, Eve, Natalya, and Alicia Fox. Fox was out, then Kelly, then Eve eliminated Natalya to win and earn another title shot. Post-match: Beth & Natalya had a stare down with the faces to conclude the segment.

WINNER: Eve at 2:45.

3 -- WWE tag champions AIR BOOM (EVAN BOURNE & KOFI KINGSTON) vs. IC champion CODY RHODES & WADE BARRETT -- non-title match

The heels isolated Kingston early on after slingshotting him across the top rope to block a springboard maneuver. A "Cody sucks" chant didn't affect Rhodes, who continued to work on Kingston. Kingston then catapulted Rhodes into the corner and tagged in Bourne, who dropped Barrett with a DDT after countering Wasteland. The action broke down and Kingston found himself on the floor. Barrett then blocked Bourne's top-rope finisher and hit Wasteland for the pin and the win.

WINNERS: Barrett & Rhodes at 5:28. Fine for the straight week of Raw focus on Barrett trying to rebuild his career. It didn't help the tag champs, though, when they need some quality wins on Raw.

4 -- WWE champion ALBERTO DEL RIO vs. BIG SHOW -- non-title match

Big Show dominated early on as Del Rio tried to find some offense, but to no avail. Del Rio then tried a sleeperhold while wrapping his body around Show's back. Del Rio managed to get Show down to one knee, prompting a "Big Show" chant from the crowd. Long sleeperhold put Show down to both knees. Show reset his base, though, and flung Del Rio off his back after reaching his feet. Show coughed up a lung as he recovered. Then, on the floor, Big Show and Del Rio fought as the ref administered a ten-count.

Cole reset the show from this year's WrestleMania host city as the fight continued ringside. Show then missed with a splash near the guardrail and Del Rio followed with a step-up enziguiri. Show was in jeopardy of being counted out as the announcers continued to talk about other items on the show. The two men made it back into the ring, where Del Rio landed successive kicks to the face and upper body. The match slowed down again before Show palm-thrusted Del Rio over the top rope to the floor. They cut to break after nine minutes of uninterrupted action.

Back from break at 11:50, Del Rio was back in control of the action in the ring. Del Rio absorbed an attempted comeback, then planted Show with a DDT. A subsequent cover led to Del Rio being flung clear across the ring to the outside. Back in the ring, Del Rio came running at Show, who KO Punched Del Rio in the face to completely change momentum. Show then made the cover for the win.

WINNER: Big Show at 13:50. Long enough to make up for the short notice on a big match-up given away on TV. The quality was hit or miss throughout, but told a decent story of two men struggling to secure a win. (**)

Post-match: Punk's music played and Punk crossed paths with Show on the way to the ring. Punk surveyed a KO'ed Del Rio in the ring, then grabbed a mic ringside. In the ring, Punk sat down next to Del Rio and threw water in his face to wake him up. Punk said what's about to happen is he's going to ask him a question. Before that, he's going to twist Del Rio into a vice with the Anaconda Vice. Punk said he won't let go until Del Rio gives him the match at Survivor Series. Punk locked in the hold and Del Rio blurted out, "You have your match." Punk then dropped the hold and declared, "He said yes." Apparently Punk wasn't live on the arena mic, so Punk re-told the audience that Del Rio said yes. Cole claimed Del Rio was coerced and didn't voluntarily give him the match. Lawler said what goes around, comes around.

5 -- JACK SWAGGER (w/Vickie Guerrero) vs. SANTINO

Cole declared that Swagger is going to wipe the mat with Santino, who had a laugh in Swagger's face before Swagger decked him with a clothesline. Cole mixed in his brand of "humor" at Jim Ross's expense building toward their "challenge" later. Suddenly, Beaker emerged ringside and handed Santino the magic formula. Santino tried to avoid choking on it before spitting it in Swagger's face on accident. Santino then made the cover for the win.

WINNER: Santino at 2:34.

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

Basic back-and-forth with each man controlling the action for a few moments. Ziggler then found himself on the floor and Vickie, frustrated, shouted at Ryder as they cut to break.

Back from break, the two men traded control before Vickie tried to get involved by grabbing Ryder's foot. Ziggler tried ot capitalize with the Zig-Zag, but Ryder grabbed the top rope to block. Ryder followed with the Rough Ryder for the pin and the win, drawing Vickie's ire again. Cole heeled on Ryder that only on Halloween could Ryder knock off Ziggler. They went to a replay of how Ryder secured the win before a slow-mo shot of Vickie screaming capped things off.

WINNER: Ryder in 10:00. Solid TV match. It looks like another title shot for Ryder is in the future.

7 -- JOHN CENA vs. THE MIZ

Miz started off in control as the crowd engaged in dueling chants for and against Cena. Meanwhile, Lawler repeated that Nash will be on Raw next week. Miz settled into a reverse chinlock as the crowd transitioned to dueling chants of "Let's go Cena / C-M-Punk." Cena then made his comeback and delivered the Five Knuckle Shuffle. Miz countered the AA with a legsweep, though, for a two count. Miz then hit the Reality Check for a two count as Cole continued to rant against Ross. Cena mounted a comeback with a hard clothesline before the action moved to the top-rope. Miz teased a superplex, but Cena blocked and headbutted Miz to the mat. Cena then delivered a guillotine leg smash and made a cover for a two count. Cena didn't capitalize, though, allowing Miz to hit a DDT for a nearfall of his own.

The action moved to the floor, where Cena threw Miz into the guardrail. Suddenly, a man in a Scream Halloween costume choked Cena from behind on the front row. Cena fought him off, then the action moved back into the ring. Cena fought off Miz, then slapped on the STF. Miz tapped out, giving Cena the win. Post-match: Scream re-entered the ring and Cena gave him the AA center-ring. Cena removed the mask to reveal R-Truth, which drew zero reaction since the crowd couldn't see who it was. Cena then put on the Scream mask and posed in front of R-Truth, then for the crowd as Cole plugged Rock & Cena at Survivor Series to close the show 11 minutes past the top of the hour.

WINNER: Cena at 8:42. This reinforced the idea that Miz & Truth are essentially two broomsticks opposite Cena & Rock at Survivor Series - any main-event credibility/juice/momentum Miz and Truth had going into Raw was wiped out here. WWE will probably have Miz and Truth beat down Cena at some point over the next two weeks to put Cena in jeopardy, but the entire selling point for Survivor Series is Cena and Rock together in the same ring to see what happens.