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

[Arcademan]

WWE RAW Results: 11-28-11

Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Caldwell's complete report). Condensed to in-ring results only, which fortunately does not include that gawd-awful Piper's Pit segment. Sorry I'm late with the reports since I've been sick as a ****! (use your imagination folks since the WWE can't! LOL!)

1 -- THE MIZ vs. JOHN MORRISON -- Falls Count Anywhere match

Morrison tackled Miz and landed early strikes, but Miz re-attacked the injured leg before wrapping Morrison's leg around the ringpost. Meanwhile, Cole noted R-Truth is going to be out of action for a "number of weeks" as a result of Miz's attack last week. In the ring, Miz used a kendo stick to continue the attack before Morrison landed a clothesline. Morrison then stole the kendo stick and blasted away at Miz. Miz tried to run away, but Morrison chased him down and landed more blows. Morrison made a cover on the floor, but Miz kicked out. Miz then crawled up the ramp to the stage. Morrison hobbled toward Miz, wound up for a stick shot, but Miz ducked and rammed Morrison head-first into the giant WWE logo on the stage. Miz followed by dragging Morrison to his feet and delivering a Skullcrushing Finale on the stage. Miz went back to the far-away look in his eyes before slowly rolling Morrison over. The ref checked on Morrison and determined he was out cold. He called for the bell, ending the match.

Post-match: Cole said Miz has eliminated another piece of dead weight. Another ref came out to check on Morrison, who sold being out cold. A medic came out again to check on Morrison as Miz walked away to the back. They went back to a replay of Miz's pre-match attack and the SCF on the stage to end Morrison's night. Back live, Morrison was placed on a backboard before Miz returned to the stage. Morrison was then taken off on a stretcher as Miz made his way to the ring. John Laurinaitis suddenly came out on-stage, took a look at Morrison, and then walked back. Apparently he was injured enough for Laurinaitis's taste? The medics carted off Morrison for his likely final WWE TV appearance.

In the ring, Miz slowly said it was R-Truth last week and it was John Morrison this week. Next week? "We'll see," he said. Miz said there's only one Superstar who can make this kind of impact. "That person is me," he said. "And I can do it because I'm...awesome." Miz continued to have a far-away look as he stared straight ahead. Another replay of Miz's attack on Morrison before Lawler described him as Ice Man.

WINNER: Miz at 3:26. That was the most-effective attention Morrison has received in months. Too bad it was on his likely final night, but the angle served its purpose as one final use of Morrison to build up Miz.

2 -- KELLY KELLY & ALICIA FOX vs. THE BELLA TWINS

The Divas were in the ring immediately after the break. Moments after the bell sounded, Beth Phoenix and Natalya came running to ringside, which distracted the faces and allowed the Bellas to take control. Soon thereafter, A. Fox scored the pin for the decisive win.

WINNERS: Fox & Kelly at 1:36. Blink and you missed it.

3 -- U.S. champion DOLPH ZIGGLER (w/Vickie Guerrero) vs. RANDY ORTON -- non-title match

Basic back-and-forth early on as the two men felt each other out. Meanwhile, Cole hyped Barrett's resurgence getting back to what he entered WWE for: making money and winning titles. Orton then delivered a big clothesline that sent Ziggler flying to the outside for a breather.

At the top of the hour, Ziggler slowly re-entered the ring as Cole reset the show, noting Piper's Pit with Cena as a graphic flashed on the screen promoting the live Smackdown tomorrow night on Syfy. Cole also plugged Miz taking out Morrison. In the ring, Ziggler delivered a dropkick to the mouth that sent Orton spilling to the outside. Barrett smirked as he watched Orton gather himself ringside. Back in the ring, Ziggler continued to punish Orton as Vickie encouraged the crowd to cheer Ziggler. The crowd responded with an "RKO, RKO" chant before Ziggler went up top. Orton cut him off, though, and delivered a big superplex that shook, but did not break the ring. Orton followed with a cover for a two count. They cut to the first break of the match at 7:10.

Back from break three minutes later, Orton and Ziggler were trading blows center-ring. Orton then delivered a punt to the chest followed by rapid-fire clotheslines and a powerslam. Orton did a crazed smile toward the hard camera before flashing a look toward Barrett. Orton wanted the elevated DDT on Ziggler and connected. Orton then entered That Place before teasing the RKO as the crowd roared. Ziggler saw it coming, though, and rolled out of the ring. Ziggler told Vickie they're leaving, then Orton spotted Barrett on the ring apron. Orton dropped Barrett with a dropkick off the ring apron, but Ziggler snuck up behind Orton with the Zig-Zag. Ziggler made a quick pin for the win.

Post-match: Barrett left the ringside area, satisfied with helping Ziggler beat Orton. On the floor, Ziggler did a handstand as Vickie re-announced him as the winner. Lawler grumbled about Ziggler being a show-off before Cole plugged the Punk-Del Rio title match still to come.

WINNER: Ziggler at 11:50. Solid action before the expected outcome of Barrett helping Ziggler, who said beforehand he would beat Orton. They're doing a solid job building up the Orton-Barrett program to (a) give Orton something to do that's important outside of the title picture and (b) re-build Barrett. (**)

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

Cole plugged Ryder's online petition to earn a future U.S. Title shot against Ziggler. Meanwhile, a second Mystery YouTube link flashed on the screen: http://youtube.com/user/second2012 . Ryder and Swagger went back and forth before Ryder blocked a Swagger Bomb with his knees. Ryder followed with the Rough Ryder and it was good for the win. Cole called it an "absolute fluke." Ryder pump-fisted with the crowd before leaving the ring to cheers. Meanwhile, Vickie was indignant ringside and Swagger pounded the mat with his fists.

WINNER: Ryder at 3:24. Pass the head check last week, get a win this week to "prove Cole wrong."

5 -- WWE champion C.M. PUNK vs. ALBERTO DEL RIO -- WWE Title match -- If Punk is DQ'ed, Del Rio captures title

Basic back and forth to start as Lawler talked up Punk-Del Rio having potential to turn into a great feud. Punk clotheslined Del Rio over the top rope to the floor at 2:30, then landed a dive on the outside. Cole sent the show to break with Punk in control.

Back from break, Del Rio was in control in the ring, working over Punk's left arm/shoulder. Del Rio continued to blast away at the injured area as they neared the top of the hour.

Del Rio remained in control of the action as the crowd became restless. Light "Where's our ice cream?" chant from some vocal males near arena microphones. Del Rio couldn't put Punk away, so he went for a top rope move, which Punk intercepted with a kick strike. Cole reset the show as the two men recovered in the ring. They came to their feet and started trading kick strikes. Punk won the exchange with a strike, then neckbreaker for a two count. Punk followed with a corner knee strike, but Del Rio blocked a bulldog with a fallaway arm snap for a two count. Del Rio followed with a German Suplex and bridge pin, but Punk kicked out just in time.

The action reset at 13:30 with a teased cross arm-breaker, teased GTS, and a single-arm DDT by Del Rio for a nearfall. Del Rio then tried to remove the top turnbuckle, but ref Robinson reprimanded him. Ricardo then slid a chair toward Del Rio, who tossed it to Punk, but Punk tossed it back to Del Rio and sold a chair shot. Ref turned around and saw Del Rio holding the chair and teased a DQ, but decided against it. Punk tried a surprise roll-up, but Del Rio kicked out. The crowd was hot for this exchange. Ricardo then hopped on the ring apron and distracted the ref. In the background, Punk dropped Del Rio into the exposed steel on the top turnbuckle, then scored a three count for the win when Robinson turned around.

WINNER: Punk at 15:27 to retain the WWE Title. Basic match early on, then a very hot ending with the crowd invested in the teased finishes involving the match stipulation. Laurinaitis not coming out in the post-match was odd, but apparently they'll save the follow-up for next week's Raw to either strip Punk of the title (and possibly contest it in a TLC or ladder match at the PPV) or just set up a title re-match at the TLC PPV. (**1/4)

[Arcademan]

WWE Smackdown Results: 11-29-11

Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Parks' complete report). Condensed to in-ring results and yes, Smackdown was on live Tuesday this week. If you missed it or need to torment your eyeballs again, it will air again in its normal Friday time slot.

1 – DIVAS MISTLETOE MATCH
After some brief, nondescript action, Alicia Fox was brought down after trying to reach the mistletoe. Soon after, one of the Bellas turned on the other, climbed the on the other’s back, and took down the mistletoe.
WINNER: Brie Bella, at :53. I would not have guessed that result.

2 – JUSTIN GABRIEL vs. JINDER MAHAL
Gabriel was already in the ring. Mahal did mic work on the way to the ring, decrying Christmas, saying people buy gifts with money they don’t have for people they can’t stand. I feel like I just heard a similar quote to that…maybe on the Colbert Report last night? By the way, it was just Mathews and Cole on commentary with Booker’s match later tonight. Mahal with a knee-lift to Gabriel, then a double under-hook suplex. Mahal draped Gabriel gut-first over the top rope. Cole and Mathews argued about whether Ted DiBiase has money anymore. Mahal whipped Gabriel into the turnbuckle, then DiBiase’s music hit. He came out wearing a Santa hat and a bag full of gifts that he handed out at ringside. Mahal knocked away a gift DiBiase tossed to him in a funny spot. STO by Gabriel on Mahal after the distraction. He went to the top and landed the 450 splash for the win.
WINNER: Gabriel, at 2:12. Good to see an actual lower card feud between DiBiase and Mahal.

3 – KOFI KINGSTON vs. TYSON KIDD
Low dropkick by Kidd for a near-fall. Hard back elbow caught Kingston coming off the ropes for a two-count. Cole mentioned that he was trending on Twitter. Both men were down at the 1:30 mark, and Kofi made a comeback when they got to their feet. Boom drop found the mark on Kidd’s midsection. Kidd rolled out of the ring when Kofi tried Trouble in Paradise. Dropkick by Kingston on the outside of the ring. Kofi took time to make fun of how Cole looks in his outfit. He talked about how ridiculous Cole looked and stole the headpiece, which allowed Kidd to attack him from behind. Kofi recovered and put Kidd back in the ring. He put on the Rudolf headgear and the red nose, then hit the flying cross-body off the top for the win.
WINNER: Kingston, at 3:33. Weird to have Kofi go after Cole like that, but it was a means to the end of getting the visual of him wearing the Rudolf garb while flying through the air. It wasn’t worth it.

4 – RANDY ORTON vs. DAVID OTUNGA – MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET FIGHT
Otunga was clotheslined to ringside early on. Otunga kicked Orton in the gut, but Orton came back with offense of his own. Otunga certainly looks the part, I’ll give him that. Otunga was thrown into a smallish Christmas tree at ringside. Oh, and there goes another. Cole said Orton was acting like a Grinch. Otunga fired back by driving Orton’s back into the apron. Orton regained control and sent Otunga head-first into the announce table. There was a tray of cookies there and Orton took a bite of one, then hit Otunga in the back with the cookie sheet. He put a wreath around Otunga’s neck, shouted “ho ho ho,” and sent him into another tree. Otunga was to be whipped again, but he countered and sent Orton into the stairs. Suplex at ringside. Before Otunga could use another weapon, Orton got a single-leg take-down and pounded away. Otunga ran up the ramp and from behind, Orton tossed a large gift at him, comically hitting Otunga right in the back of the head. Orton tossed Otunga into more decorations and trees on the top of the stage. Orton dragged Otunga back to the ring. He put Otunga’s feet on the apron and DDT’d him onto the ringside mats. Wade Barrett ran out and bounced Orton’s head off the ring post, then booted him in the face. Otunga was rolled into the ring to pin a fallen Orton, but he only got two. Otunga booted Orton in the corner Orton came back just after 7:00 in and hit all of his signature spots. He got down for the RKO, which hit the mark.
WINNER: Orton, at 7:36. Lots of bells and whistles to hide Otunga’s shortcomings and to continue the holiday theme of the show.

5 – ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS BATTLE ROYAL
Horny went under the ring to start. Darren Young was tossed nine seconds in, by Sheamus. One of the Usos was out at :24, also by Sheamus. Percy Watson and Curt Hawkins went at it. Hunico crotched JTG on the top rope and eliminated him at :51. Ted DiBiase was stomping on Tyler Reks. Sheamus was trying to toss NXT leader Titus O’Neil. Hawkins out via a Zeke Jackson press slam at 1:49. Jackson and Sheamus clobbered each other in the middle of the ring. Jackson charged Sheamus, but was back-dropped out at 2:31. Johnny Curtis jumped Sheamus, but was tossed at 2:42. Kingston took the other Uso out at 2:56. Kingston was then eliminated himself at 2:59. Yoshi Tatsu was clotheslined out at 3:12 by Tyson Kidd. Kidd headscisssored DiBiase out at 3:24. Hornswoggle grabbed Kidd and pulled him off the ropes to eliminate him at 3:31. They went to break at this point. Back at 6:48. It was down to seven superstars. Gabriel was teetering on the edge thanks to Mahal, who pushed him out at 7:12 when he tried to springboard back in. Sheamus is clearly the ringer here. Clash of the Titus by O’Neil on Reks. He celebrated, but was clotheslined out by Sheamus at 7:48. Sheamus fought off Slater, Mahal, and Hunico. Reks went after Sheamus, which was a mistake. Reks crawled under the bottom rope, but Sheamus went after him. The other heels ganged up on Sheamus outside the ring. They all worked together to take down the big man, throwing him into the barricade. The four went back inside the ring as Mahal tried to direct traffic. They all went under the ring to get Hornswoggle. Mahal put him in the ring as the heels surrounded him. Slater shoved him to the mat, and Hunico did the same. They kicked away at him and Cole made the point that they have to wear him down before they try to eliminate him. Reks and Mahal tried to toss him like a sack of potatoes, but Sheamus ran in to make the save. Reks out at 10:50, Hunico at 10:54, Mahal at 10:58. Slater was Brogue Kicked out at 11:07, leaving just Sheamus and Horny. Hornswoggle wanted him some of Sheamus, but Sheamus pointed to him and told him to get out. Hornswoggle pointed to Sheamus and told him to get out. Sheamus laughed and Hornswoggle kicked Sheamus in the shins. Sheamus picked Hornswoggle up and tried to slam him out, but Horny held on to the top rope and Sheamus couldn’t shake him off. Sheamus went to the apron to try to untangle Hornswoggle. He did, and ordered Hornswoggle out. Horny made a sad face as Sheamus tried to talk sense into him. Hornswoggle wanted a hug, but as Sheamus went in, Horny shoved him to ringside to win.
WINNER: Hornswoggle, at 13:34. Certainly a unique battle royal. I thought Sheamus would voluntarily leave and let Hornswoggle win – it was odd having Sheamus, the babyface, and Hornswoggle, the babyface, argue about who should win.

6 – DANIEL BRYAN vs. MARK HENRY – STEEL CAGE MATCH FOR THE WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Formal ring introductions were handled by Chimel for this match. Cole relayed the message from Long that the winner of this match will defend against Big Show at TLC. Bryan tried to escape the cage early on, but Henry was able to bring him down. Bryan kicked at Henry’s legs, but Henry tossed him away. Henry sent Bryan into the side of the cage, then Henry squashed him against it. They went to break at 1:12 of the match. The show returned at 4:13. Henry was still in control. Henry shouted at Bryan that he had all day. Well, the show only has eight minutes. Nerve hold applied by Henry in the middle of the ring. Big knockdown by Henry. “Happy new year!” shouted Henry. He demanded the cage door be opened at 5:28. Bryan attacked Henry to prevent the win. Clothesline by Henry turned Bryan inside out. Henry knelt down and laid across Bryan for the cover, getting only two. Henry again asked that the door be opened, but Bryan grabbed Henry’s bad ankle. Bryan stomped the bandaged ankle over and over again. He worked over the leg on the ropes. Bryan tried to climb to the top of the cage, but Henry tripped him, crotching Bryan. Henry got a head of steam and clotheslined Bryan to the mat. A light “Daniel Bryan” chant. Henry couldn’t reach the cage door, but he stayed on offense and on a vertical base. Cole claimed that he felt sorry for Mark Henry. Henry limped around the ring and tried to slam Bryan but Bryan kicked the ankle again. He tried the LeBell Lock and hooked it. Henry rolled, breaking the hold. He tried to pick Bryan up by one arm, but Bryan locked in the ankle-lock, dragging Henry to the middle of the ring. Crowd really behind Bryan here, but Henry rolled through and kicked Bryan off. Bryan tried to climb out of the cage, but once again couldn’t. Henry took some people by surprise by scaling the cage, but Bryan hopped over him and got to the top. Henry pulled him back in by the arm. Bryan tried to hurricanrana Henry off the top rope, but couldn’t. He flipped himself back up and to the top of the cage again. Henry held onto the arm and headbutted Henry. Off the second rope, World’s Strongest Slam. Henry’s knees hit way before Bryan to the point that it looked like it could’ve seriously hurt Henry. Henry picked up the pinfall win.
WINNER: Henry, at 11:09.

[Arcademan]

WWE NXT Results: 11-30-11

Yet another report courtesy through the good guys at PWTorch.com (direct link to James's complete report). Per usual, only in-ring matches are reported here. Click the link to read the whole thing and as a prize, get lovely pop-ups.

1 - PERCY WATSON vs. TYLER REKS

Reks with early control, but Watson makes a fast comebackl On commentary, Hawkins claims that the cane is doctor-prescribed. Tyler Reks with a slick reversal in the corner to send Watson face-first until the turnbuckle. Hawkins says that they were underused and underutilized and unbooked, which is why they needed to invade NXT. Wow, the crowd is rallying behind Watson a bit. Reks goes into the ringpost to let Percy get on top. Watson with a series of big dropkicks and his overhead throw, and gets the crowd fired up, then his standing jump into a lateral press for two. Watson gets distracted by Hawkins, and Reks takes him down, and goes to the top, but Watson dropkicks him in mid-air for the win. Post-match, Hawkins ambushes him with the cane.

WINNER: Percy Watson in 5:00. Okay match, but not given enough time. These guys are all just treading water, waiting for a slot on the main roster to open up.

2 - YOSHI TATSU & TRENT BARRETA vs. TYSON KIDD & JOHNNY CURTIS

Both of these teams could go far. Curtis could make a good mouthpiece for Kidd and Kidd can teach Curtis a lot. Also, Tatsu/Barreta could be a super-hot tandem.

Tatsu and Curtis lead off, with Tatsu using his speed to get early advantage and bring Baretta in. Barreta with a running flip dive and some rollups, but Kidd distracts Barreta so Curtis can take over. Curtis looks heelishly arrogant choking Trent in the ropes, and tags in Kidd.

Kidd with a springboard guillotine leg drop, then corner stomps, and the usual heel corner work. Barreta with his corkscrew moonsault to get Kidd off of him, and they both tag out. Tatsu with an armdrag, dropkick, and a back body drop, then hard chops against the ropes. Striker reminds viewers of the action figure-maiming story. Tatsu to the top rope, but Curtis dodges the spinning heel kick. Curtis with a nasty-looking sit-out brainbuster for the win.

WINNERS: Curtis & Kidd in 8:00. That match needed another five to ten minutes, but they delivered in the ring. Curtis's finisher looks absolutely devastating.

3 - ALICIA FOX vs. MAXINE

Why does Maxine wear a nightie and garters to the ring? Then again, why does Alicia Fox wear a Tanuki suit to the ring? Maxine starts off strong with her power offense, but Alicia shoves her away, then jumps a corner charge, and transitions the jump into a sunset flip for two, which was slick. Maxine with hand thrusts to the stomach and tosses Alicia by the hair. Maxine with a basement dropkick for two, and gets frustrated. Maxine retains control and moves to a chinlock. Derrick Bateman and his mom come out to cheer her own. Maxine with a Dragon Sleeper, but she's distracted, letting Fox throw her off and immediately hit her finisher. Post-match, Maxine blows up on Bateman.

WINNER: Fox in 3:00. Maxine dominated someone who was breathing on #1 contender status a few weeks ago for all but ten seconds. Maxine's reversal into the sunset flip was really innovative, but Maxine did a good job at getting herself over as a power threat in the ring.

4 - TITUS O'NEIL vs. DERRICK BATEMAN vs. DARREN YOUNG - Triple Threat match, winner gets a Smackdown match

Titus has his old new music (or is it new old music?) back.

Titus clears out Young then hits a big powerslam on Bateman, but Young breaks up the pin. Young chips Titus, who no-sells and gets mad, then chops Young a number of times. Titus is absolutely huge compared to Young. Young goes up top, but Titus grabs him and throws him to the mat. Bateman breaks up the pin and beats down Titus in the corner. Bateman chops Titus, but Titus chops back. Bateman tries a running sunset flip, but Titus shakes it off, picks him up and throws him into Young, then kicks Young and clubs Bateman. Bateman rolls outside and O'Neil goes to work on Young. He throws Young outside the ring and starts to bark. Bateman approaches Young to arrange and alliance.

Back from the break, Young and Bateman are double-teaming O'Neil. Young eventually ends the alliance with Bateman, who tries a pin, then Titus gets up, clotheslines them both, and beats them both down a bit. Striker says that "Big Deal Titus O'Neil" is the best choice for Smackdown. Titus tries pinning Darren, but Derrick breaks it up. Eventually, Bateman and Young start going at it again. Bateman with a running mid-height dropkick to Young in the corner. Bateman goes to the top and Young crotches him, then meets him up top. Tower of Doom spot with Titus powerbombing Young superplexing Bateman, Titus tries the pin, but Young kicks out.

Young with the fallaway slam when Bateman interferes. O'Neil with the scoop slam for two, then calls for the Clash of the Titus. Young rolls to the apron, but Titus goes to the apron too. Young surprises O'Neil with a kick to the crotch, and lands a neckbreaker on the apron, and O'Neil rolls into the ring. Bateman dropkicks Young to the outside and steals the pin.

Post-match, Bateman asks Maxine to come out and says that they are going back to Smackdown where they belong. Maxine's music hits and she fails to appear. Instead, Tamina and JTG come out. Tamina says that Maxine packed up her stuff and left with Johnny Curtis. Bateman makes some hilariously over-done faces here, which is in-line with his over-the-top character. Hey, Derrick Bateman has some fresh stitches on his head. They end the show.

WINNER: Derrick Bateman in 10:00

[Arcademan]

TNA Impact Wrestling Results: 12-1-11

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

1 -- THE POPE & DEVON vs. INK, INC. (SHANNON MOORE & JESSE NEAL w/Toxxin) vs. MEXICAN AMERICA (HERNANDEZ & ANARQUIA w/Rosita and Sarita) -- three-way #1 contender match to the TNA Tag Titles

The match started with a flurry of six-way action that spilled to the floor and involved the Knockouts assembled ringside.

Time for a Twitter plug - who's going to win the three-way Roode-Styles-Hardy main event? In the ring, Mexican America worked over Pope as Ink, Inc. watched, unable to get involved. Devon eventually took a tag and teed off on Anarquia. In the background, Neal tagged himself into the match and speared Hernandez, but walked into a spinebuster from Devon. Devon pinned Neal for the pin and the win. Tenay noted Devon & Pope get the title shot against Matt Morgan & Crimson at Final Resolution.

WINNERS: Devon & Pope at 5:07 to become #1 contenders. Standard tag action. Neal taking the fall was expected.

2 -- ODB vs. MICKIE JAMES -- Street Fight -- #1 contender match to Knockouts Title

The fight started on the entrance ramp as soon as Mickie made her entrance. They took a brief detour into the ring before taking the fight backstage. Around and around they went backstage before returning to ringside. In the ring, they traded nearfalls before ODB confidently picked up a chair to smash Mickie, but Mickie superkicked the chair into ODB's face for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Mickie at 6:56 to retain #1 contender status.

3 -- TV champion ROBBIE E. (w/Rob Terry) vs. ROB VAN DAM -- TV Title match

Before the bell sounded, Taz about RVD's famous TV Title history in ECW, but without mentioning the letters. Robbie tried to taunt Van Dam early on, so RVD dumped him to the outside and posed in the ring. Van Dam then mocked Rob Terry and delivered Rolling Thunder to Robbie once Robbie returned to the ring.

RVD lost focus momentarily, allowing Robbie to take control of the match. RVD came back with a roundhouse kick to the face, but Robbie slipped Van Dam to the outside of desperation. Suddenly, Eric Young stormed ringside with possession of a fire extinguisher. Ref Hebner occupied himself with EY. Meanwhile, in the ring, Van Dam delivered a Five-Star Frog splash to Robbie. Daniels then snuck in the back door with Angel's Wings to RVD. Daniels draped Robbie on top of Van Dam, then Hebner returned to the ring to count Robbie's pin on Van Dam.

WINNER: Robbie at 4:03 to retain the TV Title. This one needed a screwy finish if RVD was going to lose to comedy heel act Robbie.

4 -- TNA World Hvt. champion ROBERT ROODE vs. A.J. STYLES vs. JEFF HARDY -- three-way non-title match

Roode bailed from the ring and told Styles and Hardy to go ahead and fight amongst themselves. Styles didn't take the bait, so he dropped to the floor to confront Roode. Hardy came around the other side, which put Roode in the middle of a punchfest. The punchfest resumed in the ring after Roode tried to call for a time-out. Styles and Hardy then double-clotheslined Roode to the outside. On the floor, Styles and Hardy took turns measuring Roode for offense before they cut to break.

Back from break, Roode had Styles isolated in the ring. Hardy then tried to break up a pin, but accidentally popped Styles. Roode then went to work on Hardy before turning his attention to Styles again. Hardy came back with offense on Roode, then Styles. Roode was finally able to pit Styles and Hardy against each other, setting off a scrap as Roode rested on the outside. Styles won an exchange with a snap dropkick for a two count on Hardy. Hardy came back with offense for a nearfall of his own.

Roode picked his spot to re-enter and ram Styles into a ringpost to clear him out of the picture. Roode then went to work on Hardy. Roode took his time wearing down Hardy as Styles took a while to recover on the floor. Styles then came out of nowhere with a springboard forearm followed by a back flip into reverse DDT. Styles measured Roode for the Clash, but Roode blocked. Styles tried to come back with a springboard, but Roode shoved Hardy into the ropes to crotch Styles. Roode followed with a Fisherman Suplex for the pin, but Hardy made a desperation save.

With Styles out of the picture, Hardy made a comeback on Roode with successive offense. Hardy hit Twist of Fate, then wanted a top-rope Swanton Bomb, but Jeff Jarrett showed up through the crowd to crotch Hardy behind the ref's back. In the ring, Roode made a cover on Hardy and Styles was a hair too slow to break up the pin. Roode gets the win.

WINNER: Roode at 14:29. Solid TV main event, and it seemed more like the match people would pay to see - over Roode vs. Styles one-on-one - since TNA hasn't done enough to enhance Styles's title quest. TNA also ran the risk of weakening Hardy and Styles being unable to put away Roode in a two-on-one situation, but TNA figures Hardy & Styles are established enough where they won't suffer as TNA tries to build up Roode's credibility as a top heel. (**1/2)

[Arcademan]

WWE Superstars Results: 12-1-11

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

1 - TED DIBIASE vs. HEATH SLATER

Ted with an early advantage including a big backbody drop. Ted goes to the second rope for double knee drops. Slater cheap shots DiBiase around the ref, and goes on offense. Ted eventually dodges a corner charge and lands an atomic drop and a running high knee for turn, then the turn around clothesline. This sets up Dream Street, but Slates escapes, and Ted tries again and lands it for the win.

WINNER: Ted DiBiase in 5:00. Sustained offense from Heath Slater = boring. Slater does a really good job bouncing around for folks to get them over and getting enough heat that the audience is happy to see him lose, but his offense is just lacking.

2 - SANTINO MARELLA vs. JTG

Scott Stanford hilariously says that this "should be a terrific match" as it starts. JTG with a headlock to start things off. Santino takes him down and spins on his back like a breakdancer. JTG takes advantage of Santino's trumpeting and begins a plodding assault. Santino starts to Hulk Up as JTG poinds his face into turnbuckles and punches him. Santino with punches, the split, hip toss, and sailor salute headbutt, but JTG gets his knees up. JTG puts Santino in the corner for the Mugshot, but Santino holds the ropes, prepares the Cobra, and lands it for the decisive win.

WINNER: Santino Marella in 6:00. JTG still isn't good at putting on entertaining or realistic offense; it just feels like filler until the finishing sequence.

3 - WWE tag champion KOFI KINGSTON vs. PRIMO (w/Epico and Rosa Mendes)

Stanford explains that Mendes is managing Epico and Hunico. Well, I guess it gives her something to do. Primo outwits Kingston with an early armbar, but Kingston lands a pair of arm drags to get the advantage. Primo gets a break from the ref and uses it to reset and force Kofi to the mat, but Kofi reveerses into an armbar. It is neat to see Kingston with chain wrestling when paired with someone like Primo, he is so versatile. Primo with a headlock and a shoulder block to take Kingston down. Primo runs the ropes but Kofi hits a leaping back elbow, then a monkey flip out of the corner for two. Primo comes out of the cover fighting, but Kingston whiffs a roundhouse attempt and they cut to commercial.

Out of the break, Kingston is trying to fight out of a hold. Primo is on the ground as the crowd rallies Kofi to no avail. Primo's "filler offense" is very good; he always looks like he is trying to wear down his opponent and win a match, and doesn't overly rely on restholds while keeping up the pace. On the outside, Rosa plays the Vickie character. Kofi slips out of a suplex and turns it into a backslide for two, but Primo bounces right back. Stanford is doing a good job at filling in much-needed back-story for the heels. Primo tries a Camel Clutch and then stomps and feet in the corner. Primo mocks Kofi's call for the Trouble in Paradise, allowing Kofi to surprise him with a huracanrana to get some separation.

Kingston with punches and a dropkick, then his odd springboard crossbody for two. Superman punch, and Kingston hits the Boom Drop. Kingston calls for the Trouble in Paradise, but Primo ducks. Kingston with a springboard sunset flip, but it's only good for two. Kofi tries the springboard cross-body again, but Primo catches him and yanks him down into a Backtsabber for the win.

WINNER: Primo in 10:00. That's Primo's first win in who knows how long. I saw this live and I was entertained, and it played well on the broadcast, even though I knew the ending. That's a strong endorsement for a match. Primo is an extraordinarily undervalued asset. It's a shame that Kofi is in purgatory as Evan Bourne is suspended. I can definitely see some combination of Epico, Primo, and Hunico challenging Air Boom for the Tag Titles soon, and, if that is the case, I look forward to it. Then again, I harbor a fantasy that Brodus Clay will single-handedly win the Tag Titles after Johnny Ace enrages him enough with delays of his debut.

[Arcademan]

WWE RAW Results: 12-5-11

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

1 -- THE MIZ vs. RANDY ORTON -- WWE Title match qualifier for Miz

The bell sounded back from break and the two men circled each other before locking up. Cole plugged Twitter and another link flashed on the screen: youtube.com/user/lookwithin2012 . Miz showed aggression placing Orton on the mat with kicks and stomps before applying a reverse chinlock. Orton broke free with a suplex before landing successive clotheslines. Orton delivered a snap powerslam before setting up Miz for a DDT, but Miz blocked and dumped Orton over the top rope to the floor. Miz tried to follow up on the outside, but Orton delivered a snap powerslam on the floor. The ref was heavily mic'ed here, so you could see what was happening next.

Wade Barrett's music hit and Barrett stood on the stage to glare at Orton. Orton dragged Miz back into the ring, but then decided to chase Barrett up the stage to the back. The ref reached ten and Orton was counted out, giving Miz the win. Post-match: Orton tried to return to the ring to attack Miz, but Barrett re-emerged to jump him from behind. The mind games continue and Miz qualifies for the WWE Title match at TLC.

WINNER: Miz via count-out at 4:29.

2 -- ALBERTO DEL RIO vs. DANIEL BRYAN -- WWE Title match qualifier for Del Rio

Daniel Bryan emerged back from break, sporting taped ribs. They replayed the Henry-Bryan steel cage match on the live Smackdown, where Henry beat Bryan to retain the World Title. Once the bell sounded, Del Rio targeted Bryan's ribs to look for a quick win. Bryan came back with a submission, but Del Rio flung Bryan across the top rope to continue focusing on the ribs. Del Rio then slapped on the cross arm-breaker and Bryan tapped out. Lawler excused Bryan's loss that he was injured from the cage match on Smackdown. A graphic confirmed the three men already set for the title match at TLC.

WINNER: Del Rio via submission at 1:50.

3 -- KELLY KELLY & EVE (w/Alicia Fox) vs. Divas champion BETH PHOENIX & NATALYA

After the heels dominated early on, Kelly scored a quick pin on Natalya for the win. The faces celebrated on the outside, leaving the heels frustrated in the ring.

WINNERS: Kelly & Eve at 1:14.

4 -- JOHN CENA vs. ZACK RYDER -- WWE Title match qualifier for Cena; U.S. Title match qualifier for Ryder

The bell sounded and the two men shook hands before locking up. Ryder scored all of the early offense as the crowd picked up dueling chants of "Let's Go Cena / Cena Sucks." Meanwhile, Cole continued to play up the idea of the crowd reactions getting in Cena's head. Cena tried to make a comeback, but Ryder came back with a neckbreaker for a two count. Ryder followed a missile dropkick from the second rope for a close two count. Next was a Tornado DDT out of the corner for another two count. Ryder tried to finish off Cena with Rough Ryder, but Cena ducked and went through his comeback routine. Loud mix of boos and cheers as Cena set up You Can't See Me and a Five Knuckle Shuffle. Cena couldn't hit the AA, though, and Ryder followed with the Broski Boot in the corner.

Ryder wanted the Rough Ryder again, but Cena stalled, causing Ryder to lose momentum. Cena then countered the RR into the AA for the pin and the win. They cut to a shot of a disappointed Ryder fan selling shock. Post-match: They showed Dolph Ziggler backstage selling relief over not having to face Ryder. In the ring, Cena tried to help Ryder to his feet, but Ryder shoved him away. Ryder said it was his one shot. Cena, selling inner conflict, told Ryder to hold on one second. Cena left the ring as the announcers plugged the four-way title match thus far. Dolph Ziggler is the last man to have a chance to qualify.

WINNER: Cena at 6:48. Solid, competitive TV match. Ryder stepped up to the moment after being given a spotlight match.

Backstage: Otunga was talking to Laurinaitis when Cena barged in. Cena told Otunga to get out...now! He told Laurinaitis if he wants to be a visionary, then give Ryder an opportunity at the U.S. Title. Cena said the kid worked his *** off and pushed him to the limit in the ring. He got in Laurinaitis's face that Ryder deserves another shot. Laurinaitis told him only if Cena gives up his WWE Title shot at TLC. Cena thought it over, said he's a ten-time WWE champion, and said he had to bust his *** like Ryder to get there. He said Laurinaitis and no one in the office gave Ryder a chance, and he's had his own chances, so he's agreeing. The crowd cheered Cena giving up his title shot. Cena shook Laurinaitis's hand, then Laurinaitis said Ryder has to win his match up next to get the title shot. Laurinaitis claimed to not know who Ryder's opponent is.

In-ring: Back from break, Ryder was in the ring with his music playing. David Otunga was on the apron giving instructions to Raw announcer Justin Roberts. He announced this will be a no count-out, No DQ match. Ryder took it in stride, then waited for his opponent. It wasn't Brodus Clay, rather, Mark Henry. Henry slowly walked out to the ring with the World Title belt over his shoulder. Ryder sold dejection as Henry made his way into the ring still sporting tape over his left ankle.

5 -- ZACK RYDER vs. World Hvt. champion MARK HENRY -- non-title, No DQ match -- U.S. Title match qualifier for Ryder

The bell sounded and Henry clubbed Ryder across the back. Shouldn't Cena came to the ring and help Ryder win since it's No DQ? Or, does he want Ryder to do it on his own? Henry trash-talked to Ryder that he doesn't deserve to be in his ring. Ryder tried kicking Henry in the face to gain an advantage before wrapping the injured ankle around the ringpost. Ryder followed with a Broski Boot, but Henry shoved Ryder away moments later. Cena then came down to ringside, which distracted Henry, but only momentarily. Henry clobbered Ryder, but Cena slipped into the ring, hoisted up Henry, and delivered the AA. Cena dragged Ryder on top of Cena and it was good for the win. Post-match: Lawler said Laurinaitis out-smarted himself. Ryder celebrated the U.S. Title shot before meeting Cena on the ramp. Cena shook Ryder's hand, then Cena held up Ryder's arm. Ryder, fired up, shouted that he finally got his shot.

WINNER: Ryder at 2:21 to earn a U.S. Title shot.

6 -- KEVIN NASH vs. SANTINO

Santino tried doing some stretching to prepare for Nash, but Nash dropped him with a knee to the gut. A sidewalk slam resulted in a two count. In the "trending now" box, Brodus Clay and Masked Kane were listed. Nash then dropped the straps and delivered a Jackknife that was good for a decisive victory. Post-match: Nash slowly approached the sledgehammer, grabbed it, and re-entered the ring to finish off Santino. Santino tried to crawl away, then Nash teased a sledgehammer shot, but pulled away. Nash raised his arms in victory before leaving the ring.

WINNER: Nash at 1:05. Basic booking to show that Nash is a capable wrestler and to place Triple H in jeopardy.

7 -- U.S. champion DOLPH ZIGGLER vs. SHEAMUS -- non-title match -- WWE Title match qualifier for Ziggler

Ziggler did some "show-off" moves, bragged about it, and Sheamus cut him off with a big forearm to the face. Sheamus then slapped Ziggler across the face and brutalized him with repeated forearms to the chest. Ziggler came back with a forearm into a neckbreaker for a two count. Ziggler followed up with a guillotine leg drop for another nearfall. Sheamus then came back with multiple Polish hammer blows to the chest followed by repeated headbutts in the corner. A short-arm clothesline led to a Celtic Cross attempt, but Ziggler slipped out and caused Sheamus to eat the ringpost.

Suddenly, Zack Ryder's music played and Ryder stormed the ringside area. He teased entering the ring, but stopped short at the ring apron. It was enough of a distraction for Ziggler, who turned around and ate a Brogue Kick from Sheamus. Sheamus with the pin for the win. Post-match: They replayed high points of the match before returning live to show Ryder storm the ring and drop Ziggler with the Rough Ryder. Vickie screamed as Ryder pump-fisted with the crowd. Ryder, showing strong intensity, held up the belt in Ziggler's face before leaving the ring. He vowed to fist pump Ziggler's face.

WINNER: Sheamus at 4:59. Strong match-up. It felt like a Ravens vs. Steelers NFL match-up with a constant stream of hard-hitting action. Ryder also showed strong intensity in the post-match. He's advancing his character beyond just a "happy go-lucky, just glad to be here" babyface by adding some intensity to his act. Three strong performances in this segment by Sheamus, Ziggler, and Ryder.

[Arcademan]

WWE NXT Results: 12-6-11

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

1 - THE USOS vs. CURT HAWKINS & TYLER REKS

Hawkins and Jimmy start the match. Curt ducks a superkick after some early lock-up, then tags in Reks. Jimmy with a big slap and chops to send Tyler to the corner and Jey tags in. Emphatic headlock that Reks shoves out of, then a nice armdrag. Jey with a trip, then a diving headbutt for two. Jimmy tags in, then does his dance while Reks looks at him in rather bewildered. Reks charges, but gets taken down. Hawkins and Jey come in to brawl and the Usos clear Hawkins and Reks out of the ring. Jey rolls out and rolls Reks into the ring, but Hawkins distracts Jey (who Mathews is calling "Jimmy") and Reks gets the upper hand. Reks tags in Hawkins who goes to a side chinlock. They knock Jey to the outside and cut to commercial.

Back from break, Mathews is still calling "Jey" "Jimmy" and Reks and Hawkins are using rapid tags to keep him isolated. The crowd rallies and Jey lands a superkick to get some seperation. Mathews finally realizes which Uso is in the ring and Matt calls him out on it. Reks tags Hawkins, who cuts off the hot tag, and maintains control. Jey with a spinning elbow to knock Hawkins down, and they both tag out.

Jimmy clears Hawkins and takes out Reks. Reks accidentally hits Hawkins with a big boot, and Jimmy gets the one-man Alley-Us and a stickface for two. Reks dodges a charge to let Jimmy hit the turnbuckle face-first, then trips him and sends him into the turnbuckle. Reks rolls up Jimmy for two, then knocks him down with a clothesline. Reks pumps up, drawing some heat, and looks for the Burning Hammer. (Mathews is out to lunch and thinks that Reks wants a torture rack.) Jimmy slides out of the hold and turns it into a big DDT, and Hawkins breaks up the tag. Jey comes to life and tries to superkick Curt. Hawkins dodges, and Jey almost kicks Jimmy, but Jimmy catches the foot and slams it into Hawkins' face which was a cool spot. Jimmy lands the superkick on Reks, tags Jey, and Jey hits the Superfly Splash for the win.

WINNERS: The Usos in 11:00. Good match, as you'd expect from this group. The match was well balanced, and no one dominated too long to be boring.

2 - PERCY WATSON & TITUS O'NEIL vs. JTG (w/Tamina) & DARREN YOUNG

JTG and Percy to start things off. Percy pushes JTG to the corner. Striker, as par for the course, says that he finds Maxine's mom "strangely alluring" even though a minute before he said that she was dressed for a Bon Jovi concert circa 1986. Another lock-up and JTG transisitions into a headlock. Striker with more dated references. Watson with a scissors kick, and a butterfly suplex of sorts. Regal's influence? JTG tags in Young, who tries to go off the top rope but eats fists. Watson knocks him outside. Young with a side slam of sorts onto the apron, then tags in JTG. JTG slows things down. Mathews says that JTG has sucked the life out of Watson; I say that JTG has sucked the life out of the match.

Watson with an innovative counter, JTG whipped him into the ropes, Watson leaps over JTG sideways, and on the way down he schoolboys JTG for two. That was a great move, Watson is so agile for his size. JTG comes back with a clothesline for two. He then moves back to a chinlock. Watson counters a top rope move with a dropkick, and both men tag out. Titus lands punches, sends Young to the corner and kicks him some lets him out and whips him back into the corner. He then clears JTG from the apron, which gives Young a moment to recover. Young shoves O'Neil into the ropes, and he clears JTG from the apron on again. Big boot to Young and Titus barks and calls for the end. Shoulder breaker gets two, but JTG slips in to break it up. Watson comes in to take JTG out. O'Neil gets distracted by Tamina, so Young kicks him from behind and rolls him up for the win.

WINNERS: Darren Young and JTG in 7:00. Okay match, except for the parts that JTG dominated. Young is much more interesting than JTG is in ring.

3 - DERRICK BATEMAN vs. JOHNNY CURTIS

There's a sole person in the audience chanting for Bateman. Curtis hides in the corner and then comes out strong. Bateman comes back and they trade chops. Curtis comes out of the corner with power and puts Bateman in it. Curtis throws Bateman into the turnbuckle hard, but Bateman chops Curtis on the way up. Bateman sends Curtis into the turnbuckle hard. Bateman's bleeding bad, and tries Ten Punches in the Corner but Curtis throws him off at five. Bateman sends Curtis outside the ring and Striker praises Bateman for not being rattled by the blood. Kick from Bateman to keep Curtis outside. Bateman tries a big running dropkick from the apron, but Curtis moves and Bateman flops on the ringside selling an elbow. Curtis approaches him with a sly look as they cut to break. Lousy time for a break, it just got hot!

Curtis with an armbar out of the break. Bateman is still selling the elbow. Curtis tortures the hand on the ropes some. Curtis with a neat move where he holds a wristlock while sitting on the turnbuckle, then jumping down and twisting in mid air. He covers for two. Armdrag then a wristlock. Curtis shouts, "I love you all," to get some heat. Bateman sells pain like childbirth. Bateman makes a comeback of sorts while favoring the hand, but Curtis sends him into the turnbuckle. He tries to whip Bateman but Bateman reverses and back body drops Curtis off the bounce.

Bateman hits a pair of clotheslines and a neckbreaker for two. Bateman with a runing dropkick in the corner, then goes up top. He lands a big crossbody block but Curtis rolls through and covers for two. Bateman with a backslide for one. They reset and trade chops. Bateman kicks Curtis in the gut and hits some sort of DDT for the win.

WINNER: Derick Bateman in 9:00. I liked this match, a lot. While it lacked the high-flying I usually prefer or highly-technical work, they acted like it was really personal. Bateman fought with heart and Curtis found to torture Bateman.

[Arcademan]

WWE Superstars Results: 12-8-11

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

1 - JUSTIN GABRIEL vs. TYSON KIDD

There's some super-hot back-and-forth to open the match as Striker and Mathews argue about whether or not Gabriel should be called "The Capetown Werewolf" based on whether he looks like he should be in the Twilight films. Mathews then complains about Striker's use of a Canadian accent when talking about Kidd. Back in the ring, Tyson Kidd comes out of a double knock-down with his ground 'n pound offense. Kidd with a seated abdominal stretch. Kidd stays on top as Mathews and Striker argue about whether or not Striker should start a Twitter account, and Kidd is back with the seated ab stretch. Striker with a series of bad werewolf jokes. Gabriel with a monkey flip to get some space. Gabriel with a series of kicks and a roundhouse kick, clothesline, and drop toehold to set up the 450 splash. Kidd gets to his feet, though, and charges Gabriel, who dodges. Kidd tries to clear Gabriel from the apron, but Gabriel slips between his legs and clotheslines Kidd out. Gabriel tries a baseball slide, but Kidd avoids it, then sidekicks Gabriel in the gut and gets on the apron and kicks Gabriel's chest.

Kidd throws Gabriel back into the ring and hits his springboard elbow drop. Kidd sells frustration and Gabriel recovers. Kidd charges the corner and Gabriel gets boots up. Gabriel heads for the top and Kidd dropkicks his knees, then rolls to the apron. Gabriel is still on the turnbuckle, and Kidd hits a springboard huracanrana from the apron, but Gabriel rolls through for a two count. Gabriel looks to the crowd for help. Kidd runs at Gabriel, who catches him with a tilt-a-whirl side slam of sorts that lands in front instead of the side. Gabriel to the top rope and lands the 450 splash for the win.

WINNER: Justin Gabriel in 7:00. Very good match. The match was hurt in the first half by the constant bickering between Josh Mathews and Striker, though. Matthews needs to stop worrying about what others are saying and focus on his job, which is supposed to be play-by-pay. Striker is a fan and a bit of a nerd and a dork, so Mathews needs to accept it instead of picking on it constantly. I'd say this is on Striker, but Mathews does it to everyone he works with.

2 - TRENT BARRETA vs. JACK SWAGGER (w/Vickie Guerrero)

This is one of my mid-card dream matches. Nice to see both of these guys get some time, even if it is just Superstars. Swagger wins an early lock-up to force Barreta into the corner, but Barreta comes back with hard chops. Swagger reverses a whip but Barreta dropkicks his knee. Massive back body drop by Swagger, who then abuses Barreta on the mat. Swagger hits a takedown from the powerslam position, then into a chicken wing. Barreta gets knees to the ribs when he tries to get out. Swagger tries to throw him out, but Barreta skins the cat. Swagger notices and charges, but Barreta dodge and Swagger is half-through the ropes. Barreta kicks him in the chest.

Back in the ring, Barreta with an enziguri and the Gobstopper Knee for two. Barreta goes to the top looking for the corkscrew moonsault leg drop, but when Swagger comes after him, Barreta leaps over, then hits the ropes. Swagger catches him and plows him with the gutwrench powerbomb, then instead of getting the pin, he slaps on the anklelock and gets a quick tapout. Swagger drops the straps post-match as Barreta sells the ankle.

WINNER: Jack Swagger in 4:00. I would have liked to have seen this much go a bit longer, but Swagger desperately needs credibility. Since Evan Bourne is currently a bit higher on the ladder and Morrison is out, Barreta makes perfect sense. Swagger showed some fire that's been rare since his ECW run - submission holds that look like they would rip a limb off a person, intensity, and refusal to slip into predictable patterns. Someone lit a fire under Jack.

3 - MASON RYAN vs. DREW MCINTYRE

Pre-match, McIntyre sits on the announcing booth showing anger. He jumps on Ryan for a headlock, but Ryan escapes and uses a shoulder tackle to take Drew down. McIntyre with kicks and a wristlock attempt, but Ryan takes him down. Ryan with his "ox in the mud" offense. McIntyre regains control and pushes Ryan around. Scott Stanford puts Mason Ryan in a "celebrity trifecta" of Welsh pop culture sensations with Anthony Hopkins and Tom Jones, and Mathews decides to mock him. McIntyre on sustained offense. Ryan finally comes back with a clubbing blow to the face, then a high knee in the corner followed by a big boot for two. Ryan tries a powerslam but Drew slips out and kicks Ryan's legs. McIntyre to the top turnbuckle but Ryan catches him, applies a full nelson, and kind of tosses him on the ground and gets the pin.

WINNER: Mason Ryan in 5:00. I still can't believe they cut Chris Masters and kept Mason Ryan. Masters had the same build, but much more charisma, significantly better ring skills, and was established with the audience. Again, Mathews spent more time making his boothmate look bad instead of calling the match.

4 - WWE tag champion EVAN BOURNE vs. EPICO (w/Primo and Rosa Mendes)

Short amount of chain wrestling with neither man holding the advantage. Bourne eventually with some holds, then runs the rops and hits a dropkick. Bounre with paid kicks and a dropkick for two. Epico with a forearm to the back, a powerslam, and the Camel Clutch. Bourne slips out and puts on a Camel Clutch of his own. Bourne rolls the Clutch through into a cover for two. Borne tries to put Epico into the turnbuckle but Epico blocks and does it himself. Bourne with a low kick followed by a bulldog to the kneeling Epico. Epico with a wristlock to slow it down, Bourne arm drags out, then arm drags again into an armbar. Bourne sends Epico over the ropes to the apron, but Epico swings back. Bourne ducks the punch and kicks Epico to the ringside. Primo and Mendes check on him, and Bourne measures them for a springboard move. Epico staggers on the outside, Bourne tries the double knees from the top rope but the aim is a bit off so he turns it into a clothesline.

Boune with a high knee to Epico for two. Epico turns it around and hits a pair of belly-to-back suplexes and then a German suplex, slow cover for two. Epico with a backbreaker transitioning into a stretch. Epico picks up Bourne and stretches him over his own back, but Bourne won't give up. Bourne gets out with an arm drag. Epico charge but eats turnbuckle. Bourne with kicks, then a running huracanrana. Bourne with high kicks and the jump kick for two. Epico grabs Bourne for the Backstabber, but Bourne turns around and hits a jumping knee to the jaw for two.

Back elbow from Epico catches a charging Bourne in the corner. Epico to the top but Bourne with a snap huracanrana for two. Bourne to the top looking for Air Bourne but Primo distracts him long enough for Epico to recover. Bourne leaps over Epico, whiffs a roundhouse, and Epico catches him with the Backstabber for the win.

WINNER: Epico in 9:00. This was a very good cruiserweight match. Epico moves like a seasoned veteran, and, while not quite as fluid as Primo, he doesn't look out of place in the ring. I am looking forward to the inevitable Tag Title match between Air Boom and Primo & Epico. Bourne's suspension doesn't seem to have hurt his in-ring game, and the long match gave me hope that WWE hasn't cooled on him despite the loss.

[Arcademan]

TNA Impact Wrestling results: 12-8-11

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

1. Abyss defeated Samoa Joe in 7:22. The two men traded control several times before the show went to commercial…

Back form commercial, Samoa Joe was in control and working though his move set. Immortal ran out and attacked Samoa Joe. The referee was distracted and Abyss hit a chokeslam for the win.

After the match, Abyss hit Scott Steiner with a Black Hole Slam. Bully Ray ran away from Abyss.

2. Mickie James defeated Madison Rayne in 4:03. Rayne took an early advantage when she attacked James from behind. Rayne tried to choke out James with a sleeper.

Rayne hit a suplex and rolled it into a neckbreaker for a near fall. Moments later, James hit a very sloppy jumping DDT for the win.

3. Garret Bischoff defeated Gunner in 1:12. Gunner immediately tore into Garret and he began working over his arm. Gunner started talking some trash and Garret rolled him up for the quick win.

Gunner assaulted Garret after the match and he set garret up for a piledriver. Eric ran out and called Gunner off before removing the floor mat to have Gunner finish the piledriver.

4. Gail Kim beat Traci Brooks in 2:08. Brooks laid down for a two-count and then proceeded to destroy Gail Kim.

Madison Rayne ran out and clocked Brooks with her Knockouts tag title and Kim covered Brooks for the win.

5. AJ Styles and Jeff Hardy beat Bobby Roode and Jeff Jarrett in 13:24. Hardy and Styles attacked before Borasch could finish his introductions. How rude.

The men brawled on the floor and for some reason the ref wasn't making a count. The match eventually made its way to the ring and Styles tweaked his knee.

Back from the break, Hardy was working over Roode. Styles tagged in and took out both heels until Roode went after Styles' injured knee. Jarrett and Roode worked quick tags to weaken Styles.

Styles managed to hit a Pele Kick on Roode. Hardy and Jarrett got involved and the two men brawled to the back. Styles managed to roll Roode up for the surprise pin.

Roode attacked Styles after the match. He dragged him all over the ringside area attacking the injured leg. Cue the overly dramatic music and Impact went off the air.

[Arcademan]

WWE Smackdown Results: 12-9-11

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

1 – WADE BARRETT vs. EZEKIEL JACKSON – BEAT THE CLOCK CHALLENGE

Mathews explained that Barrett and Randy Orton would get Beat the Clock Challenge matches tonight. Whichever man wins his in the quickest time will get to decide the stipulation for their match at TLC. The options are tables match, ladder match, or chairs match. Shoulder knock-down for a near-fall by Jackson. Cole noted that if Jackson wins tonight, Orton will only have to win his match later, regardless of the time. Barrett was sent to ringside just over a minute in. Barrett turned the tide and sent Jackson shoulder-first into the ringpost. Cole and Rhodes teamed up against Mathews on commentary. After a chinlock and a pump-handle slam, Barrett got a two-count. They went to break at 3:18 of the match.

Back at 6:14. Jackson came back with his bodyslam drill, then tried the Torture Rack. Barrett countered and went for Wasteland. Jackson got out and Barrett connected on the Boss Man Slam for the win.

WINNER: Barrett, at 7:53. The announcers were too busy putting down Booker T. and talking about Barrett vs. Orton to really touch on the past these two men had together.

2 – ZACK RYDER vs. HEATH SLATER

No entrance for Slater. The piped-in crowd reactions have been really obvious throughout this show. It’s almost TNA-like in how constant the buzz of the “crowd” has been. Slater sent Ryder chest-first into the buckle, then clotheslined him from behind. Ryder turned the tide and put Slater down in the corner, then delivered the Broski Boot. Rough Ryder leg-drop and Ryder picked up another win.

WINNER: Ryder, at 1:25. Good time for a convincing Ryder win, as he lost to Cena on Raw and then only won again with Cena’s assistance.

3 – TED DIBIASE vs. JINDER MAHAL

Ah, Lillian being back means a return to “Ted Dibi-Aussie!” During his entrance, they showed DiBiase costing Jinder Mahal his match last week against Justin Gabriel. Mahal did an inset interview during his entrance. He said DiBiase made a priceless mistake last week, and now faces the ramifications. Rhodes has been absent on commentary since his attack on Bryan, by the way. Mahal ran into a big boot in the corner, but tripped DiBiase off the second rope. Neck-breaker for a two-count. Back elbow by Mahal. Cole continued to rant and rave, making me wish I could mute this show. Slingshot clothesline by DiBiase, but he was sent into the turnbuckle by Mahal. High knee found the mark. Small package out of nowhere by DiBiase for the win.

WINNER: DiBiase, at 2:53. This was probably the appropriate time for the first one-on-one match between the two, and based on the finish, I’d imagine the feud isn’t over.

4 – DAVID OTUNGA vs. SHEAMUS

It was all Sheamus early on, but Otunga connected on a nice clothesline. Only a one-count after a few elbowdrops. Otunga stayed aggressive with Sheamus, but Sheamus had had enough. He turned things around in the corner and stomped Otunga, then landed a short-arm clothesline. Brogue Kick and a beauty.

WINNER: Sheamus, at 2:56. I’m curious to see where Otunga’s WWE career will be one year from now.

5 – DANIEL BRYAN vs. CODY RHODES

Bryan landed a few kicks after the opening bell, but Rhodes quickly went after the taped ribs of Bryan. Running forearm grounded Rhodes. Rhodes countered with a front suplex for a two-count at 1:08. Suplex by Rhodes, but Bryan snuck out the back and to the apron. Bryan was then whipped into the ring post. Cole continued screaming at Bryan. They went to break at 2:33 of the match.

Upon return, they showed Cody’s continued onslaught during the break. Mathews attempted to defend Bryan, but Cole wasn’t having it. Rhodes was back-dropped to ringside by Bryan. Suicide Dive took out Rhodes, but he also collided with the ring barrier. Bryan flew through the air, but missed a splash, as Cody moved. Booker’s music played and he rushed the ring, attacking Rhodes, causing a disqualification.

WINNER: Rhodes, via DQ, at 9:50. Michael Cole is the absolute worst. I’m sorry, but this Smackdown, and this match, has once again been dragged down by Vince McMahon’s favorite announcer. And McMahon deserves the blame for letting this “gimmick” continue to drag on.

6 – RANDY ORTON vs. DOLPH ZIGGLER – BEAT THE CLOCK CHALLENGE

A ladder, table, and chair were positioned in the aisle near the ring. A graphic showed Ryder vs. Ziggler at TLC for the US Title. Orton tried to finish it early with a kick, to no avail. Suplex for a fall attempt as well. With a minute gone, Orton stared at the Titan-Tron, which showed the amount of time left for Orton to defeat Ziggler. Clothesline out of the corner, then a jumping knee-drop by Orton for only one. Ziggler came back with a fameasser for a near-fall. He mounted Orton and worked the arm. Ziggler wore Orton down during the middle portion of the match, adding a bit to the drama. Crowd chanted “Randy” as Orton struggled to get to his feet. Neck-breaker by Ziggler for two at 4:19. Orton met Ziggler on the top rope and landed a superplex. That has become a regular part of his repertoire as of late, it seems. Orton began to feel a sense of urgency with about 2:00 left. Back-breaker for two. Ziggler tried to avoid Orton, then went for a Zig Zag, which was countered. Rope-assisted DDT by Orton. Only a two-count though. Ziggler slipped outside the ring, where Orton clotheslined him. He tossed Ziggler back in, but Vickie Guerrero hopped up on the apron to distract the ref. Out of nowhere, Barrett ran to ringside and sent Orton head-first into the ring post. The ref’s count reached nine before Orton slid into the ring. Ziggler charged, but Orton RKO’d him and got the win with two seconds to go.

WINNER: Orton, at 7:51.

Barrett gave Orton his side slam inside the ring. He congratulated Orton for winning and being able to choose the match. But first, he wanted to make his own suggestion. He threw Orton to ringside and tipped over the ladder. He then got rid of the chair. He tried to give Barrett Wasteland through a table, but Orton countered. Orton went for a powerbomb, but Barrett got away and pushed Orton into the stairs. Barrett retreated up the ramp before Orton could jump him. Vickie Guerrero was making a fuss in the background…it turned out Ziggler was recovering from the RKO on the stairs. Orton stared at Barrett, still atop the ramp, and powerbombed Ziggler through the table. Cole said it appears Orton has made his choice. Is putting someone through a table a legally binding way to opt for a tables match? Close-up on Orton’s icy stare as they faded out.

[Arcademan]

TNA Final Resolution PPV Results: 12-11-11 (next two posts)

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

1 -- ROB VAN DAM vs. CHRISTOPHER DANIELS
 
Feeling-out process to begin the match before Daniels scored with consecutive offense. Van Dam came back with consecutive armdrags into a leg sweep for a two count. Van Dam took his time posing for the crowd before returning to the corner to wear down Daniels. The match moved to the ring apron, where Daniels shoved RVD off the apron into the ringpost to take control of the match. Daniels then played to the camera by mocking Van Dam's thumbs-to-shoulders pose.
 
Van Dam came back with a roundhouse kick and Rolling Thunder for a two count before landing another roundhouse kick out of the corner. Van Dam went for a Five-Star Frogsplash, but Daniels moved and scored with a spear for a two count. A palm thrust from Daniels also resulted in a nearfall. The fight moved to the top turnbuckle, where Van Dam blocked offense before shoving Daniels to the mat. RVD then hit the Five-Star Frogsplash and made the cover for the win. (Although, Daniels was rolling around clutching his ribs, so he actually lifted his shoulders in-between the two and three.) Van Dam celebrated the win nevertheless as Daniels rolled out of the ring. Daniels complained on the outside about kicking out.
 
WINNER: RVD at 10:01. Fine opening match. Enough to get the crowd involved, but not memorable beyond its place on the card. (*3/4)

2 -- TV champion ROBBIE E. (w/Rob Terry) vs. ERIC YOUNG -- TNA TV Title match
 
Before the bell sounded, EY did some comedy on the outside locking up with each fan on the front row. Terry had enough and tried to get Young into the ring to start the match. Meanwhile, Robbie's music rolled all the way through. EY then pulled down his shorts to reveal his wrestling trunks before charging the ring to officially start the match. The match quickly moved to the floor, where the numbers caught up to Young. Back in the ring, Robbie wore down Young while mixing in some poses for the hard camera. Meanwhile, Taz noted he was still thinking about Thanksgiving. Next was a reference to EY's head being the size of a small prop plane engine.

Robbie took too much time on a corner attack, allowing Young to rally and Hulk Up. Young then went up top and delivered a big elbow drop for a two count. Robbie regained control moments later, then Rob Terry hopped up on the ring apron for a conversation with the ref. Things came to a screeching halt as a result, then Terry suddenly entered the ring for a spot that forever choking Young in the corner. Robbie then tried to charge Young, but landed in Terry's crotch for some laughs. Young tried a Superman Double DVD Driver, but Terry and Robbie fell off his shoulders. Young then dropkicked Terry to the outside, but took Robbie's finisher for the pinfall. Robbie retains the TV Title.
 
WINNER: Robbie E. at 7:32 to retain the TV Title. Comedy match that belonged on TV and way over-booked for the second match on the card. Tenay and Taz matched the tone by cracking jokes throughout. (1/2*)

3 -- TNA tag champions MATT MORGAN & CRIMSON vs. DEVON & THE POPE -- TNA Tag Title match
 
Crimson dominated Pope early on, then Morgan asked for a tag and received one. The crowd cheered as Morgan entered the ring before Devon tagged in. Morgan and Devon circled each other before Morgan used his size to block Devon's offense. Morgan and Crimson then double-teamed Pope when Pope tagged in. The face tag champs continued to wear down Pope as Devon tried to encourage Pope to keep fighting. Pope then blocked a sideslam and landed an awkward DDT to create space. Devon and Crimson then tagged in for their respective teams.
 
Devon scored with successive offense before landing a top-rope diving headbutt. He then cleared a double-team before slamming Crimson for a close two count. Suddenly, Pope came off the top rope with an elbow, but Morgan broke up a pin. Morgan and Devon kind of collided mid-ring, then Crimson and Morgan hit a double chokeslam on Devon for the pin and the win. Post-match, the tag champs celebrated while Pope just shook his head hanging out with Devon's sons ringside. Devon then confronted Pope, who walked off, leaving Devon to question his sons.
 
WINNERS: Morgan & Crimson at 9:40. Okay match. A bit awkward at times, but fine for advancing the Pope-Devon feud, which will apparently spill over to 2012. (*1/4)

4 -- X Division champion AUSTIN ARIES vs. KID KASH -- X Division Title match
 
The bell sounded and Aries did some acrobatics to show off a la Dolph Ziggler. Aries then taunted Kash with a slap to the face before snapping off a textbook dropkick for a two count. They followed with a rapid-fire sequence of nearfalls before taking the match to the outside. On the floor, Kash missed with a chop and his hand smashed the ringpost. Aries then ripped the title belt away from So Cal Val and tried to use it on Kash, but Kash ducked. They attempted some comedy by exchanging pinfalls using the ropes for leverage that the ref easily saw. Eventually, Aries regained control and landed a flying dive on the outside that sent Kash into the guardrail.
 
Back in the ring at 6:00, Aries scored with a neckbreaker to continue the offensive assault. Aries appeared to be knocked loopy for a second when the two men collided and Aries fell to the mat like a tree in the woods. Aries recovered and went for a top-rope move, but Kash crotched him. Kash then went up top, but Aries crotched him to return the favor. They set up a frightening top-rope move that saw Aries counter a powerbomb with a mid-air huracanrana. Tenay noted the crowd doesn't like either wrestler, but they appreciated the effort on the top turnbuckle.
 
Aries and Kash reset with a chop exchange before Aries landed a suplex. Aries then ate a boot to the mouth before Kash called for the end. Kash wanted a double underhook, but Aries blocked. Aries then pulled out a foreign object from his trunks, which the ref saw. Kash then pulled out a foreign object, which the ref saw. Next, Aries handed the X Division Title belt to Kash, which the ref also saw. This drew laughs from the crowd as the ref reprimanded Kash. In the confusion, Aries caught Kash with the brainbuster suplex for the pin and the win.
 
WINNER: Aries at 12:46 to retain the X Division Title. From an excitement and action standpoint, this was easily the best match of the show thus far. The booking was questionable with comedy spots in a heel vs. heel match, but they did use the past and "no honor among thieves" theme to enhance the story. (**1/2)

5 -- Knockouts champion GAIL KIM vs. MICKIE JAMES -- Knockouts Title match
 
Gail dominated early on before the two former WWE Women's champions exchanged submission holds. Gail nearly forced Mickie to tap to the stretch muffler submission, then Mickie started to mount a comeback, so Gail bailed from the ring. Gail feigned leaving the match with her title, but Mickie chased her down and threw her back into the ring. Madison Rayne then ran down to ringside to nip at Mickie's heels while the ref was preoccupied, which was enough of a distraction for Gail to score her Eat Defeat finisher for the win.
 
WINNER: Gail at 7:48 to retain the Knockouts Title. Better-than-usual PPV Knockouts match, but underwhelming considering the names in the ring. The crowd was taken out of this PPV a while ago and they didn't come back for this one.

[Arcademan]

6 -- KURT ANGLE vs. JAMES STORM
 
Angle and Storm started with basic exchanges to feel each other out. The action moved to the floor, where Storm high-fived a birthday boy on the front row he referenced in his pre-match promo. Storm then walked into a drop toehold that sent Storm face-first into the ring steps. Back in the ring, Storm sold the concussion and Angle went to work on Storm's upper body. Angle continued to focus on Storm's head, drawing concerned comments from Tenay and Taz about Storm's condition. Angle applied a reverse chinlock and Taz asked for the ref to end the match, but Storm held on. Storm and Angle then traded bombs before Storm delivered a desperation jawbreaker into backstabber for a two count.
 
At 11:00, Angle stopped Storm's momentum with a belly-to-belly suplex for a two count. Angle then stalked Storm for a series of German Suplexes, but Storm elbowed out. Angle flowed into the anklelock, though, before Storm kicked Angle away to escape. Storm then missed with a clothesline and Angle delivered three Germans. Angle made a cover, but Storm kicked out. Suddenly, Storm had enough energy to hoist up Angle for the Eye of Storm that resulted in a two count. Storm inexplicably tried a top-rope move, and Angle grabbed him to deliver a belly-to-belly suplex for another two count.
 
Angle dropped the straps and called for the Olympic Slam, but Storm countered with an armdrag. Angle blocked the Last Call superkick, then tried the anklelock. Storm escaped again, though, before Angle ate the ringpost. Storm then dropped Angle face-first into the ring apron with a modified DDT. Back in the ring, Storm measured Angle for a superkick, but Angle easily countered into the Olympic Slam. Angle covered, but Storm kicked out before three. Angle tried to follow with a moonsault, but missed and his head bounced hard off the mat. Storm then fired up the crowd for a superkick and connected. Storm made the cover and it was good for the win. Afterward, Storm signaled to Angle that he's 2-0 against him.
 
WINNER: Storm at 17:48. Good PPV match. Storm needed a strong victory to continue establishing him as the most marketable face in the promotion. Angle was conservative during the match, which was understandable since the focus was on Storm's "concussion" and whether Storm could pull out a victory with the deck stacked against him. (**1/2)

7 -- JEFF HARDY vs. JEFF JARRETT (w/Karen Jarrett) -- steel cage match -- Karen handcuffed to Sting ringside -- loser (Hardy or Jeff/Karen) leaves TNA -- Hardy receives TNA Title shot at Jan. PPV if he wins
 
"Hardy, Hardy" chants once the bell sounded to begin the cage match just before the top of the third hour. Early in the match, Jarrett applied a figure-four leglock, which Hardy fought before grabbing the ropes for a break. Jarrett then went against what he said pre-match by trying to escape the cage, but Hardy blocked to keep the match going. Jarrett tried to escape again, but Hardy crotched Jarrett. The two men traded bombs before Hardy hit Twist of Fate center-ring. Hardy didn't make a cover, though, and decided not to escape the cage. He then considered a top-rope move, but opted for a second Twist of Fate. No pin attempt again. Instead, Hardy went all the way to the top of the cage and could have escaped, but opted for a huge Swanton Bomb, which he missed when Jarrett moved.
 
The cage door was opened for Jarrett to escape through, but Hardy pulled him back inside the cage. Hardy blocked Jarrett's escape a second time before landing a slingshot dropkick using the cage door like monkey bars. Next, there was a spot where Hardy accidentally bumped into Sting and Karen ringside. Karen then grabbed the key out of Sting's pocket and uncuffed herself to help Jarrett, but Hardy kicked out of a pin attempt. Karen tried to give Jarrett a guitar next, but Sting woke up and yanked it away from Karen. In the confusion, Hardy spun Jarrett around to hit the Twist of Fate. A three count gave Hardy the win.
 
Post-match: Sting gloated about Hardy's victory before entering the cage to address Jeff and Karen. Sting told them that someone is getting fired in four days on Impact Wrestling. Karen freaked out and Jarrett did bug-eyes to sell the moment. Meanwhile, Hardy gets a TNA Title shot next month at Genesis.
 
WINNER: Hardy at 10:20 to become #1 contender. Basic cage match that came across more like an angle than a match. As expected, pay customers have to wait for the free show to find out the result of one of the top matches. (*1/2)

8 -- TNA World Hvt. champion ROBERT ROODE vs. A.J. STYLES -- TNA World Title match -- 30-minute Iron Man match

Champ and Challenger started with basic holds to set a methodical pace stretching out 30 minutes. Styles upped the pace with a quick sequence of moves. Roode then slipped to the outside for a breather and there was a nice camera shot of a big scoreboard graphic hanging over the fans on the hard camera side. There were no close falls after eight minutes, then the two men traded rapid-fire pin attempts. Styles grabbed a headlock to slow down the pace and Taz predicted a 1-0 final score. Styles began selling the leg injury, then Roode clipped Styles from behind for a pinfall.

*** ROODE 1, STYLES 0 at 10:02 ***

Taz and Tenay continued to focus on a stacked deck against Styles by suggesting Styles's injury could prevent him from scoring an equalizing fall. Styles tried to fight back, but Roode continued to focus on the leg. Styles found himself in a half-Boston Crab, but clawed his way toward the bottom rope for a break. Roode followed with a figure-four and Styles tried to fight the hold, but eventually tapped out.

*** ROODE 2, STYLES 0 via submission at 15:24 ***

Roode took his time strutting around the ring in complete control of the match. Roode then approached Styles, but Styles kicked him in the shoulder. Styles followed with a dropkick to the shoulder. Styles, trying to play the role of Tim Tebow facing a deficit in the fourth quarter, applied a Crossface submission. Roode fought the hold momentarily before tapping out.

*** ROODE 2, STYLES 1 via submission at 17:37 ***

Styles went back to work on Roode's shoulder with a submission, but Roode escaped to reset the action. Styles followed with right hand strikes, but walked into an elbow strike, followed by a left-arm clothesline from Roode. They reached the 20-minute mark with Roode approaching Styles for a follow-up move, but Styles quickly executed a cradle pin for a fall.

*** ROODE 2, STYLES 2 at 20:09 ***

The match reset with Styles selling an injured leg and Roode selling an injured shoulder. Roode started the final ten minutes in control of the action before Styles pulled out a signature back flip into reverse DDT. Styles tried to follow with a springboard 450 splash and he connected. Styles made a cover and it was good for a fall to take the lead.

*** STYLES 3, ROODE 2 at 23:00 ***

After the fall, Styles sold intense pain in his leg. He remained in control of the match, though, and tried another armbar submission, but Roode blocked. Styles yanked Roode's arm across the top rope, then tried a sunset flip, but Roode blocked, trapped Styles's shoulders to the mat, grabbed the ropes for leverage, and scored a pin with the ref not looking at Roode's hands.

*** STYLES 3, ROODE 3 at 25:00 ***

After the fall, Styles blasted Roode with right hands to sell frustration after Roode cheated to even the score. The action then moved up top, where Styles scored with an armdrag taking Roode clear across the ring. At 27:00, Styles followed with a backdrop suplex before Roode kicked Styles at the knee. Roode tried to follow with a Fisherman Suplex, but Styles countered with a cradle for a nearfall. Styles then hit the Pele Kick and fired up the crowd. He wanted the Clash, but Styles's knee buckled and he fell backward on the mat. Roode, with a bloody nose, rolled out of the ring at 28:30. The ref began counting Roode, then Styles came flying over the top rope with a flip dive that put both men on the floor.

With one minute to go in regulation, both men were selling the effects on the outside. Styles checked the clock, then rolled Roode back into the ring. Roode stood up, saw the clock, and bailed out of the ring. Styles then chased Roode around the ring and Roode continued to bail from the ring before the clock expired. Jeremy Borash announced the match is a 3-3 draw, so Roode keeps the World Title. Taz said it can't end like this. Tenay said this was all about survival for Roode. Roode held up his title belt and told Styles the belt is his. The crowd chanted for five more minutes as Styles called out for Sting, who apparently called it a night after the cage match. Roode declared himself the champ as he hugged the title belt. The credits came on the screen, ending the PPV with Styles selling frustration in the ring and Roode declaring that no one can take the title from him.

WINNER: Draw at 30:00. Good action and drama throughout, but not exactly a satisfying finish for people paying money to see a winner and a loser in a PPV main event. (Isn't the title of the PPV "Final" Resolution?) But, the finish was expected considering Roode's heel title reign is about keeping the title by any means necessary. Right now, Roode vs. Hardy is the main event of next month's PPV, but it looks like Styles could be added to the mix based on this result. (***)

[Arcademan]

WWE RAW Results: 12-12-11

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

1 -- BIG SHOW vs. WADE BARRETT

They returned from break with the match already in progress. Barrett was on the floor, so Show followed to the outside. They teased a table spot before Barrett climbed to the top rope for a splash onto Big Show, but Show stood up and Barrett simply stood his ground on the top turnbuckle. Show then smashed the table a la a baseball player smashing a bat over his leg. Back in the ring, Barrett tried to use a steel chair, but Show punched the chair. The ref called for the bell, then Show clotheslined Barrett over the top rope. Barrett ran away and Show sold an injury to his hand.

WINNER: Show via DQ at 1:37 of what aired. Smackdown heels should avoid Raw at all costs since the booking on Monday nights does not favor them. At least Barrett picked up some promo time to call it a wash on the night.

2 -- U.S. champion DOLPH ZIGGLER (w/Vickie Guerrero) vs. IC champion CODY RHODES vs. DANIEL BRYAN vs. ZACK RYDER -- four-way match

Instead of the match result determining who wins the Slammy, Cole said the person who trends first will win. WWE has officially relegated a WWE Wrestling Match to irrelevancy. They cut to break 50 seconds into the match after the faces hit big moves on the floor.

Back from break in a match that WWE said doesn't matter, Rhodes and Ryder were shown squaring off in the ring. Ryder delivered a Broski Boot for a two count as the heels remained out of the picture recovering on the floor. Bryan and Ryder then collided mid-ring and the heels scampered back into the ring, leading to a showdown. Kash and Aries decided to go after the faces instead of attacking each other, though, which drew boos.

The partnership broke down quickly, leading to a shoving match between Ziggler and Rhodes. Bryan tried to take advantage, but the heels cut him off. Bryan and Rhodes then traded rapid-fire pin attempts before Rhodes threw Bryan to the floor. Rhodes then threw Ryder to the outside and Ziggler tried to roll up Rhodes from behind, but Rhodes escaped. Rhodes followed with the Alabama Slam on Ziggler for a close two count. At 8:00, they cut to another break.

Back from break, the men traded rapid-fire pinfall attempts before colliding mid-ring. After a breather, the announcers went overboard with Twitter references before Bryan went nuts with rapid-fire kicks and a running kick on Rhodes. Bryan then climbed up top and Rhodes crotched him. Ziggler then airballed a corner attack on Ryder, who went up top, where Ziggler cut him off. The result was the heels scoring superplexes from opposite corners, then all four men sold on the mat.

Ziggler and Rhodes were the first men to their feet and started trading blows. Suddenly, finishing moves started flying. Bryan tried the LeBell Lock on Rhodes for a submission win, but Ziggler grabbed Bryan for a sleeperhold. Bryan escaped, but took the Zig-Zag from behind. Ziggler with the pin on Bryan for the win. The announcers called it a great match-up.

WINNER: Ziggler at 15:20. It's too bad this match didn't matter since it was a strong bout despite the multiple commercial breaks.

3 -- WWE champion C.M. PUNK & RANDY ORTON vs. ALBERTO DEL RIO & THE MIZ

The announcers referenced Orton and Punk's feud earlier this year and noted everyone has been an adversary at some point this year. The announcers also revisited Christian's return earlier tonight while sporting a neckbrace, prompting Lawler to slip in an Andy Kaufman reference. The match settled into the heels isolating Orton as Cole ranted and raved about Ross forgetting his rap in the opening segment. Punk took a hot tag and cleaned house before calling for the GTS on Del Rio. Miz cut off Punk from behind, though, and the heels took control again leading to break.

Back from break, Miz and Del Rio tagged in and out wearing down Punk ahead of their TLC title match on Sunday. Cole again suggested the title match can only end by pinfall or submission. As Punk tried to break free to tag in Orton, Barrett came out of nowhere to jump Orton from behind on the ring apron. Punk was essentially left alone in a two-on-one situation. Miz then dropped Punk with the Skullcrushing Finale for the pin and the win. Cole declared Miz the Superstar of the Year and potential future WWE champion.

Post-match: Orton hopped the guardrail to chase down Barrett in the crowd. This left Punk alone in the ring to take a beating from Miz and Del Rio using a ladder. Del Rio put Punk's left arm inside a ladder before applying the cross arm-breaker. Miz said they want to make sure Punk makes it to the PPV before one of them takes the WWE Title. Miz told Punk that his pipe bomb is going to explode in his face. Miz dropped the mic over Punk's head before his music hit. Miz and Del Rio stood tall as the announcers continued to stack the deck against Punk.

WINNERS: Miz & Del Rio at 12:40. Basic booking putting the face champion in jeopardy and giving the heels some needed credibility. It's odd they changed the TLC rules to basically a three-way match using weapons.

4 -- World Hvt. champion MARK HENRY vs. JOHN CENA -- non-title match

After circling around each other, the two men locked up and Henry flung Cena clear across the ring. Cena collected himself on the ring apron and looked around the arena to sell he was in trouble. A dueling chant started up as they cut to break 40 seconds in.

Henry showed off his power coming back from break just before the top of the hour.

Cena finally escaped and set up for the Five Knuckle Shuffle. Cena connected, then teased the Attitude Adjustment, but Henry collapsed on Cena's back. Henry made a cover, but Cena kicked out. Henry then went to a bear hug to continue wearing down Cena. Meanwhile, the crowd picked up a dueling chant trying to breathe life into this match. Henry then delivered a World's Strongest Slam, but Henry couldn't make an immediate cover.

Suddenly, pyro shot off and the lights went dark. Kane's music played and Kane re-emerged on-stage wearing a new mask that looked like a mask used by welders. Kane stomped out to the ring and Henry rolled out of the ring to avoid Kane, who Henry took out of action months ago. Cena then came to his feet and Kane gave him a chokeslam, which hushed the crowd. Kane stood over Cena, then his pyro shot off. Kane lowered his head, then removed the welder's mask to reveal a new Kane mask. He almost looked like Undertaker hiding behind the mask because he had long hair again. The hard camera zoomed in on Kane's glass eye to confirm it was Kane, plus he did his trademark crooked smile to confirm it was Kane. The show then faded to black with a close-up of Kane.

WINNER: No Decision when the show ended at 10:01. This felt like the Viewer's Choice Raw last year where the show dragged on for three hours before something significant happened at the very end. Back then, it was a 10-minute Nexus segment destroying the ring and this was a 30-second return of significant importance. Apparently a feud with Kane will give Cena something to do before WM28 season kicks off. Concerning this Sunday's PPV, WWE probably did more to turn away people from TLC because people probably don't want to spend another three hours with WWE this week after this exhausting, marathon session of a show.

List of Slammy Awards:

Tell Me I Did Not Just See That- Jim Ross
Holy (bleep) Moment of the Year- Big Show-Mark Henry ring collapse
Pipe Bomb of the Year- C.M. Punk
Divalicious Moment of the Year- Kelly Kelly
OMG! Moment of the Year- Triple H tombstoning The Undertaker at WM27 and Taker kicking out.
Trending Star of the Year- Zack Ryder
Gamechanger of the Year- The Rock challenges Cena to the main event of WM28.
A-Lister of the Year- Snooki
Superstar of the Year- C.M. Punk

[Arcademan]

ROH TV Results: 12-10-11

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

1 - - THE BRAVADOS (Lancelot & Harlem Bravado) vs. CAPRICE COLEMAN & CEDRIC ALEXANDER

The crowd taunted Harlem with Beiber chants. Alexander grounded Harlem and worked over his arm. Harlem tossed Lancelot into the corner and tagged in Lancelot. The Bravados then hit a double team elbow. Alexander fired back on Lancelot and tagged in Coleman, who hit a springboard clothesline. Coleman took down Lancelot with a nice dropkick and tagged in Alexander for a double team suplex. Harlem ran into the ring and got taken out as well. The Bravados cut off Alexander and began working him over in their own corner. Harlem taunted the crowd as the Bravados continued to work over Alexander. Alexander fired back and tagged in Coleman, who ran wild. Coleman caught Harlem with a leg lariat for a 2 count. Coleman caught Harlem with a 6-1-9 around the ringpost and Alexander followed up with a dive to take out both Bravados.

Alexander hit a frogsplash on Harlem back inside the ring and Coleman covered him for a 2 count. The action broke down with all four men in the ring. Alexander and Coleman hit a tandem neckbreaker on Harlem for the pin.

Winners: Cedric Alexander & Caprice Coleman – This was a solid tag match to give Coleman & Alexander a win on television.

2 - - T.J. PERKINS vs. CHRIS SILVIO

Silvio looks like Jesse Ventura and Hulk Hogan’s bastard child. Perkins and Silvio went back and forth on the mat in the early going. Perkins took down Silvio with a dropkick. They picked up the pace and Perkins nailed Silvio with a hurricanrana. Silvio grabbed a headscissors on the mat, but Perkins slipped out and nailed him with a dropkick. Perkins drove Silvio into the turnbuckles, but Silvio managed to roll to the floor. They went at it on the outside and Silvio pushed Perkins into the ringpost. He then tossed him into the barricade and flexed for the fans. Silvio slipped come off the top, but connected with a fist on Perkins. Silvio hit an arm capture slam and followed up with a running senton for a 2 count. Perkins fired back and hit a springboard dropkick to the back of Silvio. Perkins lit up Silvio with kicks and hit his 32nd hurricanrana of the match. Perkins sent Silvio to the outside and nailed him with a dive through the ropes.

Perkins caught Silvio with an ankle lock with a grapevine, but Silvio eventually got the ropes. Perkins went for hurricanrana number 33, but Silvio countered it into a powerbomb. Silvio placed Perkins on the top turnbuckle and went for a superplex, but Perkins tossed him off. Perkins connected with the double knees off the top and followed up with the detonation kick for the pin.

Winner: T.J. Perkins – The match was fine, but neither man did a lot to stand out. I’ve seen Perkins in some really good matches, but this match was just there and the crowd really didn’t seem into the action.

3 - - ANX (Rhett Titus & Kenny King) vs. ROH World Tag Team Champions (Charlie Haas & Shelton Benjamin) – Proving Ground match

The match began with 14 minutes of TV time remaining. Benjamin drove King into the corner. Benjamin offered a clean break, but King shoved him away. Both men exchanged counters. Benjamin finally caught King with a sunset flip and they exchanged 2 counts. They went back and forth and finally came to a stalemate and the crowd applauded. King grounded Benjamin a short time later and Titus tagged in and continued to work him over landing a big dropkick for a 2 count. Haas blind-tagged himself into the match and they double teamed Titus with a series of maneuvers for a 2 count. Haas went to work on Titus’s arm. Kelly and McGuinness plugged ROH’s ringside membership while Haas continued to work over Titus’s arm.

Titus fired back and King blind-tagged himself into the match and took out Haas with a big clothesline. Titus tagged in and hit a splash on Haas after King landed a springboard legdrop. Titus went for a charge on Haas in the corner, but Haas got out of the way and he crashed into the ringpost. Kelly pitched to a commercial break as Haas worked over Titus’s arm.

They came back from commercial with Titus trying to mount a comeback, but Benjamin tagged himself into the match and took him down to the mat. They showed Titus nearly making the hot tag during the commercial break, but he got cut off. They showed a fan looking on in silence as Benjamin continued to work over Titus with a German with a bridge for a 2 count. WGTT continued to tag in and out to work over Titus. Haas continued to work over Titus’s eye as Kelly pointed out a turnbuckle had accidentally come off. Haas showed a bit of a mean streak while working over Titus and the crowd booed. Titus tried to fire up on Benjamin a short time later with a series of forearms. Titus whipped Benjamin into the exposed turnbuckle and both men were down on the mat.

Titus nearly tagged out, but Haas got the tag from Benjamin and cut him off. Haas continued to work over Titus’s arm, but Titus drove him into the exposed turnbuckle. Titus leapt over Haas and made the hot tag to King, who ran wild on Haas and Benjamin. The crowd didn’t seem to be much into King’s big comeback. Titus took down Haas with a top rope x-factor, but Benjamin made the save. The action broke down with all four men in the ring. King took down Haas with the shotgun knees in the corner and went up top. Benjamin recovered and tossed him down to the mat. Haas then covered King for a nearfall. Haas & Benjamin set up for the leap of faith on King, but Titus pulled the ropes down. The Briscoes then attacked Benjamin with a chairshot to the back. King hit a backbreaker on Haas. Titus then came off the top with a knee drop for the pin on Haas.

Winners: Rhett Titus & Kenny King to earn a shot at the ROH World Tag Team Titles

Star rating: (**1/2) – The match had some good action, but the crowd just wasn’t into the action in the ring which took out any excitement factor that would have been there. The Briscoes running in and attacking Benjamin set them up to go into “Final Battle” as heels, but they’re really going to have to drive home that point next week on television.

[Arcademan]

WWE Tribute to the Troops Results: 12-13-11

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

1 -- RANDY ORTON vs. WADE BARRETT

Orton scored early offense before Barrett cheated to take control. The crowd cheered for Orton, who took a big boot that sent him falling to the ring apron. Orton came back with a back drop to slow down Barrett. The match moved to the top turnbuckle, where Orton set up for and delivered a superplex. Moments later, Orton delivered trademark offense before going to That Place, but Barrett cut him off with a boot to the chest. Orton brushed it off and returned to That Place before setting up for the RKO. Barrett tried to run away, but Orton chased him down on the outside. Orton and Barrett continued to brawl and they were counted out.

Post-match: The fight continued ringside with the two men trading blows. Barrett whipped Orton into the ring steps, then went looking for a table to send a message before TLC. Barrett set up the table in the ring, but Orton dropped Barrett with a dropkick. Orton teased a table spot, much to the crowd's delight, but David Otunga stormed the ring to attack Orton. Barrett ran away to save himself for Sunday as Otunga put the boots to Orton. Otunga wanted a table spot, but Orton elbowed out and dropped Otunga with an RKO. Orton turned his attention to Barrett, who was on the stage by now, to give him an icy look. The crowd wasn't satisfied and wanted someone to go through a table, so Orton put Otunga through the table with an emphatic powerbomb. The crowd popped. Barrett tried to act unimpressed as Orton turned his attention to Barrett to keep the stare down going. After a replay, Orton continued to stare down Barrett.

WINNER: Double Count-out at 5:57. Thus far, this feels like a standard WWE wrestling show with a standard arena setting, the announcers playing up storylines, the next PPV promoted, and matches designed to advance stories rather than just keeping things at a standstill a la a house show.

2 -- JACK SWAGGER (w/Dolph Ziggler) vs. ZACK RYDER (w/Sgt. Slaughter)

Swagger quickly pounded on Ryder to take control before Ryder came back with a right hand strike. And another. Ryder then delivered a Broski Boot and called for the end while Ziggler freaked out ringside. Swagger countered the Rough Ryder, though, and delivered a shoulder block for a two count.

Swagger then fed Ryder to the outside for Ziggler to deliver a sucker punch. Ziggler comically hopped on the announce table to tweet about his greatness before Slaughter came over to clothesline Ziggler. Swagger got in Slaughter's face, then kicked him in the gut. Swagger ripped off Slaughter's headband, then booted Ryder on the outside.

Back in the ring, Swagger went for a running Swagger Bomb, but Ryder got his feet up to block. Ryder followed up with the Rough Ryder for a pin and the win. Post-match: Ryder brought Slaughter into the ring to stalk Swagger for the Cobra Clutch. Meanwhile, Ziggler retreated to the stage to set up Ryder-Ziggler at the PPV.

WINNER: Ryder at 3:46.

3 -- Divas champion BETH PHOENIX & NATALYA & BELLA TWINS vs. KELLY KELLY & ALICIA FOX & EVE & MARIA MENOUNOS -- eight-Divas tag match

The heels isolated Eve building to a hot tag to Kelly. The action broke down before Maria tagged into the match and Beth stopped her in her tracks. Beth shoved Maria into the corner, but Maria avoided a corner attack and scored with a sunset flip. It was good for a quick three count that shocked everyone. Maria sold shock as well before the faces celebrated in the ring and Phoenix retreated to the floor with Natalya.

WINNERS: Team Maria at 2:45.

4 -- IC champion CODY RHODES vs. DANIEL BRYAN -- non-title match

Rhodes dominated early on and continued to glare at Booker. Rhodes applied a bow & arrow submission, but Bryan escaped and landed multiple uppercuts. Rhodes cut him off, though, and scored a two count. Bryan made a comeback and continued to sell the ribs before landing a corner kick strike. Bryan then clotheslined Rhodes over the top rope to the floor in front of the announcers. Naturally, Rhodes tried to send a message to Booker by attacking Bryan on the outside. Booker had enough and walked over to Bryan to check on him, drawing Rhodes's attention. "Booker T" chant as Rhodes rolled Bryan back into the ring. Rhodes then exposed the ribs, but ducked under the ring to jaw with Booker, who popped him in the mouth behind the ref's back. Bryan then rolled up Rhodes from behind for a quick three count.

Post-match: Rhodes threw a fit. "You should be fined!" Cole shouted over and over toward Booker, who returned to the headsets and said he lost his composure. "That's my bad. I'm sorry!" Booker said. In the ring, Rhodes shouted at Booker to come meet him in the ring. Booker dropped the headset, removed his tailored suit jacket, and the fight was on in the ring. Booker landed a big back body drop that cleared Rhodes to the outside, then Rhodes grabbed his title belt and started to leave. Rhodes ran back into the ring, though, and took a right hand to the face from Booker. This time, Rhodes bailed for good. Booker's music hit and he did a spin-a-rooni to the delight of the crowd.

WINNER: Bryan at 4:29. Booker was terrific in the post-match with the "I'm sorry" line. Overall, a fine set up for Booker-Rhodes at the PPV.

5 -- WWE tag champions AIR BOOM (KOFI KINGSTON & EVAN BOURNE) vs. PRIMO & EPICO (w/Rosa Mendes) -- non-title match

Bourne and Kofi took turns working over Primo early on before Epico tagged in. Lucha Libre broke out before Bourne caught Epico with a kick to the face. The tag champs resumed an attack, this time on Epico. The heels then cut off Kingston, who made a tag to Bourne moments later. Lots of camera time going to Rosa here, even during Bourne's time to shine. The action broke down, which left Bourne alone in the ring to take a backstabber from Epico. Epico made the cover for the win, nearly drawing shock from Primo. The heels then celebrated in the ring as Swoggle reluctantly announced the winners.

WINNERS: Epico & Primo at 2:57. This felt heavily edited for time. If it's the start of a new tag division feud, then thumbs up.

6 -- SHEAMUS vs. DREW MCINTYRE

The color contrast was very noticeable since it appeared McIntyre spent the entire day in a tanning bed. Sheamus quickly blasted away on McIntyre, then wanted the Celtic Cross, but Mac rolled away for a rope break. Mac used the misdirection to take control momentarily. After a thumb to the eye, Sheamus snapped and tackled Mac before pounding on him with big right hands. Sheamus landed big knees to the back of the neck before pounding on his chest. A Brogue Kick put Mac on his back and it was good for the pin and the win. Cole said the moral of the story is not to make Sheamus mad.

WINNER: Sheamus at 2:17. A firm squash to continue building up Sheamus while he's in-between programs.

7 -- WWE champion C.M. PUNK & JOHN CENA & BIG SHOW vs. World Hvt. champion MARK HENRY & ALBERTO DEL RIO & THE MIZ -- six-man tag match

Punk and Miz started things off, with Punk taking control after a brief exchange. Punk then teased a tag to Cena, who accepted. Cena and Miz did a double leap frog into a dropkick from Punk. Great house show spot. Punk accidentally went for a cover, so Cena pushed him off and made a cover for a nearfall. On the outside, Punk raised his arms to acknowledge he got over-zealous trying a pin not being the legal man. Show then tagged in and quieted the crowd to blast Miz with a chop. Miz ran away and tagged in Del Rio, who slowly entered the ring to square off with Show. Del Rio had enough of Show and ran over to Henry to tag him in.

Henry nodded his head to acknowledge Show before slowly entering the ring for a mid-ring face-off. The two big men traded blows before Henry delivered a big bodyslam for a two count. Henry, satisfied with his work, slapped Del Rio to bring Del Rio into the match. Del Rio wasted a bunch of time, then stomped and kicked Show. Miz was next in to try the same offense as "John Cena" was trending on Twitter. Henry then re-entered the ring to apply a bear hug on Show. Show broke free with headbutts and a back kick, then the two big men collided mid-ring with a double clothesline. Cena sold shock after the collision before warming up the crowd.

Punk took a hot tag as Miz took a tag from Henry. Punk flew at Miz with a springboard clothesline before delivering rapid-fire offense. Punk then hopped on Show's shoulders and they walked across the ring for Punk to deliver a Macho Man elbow drop from Show's shoulders. Miz kicked out of a pin, though, after Del Rio stomped Punk in the head. The heels then isolated Punk and Henry did some trash-talking during the beat down. Henry positioned Punk for the World's Strongest Slam and trash-talked Show, but Punk escaped and hot-tagged Cena to a big reaction.

Cena entered with offense on Henry before delivering a fallaway slam on Henry. The action broke down with Show delivering a chokeslam to Del Rio, Punk with the GTS for Miz, and Show with a KO Punch to Henry. Henry then stumbled into Cena, who lifted Henry in the air for the Attitude Adjustment. Cena made the cover for the win.

WINNERS: Team Cena at 9:24. Solid house show-quality main event with the stars "letting their hair down" before Cena capped it off with a classic Power Display to send the crowd home happy.

[Arcademan]

WWE NXT Results: 12-15-11

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

1 -- TRENT BARRETA & YOSHI TATSU vs. TYLER REKS & CURT HAWKINS

This has the makings of a good match. Barreta and Reks start off, with Reks immediately kicking Barreta in the gut and going to work with clubbing blows. Trent makes a quick comeback with a dropkick, and tags in Tatsu. Tag team double armdrag, Barreta with a running flip dive, and Tatsu makes the cover for one. Tatsu with chops in the corner, but Reks reverses a whip. Tatsu catches his head in a scissor hold in the corner and kicks him off. Tatsu to the top, but Hawkins tries to interfere, letting Reks arm drag Tatsu off the turnbuckle and across the ring. Reks overpowers Tatsu and tags in Hawkins. Hawkins with a suplex for two. Striker, rather out of character for himself, says that Hawkins and Reks have been given chances in the past and are overinflating their complains.

Reks come back in, does some work and gets Hawkins back in. Tatsu with a jawbreaker, but he can't make the tag. He breaks free again and this time he slaps Barreta's hand. Barreta flies across the ring to clear out Reks from the apron, then takes down Hawkins. Barreta with a running neckbreaker, then up top for a high crossbody (as in, "Kofi Kingston high,") but Reks breaks up the tag. Tatsu comes in, but Reks clotheslines him right out again. Barreta knocks Reks out, but Hawkins surprises him with a clothesline. Hawkins tries his weird powerslam, but Barreta slips out and rolls up Hawkins for the win. Barreta wisely runs out of the ring before Reks can catch him.

WINNERS: Trent Barreta and Yoshi Tatsu in 4:00. I would have liked to have seen this as a 10-15-minute match, but the ending and the pre-match promos definitely set up a longer program between the two teams, which has nothing but upside. Anything that puts more of these four wrestlers on-screen is good.

2 - JEY USO vs. JTG (w/Tamina)

Jey with a quick takedown and headlock, but JTG escapes. Jey with a shoulder tackle. JTG with a gutbuster to gain control. JTG looks like he stole Chavo's old trunks and turned them into baggy jeans. JTG mocks Uso's attempts to get the crowd involved by saying "Us... No" while locking Jey in a leg scissors. JTG goes on his typical offensive routine. Jey with a spinning elbow to get some breathing room, and after some back-and-forth, Jey lands a superkick for the win. Post-match, Tamina kisses JTG to revive him, and Jey hams up that he's sick.

WINNER: Jey Uso in 3:00. Quick, boring match, and the end came out of nowhere. What was the point of this?

3 - PERCY WATSON vs. JOHNNY CURTIS

Watson immediately takes over. Curtis gets frustrated and heads to the corner for a break, but Watson meets him there for more punishment. Watson continues to take out his anger on Curtis. Watson charges Curtis in the corner, but Curtis lifts him up and over the ropes sending Watson to the floor. Curtis goes outside to beat on Watson a bit. Curtis rolls Watson into the ring and cuts off Watson's comeback with a suplex. Curtis with an armbar while Striker mentions his Ronald Reagan picture.

Curtis to the second rope, but Watson counters with a jumping knee to the face in one of those non-moves. Watson with dropkicks and a superman punch, then an overhead throw. Watson dances and lands the standing crossbody press for two. Curtis fights out of the corner, kicking Watson's hand, then working it a bit more. Curtis with his brainbuster finisher (which looked more like a suplex; it was a touch sloppy) for the win out of nowhere. Mathews didn't even realize it was the end and treated it like any other move.

WINNER: Johnny Curtis in 4:00. Decent match without enough time to really get out of first gear. Both Watson and Curtis have done better when given more than a few minutes.

[Arcademan]

TNA Impact Wrestling Results: 12-15-11

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

1 -- TNA World Hvt. champion ROBERT ROODE vs. A.J. STYLES -- TNA World Title match -- 5-minute overtime period

It wasn't clear if this was still contested like an Iron Man match or Sudden Death rules with the first fall to win. 45 seconds in, Tenay clarified it's Sudden Death. Roode tried to run away early on, but Styles trapped him in the ring for a series of nearfalls. Roode cried out for a time-out, but Styles continued to attack the champ. Styles took a kick to the injured knee, though, allowing Roode to target the injury. Styles fought back with elbow strikes into a springboard reverse DDT for a close two count when Roode grabbed the ropes for a break. 30 seconds to go and Roode thumbed Styles in the eye. Roode saw the clock on the scoreboard and rolled to of the ring. They placed chase again before Styles landed a springboard splash. The clock ran out, though, before Styles could attempt a pin.

WINNER: Time Limit Draw at 5:00.

Post-match: The crowd chanted for five more minutes, but Roode told the crowd to shut up. Sting's music then hit to bring out TNA's authority figure on-stage. Sting said they could do this all night, then booked a re-match with the first fall winning the match.

2 -- TNA World Hvt. champion ROBERT ROODE vs. A.J. STYLES -- TNA World Title match -- First Fall Wins

As soon as Sting made the announcement, Roode clipped Styles from behind as Styles was listening to Sting. Styles sold a leg injury and Roode immediately applied a half-Boston Crab. Styles tried to fight the hold, but had to tap out to save his leg. Roode is still World champ.

WINNER: Roode at 0:38 to retain the TNA World Title. Good advancement of Roode's heel character getting under the skin of the audience. The goal should be to get people to pay money to see Roode get his comeuppance, so we'll see if TNA can build to that moment at Genesis when Jeff Hardy challenges Roode.

3 -- ABYSS & SCOTT STEINER vs. HERNANDEZ & ROB TERRY (w/Rosita and Sarita) -- Wild Card tag tournament First Round match

A lot of big dudes in this match. At the start, Tenay passed along some news from Final Resolution that either Jeff or Karen Jarrett will be fired tonight. Steiner dominated the match and asked the crowd if they wanted to see Abyss enter the match. Steiner extended a hand to Abyss, who just ignored him. Terry then popped Steiner from behind before Hernandez choked Steiner with his t-shirt. Ref Earl Hebner delivered some unintentional comedy looking for something to distract himself with so he conveniently would not see the choke.

Abyss finally had enough of standing on the apron, so he tagged himself into the match to destroy Terry and Hernandez. Abyss delivered a Black Hole Slam to Terry, then pointed to Steiner. Abyss slap-tagged Steiner and gave him the floor to enter the ring. Steiner made the cover on Terry and it was good for the win. Post-match: Steiner didn't know what to make of Abyss, so he tried to leave the ring, but Abyss yanked him back to center-ring so they could celebrate the win. Steiner continued to sell bewilderment before posing in the ring. Abyss pointed to his head to suggest he has a plan.

WINNERS: Abyss & Steiner at 4:13. A Steiner face turn would work here since crowds are too entertained by his act to boo him. But, this came across more like TNA trying to enhance Abyss's mental skills to go with his physical and sexual skills.

4 -- ANTHONY NESE vs. ZEMA ION -- Best of Three Series -- Match #1

Nese blasted Ion to the outside early on. He then played to the crowd before leaping over the top rope with a flip dive that nearly missed Ion. Back in the ring, Nese delivered a springboard elbow strike for a nearfall. Nese followed with a flying uppercut. He tried a top-rope huracanrana, but Ion blocked and scored with a missile dropkick. Ion followed with a gutbuster, but pulled off a pinfall twice. Ion wasn't satisfied with his work, so he went up top for a 450 splash and connected. This time, he was satisfied and scored the pin for the win.

WINNER: Ion at 4:00. Apparently Ion is a heel now. The finish gave Nese motivation to get revenge in the next match and potentially the series, so a fine way to set up the next match in the series after a random start.

5 -- JESSE NEAL vs. GUNNER (w/Ric Flair)

The bell sounded and Gunner stampeded Neal with strikes and blows. Gunner followed with a corner tackle and more clubbing right hands. Ref Hebner sold intimidation as Flair flashed Gunner a thumbs up. A "Jesse, Jesse" chant fired up Gunner some more, so he dumped Neal to the outside. Hebner tried to reprimand Gunner, but Gunner shoved him, which drew a DQ.

Post-match: Flair removed the ring padding and Gunner measured Neal for a DDT onto the concrete. Neal sold being KO'ed as Tenay noted Neal's history of head and neck injuries. They quick-cut to a replay as the crowd chanted that Gunner sucks. Quick-cut back to ringside, where agents and EMTs were ringside. Tenay quietly said they'll keep on top of this.

WINNER: Neal via DQ at 1:42. There's the write-off for Neal parting ways with TNA.

6 -- TV champion ROBBIE E. & DOUG WILLIAMS vs. SAMOA JOE & MAGNUS -- Wild Card tag tournament First Round match

Tag partners Williams and Magnus started things off. They had a classic "exchange of holds between tag partners" to capture they are equally matched and know each other very well. Robbie tagged into the match and scored some offense on Magnus, leading to a methodical attack on Magnus.

The crowd tried to rally behind Magnus, who tried to tag in Joe. Eventually, Magnus made the tag and Joe cleaned house. Snap powerslam led to Williams accidentally elbow-dropping Robbie trying to break up a pin. Joe then landed corner elbow strikes on Robbie before Magnus came off the top with an elbow drop. Magnus then crotched Williams and Joe followed with a Muscle Buster for the pin and the win. Magnus and Joe work together for the win. Afterward, Robbie bailed while Joe & Magnus reluctantly celebrated in the ring.

WINNERS: Joe & Magnus at 3:58. There's potential for this Joe & Magnus duo. At the very least, it gives them purpose and a chance to develop chemistry with multiple TV matches.

7 -- TRACI BROOKS vs. KO tag champion MADISON RAYNE

Before the match, they focused on Traci's feud with Knockouts champion Gail Kim and Rayne. To start the proceedings, Traci jumped Rayne on the entrance ramp before dragging her to ringside and into the ring to officially start the match. Madison absorbed the pre-match attack, then scored a series of nearfalls in-between taunts. After being frustrated by the nearfalls, Madison scored the decisive fall, then gloated about her victory.

WINNER: Madison at 3:52.

8 -- JEFF HARDY vs. BULLY RAY

Ray jumped Hardy before the bell sounded, allowing him to quickly wear down a sore and injured Hardy. Tenay tried to get Roode's thoughts on the Jarretts being fired, but he only wanted to talk about himself. He then challenged Roode on being a fighting champion. Roode rolled his eyes and said he went 30 minutes on Sunday and another overtime period tonight. Roode then laughed at his actions last Thursday spitting in Dixie Carter's face. Ray continued to wear down Hardy as Roode claimed Hardy doesn't stand a chance against him at Genesis.

Hardy tried to mount a comeback by elbowing out of a bear hug, but he ate a big back body drop from Ray. Ray scored multiple nearfalls attempting pinfalls, then went back to work, but missed with a corner splash. Hardy fought back with right hands as Roode knocked his family and said the title belt is his family. Hardy went for the Twist of Fate and connected. Hardy made the cover, but Ray kicked out. Ray came back with a sidewalk slam, but Hardy escaped again. Ray missed with another splash, then Hardy hit another Twist of Fate. This one was good for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Hardy at 4:40. They packed a ten-minute main event into five minutes, which made Ray look a bit weak taking a clean loss, but also enhanced Hardy on his title quest. The post-match allowed Ray to get his heat back associating with Roode, who continues to be a strong lead heel. It's old hat continuing to involve authority figures in the top program, but at least Sting can eventually wrestle if they're building to a Roode-Sting match down the road.

[Arcademan]

WWE Superstars Results: 12-16-11

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

1 - JUSTIN GABRIEL vs. DREW MCINTYRE

Drew puts Gabriel into the turnbuckle, but when he jaws at the ref for breaking it, Gabriel takes over. McIntyre quickly comes back with punches, but Gabriel ducks a Big Boot and goes on the attack. McIntyre connects with the Big Boot, and lands a gutbuster from a fireman's carry for two, and transitions to a seated abdominal stretch. Gabriel mounts a comeback, but McIntyre gets a back body drop and covers for two. McIntyre with a pair of backbreakers as Striker and Mathews resume their petty arguing, even referencing events from NXT. McIntyre looks cocky after putting Gabriel into the corner, but he transitions a tilt-a-whirl move from McIntyre into a huracanrana, and then lands a springboard moonsault for two. McIntyre clotheslines Gabriel out of the air on a springboard move, then lands the Future Shock DDT for his first win in months.

WINNER: Drew McIntyre in 7:00. These two both have the skills, but it felt like they were stringing together spots, not having a match. All the same, it's good to see McIntyre with a win after months of being squashed on main roster shows and having hard fought losses on Superstars. Gabriel looked fine in the loss.

2 - TRENT BARRETA vs. HUNICO (w/Mystery Man)

Hunico rode on the back pegs of a low-rider bicycle being pedaled by someone I've never seen before, a well-muscled man dressed as stereotypically as Hunico. (Although not identified by the announcers, it was FCW wrestler Donny Marlow, the son of Haku.)

Hunico with an early wristlock for control, forcing Barreta down hard by the hair. Barreta with a quick monkey flip for one and moves to a side chinlock. Hunico armdrags out, then arm drags Barreta right into the turnbuckle, which looked painful. cover for one. Hunico abuses Barreta in the corner. Hunico with a suplex which gets two, and settles into a rear chinlock. Hunico lands some sort of inside-out armdrag. Barreta rolls under the ropes to the apron, but when Hunico leans through to grab him, Barreta surprises him with a leg drop.

Barreta goes up top for the corkscrew moonsault leg drop and lands it for a nearfall after a slow cover. Barreta lands a Gobstopper Knee from across the ring for two. Hunico shrugs off the Dudebuster DDT and sends Barreta into the ropes with a drop toe hold. Hunico with an Olympic slam, then goes up top for a Swanton Bomb for the win.

WINNER: Hunico in 5:00. Excellent, fast pace to this match. With Hunico having a new mystery partner, is he separating from Epico and Primo, to have two gang-like Hispanic stables? Or is this just an expansion of the stable?

3 - ALEX RILEY vs. JACK SWAGGER

Wow, Eden Stiles is sounding like she's actively trying to imitate Lillian Garcia, who is a good announcer to mimic. Swagger trips Riley to put him face-first into the turnbuckle, but after a break, Riley comes out of the corner throwing big fists. Riley dodges Swagger and takes him down. Swagger heads to the corner and Riley gets a Mugshot-like move for one. Riley tries to do a springboard move out of the corner but Swagger hits him with a Big Boot for two, and then starts to dominate him on the mat with blows. Swagger Bomb gets two. Swagger controls Riley by the head, but telegraphs a back body drop so Riley kicks him. Swagger explodes with a clothesline from his knees, and goes back to work on Riley.

Shoulder tackle gets Swagger two, then he tries a chicken win on the mat. Riley punches out, ducks a clothesline and hits a pair of his own. Riley eats an elbow, but immediate responds with a spinebuster. Riley sets up for his floating DDT but Swagger turns it into a belly-to-belly suplex. Swagger looks for another Swagger Bomb, but Riley gets boots up. Riley sets up the "Final Score" finisher, but Swagger slides down for a sunset flip. Riley rolls over and leverages down for a two count. Swagger rolls through and into the Anklelock, but Riley escapes. Riley with the floating DDT, but Swagger kicks out at the last moment. Riley looks frustrated and Swagger looks grateful. They reset the match, and Riley tries Ten Punches again. Swagger throws him off and lands a diving chop block. Swagger with the Anklelock again, and Riley quickly taps.

WINNER: Jack Swagger in 8:00. Very good match. Swagger's always had it, and his motivation lately is through the roof. Riley's proving that he can put on a good match. I liked the back-and-forth and these two worked well together.

4 - WWE tag champions AIR BOOM (EVAN BOURNE & KOFI KINGSTON) vs. EPICO & PRIMO (w/Rosa Mendes) -- non-title match

Air Boom seems to have their own t-Shirts and new, proper music that isn't a mix of either of their theme songs. Nice to see a tag team treated like a team!

Epico and Evan Bourne start off. Epico with a quick armdrag, then forces Bourne into the corner. Bourne jumps over Epico and then hits a pair of Japanese armdrags, the second into an armbar. Some fast Bourne offense, and Bourne brings in Kingston. Weird double team move for two. Scott Stanford hilariously slips in "Show-Miz" in a list of great tag teams along with Degeneration X and Rock 'n Sock Connection. Kingston with a cover for two. Kingston with a sunset flip followed by a double foot stomp for two. Epico gains control and tags in Primo. Kingston with a clothesline on both of them, but Primo regains control, and settles into a cravat.

Primo dumps Kingston to the outside, but when he tries a suicide dive through the ropes, Kingston surprises him with a Pele kick. Kingston with a springboard dropkick which sends Primo across the ring. Primo clears Epico from the apron, and then launches Bourne over the ropes to land a knee on each heel simultaneously. Rosa jaws at Bourne, and they cut to a Hulu commercial.

Back from break, Borune is covering Primo for two. Bourne with kicks to the hamstrings, but Bourne gets dumped into the ropes. Primo with some work and a cheapshot from Epico. Primo mounts Bourne for punches, and brings in Epico. Epico with a back elbow and a short cover, then head control. Lots of camera focus on Rosa at ringside. Epico with a running neckbreaker, and tags in Primo. Primo with a side Russian Legsweep and a bizarre hold when he has a leg scissors on the head and an armbar. Bourne tries to get out, but Primo keeps him away from Kingston. Primo with a schoolboy for two, and then brings Bourne back to the corner and tags in Epico.

Epico with a dropkick for two, and a suplex for two. Primo tags in and the crowd rallies Bourne. Bourne reverses a suplex attempt, and then hits double knees on another reversal and both men are down. double tags and Kingston with a Superman Punch, a pair of clotheslines, and a dropkick on Epico. Another Superman Punch and Kingston sets up for the Boom Drop and gets it. Rosa gets mad as he looks for the Trouble in Paradise, but Epico ducks. Epico charges Kingston, who counters with a pendulum kick. Kingston goes up to and lands the big crossbody, but Primo breaks up the cover. Bourne comes in and tries to clear him with a huracanrana, but Primo reverses and tosses Bourne over the ropes.

Epico gets in some offense, and Primo blind tags in. Kingston lands Trouble in Paradise out of nowhere on Epico, but Primo sneaks up from behind and has the Backstabber for the win. Post-match, the heel trio celebrates. Wow, Rosa Mendes in heels is taller than Primo; I've seen her in person and she's shorter than shown here.

WINNER: Primo and Epico in 10:00. Another slick match featuring these wrestlers. I'd like to see them do a ladders match at TLC. Like previous outings, no one dominated long enough for it to get boring, and the ending wasn't predicted by the action in the ring.

[Arcademan]

WWE Smackdown Results: 12-16-11

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

1 – CODY RHODES vs. DANIEL BRYAN

Booker joined in on commentary after his segment. Bryan still had his ribs taped. He tried a quick LeBell Lock :30 into the match, but Rhodes fled to ringside before any damage could be done. They went to break :44 in.

Back at 3:35 of the match. Rhodes went for a leap-frog, but Bryan dropkicked him a little low, just above the waist-line. Cole got on Booker for getting involved in a match rather than focusing on commentary. Rhodes suplexed Bryan from inside the ring to outside. You always hold your breath on that move. Back in the ring, front-first suplex for two. Body-scissors by Rhodes. Rhodes blocked a kick and took the offense to Bryan again, with another two-count at 6:11. Backslide attempt by Bryan, then a magistral cradle for two. Missile dropkick off the second rope by Bryan for a two-count. Cole continued challenging Booker, with the two paying almost no attention to this match. At least they’re using the time to hype up a PPV match. Top-rope back suplex by Bryan, but Rhodes turned in mid-air and landed across Bryan’s ribs. Bryan kicked out at two. Rhodes countered a roll-up, hopped to his feet, and hit Cross Rhodes for the win.

WINNER: Rhodes, at 8:35. Solid match and a good win for Rhodes. Not sure where this leaves Bryan.

2 – ALICIA FOX vs. NATALYA

Natalya brought a box of tissues to the ring and pretended to cry, using them and then tossing them aside. Fox tried a quick roll-up in the corner, but Natalya held on and stomped Fox in the stomach. Mathews said three Divas will be blogging for Perez Hilton starting on Monday. Abdominal stretch, but Nattie rolled up Fox for two. Fox kicked out, sending Nattie into the ropes, and Fox rolled Natalya up with a small package for the win. She had a handful of extensions too.

WINNER: Fox, at 1:02. As I talked about in my chat with James Caldwell earlier today on the Torch, it looks like Fox is next in line for a Divas Title shot.

3 – THE USOS vs. EPICO & PRIMO

Jimmy and Jey did their Polynesian battle cry atop the stage before they came to the ring. Rosa Mendes accompanied Epico and Primo to the ring. Flying elbow by Jey on Epico for two. Quick tags by the faces early on. A distraction led to Primo bringing Jimmy throat-first over the top rope. Double-team by Primo and Epico. Jey made the hot tag at the 2:00 mark. Running butt splash on Primo in the corner, but the pin was broken up by Epico. Distraction by Rosa led to one of the Usos getting crotched after going to the top rope. Primo hit the backstabber for the pin.

WINNERS: Epico and Primo, at 2:58. I never thought Primo would get off of Superstars let alone get some wins, but he’s been underutilized for a while. Giving him a push and doing it by propping up the tag division is win-win.

4 – THE BIG SHOW vs. JACK SWAGGER

As soon as the bell rang to begin the match, Mark Henry’s music played. He walked out in a Hall of Pain t-shirt, jeans, and carrying a steel chair. Swagger tried to get Show from behind, but Show wasn’t having it. He did manage to take Show off his feet, but not for long. Show mowed Swagger over. Show seemed more motivated with Henry sitting at ringside. Bodyslam on Swagger. Show choked Swagger on the middle rope, then chopped him. Two Swagger bombs in the corner on Show after the All-American American avoided a corner splash. Show made a comeback by chopping Swagger while he was on his knees. The splash connected, as did the shoulder tackle. He signaled for the chokeslam next. Swagger rolled through the chokeslam and hooked on the ankle-lock. Henry yelled for Swagger to “break it (the ankle)!” Show was in the move for a while, but stared at Henry, the broke the hold. Knock-out punch (the WMD) dropped Swagger for the three-count.

WINNER: Show, at 5:46. Good psychology in this one (and I’m sure Henry isn’t terribly sad for Swagger, who blew him off backstage) and Show looked dominant against Swagger.

5 – HEATH SLATER vs. TED DIBIASE

They actually showed clips of the DiBiase Posse that takes place before shows. Roll-up by DiBiase right off the bat. Roll through into a pinning predicament by DiBiase for two. The roll-ups started to frustrate Slater, who slapped DiBiase in the face. Hard whip into the buckle by Slater. Chop off the top rope by Slater for two. DiBiase came back and planted Slater with Dream Street for the pinfall.

WINNER: DiBiase, at 3:09. Another week, another win for DiBiase. Nothing wrong with that.

6 – JINDER MAHAL vs. SHEAMUS

After a collar-and-elbow tie-up, Sheamus took Mahal down. Mahal came back with rights. Size-wise, Mahal matches up surprisingly well with Sheamus. Sheamus avoided a knee-lift, which allowed Sheamus to then nail Mahal across the chest with ten forearms. He launched himself from the apron over the top rope with a shoulder block. Neck-breaker by Mahal for a near-fall. He brought forearms of his own across the chest of Sheamus. Sheamus didn’t allow Mahal an extended offensive run and hit the Irish Curse back-breaker. Brogue Kick finished things.

WINNER: Sheamus, at 3:50. Mahal could use a few quick wins like DiBiase has been getting lately in order to bring that feud back to an even standing.

7 – RANDY ORTON & ZACK RYDER vs. DOLPH ZIGGLER & WADE BARRETT

Ryder face-planted Ziggler, then tagged in Orton at 1:03 of the match. Orton stayed on offense with ease against Ziggler, suplexing him for a two-count. Ryder came back in and Ziggler knocked Ryder off-balance after Ryder headbutted him. Barrett was in and Ryder tagged Orton, but Barrett scampered back to his corner and tagged Ziggler in. Orton took Ziggler down and knocked Barrett off the apron while he was at it, but he took his eye off Ziggler and paid for it. Ziggler countered an Orton back-breaker, and Ryder came in to dropkick him out of the ring. They went to break with the faces standing tall at 4:33.

Back at 8:48 of the match, with Orton having mounted the second rope, delivering punches to the head of Dolph Ziggler. High knee-drop right on target. Ziggler missed a clothesline and it appeared his momentum forced him to slide outside the ring and to ringside – that would’ve been some clothesline – but perhaps it was just a way to allow Barrett to enter the ring and boot Orton in the face. Knee-lift on Orton, then Ziggler tagged in. The heels isolated Orton in their corner. Ryder made the hot tag just after 12:00, and he hit Barrett with the Broski Boot. Rough Ryder missed and Ziggler punched Ryder in the head to stop his momentum. Ryder desperately tried to make a tag, but Ziggler held him back. Barrett tried to hit Wasteland on Ryder, but Ryder countered into a DDT and both men were down at 14:50. Orton finally made the hot tag and took apart Ziggler. Gutwrench into a neck-breaker by Orton for two. Pin was broken up by Barrett. Ryder clotheslined Barrett over the top, but outside the ring, Barrett whipped Ryder into the barricade. Roll-up, with the tights by Ziggler, only got two. Fameasser attempt, but Orton dodged it and RKO’d Ziggler. Barrett was about to interfere before the pin, but Orton made eye contact with him, and that was enough to keep Barrett out of the ring.

WINNERS: Orton and Ryder, at 16:07.

[Arcademan]

WWE TLC PPV Results: 12-18-11 (next three posts)

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

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

Ziggler started with some early offense and "showed off" about his successes. Ryder then blocked a leap frog and catapulted Ziggler into the top turnbuckle. Ryder followed with a clothesline sending Ziggler to the outside, then scored with a flip dive. Fist pump and "Whoo Whoo Whoo" kept the crowd involved. Before the match could return to the ring, Ziggler caught Ryder with a neckbreaker across the ring apron to take control of the action. In the ring, Ziggler landed elbow drop after elbow drop to "show off" again. Meanwhile, Cole and Lawler bantered unintelligently about Ryder's social media movement.

Ryder came back with a dropkick, then multiple clotheslines. Ryder followed with the Broski Boot and connected. Ryder had a pin, but Vickie put Ziggler's foot on the bottom rope. The ref saw it, so he gave Vickie the boot from ringside, much to the crowd's delight. Back in the ring, Ryder rolled up Ziggler from behind, but Ziggler escaped. Ryder then walked into a top-rope neckbreaker and Ziggler tried a quick Zig-Zag, but Ryder avoided. Ziggler came back with a Fameasser, but Ryder kicked out in time.

The action reset with the crowd rallying behind Ryder, who blocked another Zig-Zag, but Ryder walked into a dropkick. Ziggler couldn't put Ryder away, then decided to go up top, but Ryder crotched him. Ryder then set up for and delivered a huracanrana. Cover, but Ziggler kicked out in time. Ryder tried to follow up with the Rough Ryder, but Ziggler blocked, then rolled up Ryder from behind, but Ryder kicked out again.

At 10:00, the crowd rallied behind Ryder again. Ryder delivered double knees to the gut, then dropped Ziggler with the Rough Ryder. Ziggler bumped like crazy for the finish and Ryder made the cover for the pin and the win. Post-match: They cut to a shot of Ryder's Dad and the Big O going nuts ringside. Cole was speechless as Ryder celebrated with the U.S. Title belt. They cut to a shot of Cole with a boo-boo face as Lawler tried to get him to enjoy the moment. Ryder then hit ringside to celebrate with Zack's Dad and the Big O. Ryder stood on the announce table and fist-pumped with the crowd before leaving ringside with the title. Another big reaction for Ryder on the way out before he dropped down on the stage and celebrated the title victory. After a replay of the finish, they went back to Ryder celebrating the win.

WINNER: Ryder at 10:23 to capture the U.S. Title. Excellent opening match. A nice, feel-good moment for Ryder, and the crowd was hot to support the decision to advance Ryder up the ladder. For Ziggler, it could lead to a split from Vickie for a standalone singles run. (**3/4)

2 -- WWE tag champions AIR BOOM (EVAN BOURNE & KOFI KINGSTON) vs. EPICO & PRIMO (w/Rosa Mendes)
 
Before the match, Cole and Lawler recapped Epico & Primo's solid week of victories to earn the title shot tonight. The heel challengers took control of the match after Bourne missed with a high-risk move. Rosa, who continues to get more camera time than Epico & Primo, taunted Bourne as the heels continued to wear him down. Cole, in-between Twitter plugs, predicted a title change, which gave away that the titles are not changing hands.
 
Bourne finally made a tag to Kofi, who went high-flying on the heels. Kofi delivered the Boom Drop on Primo, then wanted Trouble in Paradise, but Epico ran interference. The action broke down before Kofi caught Primo off the ropes with TIP. It was good for the pin and the win.
 
WINNERS: Air Boom at 7:32 to retain the Tag Titles. Basic tag match presented as filler after Ryder's match. (*1/2)

3 -- RANDY ORTON vs. WADE BARRETT
 
Orton tried to retrieve a table early on, but Barrett kicked the table into Orton's face. Orton turned the tables, then the match moved to the floor. Referee Jack Doane retrieved gloves from his pocket, so someone was apparently bleeding. The fight moved up the rampway to the stage area as the camera picked up on Barrett having a cut over his right eye. Orton then chased Barrett down the entrance ramp to the ringside area, but Barrett rammed Orton face-first into the ringpost. Barrett followed with a big boot that decked Orton. Barrett then wiped away the blood over his eye before sliding a table into the ring. Barrett also set up a table ringside, then wanted a big splash through the table, but Orton crawled off.
 
Barrett continued the assault ringside as Orton sold various injuries. Back in the ring, Barrett choked Orton in the ropes and landed multiple knee strikes. Barrett then booted Orton off the ropes, but Orton held his ground on the apron to avoid falling through the table ringside. For his next move, Barrett wanted a running powerslam through a table in the corner, but Orton slipped out and went on the attack. Orton delivered signature offense, including a spike DDT off the second rope. Orton then went to That Place to set up for the RKO, but Barrett countered with the Black Hole Slam.
 
Barrett resumed the attack by slamming a table onto Orton's chest. Barrett followed up by placing Orton stomach-first on a table. Barrett then went up top and went for a big elbow splash, but Orton popped to his feet and delivered the RKO through the table all in one fluid motion. That came out of nowhere for an emphatic victory for Orton. Lawler suggested Orton was playing opossum to lure Barrett into his trap. Again, Cole was saddened by his "teams" continuing to lose.
 
WINNER: Orton at 10:16. Another highlight-reel mid-air RKO for Orton. It gives Orton a "win" without Barrett losing much since he wasn't pinned and he dominated most of the match. Overall, solid brawl playing off their well-developed feud. (**)

4 -- Divas champion BETH PHOENIX vs. KELLY KELLY -- Divas Title match
 
With the addition of three unadvertised matches on the card (Tag Title, Divas Title, and Swagger-Sheamus), this PPV is starting to feel like an episode of Raw. Kelly used her elusiveness to her advantage early on before Beth overpowered Kelly. She couldn't score a pin, though, allowing Kelly to make a comeback. They exchanged nearfalls before Beth countered a handstand into an emphatic overhead facebuster. It was good for the win.
 
WINNER: Phoenix at 5:17 to retain the Divas Title.