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

[Arcademan]

5 -- TRIPLE H vs. KEVIN NASH -- Sledgehammer ladder match
 
Once the bell sounded, Nash landed a knee to the gut. The two men traded blows, with Hunter sporting taped fists to make it look like a street fight. Hunter delivered a blow to the gut that knocked Nash to the outside. On the outside, Nash used a ladder to ram Hunter over the guardrail to the outside. Hunter quickly recovered and clotheslined Nash into the front row on the opposite side of the ringside area. Nash came back with an elbow smash, but Hunter reversed a whip and Nash ate the ringpost. Back-and-forth early on.
 
Hunter sustained an attack with multiple ladder strikes to the lower body, targeting Nash's left knee. Hunter followed with a figure-four inside the ladder, drawing Ric Flair "Whoos" from the crowd. Nash screamed in agony before Hunter dropped the hold. Moments later, Nash mustered an Irish Whip that sent Hunter flying into a ladder propped up in the corner, then over the top rope to the outside. Back in the ring, Nash dropped Hunter back-first across a ladder with a sidewalk slam. Hunter eventually rolled to the outside for a breather.
 
On the outside, Nash cleared the announce table, then wanted a Jackknife Powerbomb, but Hunter back-dropped Nash onto the table. In the ring, Hunter tried climbing a ladder for the hammer, but Nash recovered, re-entered the ring, and yanked him down. Nash followed with a chokeslam center ring before going to the outside again. This time, Nash retrieved a table. Nash slid the table into the ring as Cole name-dropped Shawn Michaels and what he must be thinking right now. Nash dropped a strap, then wanted a Powerbomb through the table, but Hunter shoved him away into a ladder. Hunter then shoved Nash to the outside and set up a ladder to retrieve the hammer. Nash recovered, though, and met Hunter on top of the ladder. Hunter grabbed the hammer and bashed it into Nash's head twice, causing Nash to fall off the ladder through the table. Hunter then retrieved the hammer and realized it was now his to use.
 
Hunter climbed down the ladder, waited for Nash to get up, and delivered multiple hammer strikes to the body. Hunter tossed aside the ladder, then stalked Nash for a decisive blow. Hunter tossed the hammer away, though, and tried the Pedigree, but Nash's legs collapsed. Hunter tried again and connected this time. Hunter wasn't done, though. The crowd wanted one more Pedigree, but Hunter said "no" before measuring Nash for a decisive hammer blow. Before that, Nash flashed the Kliq/Wolfpack signal. Hunter shook his head, then shot Nash a crotch chop before delivering a hammer shot. Hunter made the cover and it was good for the win.
 
Post-match: After replays of the high points from the match, they showed Nash being placed on a backboard by medics. Nash was then placed on a stretcher and wheeled away from ringside. Hunter screamed at the medics to take Nash away.
 
WINNER: Hunter at 18:13. Considering their physical limitations and age, this was a solid brawl to conclude the Hunter-Nash feud. A bit slow at times, but they effectively told the story of Hunter conquering Nash. (**1/4)

6 -- SHEAMUS vs. JACK SWAGGER (w/Vickie Guerrero)
 
Cole noted Swagger won his first WWE Title match at TLC two years ago when he sent John Cena through a table. Sheamus dominated early on as the announcers traded light barbs. Vickie then provided a distraction that allowed Sheamus to take control on the outside. Back in the ring, Swagger tried to taunt Sheamus, which only angered Sheamus. Sheamus blasted away with big forearm blows and strikes, but took his eye off Swagger, who knocked Sheamus off the apron to the outside.
 
Back in the ring, Sheamus recovered and went up top for a flying shoulder tackle that connected. Sheamus made a cover, but Swagger kicked out, which excited Vickie. Sheamus then called for the end, but Swagger ducked a Brogue Kick and clipped Sheamus's left knee. Swagger began focusing on Sheamus's leg, but missed with a corner Swaggerbomb. Swagger then missed with another clip attempt, leading to a Brogue Kick. It was good for the win.
 
WINNER: Sheamus at 5:57. Another solid win for Sheamus. WWE at least seems to have some interest in re-focusing on Swagger since he lasted more than five minutes and was given a lot of offense in a match similar to Swagger vs. Big Show on Smackdown. (*1/4)

7 -- World Hvt. champion MARK HENRY vs. BIG SHOW -- World Hvt. Title match
 
The bell sounded and Show immediately slipped to the outside to slowly walk around the ring throwing chairs into the ring. Henry swatted a few chairs away, then Show re-entered the ring to start fighting. Henry had other ideas and slipped out of the ring, telling Show he's out of his mind. Henry retrieved his title belt and said this isn't happening. Henry started to leave, but Show caught up with him on the outside. Show ducked a belt shot, then bashed a chair over Henry's back three or four times. Henry absorbed the blows, though, and delivered a chair shot to the back. Henry then smashed Show's injured hand into the ring steps before jabbing him in the gut with a chair.

Back in the ring, the two men crashed chairs together a la a swordfight. Show sold the effects, though, with his hand injury. Henry followed with a chair shot to the back before talking trash. Henry went for a big chair shot, but Show side-stepped it and delivered the KO Punch. Show sold a hand injury and couldn't make an immediate cover. He then rolled Henry over and scored a pinfall to capture the World Title. The crowd didn't immediately react since the sequence seemed to come out of nowhere.
 
WINNER: Show at 5:31 to capture the World Title.
 
Post-match: Henry clipped Show from behind with a chair, then DDT'ed Big Show into a chair. Henry pounded the mat in frustration as a few fans in the arena chanted for Daniel Bryan. Suddenly, Bryan's music played and Bryan stormed the ring with referee Scott Armstrong.

8 -- World Hvt. champion BIG SHOW vs. DANIEL BRYAN -- World Hvt. Title match
 
Bryan rolled over Big Show and scored a three count to capture the World Title. Bryan accepted the title and began celebrating as Show sat up on one knee selling that he was stunned. Bryan celebrated, then flashed the title belt in Cole's face. Cole sat stunned as Bryan celebrated with the crowd. The camera focused on Show again as he flashed a wink and a smile toward no one in particular. Bryan then stopped to look at the title belt in his possession after locking eyes with Show. They replayed Bryan's cash-in as Cole noted Show was supportive of Bryan's career for the past few months. Back live, they showed Bryan continuing to celebrate the win as Show disappeared to the back. On the stage, Bryan held up his title belt for the crowd to see.
 
WINNER: Bryan at 0:07 to capture the World Title. Well, that certainly shakes things up. A lot to digest here with Show, Henry, Orton, and Sheamus in the title picture. I doubt Bryan's title reign will last long, but it eliminates Bryan's World Title cash-in situation at WrestleMania and opens up the Royal Rumble winner to receive a title shot at WM28. It seemed like this was more of a maintenance move before the Rumble next month.

[Arcademan]

9 -- IC champion CODY RHODES vs. BOOKER T -- Intercontinental Title match
 
Booker teed off on Rhodes to begin the match, taking out his anger on the champ. Booker followed with a side kick and scored a close nearfall. Cole said nothing would shock him tonight at this point. Booker then dumped Rhodes to the outside and taunted Booker in-between strikes. Back in the ring, Rhodes attacked Booker's left leg before the two men collided mid-ring. After a pause, they reset with an exchange of right hand bombs. Booker got the best of the exchange before delivering a Harlem Heat spinebuster. Rhodes rolled to the apron, then Booker made eye contact with the crowd and did a Spin-a-rooni. It took a lot out of Booker, though, and he came to his feet selling dizziness. Booker tried a variety of trademark kicks that Rhodes ducked, then Cody hit his step-up enziguiri for a believable nearfall. Cody followed with another kick to the head, and it was good for the win.
 
WINNER: Rhodes at 7:18 to retain the IC Title. Good heel win for Rhodes after the multiple pre-match attacks and Booker looked good in the ring. Booker said before the PPV this was probably his last match, but they could get another match out of this feud.

10 -- WWE champion C.M. PUNK vs. THE MIZ vs. ALBERTO DEL RIO -- three-way WWE Title match -- TLC match
 
Punk led a loud "C-M-Punk" chant before the bell officially sounded. The heels then double-teamed Punk and continued an early assault. The announcers continued to botch the rules, like on Raw, until Cole corrected Lawler. Del Rio and Miz then went to the outside to retrieve weapons and they began arguing with each other. Punk used the argument to deliver a suicide dive to Del Rio, who sold a wrist injury after the move.
 
Back in the ring, Miz and Punk battled. Miz got the best of the exchange and Punk's back bent a chair in half. On the floor, Del Rio back-dropped Miz onto a ladder, then Punk delivered a kick that sent the ladder into Del Rio's face. Punk picked up a chair for his next attack and bashed Miz across the back multiple times. Punk followed with a running knee that sent Miz over the guardrail into the front row.
 
Back in the ring, Punk tried to climb a ladder to retrieve the WWE Title belt, but Ricardo stormed the ring and managed to handcuff Punk to the ladder. Del Rio capitalized with an attack on Punk as the announcers sold jeopardy for Punk. Del Rio tried to climb the ladder, but Punk kicked the ladder and broke free of the ladder. He still had the handcuff around his wrist, though. Punk then cleared Del Rio to the outside, but took ladder blows from a re-emerging Miz. Miz then scampered up the ladder and got his hand on the title belt, but Punk cut him off. Punk and Miz then set up a top-rope spot, but Del Rio came out of nowhere for an enziguiri that sent Punk off the top through a table on the floor below. The crowd ooh'ed and aah'ed as Punk landed with a thud on the ground.

At 10:00, Del Rio turned his attention to Miz and forced him to tap out with a cross arm-breaker inside a ladder. Miz cried out in pain, then Del Rio released the hold and retrieved chairs. Del Rio used the chairs to bash Punk as Punk remained on the table scraps. Del Rio followed with a cross arm-breaker that caused Punk to scream in pain. Del Rio, satisfied, slowly re-entered the ring to climb the ladder. Del Rio took forever and Lawler said Del Rio was pulling this off, which meant, of course, he wasn't. Miz and Punk then re-entered the ring and tipped Del Rio off the ladder into a crotch-first fall onto the top rope. On the floor, Del Rio sold massive pain.
 
Back in the ring, Miz and Punk traded bombs before they collided mid-ring. So, everyone was down. Well, except for Ricardo, who climbed the ladder. Punk and Miz then slowly tipped over the ladder and Ricardo took a scary-looking fall off the ladder through a table on the floor. After Ricardo's hard fall through the table, refs immediately checked on Ricardo to ensure he was just selling the fall.
 
After a pause, Miz managed to handcuff Punk to the corner turnbuckle. Miz taunted Punk instead of trying to grab the title, so Punk used his educated feet to deliver a swift kick to the head that floored Miz like a tree tipping over in the woods. Punk couldn't move, though, as Del Rio re-entered the ring. The crowd tried to rally behind Punk, who watched as Miz and Del Rio started climbing ladders.
 
Punk then loosened the middle turnbuckle to escape and all three men found themselves on top of ladders for a final sequence. They traded blows before Punk kicked both heels off the ladders. Miz yanked Punk down, though, only to take a GTS from Punk. Miz was cleared to the floor, leaving Punk and Del Rio in the ring. Punk quickly climbed the ladder and grabbed the title belt before Del Rio could put up a fight. Punk retains the WWE Title. Cole said it's only fitting the Superstar of the Year retains the WWE Title. They went to wide shots of the arena to capture massive chaos and bodies everywhere as Punk stood alone on the ladder. They replayed high points from the match before going back to a final shot of Punk. Cole noted Ryder is the new U.S. champion, Bryan is the new World Hvt. champion, and Punk is still WWE champion. Punk kissed the title belt as they signed off 11 minutes before the top of the hour.
 
WINNER: Punk at 18:25 to retain the WWE Title. A predictable, yet satisfying conclusion to the PPV. It's difficult to make the TLC PPV main event seem fresh or new after matches full of weapons, but they pulled it off. Fortunately, WWE toned down the dangerous spots in this match compared to past editions, but Ricardo's fall was too close for comfort. (***1/2)

[Arcademan]

WWE RAW Results: 12-19-11

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

The camera focused on a cut over Barrett's right eye from the PPV. Barrett, angered, scored with early offense before Orton came back with a hard clothesline and uppercut. Barrett then knocked Orton to the outside to take control leading to an early break.

Back from break, Barrett was still wearing down Orton. Cole noted Barrett believes he has to beat a man of Orton's caliber before he can receive a World Title opportunity. Cole heelishly said he would like to see either Orton or Barrett get a shot at Bryan. Orton made a comeback, but Barrett came back with a Wasteland tease. Orton blocked, though, and delivered a backbreaker. Orton then stalked Barrett for his elevated DDT and connected. Orton went to That Place for the RKO, but Barrett thumbed him in the eye. That was good for a DQ. Cole was quick to point out Barrett used a thumb to the eye last month to beat Orton, so he wasn't going to allow it this time.

Post-match: Barrett put the boots to Orton as the ref reprimanded him. Barrett then picked up the scraps and delivered a Black Hole Slam. Cole said it's now called the Winds of Change. Barrett wasn't done, as he retrieved a table from under the ring. Barrett saw Orton reach his feet, so he gave him a big boot. Barrett then measured Orton for a table spot and delivered Wasteland through the table, folding up Orton like an accordion. Barrett then stood on Orton's chest to put an exclamation point on the post-match attack. As Barrett left the ring, refs checked on Orton. Lawler said knowing Orton, this will come back to haunt Barrett. After a replay of the post-match, they showed Orton crawling on his belly trying to reach out for vengeance on Barrett.

WINNER: Orton via DQ at 8:01. Good follow-up for Barrett's character to re-establish him as a force. It also keeps the feud going and could re-invigorate Orton's character. The crowd reaction wasn't very strong for Orton during the match and this could be a way to return Orton to a strong position after being out of the Smackdown title picture for a few months.

2 -- Divas champion BETH PHOENIX vs. ALICIA FOX -- non-title match

Phoenix came out alone for the contest, similar to at TLC when Natalya did not accompany her. Also, Alicia Fox was without Eve and Kelly Kelly. Before the bell sounded, Beth taunted Fox by holding out her title belt to ask Fox if she wants it. A. Fox executed a neckbreaker into a leg drop and it was good for a shockingly quick win. Afterward, Fox staked her claim for a future title shot.

WINNER: Fox at 0:48.

3 -- SHEAMUS vs. JINDER MAHAL

Sheamus wasn't impressed with Jinder's offense early on, so Jinder offered a more aggressive attack to begin wearing down Sheamus. Sheamus quickly came back with Polish Hammer blows before going up top. He missed with a shoulder block, but landed on his feet and scored with an Irish Curse backbreaker. Sheamus followed with the Celtic Cross for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Sheamus at 1:55. Another fine squash for Sheamus for what seems like the eighth straight WWE show. Can they not find a decent feud for Sheamus post-Christian? Apparently this deal with Jinder is a placeholder until Christian is healthy or until Great Khali comes back or something. It's also worth noting not a single male from the Raw roster was in a match in the first hour.

4 -- THE USOS (JIMMY & JEY USO) vs. EPICO & PRIMO (w/Rosa Mendes)

As the match started, Cole talked up Epico and Primo's failed attempt to win the Tag Titles at TLC. Very quick pace to begin the match, indicating it wasn't going long. They cut backstage to a shot of tag champs Kofi & Evan Bourne watching the match on a monitor. The director continued to focus on Rosa as the heels took their team wearing down Uso. Jey Uso took a hot tag, then the action broke down. In the confusion, Epico dropped Jey with the backstabber for the pin and the win. Cue up Team Rosa's celebration.

WINNERS: Epico & Primo at 2:54. The crowd didn't care for this. Other than the Kane-Cena segment, this show has felt like filler since the opening segment.

5 -- IC champion CODY RHODES vs. SANTINO -- non-title match

Cody took his time dismantling Santino as Cole and Lawler bickered. Santino came back with a hip toss, then teased the Cobra, but Rhodes ducked and hit the Alabama Slam for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Rhodes at 1:25. Santino fulfilled his role as the designated Raw brand enhancement talent. A good, solid, clean victory for Rhodes, although a heel like Dolph Ziggler could have really used this spot.

6 -- WWE champion C.M. PUNK & World Hvt. champion DANIEL BRYAN & U.S. champion ZACK RYDER vs. ALBERTO DEL RIO & THE MIZ & DOLPH ZIGGLER (w/Vickie Guerrero) -- six-man tag match

Bryan and Ryder dumped the heels to the outside one-by-one before Ryder flew over the top rope with a flip dive. Punk followed with a top-rope dive on the heels to get the crowd fired up. The face trio then stood tall in the ring leading to commercial.

Back live, Bryan blasted Miz with a flying kick followed by multiple kick strikes. Miz came back with a DDT, though, for a two count. The heels then isolated Bryan in their corner as Vickie shouted encouragements. Cole reset two minutes before the top of the hour and reluctantly described the new champions involved in the match. He continued to say he's embarrassed to be part of WWE tonight. Bryan fought back on Del Rio, but Del Rio whipped him into the corner and landed a kick to the chest.

At the top of the hour, Del Rio continued the assault on Bryan as the announcers played up the brewing issue between Bryan and Big Show. Bryan then blasted Ziggler with a desperation boot to the face and tagged in Ryder, who flew at Ziggler with quick strikes. Next was the Broski Boot for a two count. Dolph then came back with a dropkick that allowed the heels to regain control of the match working on Ryder. Del Rio then lost control of the match and Ryder crawled across the ring to Punk for a hot tag. Miz also tagged in, setting up Punk vs. Miz.

Punk delivered signature offense before heading up top for a Macho Man elbow drop. Punk made a cover, but Miz kicked out, only to find himself in a submission. Ziggler broke it up, though, and the action broke down after Del Rio legally tagged in. Punk tagged in Bryan, who came off the top with a dropkick to Del Rio. Punk then dropped Miz with a GTS. Miz rolled out of the ring, then Del Rio shoved Punk to the outside. Bryan missed with a kick to Del Rio, then Del Rio appeared to have Bryan positioned for a win, but Bryan came out of nowhere with the LeBell Lock. Cole shouted at Del Rio to escape or someone to break it up, but Del Rio tapped out to Bryan. "You gotta be kidding me!" Cole shouted.

WINNERS: Team Bryan via submission at 13:15. Bryan needed a credible victory, even in a six-man tag, after his MITB cash-in at the PPV last night. He still seems to be positioned as the non-deserving, yet scrappy underdog champion, so it will be interesting to see how this plays out on Smackdown. Overall, a fine six-man tag to close the show. (**)

Post-match: The face trio celebrated with their titles as Cole said he doesn't want to hear about the balance of power shifting in WWE and the dawn of a new era. Punk, Bryan, and Ryder did a victory lap around ringside before Punk stood on the announce table to flash his title belt in Cole's face. The show closed six minutes past the top of the hour with a final shot of Punk in the foreground and Ryder in the background standing tall.

[Arcademan]

ROH TV Results: 12-17-11

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

1 - - ANDY RIDGE vs. EDDIE EDWARDS

Truth Martini came into the commentary booth and said he’s a fan of Edwards. Kelly questioned Truth because he had recently said he was a fan of Richards. Martini told Kelly he was sick of the crap coming out of his mouth. Edwards and Richards exchanged counters and came to a stalemate inside the ring. Edwards backed Ridge into the ropes and nailed him with a chop. Ridge and Edwards began exchanging blows. Ridge finally took down Edwards with a kick, but only got a 1 count. Edwards fired back and locked in a nasty looking arm-capture submission, but Ridge got the ropes. Ridge fired back and hit a series of kicks on Edwards. Edwards countered Ridge and locked in the STF, but Ridge got the ropes. Kelly said he hadn’t seen that move before out of Edwards. Ridge got the ropes to escape the hold and hit a springboard ace crusher for a 2 count a short time later. Edwards got up and caught Ridge with a big clothesline. Edwards followed up with a powerbomb and locked in the dragon sleeper and Ridge immediately tapped.

Winner: Eddie Edwards – The action was solid, but I don’t get why ROH showcases these competitive squashes on television. Ridge got in a fair amount of offense.

2 - - MICHAEL ELGIN (w/Truth Martini) vs. ROH World Champion DAVEY RICHARDS – Proving Ground match

The crowd chanted loudly Richards once the bell rang. Elgin drove Richards into the ropes and offered a clean break. Elgin offered another clean break against the ropes and Richards nailed him with a forearm, but Elgin fired back with a forearm of his own that sent Richards to the outside. Richards took Elgin down and went to work on his legs with a submission, but Elgin got the ropes. After a back and forth exchange, Richards caught Elgin with a dropkick as he came off the ropes and went back to work on him on the mat. Richards charged at Elgin in the corner, but he caught him with a spinning sidewalk slam. Elgin dragged Richards to the outside and drove him into the apron.

Elgin tossed Richards back into the ring as the crowd tried to rally behind Richards. Elgin tossed Richards back to the outside and Martini raked his eyes while Elgin distracted the ref. Back inside the ring, Elgin hit a big slam on Richards for a 2 count. Kelly focused on Roderick Strong and said he was bitter he wasn’t in the title match at “Final Battle.” Richards fired back and hit a dive through the ropes on Elgin and the crowd went nuts.

They came back from commercial break with Elgin and Richards exchanging blows in the ring. They showed footage from the commercial break of Elgin catching Richards and nailing him with a backbreaker while Richards attempted a comeback. Back to live action, Richards hit a kick on Elgin that sent him to the outside. Richards went for a kick off the apron, but Elgin caught him and hit a muscle buster on the outside. Hi, Samoa Joe! Richards slowly climbed his way towards the ring as the ref counted, but he beat the count. Elgin taunted Richards, but Richards spit in his face. Elgin nailed Richards with a kick and then nailed him with a suplex into a slam for a 2 count. Elgin hit a pump-handle slam into a pin for another 2 count, but Richards kicked out and the crowd went nuts. Elgin set up for a powerbomb, but Richards blocked it. Richards tripped Elgin and hit a doublestomp that left both men down as the crowd slammed the ring barriers.

Both men fought up top. Richards eventually won the war and hit a superplex and the crowd stood and cheered. Elgin got to his feet before Richards and Richards looked shocked. Elgin told Richards to bring it after Richards nailed him with a boot. Both men then began exchanging forearms and strikes. Elgin finally took down Richards with a kick to the head that left both men down. There has been some excellent action in this match so far. Both men struggled to get to their feet as the crowd chanted for Richards. Both men exchanged strikes again in the middle of the ring. Richards drove Elgin into the corner with a series of kicks. The announcers said there was only 4 minutes remaining in the time limit. Martini grabbed Richards’s foot from the outside. Elgin went for a suplex, but Richards landed on his feet and hit the alarm clock. Richards took out Martini with a running kick on the apron. He then hit a doublestomp off the top for a nearfall with a little over 2 minutes of time remaining in the match. The crowd roared as Richards nailed Elgin with a kick to the head and locked in an arm bar. Elgin got to his feet and tried to escape, but Richards hung on as Elgin clasped his hands.

Elgin dead-lifted Richards, but got nailed with several Elbows by Richards, who continued to hold onto the arm bar. Elgin stood up and Richards flipped over him and got a sunset flip for the pin.

Winner: Davey Richards

Star rating: (***1/2) – This was an excellent television match. I don’t see the benefit of having Richards have this good of a match on TV leading into “Final Battle,” but these two put on a show and Elgin looked really good in the ring. The crowd was as hot as they’ve sounded on television and the match really picked up pace leading into Richards getting the surprise pin in the end.

[Arcademan]

WWE NXT Results: 12-21-11

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

1 - THE USOS vs. JOHNNY CURTIS & DERRICK BATEMAN - Tag Team Match

On commentary, Striker explains that neither Curtis nor Bateman is going to impress Teddy Long or John Laurinaitis with a personal feud. Isn't that why Wade Barrett is picking in Randy Orton, to get a shot at the top? Jimmy starts the match with a shoulder block and brings in Jey. Striker explains to the audience that the picture Curtis showed was out of context and that Maxine wasn't willing. Jey with a cover for one and brings Jimmy back in. Bateman comes back with a dropkick, but Curtis blind tags in and Bateman looks upset. Jimmy slaps him hard and tags in Jey. Jey with a spinning back elbow, and tries to follow with a side kick, but Curtis catches it and runs him down with a clothesline which gets two.

Curtis with some basic offense. He looks to tag Bateman in, but Bateman drops to ringside and they have an argument. Jey is slowly recovering as Bateman slowly walks away. Curtis turns around into a side kick, and a drop down slap, then Jimmy tags in and they do a double team stinkface. Jimmy drags curtis mid ring, tags Jey, and he hits a huge Superfly Splash across the ring.

WINNERS: The Usos in 4:00. Not a "match," and more of an "angle," but it did what it needed to do.

2 - TRENT BARRETA vs. CURT HAWKINS (w/Tyler Reks)

A bit of a feeling out process until Hawkins takes down Barreta with a shoulder tackle, but Barreta responds with an elbow.

Hawkins clotheslines Barreta out of the ring. Hawkins rolls Barreta back into the ring and puts boots to him and then goes into a side chinlock. Barreta escapes the hold but runs into Hawkin's goofy powerslam which gets a two count. hawkins with another chinlock and Barreta fights out again, but Hawkins trips him and showboats to Striker. Barreta surprises Hawkins as he reenters the ring with a kick then a dropkick. They trade blows until Barreta hits and enziguri then a flying elbow in the corner. Barreta with a running high knee for two.

Barreta cuts off a comeback and sets up for the corkscrew moonsault leg drop, but Reks comes to interfere. Barreta kicks him away but it gives Hawkins the tick to knock Barreta off the rope and smack his chin on the turnbuckle. Hawkins with some nondescript neckbreaker/DDT move for the win. Meanwhile, a sign in the audience says "Tyler Reks Fears Soap." Striker says that Hawkins is probably going to come up with a lame name for his finisher.

WINNER: Curt Hawkins in 5:00. Not a great match, rather bland and boring. These guys need more time to tell a story.

3 - KAITLYN vs. MAXINE

Maxine tries her usual power offense in a lock-up, but Kaitlyn pushes her down. Maxine charges and Kaitlyn responds with an arm drag. Kaitlyn with a kick, powerslam, and a leg drop for two. Maxine comes out of the cover swinging and jumps on Kaitlyns back with a sleeper attempt. Kaitlyn swings her off and catches her at her side and hits a backbreaker for two. Maxine hides in the corner, but when Kaitlyn pursues, Maxine trips her and Kaitlyn faceplants into the turnbuckle.

Maxine is quick to capitalize and smashes her face then chokes her in the ropes. Maxine covers for two and gets frustrated, so she moves to a side chinlock. She does her Sheamus-like punches to the chest. Kaitlyn fights out of the hold, but Maxine hits the ropes, jumps, and lands on Kaitlyn, putting her in a cravat-like hold while wrapping around her like a boa constrictor. Kaitlyn rams her into the corner to escape. Maxine charges, but eats an elbow. Kaitlyn with a dropkick. Maxine shoves Kaitlyn to the mat by the hair, and Bateman appears on the stage calling Maxine's name. Maxine stops for a moment, and Kaitlyn surprises her with a schoolgirl for the win.

WINNER: Kaitlyn in 4:00. These two were a bit off tonight (common theme for the episode it feels like), but the match had potential. They were telling a story of Kaitlyn's power versus Maxine's submission holds, and it was interesting to see Maxine change her typical power offense because she was facing a larger, stronger opponent. Kaitlyn needs to work with Natalya and Beth Phoenix to tighten up her moves a bit.

4 - PERCY WATSON vs. TYSON KIDD

Kidd actually wins an early lock-up, but Watson catches his foot, knocks him down, and then sends him into the corner. Watson with lots of speed offense, and knocks down Kidd. Kidd in the corner and Watson goes to work. Spinning side slam from Watson gets two. Kidd pulls Watson's arm over the rope and kicks him in the head, then follows with an enziguri. Kidd covers for two, then stomps on Watson a bit.

Snapmare from Kidd for two, then a Dragon Sleeper, but Watson gets out and hits a massive flapjack. Watson with a pair of dropkicks and a powerslam. Watson with an overhead throw for two. Watson puts Kidd on the turnbuckle, but Kidd fights the superplex and hotshots Watson on the ropes, then hits a springboard elbow drop for the win.

WINNER: Tyson Kidd in 5:00. It looks like Kidd is experimenting with finishers, as this was what he used during his debut on ECW. Good in-ring story here: Percy Watson was as fast as Tyson Kidd, and had power, but Kidd neutralized the power with submission holds and a high-flying, high-impact move. Watson looked like a star here, especially at the beginning of the match, with his cruiserweight-like speed.

5 - TITUS O'NEIL vs. JTG (w/Tamina)

JTG kicks Titus to start things out, but O'Neil makes a quick comeback. Back and forth in the corner, but O'Neil catches JTG off the ropes, hits a backbreaker and a fallaway slam, then throws JTG through the ropes. JTG suckers O'Neil in on the outside, then hits a series of knees and goes back to the ring. He pulls O'Neil in and continues to beat on JTG. Young starts to bicker with Striker as JTG settles into a side chinlock. Titus runs him into the turnbuckle a few times, then throws him off.

O'Neil runs over JTG with shoulder tackles and clotheslines, then Batista-Up's and hits the powerslam. JTG comes back with a drop down uppercut and a cover for two. Titus follows with the Clash of the Titus for the win.

Post-match: Young channels his inner Booker T with a "you gotta be kidding me," and goes to the steps to distract O'Neil. JTG then grabs O'Neil's leg, and Young throws off the sling to enter the ring and beat up O'Neil. He then hits his finisher on O'Neil

WINNER: Titus O'Neil in 4:00. Another angle instead of a match. This made no sense. Wouldn't Matt Striker, as the "host" with booking ability, want to have word from a doctor about Young's condition?

[Arcademan]

WWE Superstars Results: 12-22-11

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

1 - JUSTIN GABRIEL vs. HEATH SLATER

A few days ago, my wife asked me where "the belly flop guy" was. I didn't know she meant Justin Gabriel until she imitated the way he sells his ribs after the 450 splash. According to Matt Striker, these two are fighting because Slater asked a girl out and she went to dinner with Gabriel instead. The two trade a bit of offense until Gabriel slows it down with an armbar. Slater fights out and they trade some more offense. Slater gets frustrated with his inability to put Gabriel away. The commentary feels really off, like perhaps they scrapped what was taped and replaced it with post-production work.

Slater retains control with his plodding attack. Slater's good at working an audience to get some heat, though. Gabriel finally turns it around and sends Slater tot he outside with a huracarana and Gabriel leaps over the top rope in a flip dive, rolls Slater into the ring and hits a springboard crossbody for two. Gabriel with a side Russian leg sweep and sets up for the 450 Splash, but Slater dodges. Gabriel charges Slater in the corner, but Slater gets a boot up. Slater heads tot he second rope but Gabriel kicks him mid-air and flapjacks him into the ropes. Gabriel with a 450 splash that the cameraman catches right up-close to get the win.

WINNER: Justin Gabriel in 7:00. Slater isn't great on offense, but he can work a crowd. Gabriel's the opposite, his offense looks good but he doesn't pull the audience into the match. It's not a good sign for Gabriel that my wife (representing the casual viewer), who used to really like him, can't even remember his name anymore.

2 - EZEKIEL JACKSON vs. HUNICO (w/Camacho)

Donnie Marlow from FCW was given a name this week - Camacho. Jackson is growing some hair, which makes him look a bit older. Hunico has a great projection of thug-arrogance. Early lock-up, which Jackson wins. Hunico hides in the ropes. Hunico surprises Jackson with a kick to the shin, but Jackson cuts him off. Jackson grabs Hunico's arms, but Hunico uses it as leverage to kick Jackson's chest, then dropkicks a knee. Cover gets Hunico two, but the kickout sends him outside. Hunico goes back to the offense, but a single punch stuns him.

Jackson punches him again, then gorilla presses him up and down to show off, then drops him to the mat. Jackson with a pair of clotheslines in the corner, then the bodyslam sequence. Jackson sets up for a powerbomb, but Camacho distracts Jackson letting Hunico escape. Jackson charges Hunico in the corner, but gets tripped and lands face first into the turnbuckle. Hunico with a springboard mule kick. Jackson rolls into the ring a bit more and Hunico lands his Swanton Bomb finisher.

WINNER: Hunico in 5:00. Hunico looked good, Jackson looked bad. The distraction for the win was a bit typical as far as heel tactics go. Just once, I'd like the face to ignore the distraction with the attitude that a guy on the ringside yelling at him is less important than the person in the ring.

3 - ALEX RILEY vs. MICHAEL MCGILLICUTTY

They have a trial lockup, break, and jaw at each other a bit. McGillicutty controls with an armbar, but Riley reverses into an armbar of his own. McGillicutty gets a rope break. McGillicutty kicks Riley to the ground and beats on him a bit, but Riley lands an arm drag to turn things around. Riley with Ten Punches followed by a faceplant for two. Riley lands a clothesline to turn it around. McGillicutty with feet then rips off Sheamus with clubbing blows while Riley is tied up in the ropes, then pulls Riley through the ropes to land a neckbreaker for two.

McGillicutty with a side chinlock while the crowd chants "We Want Ryder." Riley tries to fight out but McGillicutty with a dropkick for two. McGillicutty with another chinlock. Riley fights out but McGillicutty sends him tot he outside. Riley surprises him with a dropkick when McGillicutty climbs through. Riley with a comeback, ends up with a spinebuster and then the Final Score for the win.

WINNER: Alex Riley in 6:00. Alex Riley is a keeper. His in-ring work is decent with potential for more, and his mic work is good. I don't know what McGillicutty brings to the table - it feels like he went to the JTG school of wrestling, which isn't a compliment.

4 - WWE tag champions AIR BOOM (KOFI KINGSTON & EVAN BOURNE) vs. CURT HAWKINS & TYLER REKS - non-title tag match

Bourne and Hawkins start off. Hawkins makes fun of Bourne's size, but Bourne surprises him with speedy kicks. Bourne with a quick huracarana and tags Kingston in. Kingston with a dropkick for two. Hawkins puts a knee into Kingston to turn it around and brings Reks in. Kingston surprises Reks with a neckbreak, but Reks turns it right around with a bodyslam and blows on the mat. Kingston with punches from the ground to get back in the game, but Reks sends him to the corner and tags in Hawkins. Quick offense and Reks comes back in.

Reks charges, but Kingston with a pendulum kick and a cover for one, dropkick and Bourne tags in. Kingston holds Reks for a double footstomp. Bourne kicks the hamstrings and covers for two. Kingston tags in and they hit a double bulldog. Kingston calls for the Trouble in Paradise but Reks rolls away and Hawkins tries to ambush Kingston, but Kingston throws him over the rope. Bourne and Kingston hit dives off the turnbuckles simultaneously.

Reks back with power offense and slows things down with an armbar. Bourne is looking for a tag as Reks punishes him. Bourne slips out and hits a knee to the jaw, then goes to the top rope. Hawkins moves in to interfere but Bourne jumps to the apron to elbow him off. Reks kicks Bourne as he comes back into the ring. Reks with a grounding offense and tags Hawkins in. Hawkins with a suplex for two. Reks comes back in. More offense and a chicken wing from Reks. Reks with a gutbuster of sorts for two. Hawkins comes back in. Hawkins continues to keep Bourne immobilized and near the corner, and hits his odd bodyslam, which gets two. Reks comes back in. Repeat of an earlier sequence, with Bourne slipping out of a bodyslam and landing a high knee.

Double tag and Kinsgton comes in with his typical hot tag moveset. Hawkins counters the SOS but Kingston comes back with his springboard turnaround high crossbody for two. Kingston with a Superman punch and the Boom Drop. He looks for the Trouble in Paradise, but Reks grabs his leg. Hawkins tries to follow up but eats an SOS. Reks breaks up the pin, then hits Bourne who tries to come in. Bourne lowers the rope when Reks charges, so Reks goes out of the ring. Hawkins runs at Bourne, but gets a kick to the back of the head. Kingston with the Trouble in Paradise, then he tags Bourne, who gets Air Bourne for the win.

WINNER: Air Boom in 10:00. I like the skills of both Kofi Kingtson and Evan Bourne, but they put on the most formulaic tag team matches around. Every cliche is there. It's wearing thin, and if the TV audience saw as much of it as I do on Superstars, an Air Boom match would be the signal to head to the bathroom.

[Arcademan]

WWE Smackdown Results: 12-23-11

1 – CODY RHODES vs. ZACK RYDER

Cody stared at Booker from the ring before Ryder came out. When Ryder made his entrance, they showed a still photo from TLC of Ryder celebrating his US Title win with his father. Cole said Ryder is a fad, like mood rings. Ryder caught Rhodes with a back elbow, followed by a few arm-drags. Rhodes hit the mat and gave Ryder an uppercut, a la his brother Goldust. Cody clotheslined Ryder to the apron, then kicked his knee, sending Ryder to ringside. Rhodes shoved Ryder into Booker, who stayed at the announce table. He gave Rhodes an icy stare as they went to break 2:30 into the match.

Back at 5:55 of the match. Rhodes connected on the Alabama Slam for two. Mathews reminded viewers that he used that move to be Santino on Monday. Nice touch there to mention that. Ryder ran the ropes, but Rhodes ducked a cross-body attempt by Ryder, causing him to get tangled in the ropes. The two men ran into each other, knocking heads. Ryder was up first and began to roll at the 8:00 mark. Broski Boot found the mark for a near-fall at 8:41. Rhodes side-stepped a middle-rope dropkick. Booker all of a sudden said he was in the Holiday spirit and grabbed a mic. He stood atop the announce table and sang “Cody the Red-Nosed Reindeer” with altered lyrics. That distraction allowed Ryder to hit the Rough Ryder for the win.

WINNER: Ryder, at 9:33. It appears the Rhodes vs. Booker feud will continue. Good, even match-up, as it should be between two secondary title holders.

2 – THE MIZ vs. SHEAMUS

Sheamus had to chase Miz around the ring in the opening minute, and Miz caught him and worked the arm. He shoved Sheamus arm-first into the ring post. Cover by Miz for only one. Corner clothesline connected, as did a running boot. Then another. Miz worked over Sheamus in the corner and the referee almost reached five in his count. Sheamus came back with the Irish Curse back-breaker. He set up for the Celtic Cross, but Miz snuck out the back. Sheamus shrugged off the Skull Crushing Finale and hit the Brogue Kick for the win.

WINNER: Sheamus, at 3:02. Surprised Sheamus disposed of Miz so quickly. Sheamus has been running through competition but they don’t see to have much for him or are biding time until Christian returns.

3 – PRIMO vs. KOFI KINGSTON

Rosa and Epico were out with Primo, who was already in the ring. Primo jumped Kofi at the bell and corralled Kofi, landing a side Russian leg-sweep. Primo continued to own the opening minute, sweeping Kofi’s leg and hitting an elbowdrop for two. The tide turned at 1:39 when Primo missed a corner splash. Kofi hit some chops then a dropkick. Top rope cross-body for two. Flip kick by Kingston. A distraction by Epico caused Primo to arm-drag Kofi off the top rope for a near-fall. Primo seemed put off by the fact that he couldn’t pick up the win there. He charged at Kofi, who ducked and hit his finisher for the win.

WINNER: Kingston, at 3:07. Fine match to further this tag-team feud. Primo and Epico have gotten wins, but they were on Superstars – perhaps they need a few wins over Bourne and/or Kingston to legitimize them on Smackdown.

4 – DANIEL BRYAN vs. DOLPH ZIGGLER

Booker didn’t know the title wasn’t on the line here until Cole corrected him. Ziggler attempted a leap-frog and Bryan grabbed Ziggler’s leg in mid-air and took him down. Bryan then applied a surfboard, one of my favorite underutilized moves. Bryan missed a dropkick when Ziggler held onto the ropes, and Ziggler took advantage by kicking away at Bryan. Ziggler proceeded to do sit-ups near Bryan’s fallen body. Bryan grabbed Ziggler’s arm with his feet to attempt the LeBell Lock, but Ziggler got to the ropes. Bryan charged at Ziggler in the corner and Ziggler gave him a drop-toe hold, then an inverted slam for a near-fall. The show went to break at 3:07.

Back at 6:29 of the contest. Dropkick by Ziggler put Bryan back onto the mat. The two men had a mid-air collision when both went for cross-body blocks. At 7:35, Jack Swagger walked to ringside. Bryan back-dropped Ziggler out of the ring. Bryan then hit a suicide dive onto Ziggler. With the ref distracted by Vickie, Swagger ran right over Bryan on the outside. After that took place, Big Show came out to even up the odds. Ziggler applied a sleepr hold but Bryan rolled out. Roll-up by Bryan turned into a German suplex for two. Bryan kicked at Ziggler’s chest. Ziggler tried a Zig Zag, but Bryan awkwardly shoved him off (looks like Ziggler may have come up short on the move) and landed a straight kick to Ziggler’s head. That only garnered him a two-count. Hurricanrana off the top by Bryan, but Ziggler rolled through, then a fameasser for two. Ziggler set Bryan on the top rope, but Bryan slid out between Ziggler’s legs. Back suplex off the top rope by Bryan. Bryan crawled for the cover, but Ziggler put his foot on the bottom rope. With both men down, Swagger tried to attack Show outside the ring. It didn’t work and Swagger entered the ring. Show grabbed Swagger in a choke but Long came out and turned this into a singles match, in a move he said would make everyone happy. I’m not happy.

WINNER: No Contest, about 13:03. Tremendous, tremendous match. Disappointing result.

5 – DANIEL BRYAN & BIG SHOW vs. DOLPH ZIGGLER & JACK SWAGGER

Show was owning Swagger out of break. Ziggler wasn’t enthused when Swagger tagged him in. Show took out his frustrations on Ziggler next. Show slammed Ziggler in the face corner, then asked Bryan if he was ready to finish it. Bryan nodded and tagged in. Lots of hard kicks in the corner to Ziggler. Bryan tried a running dropkick in the corner, but missed and landed on the back of his head. Swagger made the tag and hit the Swagger Bomb for two. Bryan fought out of the heel corner, but Swagger grabbed him and hung him up on the top rope. Ziggler torqued Bryan’s leg while the ref was distracted. Ziggler and Swagger both worked the leg and ankle of Bryan. Ziggler jumped on Bryan’s back and applied the sleeper. He didn’t have it on long as Bryan ran him into the ring post and out of the ring. Ziggler held his knee in pain, even after he went shoulder-first into the ring post. Could’ve been legit hurt, in that case. Show tagged in and kept Ziggler at bay while taking it to Swagger. Swagger hit Show from behind in the leg. Bryan tagged himself in but fell victim to the ankle-lock. Bryan countered with the LeBell Lock for the submission win.

WINNERS: Bryan and Show, 6:54 shown.

Bryan celebrated with the title in the ring while Show looked on from ringside. They showed a few highlights from the one-on-one match, then the tag match. Mathews wished everyone Happy Holidays as they signed off.

[Arcademan]

ROH Final Battle iPPV Results: 12-23-11 (next 2 posts)

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

1 -- MICHAEL ELGIN (w/Truth Martini) vs. T.J. PERKINS

This was all about Elgin's power vs. Perkins's speed and agility, which often intersected with power counters to T.J.'s high-flying offense and quick counters to Elgin's power offense. For the finish, Perkins tried to flip the match formula with a Samoan Drop, but Elgin easily escaped and delivered a buckle bomb into a spinning powerbomb for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Elgin at 7:25. Fine opening match to get the crowd warmed up and continue building Elgin's march to ROH World Title level.

2 -- TOMMASO CIAMPA (w/The Embassy) vs. JIMMY RAVE

The ultra-intense Ciampa tried to get under Rave's skin early on, but Rave acted unfazed. The action then moved to the outside, where Ciampa took control. Back in the ring, Ciampa landed multiple corner knee strikes for a nearfall. Rave came back with a Rave Clash at 7:00 for a close nearfall that nearly ended Ciampa's undefeated singles streak. The crowd chanted, "A-J-Styles," after the move.

Rave went for his finisher, but Prince Nana hopped on the ring apron to distract Rave with an offer to rejoin the Embassy. Chaos ensued with interference from all directions, leading to Ciampa finishing off Rave for the pin and the win. Afterward, Ciampa received Rave's old robe to be coronated as the Embassy's crown jewel. Meanwhile, Kelly wondered what the future holds for Rave after flying 26 hours from India to be part of the show.

WINNER: Ciampa at 8:33.

3 -- TV champion JAY LETHAL vs. EL GENERICO vs. "THE PRODIGY" MIKE BENNETT (w/Maria and "Brutal" Bob Evans) -- ROH TV Title match -- triple threat elimination match

Bennett bailed from the ring to let Lethal and Generico wrestle. Generico teased wrestling Lethal, then jumped to the outside and Lethal joined him to knock Bennett back and forth with right hands. Bennett scampered back into the ring, where Generico and Lethal met him to deliver more offense. Bennett returned to the floor, then G&L delivered dual flip dives to send Bennett crashing into the guardrail. Bennett spent the next several minutes "recovering" on the floor, allowing Generico and Lethal to battle in the ring.

The match moved to the outside, where Bennett threw Maria in harm's way to slow down Generico. Generico, a fine gentleman, gently moved Maria out of the way, which allowed Bennett to cheap-shot him. Back in the ring, a rapid-fire sequence put all three men on the mat. Bennett then scored an apparent three on Lethal, but the ref stopped short and the match continued with all three men. Generico suddenly got a burst of energy for a double-rope splash onto Lethal on the outside, which he followed right up with a suicide dive through the turnbuckle into a tornado DDT on Bennett. Back in the ring, it was only good for a nearfall on Bennett.

Lethal then went up top for a Macho Man elbow drop on Generico for a nearfall. Lethal tried again, but Generico blocked and they battled up top. Bennett broke it up, though, and rolled up Generico from behind with a handful of tights for an elimination at 18:03. Lethal followed right up with the Lethal Injection on Bennett. It was good for a pin and the win moments later. Post-match: Bennett quickly left the ring with Maria and Bob before Generico and Lethal shook hands in the ring.

WINNER: Lethal at 18:17. Excellent work from Generico to accelerate the match leading to the finish and save it from being a disappointment. Bennett is developing as a heel, but not there yet. (**1/2)

4 -- KEVIN STEEN vs. STEVE CORINO -- Jimmy Jacobs special referee -- No DQ match -- Steen reinstated if he wins -- Steen gone for good if he loses

The fight quickly moved to the floor, where Steen delivered a running cannonball splash onto Corino against the ringpost. Suddenly, Corino recovered and flew off the apron with a splash onto Steen. Back in the ring, Corino used a controlled chair strike to the top of Steen's head to subdue Steen, but Steen came back with a big splash once they returned to the floor. Steen's next move was removing a portion of a guardrail cover, which he used to bop Corino in the face.

Next, Steen powerbombed Corino back-first across a chair while the chair was draped across a corner guardrail. Steen had a good laugh, then talked into Nigel's headphones that he's glad to see him again. Kelly said there's a Brian Pillman-like streak in Steen as he went for his next move: a table. Steen wanted a powerbomb through the table on the outside, but Corino blocked with a left-arm lariat. Corino then tossed a trashcan and multiple chairs into the ring. Steen ducked a shot, then blasted Corino with a trashcan lid to the face.

Corino came up bleeding heavily from his left ear, but mule kicked Steen out of desperation to slow down Steen. Corino followed with trashcan shots to the head, then he slammed Steen back-first onto a pile of chairs. Corino followed with a top-rope splash for a two count. The crowd picked up a dueling chant in favor of each man while Corino set up an elaborate chairs and guardrail spot mid-ring. Nigel said this is beyond pro wrestling and could end someone's career or life. They moved up top, where Corino delivered a superplex into the guardrail draped across the chairs. The crowd popped as Corino made a cover, but Steen kicked out, much to Cornette's dismay.

Steen and Corino reset after the nearfall with Steen landing a chair shot across the back. They returned to the top turnbuckle to tease another superplex spot. This time, Steen bit Corino's ear, but Corino hopped off the top turnbuckle, grabbed a lid, smashed Steen in the face, and Steen fell off the top through a table and chairs on the floor below. It took Corino a while to get Steen back into the ring to make a cover, which allowed Steen to kick out in time. Steen then found a burst of energy for a suplex through the seat of a chair, but Corino kicked out.

At 20:00, Steen measured Corino for a final chair shot. Corino spit in his face, which encouraged Steen to deliver a chair shot to the back of Corino's neck. Steen made a cover, but Corino kicked out. Steen wanted another chair shot, but ref Jacobs yanked the chair away from him. In the confusion, Corino retrieved some sort of foreign object to pop Steen in the face with, but Steen kicked out again. The crowd was hushed waiting to see what the final blow would be. Corino set up another set of chairs mid-ring, but Steen punched Corino low, then delivered a Package Piledriver through the chairs. Steen made a cover for a one...slow count....two...Jacobs paused to look at Cornette not wanting to make the final count...three.

Post-match: Steen celebrated by himself, then declared that the devil is back in ROH. As Cornette and Jacobs checked on Corino, Steen said he came here to do three things. (1) Destroy Corino and win his job back. (2) Steen scooped up Jacobs to deliver a Package Piledriver. Nigel wanted to know what #3 is.

Steen stared down Cornette and lifted up three fingers. Cornette begged off, then Steen grabbed Cornette, but El Generico hit the ring to stare down Steen. Kelly noted Generico eradicated Steen from ROH 12 months ago at Final Battle 2010. Generico and Steen fought, with Generico getting the advantage until Steen blocked a top-rope brainbuster attempt. Steen then delivered a Package Piledriver off the apron through the scraps of a table ringside. Generico sold being KO'ed as Steen re-entered the ring to celebrate his return to ROH. To "sell the moment," Nigel dropped his headsets to check on Generico. Kelly recapped Steen returning to ROH as Cornette tried to make sense of what was going on. Cruise requested medical personnel to ringside to check on Generico, who was selling a neck injury. Only one ref seemed to be concerned with Corino in the ring. Kelly then sent the show to intermission.

WINNER: Steen at 23:13. Sick, crazy match that only happens once in a blue moon...and for good reason with too many blows to the head/neck region. As for the wrestlers involved, Steen adds such a strong presence to ROH's roster that has been missing for the past year. Steen is a stand-out, crazed, monster heel that can help drive ROH business on top of the roster going forward. Another round of Steen vs. Generico one year removed from their 2010 feud would not be a bad thing, either.

Continued in next post...

[Arcademan]

5 -- TAG TEAM GAUNTLET MATCH -- winning team receives future Tag Title shot

The Bravado Brothers were eliminated by Caprice Coleman & Cedric Alexander in the opening portion of the match. Future Shock came out next to face C&C. After a nice back and forth match, Alexander found himself trapped in a double-team from Cole & O'Reilly for a pinfall. Coleman & Alexander were eliminated, bringing out the Young Bucks with their cocky attitude. The Bucks dominated Cole & O'Reilly early on before Cole subdued Nick Jackson with nine straight rolling butterfly suplexes. Impressive. The action broke down, leading to the Bucks's double-team More Bang For Your Buck combination for a pin on Cole.

Out last was an injured All Night Express team to face off with the Bucks. Before Kenny King and Rhett Titus even entered the ring, the Bucks met them on the floor. The action eventually entered the ring with the Bucks in control of King as Titus sold on the floor. Titus eventually made it to the ring apron to receive a hot tag and clean house. The action broke down moments later, then the Bucks targeted Titus's injured knee.

For the inish, Matt Jackson slapped on a spinning toehold, Titus screamed in pain, and Nick stood up-top ready to inflict more damage. Titus refused to tap, so Nick came off the top with a 450 splash to the injured knee. The ref then called for the bell to "save Titus" from future injury. After the Bucks won, Nick went back up top for another 450 splash on Titus to add insult to injury. Afterward, Titus was helped out of the ring to continue selling the injury.

WINNERS: Young Bucks at 29:36 to receive a future Tag Title shot. Good ending focusing on the Bucks's resurgence as a heel team and trying to establish more credibility for Titus. The overall match was a bit long and the crowd lost interest at times, but it did spotlight ROH's strong tag division.

6 -- RODERICK STRONG INVITATIONAL CHALLENGE
 
The bell sounded and Truth Martini slowly began counting to ten to give Strong a count-out victory. Martini was almost too entertaining making comments in-between each number. When he hit nine, the Kings of Wrestling music played to bring out Chris Hero to a big reaction making his return to ROH. Strong threw a fit as Hero made his way into the ring. The bell re-sounded to officially start the match.
 
6b -- RODERICK STRONG (w/Truth Martini) vs. CHRIS HERO

Hero blasted Strong with an early boot to the face as Martini complained to Kevin Kelly about not being informed of this development in advance. The match moved to the floor, where Martini snuck in a shot to Hero's face using the Book of Truth. That allowed Strong to take control of the match back in the ring. Strong continued to wear down Hero, including a six-move combination into a Gibson Driver for a close nearfall. This woke up the crowd to get them behind Hero, who nailed a roaring elbow and kick strike for a close nearfall. Hero tried another pin, but Truth Martini ran into the ring to grab Hero's foot. Truth tried to run away, but Hero chased him around the ring. In the subsequent chaos, Hero big-booted Truth, then Strong sick kicked Hero for the pin and the win.
 
WINNER: Strong at 16:37. Although it remains to be seen, this came across like a one-off for Hero based on him putting over Strong, even with the interference. The crowd reacted to Hero's return to ROH, but didn't seem to invest in the match beyond Hero's return. (**1/2)
 
7 -- ROH tag champions CHARLIE HAAS & SHELTON BENJAMIN vs. THE BRISCOES -- ROH Tag Title match
 
The tag champs were still in the ring, now with Mark Briscoe in the ring and Jay limping around on the outside. Shelton went for his Leap of Faith again, but Jay suddenly slipped back into the ring to intercept Shelton with a superkick to a big reaction. Jay and Charlie then came face-to-face for a rapid-fire exchange of blows. After their exchange, Shelton targeted Mark with a splash, but that re-injured his ribs. The Briscoes then went to work on Shelton's ribs with methodical offense.
 
Haas took a tag for the tag champs at 5:00 and mounted an offensive attack in-between insults to the crowd. Haas executed a triple German Suplex combo on Jay, then slapped on the Haas of Pain. Mark tried to break it up with a splash, but Shelton tried to intercept, only to have Mark splash Shelton's ribs. As a result, the ref called for more refs to come check on Shelton. Shelton was taken to the back, leaving Haas alone in the ring with the Briscoes.

The Briscoes couldn't put Haas away, though, and Shelton crawled back to the ring. The ref was bumped during this sequence and Shelton used a 2x4 to crack over the Briscoes. The crowd entertained themselves with a Hacksaw Duggan Hooooo! and U-S-A chant. After this sequence, the Briscoes set up Haas for a Doomsday Device and connected. Cover, three count, and new ROH tag champions.
 
WINNERS: Briscoes at 13:24 to capture the ROH Tag Titles. A tag title change was the only way the crowd was going to be happy with this match after another round of mainstream wrestling booking with a ref bump involved here. Throw in another round of chair shots to the head and an indictment of the booking with the crowd entertaining themselves and this was a disappointing match. Meanwhile, Haas & Benjamin as heels has a good chance to help advance the tag division. (**)
 
8 -- ROH World champion DAVEY RICHARDS (w/Team Richards) vs. EDDIE EDWARDS (w/Dan Severn) -- ROH World Title match
 
Richards dominated the first stage of the match, showing superior fitness and striking. Edwards then took control with submission holds for the next stage of the match. He followed with Bryan Danielson-style repeated strikes to the chest, which only fired up Richards. The two men came face-to-face center-ring for an exchange of blows and strikes. Next was an exchange of headbutts while positioned on the top turnbuckle. Neither man gained the advantage, then the two men suplexed themselves over the top rope clear down to the floor, which drew oohs and aahs from the crowd.
 
The two men re-entered the ring at a 19 count, leading to another mid-ring exchange. Richards got the best of it, then Edwards challenged him with a slap to the face. Another mid-ring exchange of slaps and strikes. The two men were dizzied, then traded suplexes and popped to their feet after each one. They KO'ed each other with kick strikes, then Roderick Strong came down to ringside. Strong picked a fight with Team Richards, then Dan Severn stalked Strong. Severn teed off on Strong before House of Truth came down to ringside. Severn dragged Truth away, then everyone seemed to disappear ringside.
 
In the ring, Richards and Edwards stood up and slowly came face-to-face to get the focus back on them. They traded forearm strikes again before Eddie dropped Richards on the mat with a suplex that seemed to KO Richards. Edwards opted to pick up Richards for a top-rope move instead of making a cover, though. On the mat, Edwards delivered power move after power move, but Richards continued to kick out. Edwards then hit a Tombstone Piledriver into his Diehard suplex, but Richards kicked out just before three.
 
The action reset with the two men back up top. Richards tried a sunset flip powerbomb, but Edwards blocked. Richards regrouped and delivered a top-rope full nelson superplex for another close two count. The fans stomped their feet on the ground before chanting, "R-O-H." The match then moved to the ring apron, where they traded blows again. In the process, Edwards ate the ring apron and fell to the ground. Edwards needed a 19 count to re-enter the ring, then Richards suplexed Edwards onto the ring apron again. Richards asked for a quick count as Eddie struggled to recover on the floor. Edwards made a desperation leap into the ring before 20 and the match continued.
 
They reset again. Richards stood up and glared down at Edwards, who crawled toward him. Richards delivered repeated kick strikes to the head, but Edwards kicked out again. Richards then slapped on an anklelock, but Edwards rolled into a quick two count. Richards went right back to the anklelock, dropped the hold, and kicked Edwards in the head for another two count. Richards then measured Edwards again and said this is over. Richards with a kick, then a roundhouse kick to the head. Richards made a cover and it was good for the three count.
 
Post-match: Richards took a knee next to Edwards to check on his former tag partner. Richards then took the house mic and paced the ring. He said Jim Cornette pulled him aside earlier in the day to make sure they talk each other up after the match. Richards then looked at Edwards to tell him when he's ready to be his brother again, he'll be ready for him.
 
Suddenly, a mocking voice was heard. Kevin Steen walked out on-stage and mocked Richards before calling him a mf'er (unbleeped). Richards had to be held back as Steen continued his promo. Steen vowed to take the ROH World Title from Richards and hold ROH hostage. Steen flipped off Richards before disappearing to the back. Richards then ranted on everyone ringside, wanting answers. Severn returned to check on Edwards as they signed off with Richards and Edwards in the ring after their main event.
 
WINNER: Richards at 41:21 to retain the ROH World Title. Richards vs. Steen could be the type of epic title match ROH needs as a change of pace from the Richards-Edwards series. Not that there was anything wrong with Richards-Edwards, but they have such similar styles that there are only so many "evenly matched, stand-in-the-middle-of-the-ring and trade blows" type exchanges you can have in a 40-minute match before it wears on the audience. (****)

[Arcademan]

WWE RAW Results: 12-26-11

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

1 -- IC champion CODY RHODES vs. BOOKER T -- non-title match

Before the bell sounded, they replayed footage from Smackdown when Booker sang Christmas tunes for Rhodes, causing Rhodes to lose to Zack Ryder. Back live, Cole complained about everything before the bell sounded. Booker teased the scissors kick early on, but Cody ducked and delivered a swinging neckbreaker. Cody followed with an exposed knee to the mid-section, followed by kicks and stomps. Rhodes then dumped Booker to the outside and they cut to break.

Back from break, Rhodes was wearing down Booker in the ring. Meanwhile, Cole and Lawler debated when a wrestler is too old. Lawler said you can be as old as you want in WWE because it's an individual sport, as opposed to a team sport, where an athlete could drag down a team. Rhodes continued to wear down Booker, who then fought out of a corner with blows, but Rhodes responded with a dropkick that floored Booker again. The crowd tried to rally behind Booker, who continued to take a beating.

Booker finally mounted some offense with a corner attack before landing a flying forearm and a series of clotheslines. Booker followed with a sidewalk slam for a two count. Booker got that look in his eyes, then rolled up Rhodes out of the corner for a two count. Rhodes responded with a quick pin attempt, but Booker escaped. Booker then wanted an axe kick, but Rhodes ducked. He then scored with a Disaster Kick that he almost turned into a missile dropkick. Booker kicked out of a pin attempt in time, though. Rhodes tried Cross Rhodes, but Booker blocked and landed a back kick. Booker, sucking wind, missed with a kick, but hit the axe kick moments later. Booker made the cover and it was good for the win.

WINNER: Booker at 12:03. Is Booker retiring for good? They acted like this was Booker's retirement match with Rhodes putting him over to have a feel-good send-off. It will be interesting to see what the fall-out is. Overall, good match that effectively built to a clean finish. (**1/4)

2 -- U.S. champion ZACK RYDER & EVE vs. TYSON KIDD & NATALYA -- mixed tag match

Back from commercial, Tyson Kidd and Natalya were in the ring as the opponents. As the action started, Cole told viewers to mark down July 23, 2012. Cole said that will be the 1,000th episode of Raw. He also noted Cena is coming up soon to address Kane again. After the Divas battled, Ryder took a tag, which also brought in Kidd. The action broke down and Team Ryder delivered stereo Broski Boots. Ryder followed with the Rough Ryder on Kidd for the pin and the win. Post-match: Ryder and Eve fist-pumped for the crowd before Ryder handed his title belt to Eve to hold for a second.

WINNERS: Ryder & Eve at 3:03.

3 -- JOHN CENA vs. THE MIZ

Cena and Miz started this impromptu match-up with some basic back-and-forth feeling each other out. Lawler equated Miz to Cousin Eddie showing up at Christmas uninvited. Great "Christmas Vacation" reference. The crowd picked up a dueling chant for and against Cena, which led to Miz leaving the ring. Miz took the mic and said he's done with this match. the ref was applying a ten count as Miz continued to rant and rave. Miz noted he beat Cena at WrestleMania because all that matters is he beat Cena on the grandest stage of them all. The bell then sounded, indicating a count-out.

WINNER: Cena via count-out at 2:23.

4 -- BIG SHOW vs. DAVID OTUNGA

Otunga tried to run around Show, who trapped Otunga's foot in-between his legs before landing some left arm chops. Otunga continued to run around Show before taking a headbutt. Show then one-handed Otunga over the top rope to the floor. Suddenly, Mark Henry's music played. Henry came out to the ring as Show appeared to escape the knot tied around his arm. Meanwhile, the ref called for the bell, apparently ending the match.

WINNER: Show via DQ at 2:01. There are a lot of moving parts on this show this week.

5 -- WWE champion C.M. PUNK RUNS THE GAUNTLET

In-ring: Justin Roberts introduced a "special" gauntlet match. Roberts set the ground rules for the match before Jack Swagger came out along with Vickie Guerrero. The crowd booed Swagger before Cult of Personality played for the third time tonight. Punk came out to a strong reaction, but not like the opening segment with the law of diminishing returns in-play. Before the bell sounded, Cole advertised Kane in the building later tonight.

5a -- WWE champion C.M. PUNK vs. JACK SWAGGER (w/Vickie Guerrero) -- non-title match

As Punk and Swagger started the action, Cole went back to July when Punk won the WWE Title, walked out of WWE, and began his revolution to change WWE "for good or for bad." Punk scored with a hard kick to the face as Cole went through the timeline of Punk's last five months in WWE. A pro-Punk chant started up as Swagger tried to wear down Punk. Swagger targeted Punk's mid-section before trying a Swagger Bomb, but Punk caught him in mid-air. After teased moves on both sides, Punk delivered a big roundhouse kick to the head that KO'ed Swagger for a three count.

WINNER: Punk at 3:26.

As Dolph Ziggler made his way to the ring to face Punk next, Swagger attacked Punk from behind, targeting Punk's left leg. Ziggler wanted to start the match right away, but ref Scott Armstrong checked on Punk to make sure he could still compete before ringing the bell. Punk nodded his head up and down before they suddenly cut to break.

5b -- WWE champion C.M. PUNK vs. DOLPH ZIGGLER (w/Vickie Guerrero and Jack Swagger) -- non-title match

Back from break, the match was already in progress with Ziggler working on Punk's injured left leg. The crowd to rally behind Punk, who suddenly tried a small package, but Ziggler kicked out. Ziggler then resumed the attack.

Ziggler sat down on a half-Boston Crab as Punk resisted tapping out. Punk crawled and crawled toward the bottom rope before reaching out to break the hold. Ziggler nearly got himself DQ'ed by not breaking until four. Punk, now on his feet, landed right hand blows and chops, followed by a standing back kick and punt to the gut. Punk followed with punishing right leg kicks to the back before delivering another KO kick to the head. This time, Ziggler kicked out. Vickie and Swagger then ran interference, which allowed Ziggler to hit the Zig-Zag for a close nearfall.

Suddenly, Laurinaitis came down to ringside and marched over to the timekeeper's table. Laurinaitis grabbed the mic and said there has been an injustice here tonight. Suddenly, Punk had a cover as Laurinaitis occupied the referee on the mic. Laurinaitis tossed Vickie and Swagger from ringside, which disallowed the ref from counting a three for Punk. Laurinaitis then got on the ring apron to talk to Punk. Suddenly, Ziggler dropped Punk from behind with the Zig-Zag and Laurinaitis stopped talking. Ziggler made the cover for the win.

WINNER: Ziggler at 7:32; Ziggler gets a WWE Title shot next week. A sample of the 15-25-minute match they could have next week to start 2011. It will be interesting to see if Ziggler wins next week, then if WWE uses Ziggler as a transitional champion to get the belt to Cena ahead of WM28 (if Cena vs. Rock will actually be for the WWE Title) so that Cena doesn't take the belt from Punk.

[Arcademan]

I've been gone the last two weeks so for those who want to read the past TV wrestling results, go over to the Neo-Geo Forum's Official WWE Thread. Link's under my signature pic. Thank you.

[Arcademan]

TNA Genesis PPV Results: 1-8-12 (next 3 posts)

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

1 -- X Division champion AUSTIN ARIES vs. KID KASH vs. JESSE SORENSEN vs. ZEMA ION -- X Division Title match -- four-corners elimination match

The bell sounded and Aries mocked the classic slow-clap at a wrestling event before bailing from the ring to let the other three wrestlers battle. Moments later, Kash followed Aries's lead, allowing Sorensen and Ion to trade rapid-fire moves. Kash eventually re-entered for a three-way Tower of Doom spot. Aries then tried to sneak in a pin on all three, but they all kicked out. The action then moved to the floor, where Sorensen nailed a flip-dive onto all three opponents.

Back in the ring, Aries connected with a 450 splash on Sorensen, but Sorensen kicked out, drawing a "Jesse, Jesse" chant. Sorensen then came back with a close nearfall on Aries following a top-rope splash. Kash was eliminated, then the action broke down moments later with the three remaining. Sorensen pulled out a quick small package pin on Ion for the next elimination. Moments later, Sorensen had a pin on Aries, but Ion still had the referee occupied complaining about his elimination. It allowed Aries to kick out of a pin when the ref finally came around to making a count.

Even after the referee dispute, Ion did not leave the ringside area, which allowed Ion to pull Sorensen's foot from the floor as Sorensen was perched on the top rope. It allowed Aries to crotch Sorensen, then deliver an Avalanche Brainbuster, as called by Tenay, to allow Aries to score the pin for the win. Afterward, Ion applauded his work ringside before Aries took a bow with the X Division Title belt.

WINNER: Aries at 10:50 to retain the X Division Title.

2 -- "THE POPE" D'ANGELO DINERO vs. DEVON
 
Pope came out first with Devon's sons, then Devon stormed the ring to begin the fight before the bell sounded. Devon continued the onslaught, included rapid-fire rights as TNA zoomed in to expose the pulled punches. Pope then "inadvertently" bumped the ref into the top rope, causing Devon to be crotched on the top turnbuckle. Pope followed with an assault as the crowd tried to rally behind Devon. Pope included repeated stomps in his attack, drawing Ron Garvin references from the announcers. They cut to a shot of Terrence and Terrell watching ringside as Pope continued the assault.
 
Pope then randomly asked for T&T to enter the ring. The ref told them to get out of the ring, but T&T remained in the ring. They didn't immediately follow Pope's instructions, drawing Pope's ire. Pope then blasted both sons, revealing his true colors. Devon fired himself up Ultimate Warrior-style, then blasted Pope with repeated blows. Devon fired up the crowd, then delivered a powerslam for a nearfall. Pope came back with an uppercut, though, before Devon delivered a flying shoulder tackle for a nearfall. Pope cut off Devon's attack again, though, as they continued to lose a crowd that was hot for the expected finish moments earlier. Pope tried his exposed knees corner finisher, but Devon avoided and delivered a lift-up reverse DDT for the pin and the win. Afterward, T&T slowly re-entered the ring and approached Devon to hug and re-unite.
 
WINNER: Devon at 10:20. They had the "feel-good" finish after Pope showed his true colors, then randomly went to a back-and-forth exchange that took the crowd out of the finish and poured water on a potential hot ending. (*1/4)

3 -- GUNNER (w/Ric Flair) vs. ROB VAN DAM
 
The crowd chanted RVD's name throughout the opening five minutes as RVD regularly exchanged looks with Flair ringside. Also, the PPV feed froze momentarily during the opening. Flair came into play late in the match when ref Earl Hebner became occupied with Flair on the floor. Behind the ref's back, Gunner dropped RVD on the exposed concrete with a DDT, playing off his recent TV matches. RVD sold being knocked out, then Gunner rolled RVD into the ring for a pin and the win. Post-match, Hebner did the "X" signal to bring out referees, agents, and medical personnel to place RVD in a neckbrace and put him on a stretcher. Flair tried to pick a fight with Al Snow and D-Lo Brown before leaving with Gunner. While on a backboard, RVD tried to fight the medical assistance, selling that he did not want to leave the ring in a neckbrace. RVD was stretchered to the back to conclude the segment.
 
WINNER: Gunner at 6:50. With RVD's contract reportedly coming due soon, the injury angle came across like a write-off, but that remains to be seen. Regardless, TNA needs to follow up on TV to continue building up Gunner as an imposing heel.

[Arcademan]

4 -- Knockouts champion GAIL KIM (w/Madison Rayne) vs. MICKIE JAMES -- Knockouts Title match
 
Gail jumped Mickie as the bell sounded to put Mickie's focus on the match, rather than Madison in the cage. Gail then continued the assault as Mickie struggled to make a comeback. When the match moved to the floor, Mickie finally scored some offense before picking up a nearfall back in the ring. The action came to a halt moments later when Madison tossed brass knuckles into the ring from the cage. (That was a little too convenient based on the storyline that Madison did not know in advance she would be in a cage.) After the knucks came into play, the ref reprimanded Madison and Gail, then Madison tossed down another set of brass knucks as the ref turned his back. This time, Mickie grabbed the knucks, used them on Gail, and the ref turned around to see the smoking gun, causing a DQ. Afterward, Velvet consoled an upset Mickie, who slowly walked out of the ring selling frustration.
 
WINNER: Gail via DQ at 6:20. Another non-clean finish for a Knockouts Title match, as expected following TNA's booking pattern.

5 -- ABYSS vs. BULLY RAY -- Monster's Ball match
 
The two men felt each other out with weapons shots that were blocked or no-sold. Abyss finally had enough of the duel and went under the ring to retrieve his trust Janice barbed wire board. Ray saw it, then bailed from the ring and said he was leaving. Ray walked to the back, so Ray followed him to the back. Suddenly, Ray re-emerged and Abyss love-tapped him back down the entrance ramp toward the ring. The crowd was taken out of the match during the disappearance and slow-motion re-emergence.
 
Back ringside, Abyss started bleeding after brushing up against some barbed wire positioned ringside. Abyss shook it off, rolled Ray back into the ring, and went back under the ring to find his bags of fun from the mid-2000s TNA PPV era. Also in-play was a cheese grater, which Abyss drove into Ray's crotchal region. Abyss then went into the bag of tricks to dump thumbtacks on the mat. Abyss tried a tack slam, but Ray low-blowed Abyss to block. Ray went for comedy complaining about the state of his balls following the cheese grater spot, then introduced a table into the ring. Abyss "turned the tables" on Ray, though, with a chokeslam through the table that scored a nearfall.
 
Abyss went back to the outside, where he found two barbed wire boards to toss into the ring. Ray used the break to catch his breath, though, and slam Abyss into one of the boards, drawing gasps from the crowd. Ray made a cover, but Abyss rolled a shoulder to escape the pin. Ray made a sandwich with the other board, then came off the second rope with a splash onto the barbed wire sandwich. Abyss kicked out again, though. Ray then tried to use Janice on Abyss, but Abyss blocked and chokeslammed Ray into the thumbtacks. Ray kicked out of the pin, though, surprising the crowd.
 
Ray recovered moments later and began blasting away on Abyss with Kendo stick shots. Ray took his time in-between shots, though, which allowed Abyss to regain his strength and deliver a Black Hole Slam into one of the barbed wire boards. Abyss made the cover on the board and it was good for a pin and the win this time.
 
WINNER: Abyss at 15:28. Abyss could go 20 years without doing this match and it would still seem like it's too soon. But, if they toned it down two notched, they still could have accomplished the goal of getting over Abyss as a dominant monster. TNA tried to present the match as "fresh" since it's been a while since Abyss has done this type of match, but it still reeks of mid-2000s TNA when Abyss tried to use every stunt in the book to get over. Saving this type of match for a true blow-off in a main event that TNA really builds up on TV and tries to get people to pay money to see would at least be understandable.

6 -- TNA tag champions MATT MORGAN & CRIMSON vs. SAMOA JOE & MAGNUS -- TNA Tag Title match
 
Morgan and Joe started things off. They exchanged aggressive blows, then Joe delivered an enziguiri, but Morgan popped to his feet and delivered a clothesline. After their stalemate, Magnus and Crimson tagged in to have an exchange. Joe re-entered and continued the beating on Crimson. Suddenly, they cut to a split-screen of Abyss and Ray still fighting backstage. The backstage shot was given priority on the screen, rendering the Tag Title match an afterthought in a smaller window. Back to the Tag Title match, the crowd chanted for Morgan as Taz continued to focus on Ray-Abyss, but noting Ray was trending on Twitter.
 
Morgan tagged into the match at 6:45 and threw Magnus across the ring with a fallway slam. Joe then took a back elbow smash and clothesline. Morgan fired up and clothesline Magnus before delivering his signature suplex into a frontslam for a two count. The action broke down when Joe attacked Morgan from behind, then Morgan tried to fight off both challengers. Crimson re-entered and dragged Magnus to the outside, leaving Morgan and Joe in the ring. Joe then took the action to the floor with a flying forearm smash to Crimson.
 
Morgan was left alone in the ring, so Magnus re-entered the ring looking for an attack. But, Crimson KO'ed Joe on the floor, then re-entered the ring for a double-team finisher on Magnus. Morgan made the cover and it was good for the win. Afterward, Morgan and Crimson shoved each other around to celebrate as the challengers slowly walked away from the ring.
 
WINNERS: Morgan & Crimson at 9:25. Tough spot following Monster's Ball. Also, the match-up wasn't favorable with three BA-types and Magnus, whose character hasn't been developed for the audience to care about him right now. The match needed someone to balance the bigger stars so they actually stood out.

[Arcademan]

7 -- KURT ANGLE vs. JAMES STORM
 
Once the bell sounded, Angle bailed from the ring to frustrate Storm and avoid another quick pinfall loss like in their first match-up. After a brief back-and-forth, Angle bailed again, so Storm attacked him on the floor and high-fived the ringside fans. Back in the ring, Storm delivered ten punches in the corner, but took his time working on Angle, which allowed Angle to find an opening to start attacking Storm. As Angle wore down Storm, the announcers talked up Angle's 2012 Olympics quest and hardcore training regiment.
 
After Storm teased a comeback, Angle delivered his trademark trio of German Suplexes. He then went up top to deliver a top-rope moonsault for a two count. Angle took too long to follow up, allowing Storm to hit a DDT for a nearfall. Angle came back with an Angle Slam, but Storm kicked out. The crowd wasn't reacting much to the nearfalls here. Angle tried to get the crowd involved by mocking Storm's superkick warm-up, but Storm blocked a superkick and delivered a cutter for a two count. Storm went up top, blocked Angle's attempted overhead toss counter, and delivered an elbow drop for a nearfall.
 
Storm tried a superkick for the decisive blow, but Angle pulled ref Hebner in the way, then delivered a low blow in the confusion. Angle followed with a kick to the face and made the cover for the win. Post-match: Angle had a conversation with ref Hebner before leaving the ring flashing a big, heelish smile. Storm checked his jaw as he recovered, then Tenay and Taz recapped a video replay of the match. Afterward, Angle celebrated on the stage while Storm sternly matched eyes.
 
WINNER: Angle at 13:44. Fine singles match to continue the Storm-Angle program and keep Roode and Storm away from each other in the title picture. Angle is definitely (and smartly) not taking many risks in the ring to preserve his Olympics push and overall career at his age. He's good enough to where he can get by with a perfectly fine match.

8 -- TNA World Hvt. champion ROBERT ROODE vs. JEFF HARDY -- TNA World Title match
 
The match moved to the floor early on. Hardy cleared out the front row fans, then delivered a flying leg splash to Roode, who was leaning against the guardrail. Back in the ring, Roode crotched Hardy on the top turnbuckle, then began working over Hardy's leg/ankle. Roode continued the assault as the crowd tried to rally behind Hardy. Roode's cockiness caught up to him, as he mocked Hardy's top-rope pose before missing with a top-rope move. Roode was the first man to his feet, but Hardy blasted away with right hands followed by a back drop. Hardy delivered signature offense, but Roode came back with a spinebuster for a close two count.
 
At 15:00, Roode measured Hardy for a top-rope suplex, but Hardy blocked and face-planted Roode down to the mat. Hardy tried to follow with a Swanton Bomb, but Roode rolled to the floor to avoid Hardy. Roode tried to leave and he grabbed his title belt, but Hardy chased him down on the ramp and hit Roode from behind. Hardy ran Roode down the ramp into the ring, then the ref sort of stumbled around, allowing Roode to cheap-shot Hardy on the way back into the ring. Roode followed with a Fisherman Suplex with a bridge pin, but Hardy kicked out.
 
Hardy came back with a Twist of Fate and Whisper in the Wind, but Roode kicked out in time. The crowd chanted Hardy's name as Hardy measured Roode for another Twist of Fate, but Roode escaped and slid out of the ring. Roode asked for his title belt again, but Hardy chased him down again. Back in the ring, Hardy ducked a belt shot, then the ref broke up a Twist of Fate that would have sent Roode into the title belt, then Roode tried a quick roll-up with his feet on the ropes, but the ref saw it and stopped it. Quick sequence there.
 
Roode and Hardy reset with the two men standing inches away from each other. The ref was standing very close to them, which signaled what Roode was about to do: kick the ref in the crotch. Ref Hebner dropped to the mat as Hardy hit the Twist of Fate, then called for the bell for a DQ as Hardy was preparing for a pin. The verdict was announced as the crowd chanted for Sting to rectify the situation. Didn't they learn last month that Sting leaves before the main event?
 
Post-match: As Hardy's music played, Hardy went up top for a Swanton Bomb to "send the crowd home happy." Hardy then threw down the title belt onto Roode before doing a victory lap. Ringside, Hardy angrily yelled into the ring, where Roode was shown clutching his title belt. Hardy did a final victory lap and left the ringside area. "Dammit, Bobby Roode did it again," Tenay said to close the PPV. Tenay added that Hardy should be the champ and they signed off 12 minutes before the top of the hour.
 
WINNER: Hardy via DQ at 19:43; Roode retained the World Title. They seem to be building to a No DQ steel cage match to give Hardy a fair shot at the title. The match was okay-to-acceptable for a PPV main event with good heat on the final five minutes after the Ray-Abyss match hurt the crowd for the rest of the show. As for the outcome, TNA runs the risk of the wrong heat on the promotion for booking another non-clean main event finish (which is one reason why they can't get discerning viewers to spend money on the PPVs), but this crowd was into the story thanks to Hardy's popularity and the slow development of Roode's heel persona as champ. (**1/4)

[Arcademan]

WWE RAW Results: 1-9-12

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

1 -- SHEAMUS & SANTINO vs. WADE BARRETT & JINDER MAHAL

Santino took the initiative to start the match for his team, and was quickly knocked down to size by the heel team. Sheamus took a tag at 2:00 and cleaned house, including a Brogue Kick to Mahal. He didn't make a cover, though, and brought in Santino, complete with Cobra sock puppet. Santino warmed up the Cobra and popped Jinder in the face, securing a pin for the win.

WINNERS: Sheamus & Santino at 2:54. WWE just can't figure out whether Mahal can be built up as a legitimate heel threat or if he's just a comedy heel with no credibility. Friday on Smackdown, they'll want people to be interested in Sheamus vs. Mahal, but no one will take him seriously after this loss. More of that odd Smackdown booking on Raw.

2 -- World Hvt. champion DANIEL BRYAN vs. WWE tag champion KOFI KINGSTON -- non-title match

The two champions cut a quick pace early on before exchanging rapid-fire pinfall attempts. This is definitely not going long. Kofi went for a top-rope cross-body splash, but Bryan intercepted and slapped on the LeBell Lock. Kofi fought the hold momentarily, but tapped out. Bryan jumped out of the ring and hopped on the announce table to celebrate like he just won the Super Bowl. Lawler, the babyface announcer, talked up Bryan's victory while Cole, the delusional semi-heel announcer, continued to knock Bryan.

WINNER: Bryan via submission at 1:21. Apparently this was supposed to be a "credibility-boosting" victory for Bryan, but Kofi deserves better.

3 -- BRODUS CLAY vs. CURT HAWKINS

Clay looked like a combination of Colt Cabana and Dusty Rhodes gyrating and strutting around the ring in his bright red singlet. Clay was mic'ed for sound, too, as he called his spots dominating Hawkins. Clay delivered his big chest bump finish for the pin and the win, prompting Lawler to say Hawkins was just squashed. Afterward, Clay's funk music played again and he danced with the dancers to celebrate.

WINNER: Clay at 1:07. One of those segments specifically designed to get something to trend on Twitter. I just don't know what to say right now.

4 -- WWE champion C.M. PUNK vs. JACK SWAGGER (w/Dolph Ziggler and Vickie Guerrero) -- non-title match

Right on cue, WWE flashed a big graphic on the screen noting "Brodus Clay" is currently the #1 worldwide trend on Twitter. In the background, Laurinaitis was busy texting on his phone rather than watching the match and Cole noted he wants to know who Laurinaitis keeps texting. Also in the background was a fan sign reading, "Mr. Belding for Raw GM." After a few minutes of back-and-forth, Swagger dumped Punk to the outside. Ziggler thought about a cheap-shot on Punk, but Laurinaitis looked up from his phone and casually stepped in front of Ziggler to sell impartiality. Moments later, Punk turned the tables with a suicide dive on Swagger on the outside. They cut to break with Punk in control.

Back live, Swagger and Punk were trading blows. Cole plugged Chris Jericho on the show tonight before they recapped Clay's return and noted Cena faces Ziggler tonight, but Kane is lurking around. Punk built some offense before delivering a high knee in the corner. Swagger blocked the follow-up bulldog, though, and delivered a Swagger Bomb for a two count. The crowd rallied behind Punk, who blocked a second Bomb with boots to the face. Swagger then countered a flying press attempt with an impressive turnaround bodyslam for a two count.

Swagger slowed down the pace and talked trash to Punk before setting up for his gutwrench powerbomb finisher, but Punk escaped. Punk then walked into a belly-to-belly slam for another nearfall. Vickie pounded the mat to tell Swagger to follow up. Swagger tried to follow up with a superplex from the top turnbuckle, but Punk blocked, then delivered a top-rope Macho Man elbow drop. Punk covered, but Swagger kicked out. Suddenly, the bell sounded. Apparently they're calling it a three count.

WINNER: Punk at 13:51. This was the best they've made Swagger look in months. The only problem was the finish was pretty bad trying to get over the Laurinaitis Referee angle heading to the Rumble.

5 -- JOHN CENA vs. DOLPH ZIGGLER (w/Vickie Guerrero)

Ziggler scored with an early Rocker Dropper for a nearfall. Ziggler continued the assault as Cena tried to cover up. Ziggler then slapped on a headlock and "showed off" by doing a headstand while working the hold. Cena broke free with a side suplex, but Ziggler cut him off again and tried to "show off" some more. Cena took advantage of Ziggler's cockiness to begin his comeback routine. Suddenly, they cut to the parking garage, where Ryder was still changing the tire. Kane then attacked Ryder and slammed him into the car. Cena was watching this as Ziggler slapped on a sleeperhold from behind. They cut to the loading dock again, where Kane chokeslammed Ryder to the area below. They tried to make it look like a big fall, but it was about a two-foot drop since Ryder's head popped up after his "fall." The worn-out crowd barely reacted.

Back live, Cena escaped Ziggler's ringside attack, then ran toward the back. They cut to a shot of Vickie trying to get Ziggler back in the ring for a count-out win, but Cole called the whole thing a mute point. They cut back to Cena looking for Kane, who found Cena near the loading dock and drove his fist into Cena's mouth again. The camera showed Ryder flat on his back below the loading dock. Once Kane released his grip on Cena, they showed Cena selling unconsciousness and Kane breathing heavily to conclude the show.

WINNER: No Decision when Raw ended at 6:21.

[Arcademan]

Big names announced for 2012 WWE Hall of Fame including Horsemen

Prior to WWE Hall of Fame tickets going on-sale this weekend, WWE announced Edge and the Four Horsemen as the "main event" 2012 HOF inductees during Monday's Raw.

Most notable is WWE advertising TNA's Ric Flair for the ceremony along other Four Horsemen members Arn Anderson, Tully Blanchard, Barry Windham, and manager J.J. Dillon.

Edge's induction will come just short of one year after his retirement from pro wrestling following last year's WrestleMania.

Although not mentioned during Raw, Mil Mascaras was the first 2012 Hall of Fame inductee revealed last year.

[Arcademan]

WWE NXT Results: 1-11-12

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

1 - ALICIA FOX vs. MAXINE

Maxine starts strong and sends Fox into a corner. They push each other around and Fox does a split to duck a running Maxine, but Maxine grabs the ropes and puts knees into Fox's back. Fox with a take down, but Maxine puts a boot to her stomach, then a big boot for a pair of one counts. Maxine forces Fox to the corner and puts shoulders to Fox. Meanwhile, he announcers announce that next week is the marriage of Maxine and Johnny Curtis. Maxine does a jump over a charging Fox, and lands on top of Fox to apply a Dragon Sleeper with a leg wrap-around. Fox manages to get out, then Maxine tries to roll up Fox, but Fox rolls through for the pin.

WINNER: Alicia Fox in 4:00. Fox landed a total of three or four strikes in the whole match, as Maxine just dominated her. Maxine is substantially shorter than Fox, yet looked like a total powerhouse and held up her end of the deal very well.

2 - TRENT BARRETA vs. TYLER REKS (w/Curt Hawkins)

Reks with a boot and punches to start things off, quickly dominating the smaller Barreta. The Regal/Striker pair is proving its value - when Striker sets up the typical "speed versus strength" match formula, Regal (rightly) points out that Reks is very quick and may negate Barreta's speed with his own. Barreta with a dropkick and a back elbow, and goes to the top, but Reks rolls away. Reks consults with Hawkins outside the ring, but Barreta nails a flip dive to take them both out.

Barreta comes into the ring, only to eat a big boot from Reks for two. Reks stomps on Barreta, then DDTs him into the turnbuckle. Reks continues to ground Barreta, but Barreta rolls away from a knee drop. Barreta with chops and a kick, but Reks clotheslines him down for two. Barreta gets boots up on a charge, then tries a corkscrew moonsault leg drop, but Reks moves out of the way. Reks tries the Burning Hammer, but takes too long, and Barreta slips out and gets Reks with a backslide for the win.

WINNER: Trent Barreta in 6:00. Good match. Regal and Striker are doing an amazing job at elevating the talent and calling the matches properly.

3 - THE USOS vs. TYSON KIDD & JTG - Tag Team Match

Tyson Kidd and Jimmy start the match, and Kidd immediately slaps on a headlock. Jimmy fights out and slaps Kidd down. Jey tags in and they tag team him for a two count. Kidd with a jawbreaker and tags in JTG, who eats fist, then a Northern Lights suplex with a bridge for two. Jimmy comes back in, then Jey is back. Jey clears Kidd from the apron, but JTG takes advantage. Kidd and JTG tag team on Jey in the corner for a bit while Striker and Regal play up Kidd's kicks.

Jey fights out and lands a spinning back elbow. Double tag out and Jimmy runs over JTG and lands a Samoan drop and the stinkface, but Kidd breaks up the pin. On the floor, Kidd with a suicide dive, but Jey counters with a mid-air Samoan drop. Yikes! Back in the ring, Jimmy charges JTG in the corner and eats an elbow. JTG then takes a superkick to the chin when he tries an axe handle from the top rope, which is good for the win for the Usos.

WINNERS: The Usos in 6:00. Top-flight tag team match - good pacing and they avoided most of the typical tag team formulas, with lots of back and forth.

4 - ALEX RILEY vs. JOHNNY CURTIS (w/Maxine)

Curtis takes Riley down, but Riley responds with an armdrag. Curtis heads outside the ring to hold on to Maxine and get some encouragement. Curtis takes down Riley on his way into the ring and dominates Riley with power. Riley with an STO to get separation and some moves of his own, but Maxine distracts him for a moment, letting Curtis slip in a brainbuster for the win.

WINNER: Johnny Curtis in 3:00. Fast match, but I liked what I saw. Curtis looked really good and Riley always does.

[Arcademan]

TNA Impact Wrestling Results: 1-12-12

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

1 – TNA tag champions MATT MORGAN & CRIMSON vs. ROBBIE E & ROB TERRY -- non-title match

Terry and Crimson started the match. Terry hit a shoulderblock and immediately tagged out. After being shoved, Robbie E. tagged out, but was then tagged back in after Terry shoved Crimson. Morgan was tagged in after Robbie E. was taken to his corner. Morgan hit the repeated elbow strikes on Robbie, then hit a Carbon Footprint on Terry. Crimson and Morgan double chokeslammed Robbie to get the pinfall and close out a quick match.

WINNERS: Morgan & Crimson in 2:00.

2 – WINTER (w/Angelina Love) vs. ODB (w/Eric Young)

ODB started the match with a chestbump, knocking down Winter. She then charged Winter in the corner, but missed. Winter got her in the tree of woe and choked her while in position. She then got ODB in a headlock, and ODB shoulderblocked her after being tossed to the ropes. She then hit a Bronco Buster after tossing Winter into the ropes, followed by a fallaway slam after she got up. Angelina Love got in the ring, but Eric Young picked her up and got her in an airplane spin. ODB then hit a TKO on a dazed Winter to get the pinfall.

WINNER: ODB in 3:00.

3 – KURT ANGLE vs. JAMES STORM - #1 contender's match for the World Hvt. Title

The match began with Storm backing Angle into a corner and striking away. He then took him corner-to-corner with head smashes. Storm then tossed Angle to the outside, and smashed his head on the stairs. Angle got away from Storm and got control with a gut punch. The match went back inside the ring and Angle stomped away. Storm got control after a reverse Irish Whip into an elbow to the jaw. Angle went outside and Storm followed, but Angle hit a belly-to-belly suplex. At this point, the show went to a commercial break.

As the match resumed, Angle was stomping Storm in the corner. The taunting by Angle continued as he continued to stomp away on Storm. Storm tried to build momentum, but was brought down by a hard uppercut by Angle. After an Irish Whip, both attempted a crossbody, but hit each other and they went down. The two got up and Storm built offense with two clotheslines and a double knee backbreaker. Storm also pulled on a generic backbreaker before setting up for an Anklelock. Angle countered, though, and hit an Angle Slam, but only got a two count. In frustration, Angle grabbed Storm’s beer bottle and took a drink. He then spit beer in Storm’s face and hit a superkick, but only got a two count again. Storm recovered and hit Angle with a double knee jawbreaker, followed by superkick of his own and got the pinfall.

WINNER: Storm in 11:00.

4 – TNA World Hvt. champion BOBBY ROODE vs. JEFF HARDY -- TNA World Title match

Hardy nailed Roode with a baseball slide as he was on the outside during introductions to begin the match. Hardy then continued the attack by slamming Roode’s face into the ringpost and the stairs, and a catapult into the post as well. The match was taken inside and Hardy stomped Roode in the corner. After dragging him out, he hit a short-arm clothesline followed by a front suplex. As he clotheslined Roode onto the outside, the show cut to a commercial.

The match resumed with Hardy repeatedly punching and kicking Roode on the outside. He then forced him into the steel steps, and set up for a spot while Roode was on the rail. Hardy went for a diving legdrop, but crashed and burned intensely. He beat a count-out by the last second, but Roode began the attack. After a headlock, Roode hit a rolling neck snap.

The champion taunted the fans while Hardy was down, but Hardy got control with a jawbreaker, followed by a Russian legsweep and double legdrop. Hardy then executed the Whisper in the Wind, but only got a two count. Roode then countered a Twist of Fate with a Double R Spinebuster. Hardy then hit the Twist of Fate after countering a vertical suplex. He went for a Swanton Bomb, but missed. Roode cradled him, but only got a two count. Hardy then gained momentum after getting to his feet and hit another Twist of Fate. He then executed the Swanton Bomb and went for a pinfall. As the ref was about to strike three, Bully Ray pulled the ref out of the ring.

WINNER: No Contest in 9:00; Roode retained the World Title.

[Arcademan]

WWE Superstars Results: 1-12-12

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

1 - YOSHI TATSU vs. WADE BARRETT

Barrett wins an early lock-up, but Tatsu gets some kicks in exchange. Tatsu with a spinning heel kick from the corner, but Barrett yanks him off the rope and mounts him to start a period of domination. Barrett knees Tatsu out of the ring completely, then rams him into the apron. Barrett rolls Tatsu in for a two count. Barrett settles into a chinlock. Tatsu rallies the crowd, but Barrett knees him. Tatsu puts Barrett into the corner and lands some chops and kicks. Tatsu with a running knee and the Shining Wizard for two. Tatsu calls for the end, but Barrett kicks Tatsu's knee, another kick, and the Winds of Change side slam for the win.

WINNER: Wade Barrett in 4:00. Squash match to help get Barrett's finisher over, but the match was good for a squash.

2 - WWE tag champion EVAN BOURNE vs. MICHAEL MCGILLICUTTY

McGillicutty actually gets sent to the corner by the petite Bourne, and then arm-dragged into the center of the ring. McGillicutty blocks a second arm drag and moves to ground Bourne, but Bourne attacks the hamstrings with kicks. McGillicutty actually hits a springboard sunset flip, but Bourne rolls through and lands a double foot stomp on McGillicutty's shoulders for a two count. McGillicutty on the attack again. Elbow drop gets McGillicutty two, then he cuts off Bourne's comeback attempt. Bourne with a running huracarana, dropkick, and high knee to regain control. Bourne with a jumping side kick for two. Bourne looks for Air Bourne, but McGillicutty keeps him from going up top. McGillicutty sends Bourne to the outside.

McGillicutty with a chinlock out of the break, and he gets in some blows for two. Dropkick gets another two count. McGillicutty with offense from the ringside area, but he doesn't get all the way into the ring when making the cover. Bourne starts a comeback, but walks into a drop toe hold putting McGillicutty back on top. Bourne reverses a suplex for a two count. He's finally able to mount a full comeback. Double knees from across the ring gets Bourne a nearfall. McGillicutty with a Saito suplex for two. Bourne lands a roundhouse to the head from the apron, hits the turnbuckle, and nails Air Bourne for the win.

WINNER: Evan Bourne in 9:30. McGillicutty got in about 90 percent of the offense here, which is par for the course of a Bourne match, but the match was really slow. McGillicutty needs to add some more signature moves, and the pacing he prefers is better suited for someone much larger than him. He also needs to change his look; with the backwards cap and the beard, I think of Ben Roethlisberger every time I see him.

3 - KELLY KELLY vs. BRIE BELLA (w/Nikki Bella)

Kelly with a quick flurry of offense, but a distraction from Nikki gives Brie an advantage. Kelly chokes Brie in the ropes, then clears Nikki from the apron, giving Brie a chance for offense. Brie with lots of offense on Kelly's arm in the ropes. Cheap shot from Nikki lets Brie get a two count. Brie with an armbar that bends Kelly halfway over, then she mocks Kelly's butt-shaking, so Kelly gets a schoolgirl for one.

Brie right back with offense. Brie knees the arm some more and Kelly starts to cry, leading to a two count. Brie gets a pair of additional covers for two. Kelly with a monkey flip, then a Thez Press from the top turnbuckle, followed by her head scissors takedown. Bulldog from Kelly, the butt rub in the corner, and the handrping back splash. Nikki switches in, plants Kelly face-first into the turnbuckle, and covers with legs on the ropes for the win.

WINNER: Brie Bella in 5:00. What I like about the Bella Twins is that they are always doing different things in the ring; it really feels like they are working hard to be better wrestlers. I also think it's hilarious that their "finishing move" is to land an ordinary move from a fresh wrestler and somehow get the pin.

[Arcademan]

WWE Smackdown Results: 1-13-12

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

1 – JUSTIN GABRIEL vs. HEATH SLATER

They showed Hornswoggle beating Slater in an over-the-top challenge last week, and Gabriel making the save when Slater tried to attack Horny. This was shown during Slater’s entrance. The announcers talked about these guys being former tag champs and members of Nexus. Slater with a kick to the face, then a clothesline. Headscissors take-over by Gabriel, followed by an arm-drag. Back-and-forth action early on, with Slater hitting a neck-breaker for a near-fall at 1:26. Jumping back kick by Gabriel, but Slater met him with a spinebuster for another two-count. As Slater went to the top rope, Hornswoggle’s music played. He came from under the ring and distracted Slater. Gabriel kicked Slater off the top rope and hit the 450 splash for the win.

WINNER: Gabriel, at 2:48. Either man could’ve used the win, so no complaints here (other than the obvious with Hornswoggle’s involvement).

2 – CODY RHODES vs. EZEKIEL JACKSON

Jackson tried to suplex Rhodes into the ring after he ended up on the apron, but Rhodes landed on his feet (sort-of) and DDT’d Jackson for two. Cole made fun of Booker for much of this match on commentary. Jackson fired back with some power moves and whipped Rhodes hard into the corners. Body shots by Jackson followed, and Mathews added a layer to the story of this match by saying Rhodes beat Jackson for the IC Title five months ago. Jackson countered the Beautiful Disaster kick, but Rhodes sent Jackson into the buckle with a drop toe-hold. Beautiful Disaster kick connected, then Cross Rhodes for the win.

WINNER: Rhodes, at 2:16. Not much to say here other than a solid win for Rhodes after a so-so promo.

3 – DREW MCINTYRE vs. TED DIBIASE

Before the match could start, Hunico and Camacho wheeled out on their bike. DiBiase was distracted and McIntyre gave him a big boot, getting a two-count just 0:07 into the match. DiBiase was then sent to ringside while Hunico and Camacho joined the announce team. Suicide dive by DiBiase. The two brawled outside the ring, but McIntyre got the advantage back in the ring. Hunico sounded out of breath for some reason. DiBiase got a boot up on a corner charge and connected on a flying knee then a clothesline for two. Right hand by McIntyre caught DiBiase coming off the second rope. Only a two count on the pin. Camacho said Hunico saved his life in the barrio, which is how they know each other. McIntyre and DiBiase fought on the top rope, with McIntyre ending up getting crotched on the ropes. DiBiase took advantage of his dazed opponent and hit Dream Street for the win.

WINNER: DiBiase, at 3:46. With the heels at ringside, I thought McIntyre would get his win here.

4 – SHEAMUS vs. JINDER MAHAL

During Sheamus’s entrance, they showed clips of the segment from last week, where Mahal put the Camel Clutch on Sheamus. So, are they just ignoring Mahal getting squashed by Sheamus and Santino on Raw? Mahal did mic work on the way to the ring, saying he’s most dangerous when he’s the least expected. Sheamus went after Mahal with shots to the torso, but before he could hit the High Cross, Mahal fled to ringside. Sheamus went after him and took Mahal down with a shoulder-block. Back in the ring, Mahal brought Sheamus down throat-first over the top rope. Running knee by Mahal took Sheamus down. Cole somehow tried to argue that it was near “impossible” to win the Royal Rumble by coming in at number 30. He didn’t bother to explain that fact, and no one called him on it. Sheamus fought out of a Mahal rest-hold and went to the top, connecting on a shoulder-tackle. Brogue Kick right to the face. That ended it.

WINNER: Sheamus, at 3:56. Not a surprising result by any stretch, but at least Mahal gets experience with a top guy.

5 – DAVID OTUNGA vs. SANTINO MARELLA

Double-leg take-down by Marella on Otunga as the match began. Roll-up by Marella for two. Otunga stomped away on Santino, then hit an elbowdrop. Rear chin-lock applied by Otunga. Missed charge by Otunga led to Marella going back on offense. Marella pulled out the Cobra after a diving headbutt. Otunga blocked the shot and gave Santino his finisher for the win.

WINNER: Otunga, at 2:00. Now THAT was a surprising result. I had no idea what Otunga’s finisher was before this match because I can’t remember the last time he won a singles match.

6 – “FUNKASAURUS” BRODUS CLAY vs. TYSON KIDD

Yes, Clay’s theme is now available on iTunes. Clay charged at Kidd with a running headbutt to take Kidd down. His next move was a diving cross-body, a blink-and-you-missed-it match.

WINNER: Clay, at 0:13. The most disappointing part? No Clay trash talk during the match.

7 – NATALYA vs. TAMINA

No entrance again for Natalya. Slap to the face by Nattie, then a standing suplex by Natalya. The announcers once again emphasized the women’s famous fathers. Samoan Drop by Tamina, who then headed to the top rope. Superfly splash finished it for the second week in a row.

WINNER: Tamina, at 0:57. I understand WWE’s reason for shortening most Divas matches, but when you have at least one worker in the match in Nattie who could carry things, I wonder why they don’t bother to go at least a minute.

8 – THE BIG SHOW vs. DANIEL BRYAN - NO COUNT-OUT, NO DISQUALIFICATION MATCH FOR THE WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

After Bryan got to the ring, A.J. walked to ringside. Garcia handled formal ring introductions. Booker said the World Title has changed Bryan, while Cole said he doesn’t think Bryan has changed all that much. Show turned a handshake into a press slam. Hard slap to the chest of Bryan, then a beal out of the corner. Bryan went off the top rope, but Show speared Bryan in mid-air. Show went for a cover, but Bryan was underneath the ropes. Bryan rolled to ringside as they went to break at 1:54.

Back at 4:49 of the match, with Show taking the beating to Bryan in front of the announce table. Bryan grabbed a chair and whacked Show several times with it. Cole reminded viewers than pinfall or submission has to take place inside the ring. Show grabbed the chair and Bryan’s eyes became wide as he saw Show wielding the weapon. He slowly entered the ring with it, but before he could, Bryan dropkicked him off the apron and back to ringside. Bryan grabbed the chair and continued to hit Show with it until Show kicked him. Back in the ring, Bryan kicked at Show’s chest but Show chopped Bryan in his already-red chest. Dropkick to the leg by Bryan took Show to the mat. Cover got only one. More chairshots from Bryan, then a DDT on the chair. Cole said it was that move that helped Bryan win the title in the first place. Booker said it was a bigger man who performed the move before, though. I don’t recognize these announcers, making such cogent points!

Show went for a chokeslam, but Bryan slipped out and grabbed a chair. Show punched through it so Bryan went again to ringside. Show knocked him down and began undressing the announce table. Show wanted a chokeslam through the table but Bryan kicked out and hit Show in the back with more chairshots. Bryan tried to jump from the apron onto Show, but Show slapped him in the chest once again. Bryan tried to run and Show chased after him. Bryan snuck behind A.J. when running and Show couldn’t stop, running her right over. Trainers and the referee checked on A.J. as the match came to a standstill. Show held his head, upset over what he had done. He bent over to check on her as Bryan talked with the trainer. Show was nearly in tears. They brought a stretcher out for her and put her in a neckbrace. “She’s okay” chant as they loaded her onto the stretcher. Well, that takes you out of the moment. As the two wrestlers walked up the ramp behind the stretcher as Bryan gave Show a tongue-lashing about being reckless and saying if he really wants the title that bad, he can have it. Bryan was good in his role. Before they headed backstage, Bryan called Show a bastard. Instead of going backstage, Show let his emotions flow on the stage as the show closed.

WINNER: No Contest (no bell), about 13:18 (timed until the end of the show since the match was never officially stopped).