offical wwe thread

TNA Hard Justice PPV Results: 8-10-08

2 -- ANGELINA LOVE & VELVET SKY & AWESOME KONG (w/Raisha Saeed) vs. Women's champion TAYLOR WILDE & ODB & GAIL KIM -- Traci Brooks special referee

They started off with some comedy involving a bottle of hairspray, then things became serious when Kong tagged in and started knocking around the babyfaces. They finally tricked her into flying over the top rope to the floor. Kong recovered, then Raisha was given the boot when she tried to interfere. ODB tried to spew alcohol into Kong's face, but Kong no-sold and smashed ODB in the corner with a giant splash. Angelina then worked over Gail as Traci effectively asserted herself as the special ref here. This led to a shoving match allowing Taylor to take a hot tag from Gail. At 10:00, Kong broke up a pin attempt, then she tried to give Taylor a Bomb, but Gail kicked her in the face. The action completely broke down until it was Angelina and Taylor in the ring, Angelina tried to finish off Taylor, but Taylor rolled her up with a roll-through pin for the win.

WINNERS: Team Taylor in 12:00. Fine. It keeps Kong on the chase for her title belt, while giving Taylor another opportunity to have her hand raised. Some spots were a little off, but it was still a good showing from the knockouts division. (**)

TNA Hard Justice PPV Results: 8-10-08

3 -- TNA tag champions LAX (HOMICIDE & HERNANDEZ w/Salinas and Hector Guerrero) vs. BEER MONEY, INC. (ROBERT ROODE & JAMES STORM w/Jacqueline) -- TNA Tag Title match

Homicide quickly went after Roode on the floor, seeking revenge for the table attack on Thursday. The action spilled to the outside setting off a brawl ringside. Homicide eventually took Roode into the ring to officially start the match. Hernandez quickly showed off his strength with a vertical suplex on Storm that he maintained in mid-air for a good 10-15 seconds. Hernandez then showed off his agility with a sick over-the-top-rope dive onto Beer Money when he was about two inches away from breaking his neck if his foot grazed any more of the top rope. First "that was awesome" chant of the night, which was actually apropos for once. Jacqueline then spewed beer into Homicide's eyes to begin BMI's attack on Homicide to work over the injuries from Thursday. Crowd remained pretty hot while Homicide continued to take a beating.

Homicide avoided a top rope splash from Roode, then he finally made the hot tag to Hernandez at 10:00. Hernandez cleaned house, using the flag as a means to toss Roode across the ring. Homicide recovered and asked for a tag, leading to a double dropkick on BMI from the top rope. Homicide nailed a suplex, then he went up top and nailed a splash for a nearfall. Action broke down at 12:00 with everyone hitting finishers. BMI found themselves on the floor, then Homicide asked to be used as a weapon. Hernandez put Homicide in position for the Border Toss and launched him onto BMI on the floor. Sick. On the other side of the floor, Jacqueline and Salinas became involved with Hector trying to separate the women. Back in the ring, Homicide wanted the Gringo Killer on Storm, but Roode smashed him in the face with a beer bottle while the ref was predictably distracted. Storm then rolled on top of Homicide for the pin to capture the tag titles.

WINNERS: Storm & Roode in 14:00 to capture the TNA Tag Titles. Good heat on this match over-rode the stream of outside interference, referee incompetence, and overall over-booking to get us to a tag title switch. It was refreshing to see TNA use an injury angle from TV to set-up the finish of an important PPV match. (***)

TNA Hard Justice PPV Results: 8-10-08

4 -- JAY LETHAL (w/So Cal Val) vs. SONJAY DUTT -- Brawl and Chain tuxedo match

Dutt refused to be chained up to Lethal for the dog collar-style set-up, then Lethal slipped one over Dutt by chaining Dutt to the top rope. Lethal then punched out Dutt while ref Slick Johnson tried to restore order on the link-up. Once they were linked up, Dutt used the ref as a distraction to place Lethal in position to take a crotch shot using the chain, officially starting the match. Lethal made a comeback, then he started ripping off parts of Dutt's tuxedo. The action spilled to the outside. Lethal then hung Dutt over the top rope, trying to choke out Dutt while Val pleaded with Lethal to stop. Val had enough and left the ringside area.

Lethal watched her leave, then Dutt recovered and yanked Lethal hard into the ringpost twice. Back in the ring, Dutt hung Lethal upside down in the corner and started to tear apart the tuxedo. Dutt then took Lethal to the ringside area and taunted Lethal's family by choking him out in front of them. Fans became restless as this continued. They even busted out a "Fire Russo" chant. The match isn't bad; it's just awkward seeing two men trying to have a match in tuxedos with chains connecting them. Lethal nailed the Lethal Combination at 11:00, then he went up top for the flying elbow and connected. Lethal made the cover for the win.

WINNER: Lethal in 12:00. Well, it wasn't really bad; it just went on too long with both men in an awkward position. There are only so many things you can do with a chain and tuxedos. (*1/2)

TNA Hard Justice PPV Results: 8-10-08

5 -- TEAM 3D (BROTHER RAY & BROTHER DEVON) vs. CHRISTIAN CAGE & RHINO -- Jersey Street Fight weapons match

This broke down into a brawl going around the ringside area into the stands. They did a split-screen of the action moving across the arena with Christian and Ray taking it up to the top of the grandstands. They eventually brought it back into the ring where Christian used a gimmicked sign that contained a Do No Enter street sign to smash Ray in the face. Ray then recovered and used the sign to smash Christian and Rhino in the face. Ring steps entered the equation and Ray hit a leaping Bubba bomb off the top of the steps for a nearfall. A construction roadblock cone entered the ring next and Christian put up the stop sign on Devon, who comically obliged and then took a Gore from Rhino. Christian sold a knee injury as he tried the Unprettier on Ray, but Ray blocked and hit the electric chair. Rhino then rammed Devon's head into Ray's crotch ten times in the corner before rolling up Devon for a nearfall.

Fans called for tables, then 3D met the request. Rhino cut them off, though, then Christian climbed up to the tip-top of a ladder and gave Ray a frog splash. Rhino followed with a Gore through the table, the Rhino covered Ray for the win, which drew boos from the crowd. After the match, Johnny Devine made his predictable post-match run-in to deliver kendo stick shots on the winning tag team. Ray then held up a kendo stick in center ring with a Sandman-style grip and posture. Abyss's music hit, then Abyss stormed the ring to make the save for Christian and Rhino. Devine was cornered and he walked into the Black Hole Slam. Abyss then picked up a kendo stick, but he threw it down. That's in the past, apparently.

WINNERS: Christian & Rhino in 15:00. Fun brawl for the audience that enjoys a TNA brawl. It didn't seem like much was resolved, and we'll probably see more from this feud on TV going forward. (**1/2)

TNA Hard Justice PPV Results: 8-10-08

6 -- A.J. STYLES vs. KURT ANGLE -- Last Man Standing match

Angle stalled early on to frustrate Styles and set up his attack. Styles came back with an attack in the corner to knock Angle to the floor. He then flew over the top rope with a flip dive onto Angle on the floor. Apparently pins can be scored on the floor, as Styles scored a nearfall here. They battled up the entrance ramp to the top of the stage where Angle suplexed Styles off the stage to the floor below. Angle then came flying off the stage with a flip dive onto Styles and played to the crowd after surprising everyone with that highspot. Back in the ring, Styles landed a knife-edge chop, but Angle back-dropped him to the mat. Sticking to tonight's theme, the fans booed Styles when he was on offense and cheered Angle's comebacks.

They had a mid-ring collision at 14:00 and the ref applied a ten count on both men, which they answered. Things got real hot when Angle tried the Clash on Styles, but Styles countered into an Anklelock on Angle. Nicely done. Styles then dropped down and grape-vined the leg, leading to Angle tapping out. Ref then started a ten count as the fans chanted, "You tapped out" at Angle. Styles came to his feet as Angle clutched his ankle in pain. Angle hobbled to one foot at nine, then he avoided the back flip reverse DDT and punched Styles in the groin. Apparently that's legal. Angle followed with a series of German suplexes, but Styles kicked out. Angle wanted the Olympic Slam, but Styles nailed a sweet Pele kick. Fans liked that from Styles.

At 20:00, both men recovered on the mat, then they took the fight to the top turnbuckle. Styles knocked Angle off the top turnbuckle, but Styles took too long to measure Angle for a move, allowing Angle to suplex him off the top turnbuckle to the mat. Angle scored a pin, setting up the ten count on Styles. Styles got up, so Angle gave him the Olympic Slam for a three count. Angle tried another Olympic Slam after Styles got up, but Styles countered into the Clash for another pin. Angle reached his feet just before ten, setting up another round of action. They battled to the top turnbuckle with both men jockeying for position. Apparently Angle took the worst of it, with Styles switching to a DDT in mid-air. Styles made the cover for another pin as Angle sold a neck injury. Here we go with the neck injury angle. Styles reached his feet at nine and Angle remained out cold, giving Styles the win at a ten-count.

Post-match: Ref Rudy Charles called for medics to come help Angle, who did the mannerisms of someone with a serious neck injury. They started to strap Angle to a backboard, but Styles came back to the ring and grabbed Styles. He gave him a brainbuster suplex, then taunted Angle. He left the ring, then the lights went down and back on. Sting had Styles in position for a reverse DDT, then he dropped Styles on the ramp. I get it now! Sting won't stand for post-match activity taking precedence over in-ring action! Kevin Nash then walked out on stage and asked Sting what the heck that was all about. Refs then went over to Styles and checked on him while medics looked at Angle. Tenay and West tried to figure out Sting's point.

WINNER: Styles in 25:00. That was an epic match (despite the silly pin-and-count-'em stipulation) with the all-too-real neck injury angle, followed by some post-match activity that took away from Styles's win. Styles looked like a star when he won, then he came across like a punk attacking Angle, then a fool being in position for Sting to take him out. He had the memorable, star-making victory over Angle, but TNA had to keep going with the over-booking. Styles being used a means to the end of explaining Sting's purpose-driven TNA life wasn't necessary. (****)

TNA Hard Justice PPV Results: 8-10-08

7 -- TNA World Hvt. champion SAMOA JOE vs. BOOKER -- TNA World Title match -- Six Sides of Steel cage Weapons match

Joe dominated this to start off with, then Booker came back with a trashcan shot to the head. Booker attempted a hockey stick shot to the head, but Joe ducked and hit an enziguiri kick. Joe tried a chair shot to the head, but Booker ducked and spin-kicked the chair into Joe's face. Crowd is officially worn out of weapons and brawling and non-wrestling. Booker then nailed Joe clean in the head with an unprotected chair shot. Of course. Joe came up bleeding, then Booker choked him in the cage wall. Booker tried to choke out Joe while the audience was more concerned about chanting "You screwed Bret" at ref Earl Hebner.

At 10:00, Joe put Booker in an STF. He transitioned into a crossface as Booker desperately looked for a rope break, but Joe ended up releasing the hold anyways. Joe stacked two chairs in the middle of the ring and tried a Muscle buster, but Booker slipped out and nailed the book-end on the chairs. Booker made a cover, but no one bought the nearfall. Booker did a spinarooni to take it home. Suddenly, the lights went off when Booker hit the axe kick. The lights came back on and Joe had a guitar in hand. He then smashed it over Booker's head to score the pin for the win. Oh, J-E-Double F. Announcers teased they knew what we were thinking. Joe claimed his title belt to close the show.

WINNER: Joe in 13:00 to re-claim the TNA Title. Well, that was underwhelming mainly due to the audience having sat through every possible gimmick match combination prior to another Joe-Booker bout that everyone knew was going to end with some sort of gimmicky finish. Not memorable, but it will generate talk about Jarrett. (**)

WWE RAW Results: 8-11-08

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

1 -- BETH PHOENIX (w/Santino Marella) vs. KELLY KELLY

Santino said he has great confidence in Beth to handle Kelly here. Beth nearly killed Kelly a minute into the match with a back-drop attempt where Kelly didn't quite flip over to land on her back. Everyone held their breath momentarily, as Santino talked about Beth tossing him around like Beth is tossing around Kelly. Suddenly, Kelly countered a press slam into a roll-up for a nearfall. Beth had enough and finished off Kelly with a sit-down implant buster for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Beth in 2:00. Fine for establishing Beth's dominance heading into Summerslam. (1/2*)

2 -- Women's champion MICKIE JAMES (w/IC champion Kofi Kingston) vs. SANTINO MARELLA (w/Beth Phoenix)

This was so great to start off with Mickie matching Santino move-for-move in a game of can-you-top-this? Santino then smashed Mickie hard to the mat and went for the big knee drop, but Mickie moved in time. Santino feigned a knee injury, but Mickie showed no sympathy and went on the attack. Kofi then accidentally ran interference, allowing Beth to sneak into the ring and send Mickie hard into the ringpost. Santino took advantage with a roll-up for like a four count to secure the pin. Afterward, Santino celebrated ringside in classic Santino-wins-the-Super-Bowl fashion while taunting Mickie's parents in the process. Meanwhile, Mickie and Kofi tried to re-collect themselves in the ring.

WINNER: Santino in 3:00. That was fun while it lasted. Really could have gone another few minutes and kept up the gig. Nice set-up for Summerslam to see Beth and Santino get their comeuppance. (*)

3 -- CRYME TYME (SHAD GASPAR & J.T.G.) vs. THE HIGHLANDS (RORY & ROBBIE)

Well, look at that. Highlands back as tag team jobbers. Cole said the winners have an opportunity for a featured tag title match. Shad dominated early and often here, then he finished off Robbie with a hard leg sweep for the pin and the win.

WINNERS: Cryme Tyme in 3:00. Short and to the point to give Cryme Tyme a dominating win. (3/4*)

4 -- CHRIS JERICHO (w/Lance Cade) vs. KANE

Jericho teased the Walls of Jericho at 3:00, but Kane battled out into a sidewalk slam. Kane then went up top, fought off Jericho, and came down on Jericho with a leaping clothesline. Suddenly, Adamle and a slew of security guards came to ringside. Kane was bewildered for a moment, but landed a big boot to the head. Kane then grabbed the burlap sack and clutched it to his chest. Jericho used the distraction to nail the codebreaker for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Jericho in 5:00. Not the best use of Jericho here. He gets a win, but Jericho shouldn't be positioned as an after-thought after the great character build-up the past few months. (*)

5 -- JAMIE NOBLE vs. WILLIAM REGAL

Regal made short work of Noble, nailing the big running knee strike to the head for a decisive pin and the win. Cole wanted to know what Layla thinks of that effort from Noble.

WINNER: Regal in 2:00. Well, that seemed a bit random. It might take a few weeks to see if this is going anywhere. (1/2*)

6 -- World tag team champions JOHN CENA & BATISTA vs. TED DIBIASE, JR. & CODY RHODES -- World tag title match

Former champs were in the ring out of the break, then Batista and Cena had a mild discussion about who would start. Batista firmly pronounced himself as the guy to start things off, then Cena slap-tagged himself into the match once the bell sounded. Cena had Rhodes positioned for the Five Knuckle Shuffle early on, then he calmly walked over to Batista and did the you-can't-see-me in his face, which drew a smirk from Batista. Cena then dropped the knuckles on Rhodes as they cut to break.

After the break, Batista took a hot tag from Cena and cleaned house. He wanted the Batistabomb to finish off DiBiase, but Cena felt like Batista was teasing him, so he jumped into the ring. They had a confrontation, then DiBiase knocked Cena into Batista and rolled up Cena from behind for the pin and the win to re-capture the tag titles.

WINNERS: DiBiase & Rhodes in 8:00 to win the World tag titles. Rushed match after last week's solid effort. They played up the tension between Cena and Batista nicely, though. I'm not a fan of quick title changes, but if done infrequently and with the purpose of building up a mega-PPV match, then it's acceptable under the circumstances. (*1/2)

AAA on Galavision TV Report
By: Xavier Hernandez
Show aired on: 08/09/2008


The announcers welcome us to the show from Salamanca. They show a video from last week's show. The Mexican Powers and the Hermandad battled each other in yet another hardcore bout. El Brazo continued the massacre on his brother Porky. Cibernetico beat the Legion, with the help of Elegido. Konnan decided to show up at the show, but was screwed by Joaquin Roldan in the cage match. For this show, The Hell Brothers team with Vampiro to face Mesias and his Secta.


-Pretaped Segment: The Piratas cut a strong promo. They say thety are tired of watching metrosexuals, strippers and dancers in the ring. The guys that do deserve to wrestle inside the ring are the Piratas, and their targets are Bily, Elegido and Alan Stone. They close with their awesome catchphrase "Today is a good day to die".


1) Los Piratas (Pirata Morgan Jr., Hijo del Pirata & Barba Roja) vs. Billy Boy, Gato Eveready & Argenis

-First Fall: Billy and Pirata open with hard takedowns and holds. Constant tags from both teams are made, until the Piratas begin the triple team assault. The Piratas uses a great variety of triple team moves to punish the tecnicos individually. The Piratas apply La Carreta on Argenis, but Gato breaks the hold with a dropkick. The comeback begins, and the heels are kicked out of the ring. Both teams return to their corners, and the match is balanced again. Gato hits a Corkscrew Crossbody on Hijo, and argenis does an Asai Moonsault on Barba. In the ring, Billy accidentally knocks the referee out. Pirata lowblows Billy, and he also fakes one. The referee decides to give the DQ to the Piratas.

Winners: Pirata Morgan Jr., Hijo del Pirata & Barba Roja


-Pretaped Segment: The Apache sisters are talking backstage. Fabi says she's very happy to be back with his family, but Mari mentions Billy. Fabi simply says that she cannot forgive Billy. El Apache arrives and tells the girls to get ready, but he also mentions Billy. Fabi refuses to talk about it, and would rather concentrate on the Morenos. Apache tries to get some info from Mari about Billy, but he doesn't get much. On the other hand, the Morenos and Ayako are arguing about the Apaches. They say they are tired of the soap opera called "Apaches". The Morenos make a short alliance with Ayako to finish the Apaches.


2) Los Apaches (El Apache, Fabi Apache & Mari Apache) vs. Oriental, Cinthia Moreno & Ayako Hamada

-First Fall: Cinthia and Mari open with some good aerial takedowns. Both teams make hot tags and apply equal amout of offense. The Apaches snap, and the start the triple team attack on the tecnicos. Apache mistakenly hits his daughter Mari, and the comeback begins. The tecnicos now apply the triple team attack on the heels. The girls accidentally clothesline Oriental, and Mari capitalizes on this. Fabi accidentally kicks Apache out of the ring, and Oriental hits a suicide dive on him. Ayako also hits a dangerous Moonsault on Fabi. Cinthia closes with a Diving Plancha on Mari. In the ring, Oriental counters a Powerbomb into a DDT, and pins Apache with La Casita.

Winners: Oriental, Cinthia Moreno & Ayako Hamada


*Noti AAA:
-The question is: "Will Konnan show up again?"
-The official website of AAA is available at "luchalibreaaa.com"


*Pretaped Segment: Supefly is extremely nervous again, and his partners try to calm him down. Fly still can't forget the image he saw of himself inside a coffin, but his partners tell him that they must be united against any threat. They also show a video package of the Vipers, and Black Abyss' voice is modified (he must have a silly voice).


3) Real Fuerza Aerea (Superfly, Aerostar & El Angel) vs. Vipers Revolution (Psicosis, Histeria & Black Abyss)

-First Fall: Psicosis and Aerostar open with hard takedowns. The Vipers land outside, and the tecnicos do suicide dives on every heel at ringside. The tecnicos begin to argue with Superfly for no reason. Abyss lands outside, and Aerostar uses his suicide Headbutt to take him down. The Vipers do triple team attack on Fly, but his partners refuse ti help him. The Vipers also attack the remaining tecnicos. Piscosis misses a shoulder block, and lands outside. Aerostar capitalizes to use a Double Springboard Plancha on the Viper. El Angel also does a Diving Plancha on Histeria. In the ring, Abyss misses the Frog Splash, and Fly pins him with a German Suplex.

Winners: Superfly, Aerostar & El Angel


*Pretaped Segment: Konnan is walking the streets of Mexico City once again. Konnan says his lawyer is already dealing with the problems Roldan is giving him. He says the Legion couldn't help him on the cage match, because Roldan locked the locker room, and the Legion guys couldn't get out. Konnan claims he will make a living hell for Roldan, and wil finish the entire AAA.


*In-Ring Segment: After the match, Aerostar and Angel argue with Fly again. The Foreign Legion enters the ring to attack the tecnicos, except Superfly. That means Fly has turned heel, and Konnan show up once again. Konnan tries to get silence from the corwd, but Roldan's music hits the arena. Roldan calls Konnan a traitor who turns his back on the company that gives him food. Konnan claims he will soon take over AAA, and says Fly is the new member of the Legion. Out of nowhere, a group of tecnicos attacks the Legion. Hart gets the worst part by getting a milion aerial attacks. Fly is still undecided, and Roldan tells Konnan that he makes the rules. Very strong segment.


*Promo Video: This one hypes the Roldan/Konnan feud. This feud looks like a hybrid of the McMahon/Austin feud with the nWo/WCW feud, but in spanish.


4) Kenzo Suzuki, Head Hunter & Jack Evans vs. La Parka, Alan Stone & Elegido

-First Fall: Before the match, Zorro (who was supposed to be in the match), introduced his replacement, Jack Evans. Parka begins to toy with the heels. Alan does a sick Torture Rack Backbreaker on Evans, but Hunter attacks him. Both teams make constant tags to keep a balanced match. Zorro remains ar ringside to distract the tecnicos, and the triple team attack begins. Evans distracts the referee, and Kenzo lowblows Alan. Kenzo also fakes a foul, but the referee awards nothing. The tecnicos manage to make the comeback, and Alan does a Springboard Plancha on Hunter. Evans delivers a spinning kick on Elegido, and Kenzo does the Brainbuster on Parka. Kenzo misses a Diving Knee, and evans misses a Corskcrew 450 Splash. Elegido pins Kenzo with La Casita, and Parka pins Evans with a top rope Neckbreaker.

Winners: La Parka, Alan Stone & Elegido


*Promo Video: This one hype the main event, and how nobody trust Vampiro. Mesias says they must finish Vampiro.


5) Cibernetico, Chessman & Vampiro vs. Mesias, Dark Ozz & Dark Cuervo

-First Fall: The secta giys try to double team Cibernetico, but the champ controls them. Mesias snaps, and the triple team attack begins. The main targte of Mesias is Vampiro, but the Canadian starts the comeback with a Big Boot. Mesias provokes a fight between the three tecnicos. The heels capitalize on this to attack the tecnicos once again. Chessman and Ciber argue with each other, but Vampiro tries to calm them down. Both HBs turn on Vampiro and abandon the match. The heels bring steel chairs to attack the abandoned Vampiro. Vampiro is pinned, even though his shoulder weren't on the mat. The referee reverses the decision, after excessive punishment from Mesias and his Secta.

Winners: Cibernetico, Chessman & Vampiro

-Aftermath: Mesias continues the assault on Vampiro.

ECW on Sci-Fi Results: 8-12-08

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

1 -- TOMMY DREAMER vs. COLIN DELANEY -- Extreme Rules match

Colin tried to high-tail it up the ramp to the back, but Dreamer quickly retrieved him and whipped him into the shopping cart full of weapons. Colin came back with a finger-smash on the ring steps, but Dreamer smacked him with a Kendo stick. Back in the ring, Dreamer with a sick t-bone suplex after placing the stick in the crotchal region. Striker with a Duke the Dumpster Droese reference on Dreamer taking out the trash via the surfboard dropkick sending a can into Colin's face. Dreamer tried to follow with a can lid to the face, but Colin moved and scored a nearfall. Dreamer then quickly came back with a spike DDT on a STOP sign for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Dreamer in 4:00. Predictable squash that takes us back a few weeks ago when Dreamer squashed Colin after Colin turned on him. Colin could be better-utilized, but it doesn't seem like WWE is interested in taking that approach right now. (*)

2 -- BAM NEELY (w/Chavo Guerrero) vs. EVAN BOURNE

Grisham talked about Bourne being a young athlete trying to make his mark, whereas some of the other young superstars are never heard from again. Ouch. Striker talked about Bourne's background in St. Louis, but him also getting his training with Dragon's Gate in Japan. Striker is earning more and more points with his commentary in each match. Bourne made a comeback with a strike kick, then he nailed the stand-still moonsault for a nearfall. Bourne followed with a nice DDT before going up top and nailing the beautiful Shooting Star Press for the pin and the win. Chavo, selling his own injuries from Smackdown, could only hop onto the apron and point his finger at Bourne after the match.

WINNER: Bourne in 3:00. Bourne continues to impress each week, and he's certainly making the most of his current opportunity. He's an instant breath of fresh air, which WWE is slowly starting to capitalize on while assuredly testing Bourne's mentality to see how he responds to the sudden success and TV push. (*1/4)

3 -- FINLAY (w/Hornswoggle) vs. ARMANDO ESTRADA

A minute into the match, Mike Knox came out on stage looking very upset with Finlay. Striker with the point that Knox is confusing the "E" in WWE (the Summerslam promotional video of Finlay dancing with Hornswoggle) with Finlay being a tough fighter in the ring. Finlay dominated the first three minutes, but he took his eye off the ball to stare down Knox, allowing Armando to whip him hard across the bottom rope to take control. Finlay let Armando get his offense in, but then he put him in position for the Celtic Cross and stared down Knox. He then delivered the finisher and covered Armando for the win without taking his eye off Knox.

Afterward, Finlay called for Knox to join him in the ring, but Knox opted to head backstage. Finlay and Hornswoggle put the "E" in WWE with an Irish jig before bringing a youngster into the ring to dance with them.

WINNER: Finlay in 5:00. Fine TV match to continue building the Finlay-Knox feud that has the slightest potential of becoming something interesting on TV each week. Slightest. But, it gives Finlay something to focus on each week. (*)

4 -- ECW champion MARK HENRY (w/Tony Atlas) & MATT HARDY vs. THE MIZ & JOHN MORRISON

Striker added some good points that Hardy has an opportunity to get a different look at Henry prior to challenging for the gold at Summerslam. Henry started things off and took apart the former tag champs. Hardy then slipped into the ring to show he has Henry's back, with Henry slowly turning around to stare down Hardy, who quietly slipped back to the apron. They cut to break.

Hardy and Henry took turns working over Morrison coming out of the break. They showed a spot from during the break of Henry throwing Morrison high into the air before Morrison crashed to the mat. Striker pointed out that Atlas is keeping a close eye on Hardy to presumably get a scouting report on Hardy for Summerslam. Striker's analytical approach to calling the action is very refreshing to make the action seem like a sporting event. Miz and Morrison cornered Hardy in their corner to work him over as the crowd tried to rally behind him. Hardy blocked a corner move with the side effect from the second rope. Henry wanted a hot tag, but Hardy covered Morrison for the surprise win. Finish just kind of came out of nowhere.

Post-match: Henry slid into the ring to take the glory for the victory, as he quickly dumped Miz and Morrison out of the ring. Henry celebrated with his arm raised in victory, then Henry and Atlas helped up Hardy, who was still selling injuries from the tag work. Henry then put an end to the temporary friendship with a giant slam on the ECW Title belt. Hardy writhed in pain like a fish out of water, then Henry and Atlas smiled and celebrated to end the show.

WINNERS: Henry & Hardy in 8:00. Very odd finish to this one with the pin seemingly coming out of nowhere. It looked rough, but in principle, it was a good finish to change it up from the usual tag team formula of always having a hot tag to set up the finish. Henry put a nice touch on the Summerslam build-up to set up the ECW Title match. Overall fine for the intended purpose. (*1/2)

Stevie Richards, The Highlanders, Colin Delaney and Cherry were released by the WWE today.

TNA Impact! Results: 8-14-08

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

1. Christian Cage and Rhino defeated The Rock 'N Rave Infection (with Christy Hemme) in 4:37. Cage and Rhino worked well together. Rhino hit a belly to belly suplex on Rock. The heels double teamed Rhino for a few nearfalls. Rhino turned it around with a spinebuster on Rave. Cage received the hot tag and hit a series of moves. Rhino gored Rave and Cage followed with a frogsplash for the win...

Twill's Two Cents: Nice win for Cage and Rhino. If they commit to keeping them together, they could be a welcome addition to the tag team division.

2. Matt Morgan defeated Johnny Devine in 1:40. Devine did not receive an introduction. Morgan crotched himself on the top rope, which was Devine's only offense. Morgan hit the Hellevator for the win...

Twill's Two Cents: Same old stuff.

3. Sheik Abdul Bashir defeated Black Machismo in 4:25. Sheik cut a promo in his native language before speaking in English. He gave a great promo about how he came here and grabbed the American Dream while others waited for their handouts. The promo took a turn for the worse when he said, "I do not love Lady America; I love raping her."...

Lethal hit an impressive Suicide Dive onto Bashir. He scored a nearfall with a top rope double axe handle. Bashir turned the tides quickly and hit multiple reverse neckbreakers for a nearfall.

Bashir attempted to slow things down with a reverse chinlock. Lethal sped up the pace of the match with multiple closelines. Lethal hit the rolling cradle suplex for a long two count. Bashir took a screwdriver looking apparatus out of his boot and hit Lethal in the neck. He hit the WMD (a DDT with Lethal on his knees) for the win...

Twill's Two Cents: Decent match but I would have rather Bashir win a few matches on his own before cheating to win.

4. Team 3D defeated Samoa Joe and Kevin Nash by DQ when the referee reversed the original decision in 10:06. Joe and Devon started the match. Joe started working hard very early but Devon and Brother Ray were able to slow things down and double team Joe. Joe regained the advantage on Ray before tagging in Nash. Nash remained on the offensive as the show went to commercial...

Team 3D worked on Nash's knee as Joe looked on with concern. West said Nash was in the gym everyday but could not help his knee injuries. In the gym everyday? That is the funniest thing I have heard all day. Joe finally received the hot tag and took out both members of Team 3D. Joe locked in the rear naked choke on Devon for the win...

Twill's Two Cents: Solid match. Joe looked fantastic tonight.

After the match, Joe grabbed a chair and attacked Devon. Nash tried to stop Joe but he could not. Joe punched Earl Hebner and Hebner reversed the decision, giving Team 3D the win by disqualification. Tenay wondered what Joe would do if his temper cost him the TNA World Heavyweight Championship...

Twill's Two Cents: If the referee reversed the decision and gave the other team (person) a win by DQ, Joe would not lose the title anyway.

5. Taylor Wilde defeated Christy Hemme with Traci Brooks as the special guest referee in a non-title match in 3:28. Taylor tied up Christy right away with her mat wrestling skills. Christy hit a Jackie Gayda-like bulldog. That was bad.

Hemme remained on offense for longer than anyone expected. Taylor scored the win with a German Suplex with a bridge...

Awesome Kong and Raisha Saeed came down to the ring. Kong beat the hell out of Taylor until Traci pulled her off. She was met with a chokeslam. Raisha took care of Taylor. Kong set up a chair but Gail Kim hit the ring. Katie Kim, Gail's sister, looked concerned at ringside in the stands. Gail dropkicked a chair into Kong's face and nailed her with an unprotected shot. Kong took off and Gail celebrated...

Twill's Two Cents: This worked for me as long as Kong gets the belt off of Taylor. I hate unprotected chairshots. They are not necessary and nobody should be taking them.

6. Hernandez (with Hector Guerrero and Salinas) defeated James Storm (with Robert Roode and Jacqueline) in 5:05. Hernandez hit the very impressive Suicide Dive over the top rope early in the match. West talked about the "numbers game" when Storm gained the advantage, even though both guys had the same amount of backup.

Hernandez gained the advantage after hitting an Electric Chair. He hit a full nelson suplex and Storm landed awkwardly on his head. Roode broke up an attempted Border Toss. Storm went to the top and jumped at Hernandez. Hernandez caught him and hit a sit down power bomb for the win...

Twill's Two Cents: Short, but solid match to progress this feud.

7. A.J. Styles defeated Kurt Angle in an Olympic gold medal challenge to win Kurt Angle's Olympic gold medal. Angle scored a two point takedown right away. He took Styles down again within the first minute. The first period ended with Angle ahead 6-0...

Twill's Two Cents: I do not like matches like this because Styles would lose 100-0 if they did this for real. It is difficult to suspend belief here.

Styles scored four points for scoring a two count on Angle. I guess he received two for the takedown and two for the nearfall. Angle scored two more points but Styles scored four more points at the end of the period. The scored is tied at eight going into the final period...

Angle elbowed Styles in the face but the referee did not see it. Angle had a two point lead going into the final minute. Angle hit a suplex into the referee and closelined Styles. The lights went off and Sting's music played. The lights went back on and Angle had a black bat. The lights went off again and Jeff Jarrett's music played. The lights went back on and Styles hit Angle over the head with a guitar. He pinned Angle and won the gold medal...

Twill's Two Cents: Interesting. I have been a Jeff Jarrett fan since the dying days of WCW (not before that) so I am more intrigued by him than Sting. I am not thrilled with Styles running around with Angle's gold medal, but if it leads to more great matches between the two, I am all for that.

WWE Smackdown Results: 8-15-08

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

1. Jeff Hardy beat Shelton Benjamin fought Jeff Hardy by DQ in a U.S. Title match in 15:30. The always well prepared Jim Ross ran through more U.S. Title history before the bell. He's also hard on himself, as he mentioned that he confuses the Whisper in the Wind and the Twist of Fate sometimes. The show cut to commercial a few minutes into the match.

Shelton controlled the offense after the commercial break and become frustrated when Hardy kicked out of his pinfall attempts. Later, Benjamin jumped over the top rope and tried to turn a sunset flip into a powerbomb off the ring apron, but Hardy blocked the move and turned it into a huracanrana. In the end, Hardy went up top for a Swanton, but MVP ran out and pushed him him down to end the match.

Afterward, MVP lined up Hardy for a kick, but Hardy moved and the kick caught Shelton in the chops. Hardy hit the Twist of Fate and a Swanton on MVP and then on Benjamin...

Powell's POV: The finish was predictable to anyone who has been watching the show lately, but the match was entertaining while it lasted. Benjamin was aggressive and got plenty of offense against Hardy. I hope they do more with MVP and Hardy tonight because he got the better of MVP here, so there's no need to pay to see him get revenge at SummerSlam.

2. Natalya and Maryse beat Maria and Michelle McCool in 3:10. Maryse spiced up her ring entrance it's a big improvement over that uninterested look she had previously. After some forgettable action, Natalya took down McCool by the legs and cradled her for the pin. Ross called it a great illustration of leverage...

Powell's POV: That was an even better illustration of Diva filler.

3. The Brian Kendrick (w/Ezekiel Jackson) pinned Scotty Goldman in 2:45. Goldman is better known to everyone as Colt Cabana. He did a pre-tape in which he acted like he was tripped out by seeing himself "in a box" (a/k/a the television monitor). There were some boring chants, but there was a nice pop when Goldman hit his version of Iceman Parsons' Butt-Butt.

Kendrick came back a short time later with The Kendrick and scored the pin. After the match, Jackson hit Goldman with a shoulder block.

Powell's POV: The live crowd wasn't very impressed with this match. They pretty much sat on their hands and only reacted for the big spots. Kendrick is highly entertaining, and it was good to see Colt make his WWE debut. I met him a few times when he worked the local indy shows and he was a great guy.

4. Triple H vs. Kenny Dykstra in a non-title match. Dykstra was aggressive with punches and shoulder blocks at the start of the match. Hunter sold for him for about 30 seconds and then took control with a clothesline. The rest of the match was all Hunter. He looked at Khali and then hit the Pedigree for the win.

After the match, Hunter turned his full attention to Khali. He placed the WWE Title belt on the mat in front of him and challenged Khali to enter the ring. Hunter headed to ringside toward Khali, but Ranjin cut him off. He asked if Hunter was out of his mind after last week.

Hunter grabbed Ranjin by the throat and brought him inside the ring. Hunter teased that he would punch the interpreter until Khali climbed onto the ring apron. Hunter and Khali went at it inside the ring. Hunter went for the Pedigree, but Khali blocked it. Moments later, Hunter clotheslined Khali over the top rope and to the floor at ringside...

Powell's POV: Hunter just proved he can knock the giant off his feet and pretty much have his way with him, so there's no reason to order the pay-per-view. Strange booking tonight with two babyfaces getting the better of their pay-per-view opponents.

5. Big Show squashed Ryan Braddock in 1:25. Braddock was given generic entrance music and a generic graphic on the big screen. Show dominated the match and knocked him out with a punch before scoring the pin...

Powell's POV: I think Braddock also worked on my local indy scene as Brad Bradley, but I don't remember much about him.

6. Vladimir Kozlov pinned Festus (w/Jesse) in 3:00. Festus dominated the offense, but Kozlov caught him with a head butt to the chest and scored the clean pin...

Backstage, Edge pushed Vickie in the wheelchair as Vickie screamed in terror. Edge told her the last part of the ride would be him taking her to the ring. "Buckle up," he said...

Edge wheeled the crying Vickie to ringside and then tilted the wheelchair forward, which made her tumble onto the floor. He grabbed a mic and dramatically fell down right beside her. He said they've been going through a rough patch. "But every marriage does, right?" Edge asked.

He reminded her that they took "for better or worse" vows. He pulled her in and reminded her that he's a good cuddler. He said he wanted to take a trip down memory lane. He aired footage of everything that has happened in their storyline since Triple H played their wedding video, which includes the segment with Mick Foley and Edge attack on La Familia.

Back in the building, with Edge and Vickie still lying on the floor at ringside, Edge made her apologize for what she did to Undertaker. He told her that she's pathetic and blamed her for everything. He challenged Undertaker to come out and vowed to show him "the purest form of hell that you've ever been in."

Edge turned his attention back to Vickie. He hovered over her and brought up "for better or worse" vows and said they could apply to the Hell in a Cell match. "Edge vs. Undertaker, till death do us part," he concluded. Edge stared toward the sky while squatting over the sobbing Vickie to close the show...

Powell's POV: Very good performances Vickie and especially Edge. WWE actually held off and waited until SummerSlam to bring back Undertaker. I thought they might lose their patience and bring him back sooner or at least do the hocus pokus stuff with the lights, but they put the entire spotlight on Edge and Vickie. Well done.

WWE SummerSlam PPV Results: 8-17-08

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

1 -- JEFF HARDY vs. MVP

The battle quickly moved to the outside in the opening minute. This match definitely has the intrigue of whether there will be an unusual and/or quick finish with Hardy reportedly injured coming into this match. After Hardy took control of the first three minutes, MVP came back with a snap belly-to-belly overhead suplex with Hardy's neck bouncing hard off the mat as his feet crashed into the turnbuckle. Tazz referenced injuries to Hardy's neck from the repeated Swanton Bombs on Smackdown, then MVP started working on Hardy's neck with mat holds. Every time Hardy tried to make his comeback, MVP had a good counter to continue building heat for the strong comeback. Hardy eventually nailed the Whisper in the Wind at 9:00 and went up top presumably for the Swanton Bomb, but he saw Shelton Benjamin ringside and dove onto him. Hardy then tried to re-group and nail the Swanton Bomb back in the ring, but MVP moved in time. MVP then waited for Hardy to reach his knees and he nailed the big boot to the head for the pin and the win.

WINNER: MVP in 10:00. Nice win for MVP, who needed a credible PPV match victory that he can use to promote his case for a main event push in TV storylines. Finish was relatively clean, as Jeff simply could have ignored Shelton's presence ringside. (**)

WWE SummerSlam PPV Results: 8-17-08

2 -- Women's champion MICKIE JAMES & IC champion KOFI KINGSTON vs. BETH PHOENIX & SANTINO MARELLA -- Winning team wins both belts

There was a little dissension between Santino and Beth early on, with Beth complaining about Santino ruining things for her. Kofi teased a splash onto both, but Santino hopped into Beth's awaiting arms and Kofi stopped short. Hilarious. Back in the ring, Santino and Kofi battled until knocking heads pretty hard. They quickly made tags out the ladies to get a breather, leading to Mickie getting the upper hand on Beth. Mickie went up top and nailed her Thesz Press, but Santino broke up the pin. Mickie then gave Santino a nice elevated DDT to KO Santino. Mickie was then blindsided by Beth, who smashed her with the seated implant buster for the pin and the win.

Afterward, Beth revived Santino from a state of unconsciousness and handed him his IC Title belt. Santino then hopped on Beth's shoulders and Beth carried him around ringside as Santino shouted that they did it. On stage, Santino claimed he did it all by himself. He then told the belt he missed it very much.

WINNERS: Santino & Beth in 5:00 to capture the IC and Women's Titles. Short match that may have been cut short after that nasty head-to-head collision between Santino and Kofi. Santino was great, as usual. If WWE has original material for the Glammarella tandem, then we should be store in for several weeks of great TV. (*)

WWE SummerSlam PPV Results: 8-17-08

In-ring: Shawn Michaels came to the ring with his wife, Rebecca, who tried to stand strong in the ring as Michaels began his speech. Michaels said he's going to get right to it. He said he recently had an appointment with his doctor for a re-evaluation on his eye. Michaels said that the eye injury combined with the assorted injuries he's suffered in his career led to the doctor telling him he should walk away. Boos. Michaels said the doctor left it up to him for his final decision and he's going to heed the advice and walk away. Boos.

Michaels recapped his history going back to Summerslams in the past where he was the headliner and showstopper. He said he's also known as the guy who screwed Bret Hart, formed DX, innovated the ladder match, lost his smile, and retired Ric Flair. He said he can now by a full-time husband and father. Michaels said this ultimately won't be a popular decision, but he knows it's the right one. Before he could finish, Chris Jericho's music interrupted. It was only a matter of time.

Jericho slowly walked out on stage sporting his villain suit and tie. He has the costuming mastered. Jericho locked eyes with Michaels while Rebecca played her part of the concerned wife fighting back tears. Jericho slowly circled around the ring to face Michaels, who returned his stare. Jericho: "No." He said he's not going to allow Michaels to go out this way on his own terms. Jericho said Michaels is walking away from the business because of him and he wants Michaels to admit to that right now. Michaels said that if Jericho has even the slightest bit of human decency, he will get out of this ring right now. Jericho said he's not going anywhere until Michaels admits he put him out of the business. He said Michaels needs to admit to his wife and children why he won't be able to work in the ring anymore. Jericho said he deserves to hear Michaels admit he put Michaels out for good.

Jericho continued on that the headline will show Michaels left the wrestling business because of Chris Jericho. Michaels nodded and said he'll admit that he will go home and tell his family that the reason he can't wrestle anymore is because of the actions of a vile, selfish, worthless human being. He wanted Jericho to do him a favor, though. Michaels told Jericho to sit down with his family and tell them that daddy will never, ever be Shawn Michaels. Oh my. What a line. Fans cheered and chanted, "H-B-K" as both men continued to lock eyes. Rebecca pulled at Michaels's arm to get him to leave and Michaels slowly started to walk away, but Jericho pulled him back. He went for a punch to the face, but Michaels ducked out of instinct and Rebecca took it square in the face.

After the initial giant gasp in the arena, Michaels dropped down to the mat to check on his wife, who slumped down to the mat. Jericho had a slight look of concern mixed with villainous confidence. Michaels had his best performance possibly ever showing the intense character battle within himself on whether to attack Jericho or check on his wife. He fought back his old persona to attack Jericho and opted to keep checking on his wife, who slowly brought her left arm over to Michaels's shoulder for protection. Jericho slowly walked out of the ring maintaining that mix of grief, concern, and no remorse. He locked eyes with Michaels, who kept kneeling over Rebecca's body while medical staff checked on Rebecca. After Jericho disappeared backstage, Rebecca slowly made her way to her feet to a strong ovation. Michaels helped her out of the ring and they embraced with the camera focusing on Rebecca's busted lip. They embraced as the announcers quietly recapped video footage of the punch to the face.

Just an amazingly poignant segment. One of the best performances ever in a wrestling angle from all three. It's a challenge for family members to become involved in wrestling angles, but Rebecca played her part perfectly.

WWE SummerSlam PPV Results: 8-17-08

3 -- ECW champion MARK HENRY (w/Tony Atlas) vs. MATT HARDY -- ECW Title match

Less than a minute into the match, Hardy nailed the Twist of Fate. He had the pin, but Tony Atlas yanked Hardy out of the ring to cause a DQ. OK? There went four weeks of TV build-up. Fans booed the non-finish, then Atlas tried to beat up Hardy on the floor, but Jeff Hardy stormed the ring to make the save. Henry tried to get involved on the floor, but the Hardys gave him a double suplex square on the floor. They celebrated together as Atlas and Henry regrouped.

WINNER: Hardy via DQ in 1:00; Henry retains ECW Title. Well, another classic ECW PPV match ends before it really even begins. ECW gets a little momentum, then they pull the rug out from under whatever percentage of the audience was looking forward to this match as one of the reasons they bought the PPV. WWE tried to "send 'em home happy" with the post-match, but it was an empty answer. (n/a)

WWE SummerSlam PPV Results: 8-17-08

4 -- World Hvt. champion C.M. PUNK vs. JBL -- World Title match

JBL dominated this one to start things off, encouraging the fans to rally behind Punk. JBL slapped on an abdominal stretch after wearing on Punk's ribs for a while, but Punk hip-tossed out of the hold and fired off a high knee in the corner. He teased the G2S, but JBL blocked and absolutely smashed Punk with a clothesline. JBL then landed a series of elbow smashes before making a cover for a nearfall. JBL teased the Clothesline from Hell, but Punk blocked with a leaping strike to the face. On the way down, JBL fell on the back of Punk's head causing some major blood loss. That was a sick knocking of heads. Punk and JBL continued to battle with JBL scoring another nearfall. He went for the Clothesline from Hell, but Punk ducked and hoisted JBL up on his shoulders for the G2S. He connected, then slowly made the cover for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Punk in 12:00 to retain the World Title. Just about at expectations for what kind of match would take place here. JBL had plenty of offense to continue the theme of Punk as an underdog champion who shows grit to pull out the win to keep the belt. (**1/4)

WWE SummerSlam PPV Results: 8-17-08

5 -- WWE champion TRIPLE H vs. GREAT KHALI (w/Runjan Singh) -- WWE Title match

After a mid-ring punch exchange, Hunter teased the Pedigree, but Khali fought him off and nailed the two-hand chokebomb in center ring. Khali celebrated the big move then called for Hunter to get up so he could slap on the vice grip. Khali applied the grip as Hunter tried to fight out and eventually did. He then nailed a chopblock ala Ric Flair that took Khali off his feet to the mat. Khali rolled to the outside and Hunter gave chase, but Khali lured him into a frying pan-like chop to the head. Back in the ring, Khali took his time taking Hunter apart. Fans chanted, "You can't wrestle," but I'm pretty sure that wouldn't affect Khali, who probably had no idea what they were chanting. At least it kept the energy level up while Khali continued to work on Hunter mid-ring.

At 7:00, Hunter came back with a second Pedigree attempt, but Khali backed them up to the ropes and he dumped Hunter over the top rope to the floor. Back in the ring, Hunter appeared to be in jeopardy with Khali slapping on the vice again. Hunter did his big power-up to escape the grip, then ducked a clothesline and kicked Khali in the gut for a third Pedigree attempt. This time, Hunter hooked the arms and nailed the Pedigree to a huge reaction. He then made the cover for the win.

WINNER: Hunter in 10:00 to retain the WWE Title. This was definitely above expectations. They put together a basic, simple-to-understand 10-minute story that eventually led to Hunter escaping the vice and finally hitting the Pedigree. Nothing complicated and the fans were into the action, so all was fine here. (**1/4)

WWE SummerSlam PPV Results: 8-17-08

6 -- JOHN CENA vs. BATISTA -- No Hype Needed -- First-time Ever

After a brief test of power for the feeling-out process, Batista took a page out of Flair's book and nailed a chopblock before going to a figure four leglock. Cena fought out, then he hoisted Batista up on his shoulders and dumped Batista clear over the top rope to the floor. Back in the ring, Batista blocked an FU attempt and made a comeback with a series of clotheslines. He followed with a spinebuster at 7:00 and wanted to end it, but Cena countered into a nice knee twist into an STFU in center ring. Batista started to crawl to the ropes, so Cena dropped the hold and re-applied it in center ring. Batista broke free, then he slapped on a rear naked choke at 10:00. Very nice opening 10 minutes.

Cena broke free of the choke and both men hobbled to their feet. Batista then nailed a spear out of nowhere and Batista made a cover for a close nearfall. Batista went for a power move, but Cena made an absolutely sick counter into shoulderbreaker position into fireman's carry position into an FU. Cena didn't make an immediate cover, giving Batista time to kick out of the subsequent pin. Cena went up top, then Cena and Batista battled on the top turnbuckle. Cena nailed a combo of punches to knock Batista to the mat, then he went for the guillotine smash, but Batista countered into a mid-air powerbomb. He had the pin, but Cena kicked out just in time for a huge crowd reaction. Batista, frustrated, nailed a big kick to the head before nailing a Batistabomb in center ring. That was Brock Lesnar-esque with the intensity right there. He then made the cover and scored the pin for the win. Cole said Batista was only three seconds better than Cole tonight, and each man gave a five-star effort.

WINNER: Batista in 14:00. Just an awesome match. Perfectly fine on several levels to deliver a great first match between the two and generate the demand from the audience for a re-match, considering they only went about 14-15 minutes. Batista had a superstar-reminding effort while Cena had a really good showing, especially with that sick counter into the FU. Crowd involvement pushed this to a four-star level. (****)

WWE SummerSlam PPV Results: 8-17-08

7 -- THE UNDERTAKER vs. EDGE -- Hell in a Cell match

Undertaker dominated to start things off, taking Edge hard into the ring steps early on. They showed La Familia backstage watching the match on a monitor. Vickie was almost enjoying Taker taking apart Edge. In the ring, Taker tried to smash Edge into ring steps, but Edge blocked and fired up with a hard whip into the steps. He then dropkicked Taker into the base of the stairs before spearing him back-first into the steps. After gaining momentum, Edge began bringing out weapons from under the ring. One such weapon was a folding chair, which was used repeatedly on Undertaker's back and face. Other such weapons were a ladder and a table, and Edge hopped up the ladder to smash Taker with a chair through the table.

At 10:00, Taker made a comeback with a hard right hand to the forehead. He then sent Edge crashing hard into the Cell wall with a boot off the apron. A second hard smash into the cage wall sent Edge through the Cell to the outside at the base of the announce table position. Edge cracked a TV monitor over Taker's head, then he speared Taker clear off the Raw announce table through the ECW announce table. Ouch. Good to see the ECW announce table used for something tonight. Taker and Edge eventually made their way back inside the Cell where Edge met Taker with a ladder shot between the eyes. Edge then went for a spear, but Taker blocked and nailed a big chokeslam that only resulted in a two count.

At 20:00, Edge nailed an impaler DDT for a nearfall, then Taker sat up in classic form. He set up for the Last Ride next to a table, but Edge slipped out and nailed a spear in center ring. Edge made the cover, but Taker kicked out. Taker made another comeback attempt with the Last Ride powerbomb and he connected this time, but only for a nearfall. Taker took Edge onto the steps for another powerbomb attempt, but Edge slipped out and hit a reverse DDT on the steps. Edge then wanted Old School, which set off the crowd and led to Taker crotching Edge on the top turnbuckle. Taker then grabbed Edge around the throat and chokeslammed him off the top turnbuckle through two tables on the floor.

Back in the ring at 25:00, Taker nailed a spear and picked up a cameraman's camera to smash across Edge's face. Ross called it HD - Human Devastation. Nice. Taker then set up a Conchairto and connected. The camera focused on a cut on Edge's back that was producing a little bit of blood. Nothing like Bob Holly's huge gash on ECW a while ago. Taker then finished off Edge with a Tombstone Piledriver in center ring. He made the cover for the win. In Vickie's office, they showed La Familia clapping for Taker's victory.

WINNER: Taker in 27:00. Just what you expected here - a very good battle built around a great TV storyline. They stretched out the spot sequences to fit the time, so it wasn't as action-packed and intense as the Cena-Batista match, where it seemed like the finish could come at any time. This was more of a methodical Undertaker match where the outcome was a little ways down the road. Solid story, but Edge didn't quite get to that level where his TV character was at. He was just classic heel Edge. (***1/2)

Post-match: Taker started to leave the Cell, but then he spotted Edge moving around back in the Cell. He did a 180 and stormed back to the ring where Edge flopped around like a fish out of water. Taker set up a ladder and he placed Edge's lifeless body on the ladder. Taker introduced a second ladder and he climbed that ladder to stare down into Edge's eyes. He signaled for the end, then Taker push/chokeslammed Edge off the ladder through a soft spot in the ring. Edge disappeared from sight after landing with a thud, then fire emerged from the spot where Edge was. Essentially, they were giving a visual of the flames of hell that Edge had descended to. The announcers didn't sell it like Edge had to have been badly burned or even died in the fire, but rather just a wrestling angle of Taker giving symbolism for what he was trying to accomplish.

AAA on Galavision TV Report

By: Xavier Hernandez
Show aired on: 08/16/2008


The announcers welcome us to the show from Monterrey. They show the usual video from lasr week's show. Konnan continues to show up in tapings, even though he is suspended, the Legion was defeated by AAA, and Zorro couldn't wrestle. Mesias battled Vampiro once again, and of course the Hell Brothers are divided for now. For this show, there will be a ROYAL RUMBLE match (they call it a "Russian Roullette", but it has the RR rules). The winner will become the #1 contender to Cibernetico's AAA title.


1) Tito Santana, Rio Bravo Tigre Cota & Escorpion Negro vs. Javi, Kevin, Ricky & Baby Rap

-First Fall: Again, this is a match of AAA's youngest talent. The heels begin the early group attack on the tecnicos. The tecnocos make the comeback, and now they apply the group attack on the heels. The Barrios use a skateboard to punish the sensible zone of Bravo. Ricky does a spectacular Moonsault on Escorpion, who was outside. In the ring, Javi uses a modified Crossface to make Tito submit.

Winners: Javi, Kevin, Ricky & Baby Rap


-In-Ring Segment: Zorro comes to the ring, and complains about the Rumble match. He says it's not fair that the winner gets a shot at the AAA title. Zorro wants to know who was the creator of the joke, but realizes it was Joaquin roldan. Zorro claims he is still the #1 contender. Roldan arrives to the ring, to tell Zorro that he's not allowed to compete tonight. Roldan says he banned Zorro, because he is still injured. Roldan wants proof that Zorro is medically cleared to compete. Zorro says he's not scared of Roldam, so he wants a replacement of equal weight and category: Konnan! (I had to put together this segment, because it was split into 5 parts)


2) AAA Mini Championship (Qualifying Match #1)
Mini Histeria vs. Mascarita Sagrada

Prematch Comments: Both men bow to take the title, to prove that they are the best.

-First Fall: Histeria begins with hard chops and kicks on Mascarita. Histeria misses a corner clothesline, and Mascarita takes advantage of this. Histeria lands outisde, and Mascarita does a Springboard Crossbody on him. School Boy by Histeria, only for a two count. Powerbomb by Histeria, for another two count. Mascarita surprises Histeria with an awesome Sunset flip, and the three count is made.

Winner: Mascarita Sagrada


3) AAA Mini Championship (Qualifying Match #2)
Mini Abismo Negro vs. La Parkita

Prematch Comments: Both men also claim they will win the title.

-First Fall: Both men start with hard takedowns on each other. Parkita uses Headscissors to toss Abismo out, and finishes him with a suicide dive. Hurricanrana by Abismo for a two count. Parkita lands outisde, and Abismo hits a Diving Crossbody on him. Sambo suplex by Abismo, for yet another two. Parkita tries to slam abismo, but the heel counters with a Cross Armbreaker, and the submission occurs.

Winner: Mini Abismo Negro


*Noti AAA:
-More promotion for "luchalibreaaa.com"
-The Guapos claim to have a surprise, so it could be a new member.
-Jesus Zuniga interviews Roldan. He discusses the Konnan situation, and how he sued the company for being suspended. Roldan agrees that Konnan appears, as long as he is scheduled for a match. If he shows up and he's not slated in a match, then Roldan will take matters into his own hands.
-More hype for the return of Gronda.
-Another reminder to bring keys for the tapings.


*Pretaped Segment: Pirata Morgan talks with his kids about how undeserving people get inside the ring. Dancers and strippers like Elegido and Alan Stone will be finished, because the Piratas will clean the company. For the Piratas "Today is a good day to die".


4) Los Piratas (Pirata Morgan, Pirata Morgan Jr. & Hijo del Pirata) vs. Elegido, Gato Eveready & Aerostar

-First Fall: The Piratas immediately attack Elegido upon his arrival. Every tecnico is attacked individually by the heels. The tecnicos make the comeback with aerial attacks. Hijo launches Gato to the outside, but the tecnico spins to hit Morgan Jr. with a Corkscrew attack. Hijo lands outside, and Aerostar uses a sick Sprinboard Back attack to finish him. In the ring, Elegido uses la Casita on Pirata for a two. Pirata lands outisde, and Elegido goes for a suicide dive, but the referee makes him fall. Elegido pushes the referee, and Pirata rolls himover with a lowblow.

Winners: Pirata Morgan, Pirata Morgan Jr. & Hijo del Pirata


*Pretaped Segment: Elvis Porky is still crying about the betrayal of his brother, but his partners cheer him up. Alebrije says he ran out of ideas to cheer Porky up. On the other hand, the clowns brag about their undefeated streak of 163-0 (holy cow, when did they win so many matches?)


5) Psycho Circus (Zombie, Killer & Psycho Clown) vs. Brazo de Plata, El Angel & Alebrije (w/Cuije)

-First Fall: Typical clowns match. Clowns immediately dominate the tecnicos, tecnicos make a short comeback, Porky is pinned by Psycho with a plancha, and it's 164-0. (sorry, but this match didn't do anything to me, pure squash!)

Winners: Zombie, Killer & Psycho Clown


6) Electroshock & Hart Foundation 2.0 (Teddy Hart & Jack Evans) vs. Chessman, Crazy Boy & Ultimo Gladiador

-First Fall: Crazy and Evans open the match with very athletic moves. Hart and Gladiador enter the ring, and Hart uses hard kicks on the MP. Chessman tags in, but he is distracted by Hart's gorgeous manager. The heels start the triple team attack on the tecnicos, and the Harts do aerial maneuvers, supported with Electro's power moves. Hart's manager hits Gladiador with her shoe, and the heels continue their assault. The tecnicos finally make the comeback with double team moves. Crazy tries the Package Piledriver, but Evans counters it, and Chessman accidentally spears Crazy. The Harts capitalize to pin Crazy with a Corkscrew Elbow, and the 630 Senton.

Winners: Electroshock, Teddy Hart & Jack Evans


*Prematch Comments: Backstage, Zorro is very pissed off because he can't compete. Konnan calls him the "cerebral assasain" (no, he's not HHH), and asks him to calm down. Alna is looking at himself in a mirror, until Parka interrupts him. Both men thank each other for their support, and bow that they won't let any Legion guy win the Rumble. Mesias talks with Ozz, about how he's being dsicriminated again. he should be #1 contender, and tells Ozz that he must help him win the match, because Ozz is the slave of Mesias, whether he likes it or not.


7) Russian Roullette ("Mexican Royal Rumble" fits better)
Participants: Mesias, La Parka, Dark Ozz, Black Abyss, Alan Stone, Joe Lider, Konnan, Chessman, Head Hunter & Kenzo Suzuki

Rules: Simple, two guys start the match, and every 1:30, a new and fresh guy enters the ring. To be eliminated, the opponent must me tossed over the top rope, and both feet must touch the floor. The winner gets a shot at Cibernetico for the AAA title, at the next supercard "Verano de Escandalo"

-Match: Mesias and Parka are first, and they attack each other for a minute and a half. Ozz is next, and he aids Mesias in the beating of Parka. Abyss enters the ring, and he tries to make an alliance with Mesias, but it doesn't work. Alan enters the ring, and tosses Abyss out of the ring. Lider is next, but he is attacked by La Secta. Ozz gets in the ropes, and Parka eliminates him. Zorro tries to enter, but the referees don't let him enter the ring. the Konnan (Zorro's replacement) arrives to the ring. Roldan arrives, and orders Alan and Parka to eliminate Konnan. Chessman is next, and he attacks everyone in sight. Hunter enters the ring, and he dominates the match (Viscera style). Parka, Alan, Lider and Mesias team up to eliminate Hunter. Mesias gets closer and closer, but he can't be eliminated. Kenzo is the last man to arrive, and he delivers hard slaps on the tecnicos. Alan climbs the top, but he is eliminated by Mesias. Kenzo suplexes Lider over the top, and he's out. Parka clotheslines Kenzo out of the ring, so no more Legion guys. Mesias removes Parka's mask, and he eliminates the kids' idol. Chessman tries a 450 Splash, but he misses, and Mesias spears him. Mesias tosses Chessman, and celebrates. Chessman is not eliminated yet, but when Mesias realizes it, he is tossed out of the ring by Chessman.

Winner: Chessman

-Aftermath: Cibernetico arrives to the ring for a handshake, but Chessman refuses and removes the HB shirt. Ciber tells Chessman that if he wants the title, then Ciber will defend it with pleasure. Apocalypsis Ahora!



FINAL COMMENTS: Overall, the best show since TripleMania. I liked the Rumble match, but they should have cut the clowns match, to make the Rumble longer, and add at least 5 more guys. It's amazing to me that out of the clowns' streak of 164-0, only about 20 matches have been on TV. The idea of a Mini title is good, but this division is way behind CMLL's division of Minis. I didn't get the name of Hart's hot manager, so if anyone recognize her, please let me know.

Thanks!!!

TemJin's comments: Jack Evans is fucking awsome, as always.

Summerslam was a good WWE PPV. A couple WTF moments (ECW match... ugh) but overall it had two really good memorable bouts (the two Main Events, ironically enough, both matches contained zero champions).

HiaC teased us with a cage climb, and I was disappointed by that and no blood with all those head shots, but overall it was a nice spotfest-filled match. Predictable, but lots of carnage. See how CLOSE that cell door came to killing JR? I swear it fell like 2-3 feet away from his fat face

TenJim, again many thanks for the AAA report and also the wrestling folks at ComicBloc also send their appreciations for allowing me to share it with them

Arcademan said:

TenJim, again many thanks for the AAA report and also the wrestling folks at ComicBloc also send their appreciations for allowing me to share it with them

Click to expand...

always a pleasure...besides, someone has to go to Wrestling Observer, copy it, and post it.

So I went to a TNA live show over the weekend and I had SO much fun doing so! I met with Shark Boy, Curry Man, Jay Lethal, Lance Hoyt, Jimmy Rave, Johnny Devine, Miss Jackie, Awesome Kong, Taylor Wild, Consquences Creed, and LAX! This was my first ever TNA show and I hope it won't be my last! Dixie Carter, the president of TNA, was there as well and they're in talks of trying to bring a PPV to Dallas. Which one is in question but I know for damn sure i'll be there. Maybe i'll get a press pass to show up and talk to the wrestlers!

Peace and love!
Maury V.

P.S.
Photos will come in the near future once I get my computer fixed.