offical wwe thread

I think we can all agree that they're both god-awful.

I also agree. Right now, I think the ECW announcing team of Grissom and Striker are the best. Thank God they got rid of Mike Adamle

Wrestlings news and tidbits...

Bret Hart's right knee was recently replaced.
http://www.wrestlezone.com/article.php?articleid=230233785

File this under "What have I done with MY life?" Sonny Siaki has raised $30,000 for his brother. This is in addition to planning to donate his kidney to his bro, Bernard.
http://www.wrestlezone.com/article.php?articleid=230318031

Jimmy Rave saves a New Jersey show from an epic fail. Tracy Brooks also helped out at the end there, but this sounds NUTS. Definitely check out this story.
http://www.wrestlezone.com/article.php?articleid=230320324

Check out SmackDown this Friday for the return of Shane/Gregory "Hurricane" Helms. Here's what Helms himself had to say about it. The Hurricane has had one CRAPTASTIC year and a half (which he talks about in the article) and I usually don't watch SmackDown, but I'll try like hell to catch it this week.
http://www.wrestlezone.com/article.php?articleid=230325056

Speaking of SmackDown, look for it to be 'the wrestling show' as they're cutting down on backstage stuff and featuring more matches.
http://www.pwheadlines.com/wwe-news/new-details-on-wwe-s-big-changes-to-smackdown.shtml

How much does WWE like Randy Orton right now? Enough to offer him a contract for 10 years....
http://www.pwheadlines.com/wwe-news/wwe-offers-randy-orton-10-year-contract-wm24-news.shtml

Bruce Prichard got released....
http://www.pwheadlines.com/wwe-news/huge-wwe-official-released-final-ecw-rating-more.shtml

....and Lena Yada talks about her release to friends.
Additionally, Bobby Lahsley and Kristal Marshall may/may not be married.
http://www.pwheadlines.com/wwe-news/lashley-weds-former-wwe-diva-yada-speaks-out-on-release.shtml

Batista on dating Kelly Kelly (he did), meeting Morgan Fairchild (starstruck) and riding in a limo with Hogan and Vince. At the same time. Awkward....
http://www.pwheadlines.com/wwe-news/batista-says-he-dated-kelly-kelly-talks-about-vince-hogan.shtml

Mickie James on doing movies and staying upbeat.
http://www.pwheadlines.com/wwe-news/mickie-james-wants-a-career-outide-wwe-smackdown.shtml

Shawn Michaels wants Undertaker at WrestleMania 25.
And a whole lot on the release of Bruce Prichard (aka Brother Love).
http://www.pwheadlines.com/wwe-news/wwe-star-pitches-to-wrestle-undertaker-at-wm-25.shtml

+1 to get the page to load properly. I really hate it when it comes to the last 3 posts on the page and it sends you to the top after you made a post

TNA Impact! Results: 12-4-08

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

1 -- Legends champion BOOKER T (w/Sharmell) vs. SAMOA JOE -- Legends Title match -- Street fight

Tenay and West took us back to Victory Road in July when the Joe vs. Booker main event led to the start of Sting's quest to beat respect into the Frontline. Yes, the worst-ever main event ending to a show I've ever seen live in person. In any event, the action quickly spilled to the floor where Joe nailed a series of chops before they cut to a break.

Back to action where they traded control until Booker caught Joe flush in the face with a leaping leg whip for a two count. Suddenly, we have Sharmell running interference on the apron distracting the ref. Joe ducked the axe kick and slapped on the rear naked choke, which Booker tapped out, but the Beautiful People ran down to ringside and sprayed their spray in Joe's eyes. Joe ran around in the ring covering his eyes, but then he settled right into position for Booker to nail the axe kick for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Booker in 9:00 to retain the Legends Title. Just the usual TNA "main event" TV match with plenty of interference and ref incompetence. (*)

2 -- SCOTT STEINER & Knockouts champion AWESOME KONG (w/Raisha Saeed and Rhaka Khan) vs. CHRISTY HEMME & A.J. STYLES

A bit rough early on between Steiner and Styles, then Steiner knocked down Styles with a straight right hand to the face. Styles then ducked a punch and nailed the leaping dropkick that sent Steiner to his corner. Kong then entered the ring and Styles accepted a chop before wanting to punch Kong, but ref Slick Johnson held him back per the rules of man on man only. Styles then knocked Steiner to the floor and he wanted a splash on Steiner, but Kong yanked him down hard on the apron. Back in the ring, Steiner took control as they cut to break.

Back to action where Kong and Hemme battled with Hemme slapping on a chokehold until Steiner tried to get involved. Styles then got involved and knocked Steiner off the apron to the floor before nailing a slingshot plancha. Back in the ring, Kong stalked Hemme to give her a beating. She then turned her attention to Styles and nailed a big splash. Kong tried the Awesomebomb on Hemme, but Hemme slipped out. Styles then helped Hemme get in position for a big tornado DDT on Kong and she connected while Styles held off Steiner to give Hemme the pin on Kong for the win.

WINNERS: Hemme & Styles in 8:00. Fine match to put Hemme in position as a threat to Kong at the PPV. Styles and Steiner didn't seem to fit into the scenario, but it was fine. (*)

3 -- JIMMY RAVE & SONJAY DUTT (w/So Cal Val) & X Division champion SHEIK ABDUL BASHIR vs. CONSEQUENCES CREED & ERIC YOUNG & JAY LETHAL

Referee Shane is back to refereeing, so the focus of the match was Shane and Bashir, who decided to duck out of the ring and point at Mike Tenay. He asked for a headset. Now. Bashir said he's not in a match with ref Shane or Eric Young because it ain't fair. He said this isn't his time or place. In the ring, the match was set up for Creed's hot tag and house-of-fire entry before he ran into a big boot from Jimmy Rave. Creed then came back on Rave with a fallaway TKO from the fireman's carry position for the pin and the win.

Post-match: Sheik bolted from the broadcast position and attacked Young, but Young fought back on Sheik on the floor. The cameras had a tough time keeping up with the action, then Sheik backed down on the entranceramp to escape Young, who stole the X Division Title and entered the ring to hold it up with Creed and Lethal.

WINNERS: Team Creed in 4:00. Standard X Division throw-it-at-the-wall match before the post-match set up a PPV match. (*)

4 -- TNA World Hvt. champion STING vs. RHINO -- non-title match

The action predictably moved to the floor in the opening minute, then Rhino wanted a Gore into the guardrail, but Sting moved and Rhino ate the guardrail head-first. He then came up bleeding from the forehead with a glazed-over look in his eyes as they cut to break.

Back from break, Rhino and Sting traded control until Kurt Angle stormed ringside to cheer on Sting. A.J. Styles then came down to ringside to take a closer look at the action in Rhino's corner. Angle jumped on the apron, but Rhino knocked him off. Rhino then backed into a clothesline from Rhino. Sting had the Scorpion on Rhino, but Angle and Styles battled on the floor to distract Sting. Sting then turned around and took the Gore from Rhino and Rhino made the pin for the win. Afterward, Angle put his hands on his head and told Sting he's sorry, man. Frontline then celebrated with a blood-soaked Rhino to close the show.

WINNER: Rhino in 6:00. Well, more seeds planted for dissension in the Mafia involving Sting, as Angle essentially cost him the match there. Match wasn't much; just the typical TNA fare leading to a PPV with tons of people involved and plenty of interference. (*)

8,000th POST!!!

WWE Smackdown Results: 12-5-08

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

1 -- EDGE vs. FUNANKI

Edge walked to the ring with Vickie Guerrero. Ross said "WWE higher ups" intervened and put both Hardy and Triple into the title match at Armageddon. Funaki jump-started the match and even hit a big DDT off the second rope for an early pin attempt. He scored two more two counts with leverage pins before Edge was able to gain his composure. Funaki hit a crane kick and scored another two count. Edge had enough and nailed Funaki with a boot to the face, then finished him with a spear. Ross said regarding Edge: "The eyes of that man tell a very dangerous, complex story."

WINNER: Edge in 2:00.

2 -- MICHELLE MCCOOL vs. MARIA

Maria took a bump by doing the splits mid-ring. Ross said, "That hurt me just looking at it." McCool applied a bodyscissors and sleeper mid-ring at 2:00. Maria fought out of it within 20 seconds and delivered a jaw-jacker. She elbowed McCool as she charged her, then clotheslined her twice. Her clotheslines do not look good. Maria ducked a McCool round kick and schoolgirled her for the win.

WINNER: Maria in 3:00.

3 -- MVP vs. HURRICANE HELMS

Helms has a new entrance song. He's grown his hair out. Ross said it's been a year since we've seen him in the ring. He said he had serious neck surgery. His new look includes a much less cut physique. Tazz observed that MVP seemed a lot less confident and cocky than before. The crowd chanted, "I'm just saying." Well, I should say about five or six fans near a ring mic. It didn't catch on. Helms hit a deep armdrag and then applied a cross armbreaker. MVP grabbed the top rope right away to force a break. MVP came back with a big boot to the head. Then he applied a cool mat hold where he wrapped up Hurrican'es arms with his legs and then applied a headlock. The back and forth action continued for a minute with Helms hitting MVP on the back with his spin round kick. Tazz pointed out he wasn't even sure where he caught him because it didn't look good. Helms pointed to the sky afterward, surely a signal to his mom and step-mom, both of whom died in the last year. He seemed to get a bit choked out. In all honesty, not an impressive return for him. His timing didn't seem right and the flabby belly is something that doesn't go over well with Vince McMahon.

WINNER: Helms in 4:00.

4a -- TRIPLE H & JEFF HARDY vs. ZACH RYDER & CURT HAWKINS

Ryder and Hawkins are still with the promotion? Man, did they drop off the face of the promotion. Ross noted again that WWE higher-ups intervened in last week's controversy and forced the three-way match at Armageddon. Triple H tagged himself in. Hardy didn't like that. Ryder jumped Triple H right away, but Triple H gave him a spinebuster seconds later. He then gave him a Pedigree for the apparent win. Hardy, though, dove off the top rope with a Swanton. Triple H had to move. Hardy landed on Ryder. Hardy got up and had a brief staredown with Triple H. Hawkins ran into the ring, so Hardy cut him off as Triple H went for the pin. They shoved each other, but the music of Miz & John Morrison began.

WINNERS: Triple H & Hardy in 2:00.

4b -- TRIPLE H & JEFF HARDY vs. MIZ & JOHN MORRISON

The match was joined in progress with Hardy beating up Miz. The fact that wrestlers trust each other to just lie there as their opponent drops a knee toward their forehead is one of the most amazing aspects of being a pro wrestler. It cost Bret Hart against Goldberg, and Steve Austin against Owen Hart, and Droz against D-Lo Brown among other screw-ups, but it's relatively rare. After a couple minutes without disputes between Triple H and Hardy, Ross said we shouldn't get a false sense of security about their ability to continue to coexist peacefully. Miz and Morrison were able to double-team Triple H for several minutes, tagging in and out while isolating Hunter. Hardy didn't seem bothered by Hunter being on defense for so long.

At 8:00 Hunter hot-tagged Hardy. He cleaned house on both heels. Ross wondered aloud how things would have gone at Survivor Series had Hardy participated as scheduled. Four-way action broke out. Hardy launched himself onto all three others on the floor, taking both opponents and his partner down to the floor hard. Hunter recovered and attacked Hardy. He threw him into the steel steps and then the ringside barrier. Several referees came out from the back to try to restore order. Hardy reversed Hunter into the steps. The referees pulled them apart. Several security members joined in.

WINNERS: Miz & Morrison via countout at 10:00.

STAR RATING: *1/2 -- Solid action. The heels were just extras as the real purpose of this match was to build tension between Hunter and Hardy - which it did with success. Well done segment, and it's nice to see Miz & Morrison not sacrificed for Triple H. When Triple H is given a chance to plow through several tag teams, he usually seizes the opportunity.

5 -- CHAVO GUERRERO vs. MATT HARDY

Ross said regarding Hardy, "Of course, we see him on Tuesday nights." That's about as far as WWE goes these days in acknowledging the soft brand split that sorta still exists but barely. They ought to just have ten exclusives with each brand and then let everyone else float from brand-to-brand. It'd at least explain why some wrestlers appear on multiple shows despite "belonging" to a single specific brand. Hardy hit an early bulldog for a one count. One counts are nice because they make two counts more dramatic. Ross began talking about Randy Orton vs. Batista. He said he can't wait to see that match, years in the making. Too bad it's a supporting match when it finally happens rather than the centerpiece main event for a world title. At 3:00 the reason for this oddly pointless match existing became clear as Vladimir Kozlov charged into the ring and gave Hardy a boot to the face. He knocked Chavo out of the ring, then tied Hardy's arms in the ropes. He headbutted him viciously and then trash-talked him in Russian. Several zebras entered the ring and magically talked Kozlov into leaving in peace. Kozlov returned to the back. They showed Hardy pointing at his chest and gasping for breath as medics tended to him.

WINNER: No contest in 3:00.

6 -- THE BIG SHOW vs. UNDERTAKER -- Cage Match

This was the least hyped mega-match ever on Smackdown. They just didn't do a good job providing the proper sense of this being a big deal during the show. Other than that Show soundbite earlier, you'd hardly know it was scheduled. When Taker entered the ring after his elaborate ring entrance, Show smiled and looked as eager to play as Kevin Garnett just before tipoff. Show powered Taker into the corner as soon as the bell rang and pounded him with headbutts and body blows. This started with 18 minutes left in the show, plenty of time for a memorable TV main event if they're up for it and booked for it. Show set up Taker for a corner swing splash. Taker moved, although Show's legs still caught Taker. Show struggled to get up. Taker recovered and got to his feet at the same time. Taker punched Show against the cage. Then he tested the strength of the cage walls by taking running starts with a body check and a big boot. On the third charge, Show caught him with an elbow. Show threw Taker into the side of the cage.

Show remained on offense after the break, throwing Taker into the cage. At 6:00 Taker showed signs of a comeback. At 8:00 Taker went to the top rope for his walk-the-rope spot, but Show punched out of it and hit a superplex. By 9:00 they both climbed to the top rope and exchanged punches. Taker eventually hit Show with a barrage of short jabs to Show's face. Show was unsteady and teetered for a dramatic few seconds before collapsing to the mat. Taker climbed to the top of the cage, did the cut-throat gesture, and then rolled his eyes backward. Then rather than climb to the floor to win, he went for a top rope legdrop. Show moved. Taker landed with a thud. Show made the cover, but Taker rolled his left shoulder up just before three. A minute later Taker countered a chokeslam attempt with a DDT. He made the cover. Show kicked out just before three. At 13:00 Show went for a chokeslam. Show powered out and chokeslammed Taker. Show fell backward afterward, but then crawled over for the cover. Taker powered out just before three. Taker blocked a right hand megapunch by Show. When e charged at Show seconds later, Show KO'd him with his megapunch. Just as Tazz declared Taker knocked out unconscious, Taker sat up. Show grabbed him by the throat. Taker slipped on his Heaven's Gate submission. Show struggled to escape, but eventually tapped out. Ross called it an amazing confrontation between two rivals. The show ended as Taker celebrated the win.

WINNER: Undertaker in 15:00.

STAR RATING: **1/2 -- Some big spots and good near fall drama, but pretty plodding and slow paced most of the time, so it's neither a must see classic nor a total bomb.

Well, Hulk Hogan's Celebrity Championship Wrestling had its fianle tonight and the first CCW champion is...

<drumroll>

Dennis Rodman.

Heh...like that means anything to anyone

TNA Final Resolution PPV Results: 12-7-08

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

1 -- FEAST OR FIRED match

We got a whole lot of Sonjay Dutt's rear end in the opening minutes when he was pantsed in center ring during the hecticness of the action. Dutt then recovered and wanted a case at 3:00, but former rival Lethal knocked him down. Craziness ensued, then Hernandez and his 'stache gave Rave a big Border Toss clear over the top rope onto everyone on the floor. Huge pop for Hernandez. Hernandez needs to be a TNA Hvt. champion contender. I've been saying that for months. He then grabbed a briefcase, so he owns one.

The action picked up with former tag partners B.G. and Kip battling in the ring. Shark then intervened and gave both men some weak Stunners. More wild action, then Curry Man ended up grabbing case number three. Only problem is that he had to find his way to the floor with the case while avoiding several wrestlers itching for the case. So he jumped clear off the top rope to the floor to end up on the ground with possession of the case.

Homicide was next with possession of a case and he made his way to the floor. So, now Homicide and Hernandez have two cases with a possible pink slip involved. At 10:00, Kip and B.G. slowly threw themselves to the floor before Dutt hit a random splash for no apparent reason. Shelley and Rave then battled until Sabin set up Rave for Shelley to nail a sick top rope Sliced Bread. Dutt took advantage and started climbing, but Shelley and Sabin set him up for a missile dropkick off the shoulders to flip Lethal to the mat.

Shelley wanted the case again and this time Sabin held everyone off. Shelley smashed everyone with the case, though, instead of dropping to the floor with the case. Shelley and Sabin then celebrated, but Lethal grabbed the case and ran to the floor with the case. S and S were stunned in disbelief that they lost the case. Meanwhile, Lethal celebrated on the floor with the other three winners.

WINNERS: Lethal, Homicide, Hernandez, and Curry Man in 13:00. Okay opener with some highspots, but the usual forgettable spots and guys just going through the motions. (**)

Arcademan said:

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

1 -- FEAST OR FIRED match

We got a whole lot of Sonjay Dutt's rear end in the opening minutes when he was pantsed in center ring during the hecticness of the action. Dutt then recovered and wanted a case at 3:00, but former rival Lethal knocked him down. Craziness ensued, then Hernandez and his 'stache gave Rave a big Border Toss clear over the top rope onto everyone on the floor. Huge pop for Hernandez. Hernandez needs to be a TNA Hvt. champion contender. I've been saying that for months. He then grabbed a briefcase, so he owns one.

The action picked up with former tag partners B.G. and Kip battling in the ring. Shark then intervened and gave both men some weak Stunners. More wild action, then Curry Man ended up grabbing case number three. Only problem is that he had to find his way to the floor with the case while avoiding several wrestlers itching for the case. So he jumped clear off the top rope to the floor to end up on the ground with possession of the case.

Homicide was next with possession of a case and he made his way to the floor. So, now Homicide and Hernandez have two cases with a possible pink slip involved. At 10:00, Kip and B.G. slowly threw themselves to the floor before Dutt hit a random splash for no apparent reason. Shelley and Rave then battled until Sabin set up Rave for Shelley to nail a sick top rope Sliced Bread. Dutt took advantage and started climbing, but Shelley and Sabin set him up for a missile dropkick off the shoulders to flip Lethal to the mat.

Shelley wanted the case again and this time Sabin held everyone off. Shelley smashed everyone with the case, though, instead of dropping to the floor with the case. Shelley and Sabin then celebrated, but Lethal grabbed the case and ran to the floor with the case. S and S were stunned in disbelief that they lost the case. Meanwhile, Lethal celebrated on the floor with the other three winners.

WINNERS: Dutt, Homicide, Hernandez, and Curry Man in 13:00. Okay opener with some highspots, but the usual forgettable spots and guys just going through the motions. (**)

Click to expand...

I predict Curry Man gets fired.

TNA Final Resolution PPV Results: 12-7-08

2 -- ROXXI & TAYLOR WILDE & ODB vs. SHARMELL & BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE (ANGELINA LOVE & VELVET SKY w/Cute Kip)

Finally, the second match started 39 minutes into the PPV. Sharmell wanted no part of ODB, claiming she's crazy. A few minutes in, Kip slipped into the ring, then ODB did her lewd gestures toward Kip before the ref got Kip out of the ring and the Beautiful Peeps attacked ODB from behind. Finally, at 6:00, Sharmell found herself in the ring with ODB for the showdown they were building toward. Kip then slipped into the ring allowing Sharmell to run out of the ring and through the entrance ramp to the tunnel. Kip pursued, while back in the ring, Angelina and Taylor battled. Angelina came off the top with a splash, but Taylor slowly rolled through into a pin on Angelina for the win. Unfortunately, Kip was too late running back into the ring to make the save. And they don't get Booker's plush locker room pad.

WINNERS: Team Taylor in 7:00. Just-there match building toward the ODB vs. Sharmell confrontation ... that never happened in the ring after much teasing. One of those matches with no real sense of rules with Kip running in the ring at will. (*)

J. Max said:

I predict Curry Man gets fired.

Click to expand...

I predict that Curry Man gets a TNA title shot. When that happens he'll unmask himself to reveal to be Christopher Daniels.

TNA Final Resolution PPV Results: 12-7-08

3 -- X Division champion SHEIK ABDUL BASHIR vs. ERIC YOUNG -- X Division Title match

Ref Shane is the ref for this one. He has two strikes against him, though. One more and he's done. Bashir came to the ring and stared down Shane, who tried not to react. Good action to start off with, including some close nearfalls from Young before Sheik dumped Young to the floor. Bashir wanted to follow on the floor, but ref Shane reprimanded him. They had another discussion, then Bashir shoved Shane. Suddenly, Shane started to Hulk Up in the corner. He tried not to do anything, then Bashir walked over to Young. Young tried a sunset flip into the ring, but Bashir held on to the ropes. Shane then walked over to Bashir and kicked his hands off the ropes, allowing Young to pin him for the win. West, the voice of reason, said he doesn't know how to feel about this.

WINNER: Young in 8:00 to capture the X Division Title. Good match. Another tainted victory for Young, though. The belt doesn't mean anything anyways since TNA hasn't presented the title seriously in two years and they've recently booked Ref Shane > X Division. (**1/4)

Post-match: Bashir jumped Young from behind and beat him down while teasing and tormenting Shane. He slapped him across the face, then Shane comically Hulked Up before grabbing Bashir and lighting him up with some stiff left hand chops to the chest. That got a huge pop. Shane gave him a back body drop, then he shook the ropes and wanted another piece of Bashir, but Bashir smashed him with the X Division Title belt. Young tried to attack Bashir, but Bashir dumped him to the floor. Shane then came up bleeding like crazy and Bashir smashed him several more times to open up more blood flow.

Sheik grabbed his turban and choked Shane while biting into the cut on Shane's forehead. Bashir then posed over Shane's lifeless body. First time a ref has gotten juice in the third match of a PPV card? Good luck to the wrestlers on the rest of the card trying to get heat. Afterward, ref Hebner checked on Shane, then Jim Cornette stepped out on stage and met Bashir, who had possession of the title belt. Cornette ripped the belt away from Bashir while security held Bashir back.

TNA Final Resolution PPV Results: 12-7-08

4 -- Knockouts champion AWESOME KONG (w/Raisha Saeed and Rhaka Khan) vs. CHRISTY HEMME -- Knockouts Title match

Hemme tried some offense early, but Kong cut her off on the floor and started dominating this one. Kong then put her up on her shoulders and did the Suzanne Somers thighmaster squeeze, bending Hemme's feet toward her head. Sick. Kong missed with a corner splash, then Hemme hopped on her back only to be squashed into the corner turnbuckles. Hemme came back with the firecrotch leg drop from the top, but Raisha yanked Hemme to the outside. They had an awkward exchange on the floor while the ref was apparently distracted by something shiny in the ring. Nope, he was just booked as a standard incompetent TNA referee.

Hemme then entered the ring after fighting off Raisha and Khan, but Raisha ran into the ring attacked Hemme in the ring. Ref finally called for a DQ to this one. Hemme tried to fight the heels, then security stormed the ring to break things up. Hemme and Kong continued to battle among the refs while the fans chanted to let them fight. Hemme was pulled to the floor, then Kong followed out and they started to trade blows among security members.

WINNER: Hemme via DQ in 6:00; Kong retains Knockouts Title. Good post-match to make up for the non-finish. Match was just fine for what it was worth. (*1/4)

TNA Final Resolution PPV Results: 12-7-08

5 -- TNA tag team champions BEER MONEY (ROBERT ROODE & JAMES STORM w/Miss Jacqueline) vs. MATT MORGAN & ABYSS -- TNA Tag Title match

Bell sounded, then ref started his count. Roode wanted a time-out, but Rudy kept counting. They reached then, then Roode and Storm into the ring and slipped right back out after re-setting the count. Roode demanded that Abyss and Morgan be held back so they could enter the ring. Charles finally got them back, but Abyss wanted a piece of them and Morgan tried to intervene. Mike Tenay gave us a word that the X Division Title belt has been held up once again and Young stripped of the belt. An announcement from Jim Cornette will be announced on Impact. Actually, this could work where there is a specific commissioner over each division. Cornette over the X Division. Traci Brooks over the Knockouts. Mick Foley over the TNA World Title. Someone else over the tag division.

They kept teasing Abyss entering the ring, then he finally got his hands on Roode after Storm bailed from the ring. Meanwhile, Storm grabbed a beer bottle from ringside and started drinking away his problems as Abyss and Morgan doubled up on Roode. Storm finally was able to enter and take out Morgan's big ol' tree-trunk legs to begin working on Morgan. Roode and Storm tagged in and out to keep grounding Morgan, then Abyss finally got his hot tag at 8:00. Storm tried right hands on Abyss, but Abyss no-sold and slammed Storm with revenge on his mind. Abyss then gave Roode a double hop chokeslam before putting Storm up for the Shock Treatment. Cover for a two count that should have been three since Roode was late breaking up the pin.

Storm tried to introduce a beer bottle into the action, but Abyss grabbed the bottle. Jacqueline then intervened and Abyss stopped short. Fans wanted Abyss to nail Jacqueline, but we're not sure what happened since the camera went to a shot of Storm putting brass knucks on his fist. In any event, Jacqueline disappeared, then Storm waited for Abyss to turn around and he hit him with a brass knucks shot. Abyss dropped like a stone, then Storm made the cover for the win.

WINNERS: Storm & Roode in 11:00 to retain TNA Tag Titles. The same finish we've seen over and over. Just take the TNA tag team formula template and insert Morgan & Abyss as the opposition. Cut and paste. Cut and paste. Slice and dice. Insert here and there. Switch a few things around. Throw in the brass knucks. Boom, there's your match. (**)

TNA Final Resolution PPV Results: 12-7-08

6 -- KURT ANGLE vs. RHINO -- Mick Foley as special ringside enforcer

Crowd was hot when the bell sounded and the chants for a Gore. Angle quickly started to dominate, then he chucked Rhino to the floor and whipped him hard into the guardrail, causing the rail to recoil backward. Foley then leaned over and shouted a word or two toward Rhino before Angle threw Rhino back into the ring to ground him on the mat. Rhino made a comeback, then he wanted the Gore at 10:00, but Angle slipped away easily and rolled into the anklelock in center ring. Foley came close to the ropes and encouraged Rhino to get the ropes, but then he suddenly looked away. Rhino eventually escaped before slingshotting Angle head-first into the top turnbuckle out of the powerbomb position. Rhino then wanted the Gore, but Angle moved and ref Slick Johnson ate the move.

After the ref bump, Angle went to the floor and retrieved a steel chair, but Foley entered the ring and told Angle to put the chair down. Now. Angle finally threw the chair down, then Rhino snuck up behind Angle and almost scored a three count on a roll-up. Angle then went up top, but Rhino caught him and superplexed him to center ring. Foley made the count and Angle just rolled a shoulder up. Suddenly, Al Snow showed up ringside. Foley leaned over to talk to Snow, who simply slapped him in the face. Foley walked to the floor to confront Snow, allowing Angle to use the chair on Rhino and smash him in the face. Angle made the cover after nailing the Olympic Slam, then Foley slipped back into the ring and counted one...two...pause...three.

Post-match: Mike Tenay said he's putting it all together that Foley always made fun of Snow in "that book" and Snow has gotten his revenge. Angle took the mic and said he gets Jeff Jarrett next month. Angle vowed to cripple that s.o.b. Jeff Jarrett and after he's done with Jeff, Foley is next. He said he's going to beat the s--- out of him. That wasn't bleeped. Angle then walked out of the ring and winked at Al Snow. They recapped the ending and West said Angle made so much money on Al Snow that he appeared to get his on Foley.

WINNER: Angle in 14:00. Fine match. Angle couldn't get a four-star match out of Rhino like he did Abyss last month, but it was fine. Heavy on storyline and another re-appearance by a former Attitude era wrestler fit the classic TNA over-booked semi-main event match. (***)

TNA Final Resolution PPV Results: 12-7-08

7 -- FRONTLINE -- A.J. STYLES & SAMOA JOE & BROTHER RAY & BROTHER DEVON vs. MAIN EVENT MAFIA -- TNA World champ STING & Legends champion BOOKER T & KEVIN NASH & SCOTT STEINER -- Sting's TNA World Title on the line for Styles to win only

Styles wins the World Title if the Frontline scores the pin. Styles and Booker started this one off. Styles ended that sequence with a beautiful standing dropkick off the drop down and leap frog set. Joe then worked on Steiner with a corner clothesline and big enziguiri kick square on the head. Joe then wanted Nash, but Nash refused and let Sting come in to get absolutely torn up with kicks and slaps. Joe stalked Sting then jabbed him and landed a headbutt. Sting went to the eye-rake, though, and went on his attack. You could see where this was going. Nash then took his tag once Joe was weakened by Sting. Nash took a picture, but Joe fired out of the corner and rammed him into the Frontline corner. Time for 3D to get their licks in on Nash.

The match eventually settled into Devon taking a beating until he escaped at 10:00 and tagged in Ray, who worked on Nash, who also took a tag. Ray landed a splash in the corner, then he rolled into a side suplex for a two count when Booker broke up the count. Joe walked in and ref Hebner allowed the tag for Joe to work on Nash. Chaos ensued and Steiner yanked Joe down and crotched him into the ringpost. Nash then took Joe by the hand and helped him down to the mat with a clothesline for a two count. Mafia took turns tagging in to work on Joe, who accepted offense until firing back on Joe with a series of chops to the chest. Joe then came off the ropes, but ate a leap kick from Booker.

At 15:00, Mafia picked up their attack on Joe after the teased comeback. They continued to work on Joe until Styles finally got the hot tag and cleaned house. Joe then blind-tagged himself back into the ring and suplexed Sting for a two count. The whole deal completely broke down at 20:00 and Hebner watched as men fell to the floor. Booker and Devon were left in the ring, then Ray snuck into the picture and they dropped Booker with the 3D. Nash then snuck in and hit Ray with a chokeslam. Styles then nailed Nash with a springboard forearm smash. Sting tried the Scorpion Deathlock on Styles, but Joe superkicked Sting. Joe then set up Sting for the Musclebuster, but Nash low-blowed Joe from behind. Sting then dropped Joe with the Scorpion deathdrop and made the cover for the win.

Post-match: Sting took his TNA Title and left the ring. Nash wasn't sure what to make of his attitude. Sting looked back over his shoulder a few times, then the camera zoomed in on him nearly dropping the belt on the tunnel on his way out. Sting shook his head, then left while Nash and Sharmell weren't sure what to make of Sting's attitude. End PPV.

WINNERS: Main Event Mafia in 22:00. From last month, they continued the Joe-Nash program of Nash only being able to find himself on a winning side with the dirty tactics on Joe. Match was good. Not memorable, but serviceable in the main event slot heavy on star power. Joe and Styles carried this athletically, then the end of the story was Sting apparently questioning himself for using an "any means to an ends" approach of retaining the title. Pick it up on Impact. (***1/2)

Reality Check said:

I predict that Curry Man gets a TNA title shot. When that happens he'll unmask himself to reveal to be Christopher Daniels.

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That's why I think he'll get fired...he'll come back as Christopher Daniels. The Curry Man/Shark Boy/Super Eric trio is played out.

I'm shocked that Team 3D didn't turn on the Frontline guys. The fact that there was no swerve in a Russo booked match might be the greatest swerve of all.

WWE RAW Results: 12-8-08

Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Caldwell's complete report). Condened to in-ring results plus the list of 2008 WWE Slammy Award Winners.

1 -- World tag team champion C.M. PUNK vs. JOHN MORRISON -- Final Four match in #1 Contender to IC Title tournament

Basic exchange in the opening minute, then Punk knocked JMo to the outside and hit a plancha. Cole less-than-emphatically sent us to break.

Back from break, we found out that Morrison caused an injury to Punk's ankle. Morrison then found himself up top when Punk crotched him and nailed an absolutely crazy-looking huracanrana. He couldn't make the cover, but eventually did for a nearfall. Punk tried to follow with a high knee and bulldog combo, but his leg gave out. Morrison then nailed a spinning Russian legsweep for a two count. Punk and Morrison battled for control, then they showed Regal watching closely. Punk then wanted the G2S, but Morrison countered into a great victory roll for a very close two count. Punk then wanted the G2S a second time and this time he nailed Morrison square in the jaw for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Punk in 8:00 to advance to the finals. Heck of a match. Great finish, starting with the sick top-rope huracanrana, then a couple of really great nearfalls at the end. If Morrison stays on schedule, 2009 will be his year. (**1/4)

2 -- MVP vs. MVCHARLIE

MVP went to work on Haas in center ring while they showed Jimmy Rollins watching closely from the front row. Ross and Tazz calling this one, by the way. Fans chanted for "MVC" as Haas fought back with elbow strikes. MVP then caught him with a thrust chop and smash across his knee. MVP then dropped a ballin' elbow drop for a two count. MVP then unceremoniously dumped Haas to the floor before dropping him across the guardrail.

MVP dumped Haas back into the ring, but took some time to trash talk to Rollins. Back in the ring, Haas fired up with a big comeback before attempting his own ballin' drop, but MVP got his knees up to block. MVP then wanted the Chono Boot in the corner, but Haas ducked and rolled up MVP for the pin and the win. Afterward, Rollins smirked at MVP, who came up shocked.

WINNER: MVC in 3:00. Nice, simple match continuing MVP's losing streak. Rollins's involvement was well-done as he wasn't completely over-the-top playing his role. (*)

3 -- JEFF HARDY vs. CHRIS JERICHO

All four announcers were on this broadcast as they returned from commercial with the action already in progress. Jericho playfully slapped around Jeff before dumping him to the floor and wiping his hands of Jeff. Jeff, who was without the crazy face paint tonight, eventually made his way back into the ring where Jericho slapped on a modified rear naked choke.

Cole announced Striker & Grisham as the Announcers of the Year team and Lawler was beside himself. "What? Who?!" he said. Ross took the high road and congratulated them. Lawler sarcastically added that they must be that good since they're not here. Back to the action where Jericho and Jeff battled up top before Jeff missed with a top rope Swanton Bomb. Jericho then nailed a Lionsault into a cover for a two count. Jericho went for the Walls of Jericho, but Jeff countered into a roll-up for a two count.

Jeff made his full comeback with a back heel kick before calling an audible into nailing the top rope Whisper in the Wind for a two count. Jeff asked for the crowd support, then he stalked Jericho and wanted the Twist of Fate. Jericho countered the move, though, and spun Hardy right into the codebreaker in center ring. Jericho made the cover and scored a clean pin for the win. Wow.

WINNER: Jericho in 6:00 of TV time. That's quite the surprise to see Hardy lose clean to Jericho. I suppose you just wouldn't expect to see two #1 contenders booked in a TV match with a clean finish six days before a PPV. But, it certainly made Jericho look strong heading into the match against Cena. WWE apparently decided a strong heel Jericho was more important than a strong babyface Hardy for selling a PPV. (**)

4 -- SANTINO & Women's champion BETH PHOENIX vs. FINLAY & HORNSWOGGLE

Finlay worked on Santino to start things off, then Hornswoggle tagged in and battled Santino while Santino was on his knees. Hornswoggle executed a lift-up DDT, then he went up top and hit a tadpole splash clear across the ring. Horny with the cover on Santino for the win as Beth could only watch from the apron in disdain. Afterward, Beth tried to rub Santino's belly and tell him it would be all right. Santino sold a neck injury.

WINNERS: Finlay & Hornswoggle in 2:00. A bit, well, a lot unbelievable with Hornswoggle scoring the pin. But, Santino's greatness in this segment > suspension of disbelief. (n/a)

5 -- World tag team champion KOFI KINGSTON vs. REY MYSTERIO -- Final Four match in #1 Contender to IC Title tournament

Winner gets Punk at Armageddon in the finals of the tournament. They showed IC champion William Regal watching with Layla backstage. Kofi quickly targeted the injured wrist and tried to wear down Rey doing a sort of seated row hold you would normally see in the weight room. Kofi continued to wear down Rey, then he ducked underneath a leaping splash and quickly rolled up Kofi with a pinning combination for a sudden pin and the win.

Afterward, Rey waited for Kofi to get up, then he shook his hand and offered him congrats on a solid match. Kofi was frustrated, but he gave it up for Rey and walked out of the ring. So, it's Rey vs. Punk at the PPV. First-time ever.

WINNER: Rey in 3:00. Surprisingly short match with a surprise finish that caught me off guard. Kofi is still trying to find his groove on Raw where the writers don't seem to know what to do with him. (*)

6 -- TRIPLE H & BATISTA vs. RANDY ORTON & MANU & CODY RHODES

Michael Cole gave us a history lesson on Evolution before the bell sounded and Darque Tan Hunter went after Cody. Batista then came in off a tag and worked on Cody. Hunter and Batista then cleared Cody and Manu to the floor. Orton tried to slither in the back door, but Hunter and Batista turned around and Orton slithered right back out of the ring to pick his spot. Everyone wins. Hunter and Batista retain their Alpha Male status and Orton plays up his opportunistic chickens--- heel. Cut to break.

Back from break, Orton was stomping a Ronny Garvin mudhole in Triple H, who then fought back from his knees until Orton slapped on a sleeper into the fallaway backbreaker. Umaga...er...Manu then came in with a diving headbutt on Hunter. Hunter finally broke away from the heels at 9:00 and made his hot tag to Batista, who cleaned house on everyone. Manu took a spinebuster in center ring, then he charged up for a Batistabomb, but Cody came off the top, so Batista threw Manu into Cody. Batista was left in center ring, then Orton blind-tagged himself into the match.

Orton tried to sneak-attack Batista with the RKO, but Batista shoved Orton into Hunter, who nailed a clothesline. Hunter cleared the heels, or so he thought. Batista then wanted the Batistabomb on Orton, but Cody hit Batista in the back from out of nowhere. Orton then went right into the RKO on Batista, who was bent over after having taking the back smash. Oh sick. Orton with the pin and the win on Orton. Afterward, Hunter was stunned as he helped Batista. Orton then posed on the floor with Cody and Manu before giving an evil stare back at Hunter and Batista.

WINNERS: Team Orton in 10:00. Heck of a finish from Orton. They were playing right into the traditional (insert Batista or Hunter) formula match of beating a stacked deck following a furious finish, but WWE pulling the rug out from under the audience with Cody surprisingly competent and Orton picking up the win worked really well. All those stacked-deck wins actually led to something in this match. (**1/4)

7 -- DOLPH ZIGGLER vs. R-TRUTH

Ziggler wanted to introduce himself to Truth, but Truth did a slight gyration that set off Zigg, who punched him in the face. Truth came right back with an open-hand slap of his own before landing a European uppercut. Ziggler then dumped Killings onto the second rope and some object went flying along with Killings to the floor. Jim Ross then chimed in that he met Dolph Ziggler eight times today. All four announcers chatted about Dolph being impressive against Batista last week, then Dolph went to work on Truth. Fans became restless as Dolph settled into a chinlock. Killings suddenly smashed Dolph sternum-first into the top turnbuckle after reversing a whip to the corner.

Killings dumped Ziggler to the floor, then he went for a slingshot dive that caught Ziggler flush. They picked up a battle on the floor while the ref applied his ten count. Truth then smashed Ziggler with an uppercut at eight, but Ziggler hit his now-trademark step-up enziguiri kick on Killings at nine that KO'ed the Truth. Ziggler slipped into the ring just before ten to pick up the win. Ziggler then introduced himself as the winner afterward.

WINNER: Dolph Ziggler via countout in 4:00. Tough spot to be in on the card, but Ziggler looked equally-impressive as last week. Crowd was into the character enough to boo him post-match, so that's much better than standard silence. Good development. (*)

8 -- World Hvt. champion JOHN CENA (Raw) vs. WWE champion EDGE (SD) -- non-title champion vs. champion match

The bell sounded and both men charged at each other before Cena dumped Edge over the top rope to the floor with a clothesline. Edge checked himself as they cut to break.

Back from break, Edge was working on Cena on the mat. Great to hear Jim Ross doing the majority of play-by-play here like an old school Raw. Cena battled back at 6:00, then he did a flip-over neckbreaker before Edge cut him off. Edge then backed into the corner and wanted the spear, but Cena charged Edge with a big shoulder tackle setting up his comeback. Cena set up for the Five Knuckle Shuffle, which drew a loud mixed reaction, then he dropped the smash. Cena wanted to follow with the FU, but Edge slipped out. And a second time.

Cena then flipped Edge over and wanted the FU a third time, only to have Edge counter into a roll-up for a two count. Cena then caught Edge in center ring with a drop toe hold intot he STFU. Suddenly, Cena dropped the hold and ran to the floor where Chris Jericho was. Ref threw the match out as Cena and Jericho began fighting on the floor. They spilled over the guardrail to the ringside area.

WINNER: No Contest in 8:00. Hot finish led to an expected non-finish leading to the PPV. Post-match took precedence here... (**)

Post-match: The camera cut back to Edge, who was then attacked by Triple H. Hunter jumped Edge, but then Jeff Hardy stormed the ring and dropkicked Hunter from behind. Chaos broke loose, then Hunter recovered and dumped Hardy to the outside. Hunter with a spinebuster on Edge before clotheslining him over the top rope to the floor. Hunter stood tall in the ring, then Hardy flew off the ring steps with a dropkick onto Edge on the floor. Hunter stared down to ringside as Edge collapsed on the stage. Hardy then walked up the ramp and stared back toward Hunter, who remained in the ring by himself. The announcers then recapped all of the proceedings in the main event while speculating on where in the world Cena and Jericho ended up. Hardy and Hunter were shown staring at each other from a distance to close the show. Final shot of Hunter, of course.

SLAMMY WINNERS:

Tag Team of the Year: Morrison and The Miz
Best Finishing Move: Evan Bourne (Shooting Star Press)
Most Extreme Moment: Jeff Hardy (diving from top of TitanTron onto Randy Orton)
Announcers of the Year: Striker & Grisham
Couple of the Year: Edge & Vickie Guerrero
OMG Moment of the Year: C.M. Punk (beating Edge to win the World title)
Match of the Year: Shawn Michaels vs. Ric Flair from WM 24
Damn! Moment of the Year: Khali Kiss Cam
Superstar of the Year: Chris Jericho
Best WWE.com Exclusive: The Miz & John Morrison present "The Dirt Sheet"
Best Musical Performance: R-Truth's entrance (SmackDown, Sept. 15)
Breakout Star of the Year: Vladimir Kozlov

http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=35153&p=1

Joey Styles kicks JBL's ass!

PWINSIDER.COM EXCLUSIVE: OH MY GOD - YOU WON'T BELIEVE WHAT HAPPENED IN IRAQ
by Mike Johnson @ 9:52 AM on 12/9/2008

One of the most newsworthy events that transpired on World Wrestling Entertainment's tour of Iraq last week took place nowhere near any of the cameras that were filming the tour. I was stunned at hearing the following story over the weekend and initially chalked it up to being just an urban legend, but as it turns out, it was completely accurate.

Retired WWE announcer (and current WWE.com personality) Joey Styles punched out former WWE champion JBL in Iraq during an altercation between the two, busting JBL open under the eye.

No, that is not a typo.

As the story was initially explained to me (and all versions I've heard since have matched the original report I was conveyed), JBL made Styles something of a target because it was Styles' first tour of Iraq for the company and was hazing the former ECW announcer.

I was told JBL was trying to bully Styles with a lot of condescending comments and actions, including allegedly spilling a drink on Styles on purpose. JBL was more or less pulling a lot of the shenanigans that a lot of of the performers in the company can't stand but deal with since he has the political stroke of being a tenured veteran.

Several days into the tour, JBL (who by all accounts had been drinking) did something that caused Styles to physically retaliate in defense. A number of wrestlers stepped in between them and held the two apart. When JBL broke free, he went towards Styles, who "nailed him perfectly with a pretty good shot" according to one witness, laying JBL out and blackening his eye. There were no further incidents between the two on the tour after that.

There were a number of performers who pointed out to me that the story was something of karma coming back to bite JBL in the rear because his antics had caused Smackdown talent Palmer Cannon to quit the company during a European tour (and Cannon wasn't the only victim of JBL's hazing over the years) as well as the famous ECW One Night Stand beating of the Blue Meanie during the PPV closing brawl inside the ring.

At last night's Raw in Philadelphia, the story was the talk of the day among wrestlers, who were amazed by the incident. I was also told JBL was acting completely subdued at the taping, something absolutely out of character for him, as he knew the story was making the rounds. Styles, meanwhile, was trying to downplay the incident to those who brought it up to him at Raw.

It was considered doubly embarrassing for JBL among the wrestlers since he was so involved with setting up the Iraq tours.

In a strange way, some theorized the incident would get Styles over with Vince McMahon because it showed his "toughness" and could pave the way for his return to TV. I have no idea whether Styles' cameo last night was part of any direct result of the "Iraq Knockout", as it was termed to me

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Gotta love Styles punching out JBL. Yeah, he's a proven veteran and runs within Vince's circle but all he is a bully toward anyone and everyone in the back as many people already know.

ECW on Sci-Fi Results: 12-9-08

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

1 -- THE MIZ & JOHN MORRISON vs. JIMMY WANG YANG & KUNG FU NAKI

The bell sounded and Miz did some mockery karate moves. Funaki tried not to crack up laughing, then Miz gave him a playful shove. Funaki answered with a quick kick to the gut then one below the chin for a two count. Striker with a quick Jumping Bomb Angels reference from old school WWF women's wrestling. Morrison and Yang then took tags and Yang busted out a leg sweep and standing moonsault for a two count.

Funaki re-entered and wanted a dive on the floor on the heels, but Morrison slingshot him throat-first across the top rope. Morrison then went on the attack as they cut to break.

I like Grisham filling in the blanks on Funaki's gimmick change that he didn't feel he was "getting it done" as Smackdown's no. one announcer, so he made the change. Back in the ring, Funaki worked out of a chinlock from Miz, then worked into a sunset flip pin for a two count. Miz then went back on the offensive, knocking Funaki's black belt off his waist before nailing a big running clothesline in the corner. Great double team work from Miz and Morrison with a combo elbow smash while Funaki was on Miz's knees. Morrison then posed in front of Funaki before nailing a running knee smash for another two count.

At 10:00, Morrison grounded Funaki as the fans tried to rally for a hot tag. No dice until 12:00 when Yang finally got the tag and came off the top with a big splash on Morrison. Yang fired up with a clothesline before sweeping Morrison and hitting a leaping back kick. Yang then monkey-flipped Morrison out of the corner and the action completely broke down as the ref tried to gain control. Morrison then wanted the Midnight Drive on Yang, but Yang slipped out and wanted the top rope moonsault, but Morrison ducked. Yang was caught at his knees and Morrison hit his springboard back kick on Yang for the pin and the win.

WINNERS: Miz & Morrison in 13:00. Really nice match. Great athleticism throughout the match and a nice finish giving Morrison more momentum to regain his heat after the loss last night to Punk in a great match. (**1/2)

2 -- THE BOOGEYMAN vs. SCOTT REID

Boogeyman charged Reid in the corner to start things off. Striker described the worms as cold spaghetti mixed with dirt. One fan was chanting, "Reid, Reid, Reid" as the poor guy took a hard whip to the corner. Boogeyman with a lift-up slam on Reid for the win. Afterward, Boogey grabbed his bag of worms and shared with Reid. Grisham said don't invite him to a potluck dinner.

WINNER: Boogeyman in 1:00. Crowd was pretty quiet for this one. Not sure how to react after such a lengthy absence.

3 -- FINLAY & HORNSWOGGLE vs. MARK HENRY & TONY ATLAS

Hornswoggle found himself in peril in the corner and the kids screamed as Henry set up for a Vader Bomb on Horny, but Finlay pulled Horny out of the way just in time before they cut to break.

Back from break, Finlay was a little dizzy as Grisham gave us a definition check on the word underdog. 'preciate it. Henry continued to work on Finlay as Hornswoggle held the tag rope tightly awaiting a tag. Atlas then tagged in setting up a round of in-and-out tags to slow things down working on Finlay. Henry caught Finlay coming off the second rope and he nailed a big boot to make a cover for a two count. Horny was begging for a tag here, but Finlay continued to take a beating until the crowd tried to pump him up at 10:00.

Finlay came to his feet out of a chinlock, then he used a jawbreaker to escape. Finlay avoided a splash, then he stomped on Henry before nailing a half-DDT for a two count. Henry then knocked Finlay out of the ring and he took the chance to grab Hornswoggle and scoop slam him into the ring. Henry then wanted a big splash on Horny, but Finlay took the bullet and shoved his son out of the way to take the splash. Henry then scooped up Finlay and gave him the World's Strongest Slam for the pin and the win. Henry and Atlas celebrated to close the show while Hornswoggle looked on with concern.

WINNERS: Henry & Atlas in 12:00. Slow, plodding match before the somewhat-of-a storyline advancement at the end with Hornswoggle in jeopardy. After watching great athleticism in the opening match, this was a little tougher to sit through. (*1/2)

Here's part of an interview Batista did recently on the subject of one Chris Benoit courtesy of PWHeadlines:

-- Batista is on the cover of the latest issue of Fighting Spirit. The headline reads "Batista - "I'm 39... Getting Injured Would Be A Life Sentence." The magazine features an interview with him and he speaks out on Chris Benoit. He is asked if the guys still talk about him, and if so, how is he remembered. "Nobody's over the Benoit thing, not at all. No one who loved or knew him or Nancy or Daniel will ever get over it. We talk about Chris all the time, but out of respect for what he accomplished as a wrestler dedicated to his craft - the ultimate professional who mentored others," Batista said. "The guy that did all those horrible things wasn't the Chris we knew and loved. We didn't know that Chris, so maybe we're in denial. That's not the way I chose to remember Chris. I despise what he did, but I don't choose to remember him for the killings and negative stuff." Batista also added, "He was one of the best people I ever knew in terms of helping others, his accomplishments in the ring, and that's how I chose to remember him. It still hurts and is still a tremendous loss for all of us. He left a real void in the business."

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Anybody shocked Jericho got Superstar of the Year? It was pretty cool, but I totally expected Cena or Edge.

Kemps said:

Anybody shocked Jericho got Superstar of the Year? It was pretty cool, but I totally expected Cena or Edge.

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A little, but no one cares about the Slammys anyway.

I hope that the Finlay/Hornswoggle storyline isn't leading to a feud between these two. Finlay's a great worker, and Hornswoggle is pretty athletic for a mini, but there's no way that's going to work. Finlay isn't THAT great.