offical wwe thread

WWE Tribute to the Troops: 12-20-08

Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (link to Caldwell's report). Reprinted in its full form here...

Prez prepared speech: President George W. Bush was shown on camera welcoming us to WWE's tribute to the finest fighting troops in the world. He said the troops are the heroes to every American and he supports WWE for their commitment to the men and women fighting overseas. WWE stars have boosted morale and WWE offers free tickets to military personnel because WWE knows the troops are America's finest citizens. Surreal seeing the President on a WWE show.

In-ring: Jeff Hardy kicked off the show coming to the ring for an opening tag match. C.M. Punk then came out as his tag partner. R-Truth was then shown standing on a tank in the crowd for his ring entrance. Truth rapped his way through the makeshift arena to the ring and asked Baghdad what's up. Miz and Morrison came out next and they were sporting cool Army hats. JBL's music hit and he came out in a military tank rather than the traditional limo. JBL was sporting a giant combat facemask to protect himself in the military zone, with a cowboy hat situated on top.

1 -- R-TRUTH & WWE champion JEFF HARDY & C.M. PUNK vs. JBL & THE MIZ & JOHN MORRISON

Quick TV six-man tag opening with the babyfaces clearing Team JBL to the floor and landing planchas to get a roar from the military men and women ringside. Babyfaces stood tall as they went to the first break.

They returned to Camp Victory with Miz nailing Punk in the corner with a splash to continue working over Punk, who lost control of things during the commercial. Hardy then took a hot tag at 5:00 and worked on Miz as the fans chanted his name. Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler calling this one, and they referenced Hardy as the new WWE champion, so voice-overs from Stamford were recorded this week. JBL snuck into the ring at 7:00 and gave Hardy a big clothesline. Truth then snuck into the ring and clotheslined Miz to the floor.

JBL wanted the Clothesline from Hell on JBL, but Hardy ducked and nailed the Twist of Fate. Hardy then went up top for the Swanton Bomb and he connected square on JBL's gut for the pin and the win. Afterward, Hardy kinda collapsed on the mat until his partners picked him up and helped him celebrate.

WINNERS: Team Hardy in 8:00. Basic TV match to get as many top stars in one match. Totally fine. (*1/2)

Ringside: Art Myers, who is in charge of Armed Forces Entertainment, was shown ringside clapping it up for Hardy. ... They went to a video package on the WWE wrestlers talking about the experience in Iraq, with clips of wrestlers interacting with the troops. Lots of clips of the divas giving the troops a thrill. Shad Gaspar military pressing one troop. Rey Mysterio shaking hands with troops. JBL smiling and grinning. Soldiers holding up pics of their kids. Tons of "You Can't See Me" from Cena and the troops. A few seconds of Cena's post-show promo thanking the troops was shown.

In-ring: Lilian Garcia said it's time for Santa Claus to come visit the troops. Cue up Santa Shad and JTG, who came to the ring in Santa suits while Cole and Lawler talked about Cryme Tyme trying to "borrow" a lot of things during their visit to Iraq. Cryme Tyme did their rap, then they asked for Santa's helpers to come out to the ring. Out came Kelly Kelly, Maria, Mickie James, Alicia Fox, and Eve to hand out Christmas gifts to the troops. One troop got a Christmas kiss from Maria. Lawler said that's the best Christmas present he's ever been given. Kelly tossed t-shirts into the crowd, then Cole transitioned into a serious video package on their tribute.

Video package: A group of children did voice-over readings of their letters to the troops while an action video package aired on the troops doing their thing in Iraq.

Video package: The seeds of liberty have grown into a bond between U.S. and Iraqi soldiers. They showed clips of the two different country's soldiers walking together in a secure Iraq. Chris Jericho, ever the rockstar, solemnly pointed out this place was being bombed just a few years ago. They showed pro-U.S. clips of Iraqi life improved with the help of the U.S. soldier's work in Baghdad.

In-ring: Big Show, then Chris Jericho came out for another six-man tag match. Randy Orton then came out to round out the heel trio. Manu and Cody apparently didn't get to make the trip.

In-ring: Batista came out first for the babyface team. Cole informed us it's his first trip Tribute tour and he came out sporting camo pants rather than traditional wrestling trunks. Batista waited on the apron, then Rey Mysterio came out and body-surfed into the crowd before entering the ringside area. And finally, World Hvt. champion John Cena, who was sporting a #4 jersey. Cole said it reps the fourth infantry division. Sweet overhead shots of the makeshift arena, by the way.

2 -- BIG SHOW & CHRIS JERICHO & RANDY ORTON vs. World Hvt. champion JOHN CENA & REY MYSTERIO & BATISTA

Batista wanted the Batistabomb on Orton early on, but Orton went to the knee and Jericho tagged in to continue working on the knee. Jericho yelled at the troops, then Batista caught him with a Black Hole Slam before tagging in Rey. Jericho reversed a whip, but Rey caught Jericho with a head scissors that sent him onto the middle rope. Rey wanted the 619 on Jericho, but Show stepped off the apron to catch Rey by the legs and whip him into the guardrail. Break time.

Before returning to the ring, a slideshow of the trip was shown with pictures of the wrestlers interacting with the troops. Back to the ring where Jericho was stomping on Rey, who wanted to make that hot tag, but Jericho pulled him back into a neutral control to paint brush Rey. Jericho and Show then started to have an argument about taking out Rey, so Jericho shoved him in the chest.

Show slowly stepped into the ring and went right up to Jericho before giving him a chokeslam. Orton then took a headbutt for good measure and Show decided to leave the ring. Show went AWOL (there's an Orton military joke in there, but I'll pass), then Rey was able to make his hot tag to Cena, who cleaned house on Orton and set him up for the Five Knuckle Shuffle. Cena took his time and told Orton "You Can't See Me" before brushing that dirt off his shoulder to deliver the Knuckle smash. Cena wanted to put Orton away with the FU, but Jericho broke it up.

Action broke down and Orton wanted the RKO on Cena, but Cena shoved him off into Jericho and the heels butted heads. Rey was then in position to hit a double 619. And finally, Batista with a Batistabomb on Jericho and Cena with the FU on Orton simultaneously. Batista and Cena pinned the respective opponents for a double three count for the pin and the win.

WINNERS: Team Cena in 10:00. Fine house show-style send-'em-home-happy match for the troops. (*1/2)

Closing video: They showed another highlight video of the wrestlers flying to Iraq, then touching down to meet up with the troops. More of the "You Can't See Me" from Cena and troops. Nice recap video, including more mileage out of Prez Bush's show-opening speech to the troops.

A fine show. Just what WWE was supposed to do, which was put their best foot forward on prime time network TV and try to class up pro wrestling.

Makes you wonder how drunk Jake the Snake will be at the event

+1 to bump it to the new page (damn this 3 post lapse in the post/page ratio!!!)

Arcademan said:

Makes you wonder how drunk Jake the Snake will be at the event

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Why would anyone hire that guy? People know who he is, but he's notoriously unreliable, he's dangerous in the ring (Do you really want to take the DDT from someone who is that wasted?), plus you have to buy him some crack to get him to show up. If I was going to put together a list of people NOT to hire for a local show, it would look like this:

1. Jake Roberts
2. New Jack
3. Iron Shiek
4. Honky Tonk Man
5. Jake Roberts
6. Teddy Hart (How many promoters has this guy double-crossed?)
7. Jake Roberts
8. Necro Butcher
9. Raven
10. Jake Roberts

(Yes, I am aware that Jake the Snake is on there four times. He's THAT bad.)

^ LMAO at your list. That is great, man.


EDIT: Oh, and I think he is on the show for that trainwreck mentality. Think about it, if you can sell 150 extra tickets on people banking on a JAKE FUCK UP, you would, wouldn't you?

J. Max said:

Why would anyone hire that guy? People know who he is, but he's notoriously unreliable, he's dangerous in the ring (Do you really want to take the DDT from someone who is that wasted?), plus you have to buy him some crack to get him to show up. If I was going to put together a list of people NOT to hire for a local show, it would look like this:

1. Jake Roberts
2. New Jack
3. Iron Shiek
4. Honky Tonk Man
5. Jake Roberts
6. Teddy Hart (How many promoters has this guy double-crossed?)
7. Jake Roberts
8. Necro Butcher
9. Raven
10. Jake Roberts

(Yes, I am aware that Jake the Snake is on there four times. He's THAT bad.)

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Booker T hired him. He owns and runs the program...he gets allot of stars, when he was in WWE, he guarnteed us a WWE superstar every month, now he works for TNA..

here's a list of wrestlers I seen at his shows:

CM PUNK
CHRISTIAN CAGE
MATT HARDY
CHARLIE HASS AND SHELTON BENJAMIN
RVD
TORRIE WILSON
MARIA
MICHELLE MCCOOL
BOOGEYMAN
HARDCORE HOLLY
GREGORY HELMS
BIG DADDY V
THE MIZ
DUDLEY BOYS
AJ STYLES
KAZ
BOBBY LASHLEY (SHORT AS HELL)
MVP
JOEY MERCURY

and of course Booker T is there actin like a Vince McMahon character, he rarely gets in the ring, last time he got in his ring was Christmas Chaos II Booker T vs RVD

best match i seen ever was Joey Mercury Vs AJ Styles....

since it's CC3, i'm guessing he's wrestling Jake himself...I think it'll go well if Booker's in there.

aegreatone said:

Booker T hired him. He owns and runs the program...he gets allot of stars, when he was in WWE, he guarnteed us a WWE superstar every month, now he works for TNA..

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Yeah, I know who Booker T is. That doesn't mean hiring Jake is a good idea, but it does mean that Booker (ironic name, BTW) should know better.

since it's CC3, i'm guessing he's wrestling Jake himself...I think it'll go well if Booker's in there.

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Maybe. Booker is a GREAT wrestler, but Jake is still a screw-up. Do you know how he invented the DDT? He was hammered one night in the ring and he slipped while he had a guy in a front facelock. His biggest accomplishment was because he was smashed.

If I was Booker, I'd hire Vader to watch Jake all night and make sure that he didn't touch the Jack Daniels. When he does, make him WRESTLE Vader. Make sure Vader doesn't wash his tights, either. (Of course, Vader never washes his tights.)

WWE RAW Results: 12-22-08

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

1 -- SHAWN MICHAELS vs. KANE (w/Kelly Kelly) -- Winner advances to four-way #1 contender match next week

We're in Toronto, so the "You screwed Bret" chants picked up right after the opening bell. A few fans tried an "H-B-K" chant, but they were drowned out by another Bret chant. I wonder if Texas fans can get away with a "45-35" chant at the annual Texas-Oklahoma college football game for the next 11 years. In any event, Kane worked over Michaels to start this one out. Michael Cole then provided some scary info that he was checking out Kelly's photos on WWE's website earlier today and he was looking over his shoulder. Not because if his wife was watching, but because Kane might have attacked him from behind.

Michaels made a comeback at 4:00 to a chorus of boos, then he walked into a chokeslam attempt, but Michaels countered into a crossface. That generated more boos, then Kane powered out to his feet into a sidewalk slam for a two count. Kane went up top, then he connected with a hard clothesline. Kane wanted the chokeslam, but Michaels slipped out and nailed the superkick out of nowhere. Michaels then made the cover and scored the pin for the win. Backstage, they showed Michaels's employer, JBL, casually nodding in approval of the finish.

WINNER: Michaels in 6:00. Fine singles match. The crowd booing both men made for a strange "Summerslam 2004 bizarro-world" dynamic, but Michaels created movement to keep the viewer's interest for six minutes. (*1/4)

2 -- KOFI KINGSTON vs. MANU (w/Cody Rhodes)

Back and forth exchange early on, and Jerry Lawler claimed 17,122 in attendance tonight. Kofi nailed a cross-body from the top rope at 2:00, then he wanted a Russian legsweep, but Manu shoved him off the ropes. Kofi answered with a leaping clothesline before stumbling into the boom-boom leg drop. Kofi tried a cross body from the second rope, but Manu caught him in mid air. He wanted a crucifix bomb, but Kofi flipped Manu over into a crucifix pin for the win. Dude in the front row unsuccessfully tried to do the rising-hand Kofi clap, but it wasn't good.

WINNER: Kofi Kingston in 3:00. Eh. People will remember Kofi nearly stumbling onto his keyster before the boom-boom leg drop, but this match had no chance without a back-story for why it was taking place. Match action should be protected and made valuable, not just thrown out without a purpose. (3/4*)

3 -- MICKIE JAMES & MELINA vs. LAYLA & JILLIAN HALL

Regal was so happy DX was selling the Best of the IC Title DVD earlier and one day, they will make a DVD about his greatness as IC champion. A minute into the match, Layla knocked Mickie off the top rope and Mickie sold a left knee injury. Back in the ring, the heel divas worked on Mickie while Regal talked about spending a lot of money on Layla despite the economic situation. Melina finally got her hot tag at 3:00 and worked on Jillian. They blew a spot and Melina nailed the sweep-over leg drop for a two count when Layla broke up the pin. Jillian then smashed Melina with a facebuster and she made a cover, but Mickie broke up the pin. Action broke down, then Melina landed a palm thrust before snapping off her modified Canadian Destroyer on Jillian for the pin and the win. Afterward, Mickie really sold the "babyface pulled out the victory and I'm very very worn out" post-match reaction. Melina comforted her as they cut to break.

WINNERS: Melina & Mickie in 4:00. Rough patches in this one, but Melina's finisher is just plain sick. Again, no real purpose to this one. No reason to spend four minutes on in-ring action unless there's a purpose or pre-match storyline. This was merely Regal promoting himself, but yet, Punk is the #1 contender after the tournament and we have no idea when his IC Title match against Regal is taking place. (1/2*)

4 -- REY MYSTERIO vs. JBL -- Winner advances to four-way #1 contender match next week

Rey set up JBL for the 619 a minute into the action, but JBL slipped to the floor. JBL thought he was in the clear, but Rey nailed a plancha as they cut to break.

Cole welcomed us back to the longest-running-run-on-sentence-to-describe-a-TV-show-compared-to-other-shows-in-TV-history as JBL worked over Rey and nailed him with a Scott Hall fallaway slam at 5:00. JBL landed successive elbow smashes to the chest and wanted a pin, but Rey kicked out.

At the top of the hour, JBL flung Rey out of the ring and Rey instantly grabbed his left knee and said "s---" under his breath. JBL threw Rey into the ring apron, then he slid back into the ring as the ref applied his ten count. Rey tried to hobble toward to the ring at eight, then he reached up at nine, then he rolled back in just before ten. JBL argued with the ref, then JBL nailed a short-arm clothesline that rocked Rey. JBL then dragged Rey back to his feet again and nailed another short-arm clothesline. JBL wanted a third short-arm clothesline, and he connected once more to KO Rey. JBL made the cover, but Rey kicked out just before three.

JBL put Rey up in the Torture Rack, but Rey slipped out. JBL came back with a sleeper, then Rey slipped out with a jawbreaker. He wanted a sleeper of his own, but JBL rammed him into the corner. Rey then nailed a drop toe hold and hit a seated sentaun off the ropes. Rey started to make his aerial assault comeback and nailed a wheelbarrow into bulldog for a two count. Rey tried to build momentum off the ropes at 11:00, but JBL smashed him in the face with a big boot. Rey tied a cross body block over the top rope, but Rey countered in mid-air with a Tornado DDT for another two count.

Rey nailed an enziguiri kick at 12:00, then he dropkicked JBL onto the middle rope. Rey wanted the 619, but Shawn Michaels suddenly ran down to ringside and pulled JBL out of harm's way. He paused, thought thinks over, then reached over and slapped JBL across the face. The ref then instantly called for the bell, DQ'ing Rey due to outside interference. Michaels then quickly turned his back and walked back to the back. JBL was announced as the winner, then he smiled. Rey was beside himself complaining to the ref for missing the spirit of the rule. He slapped the mat in disgust after they replayed the finish.

WINNER: JBL via DQ in 13:00. The finish was unique and certainly advances the JBL/Michaels program, while setting up Rey to either snap on Michaels or just be passive-aggressive Rey and let it slide off his back. Match was something. Had a different vibe to it, then really picked up at the end with the nearfalls. (**1/4)

5 -- C.M. PUNK vs. CHRIS JERICHO -- Winner advances to four-way #1 contender match next week

Bell sounded and the fans chanted Y2J, which didn't affect Jericho, who kept his glare focused on Punk. Jericho landed a shoulder tackle in the opening minute, then Punk popped up and smiled at him. Jericho returned with a side-of-his-mouth smirk before slowly pacing around the ring to lock up again. Punk landed a series of martial arts kicks to the chest, then Jericho slumped to the mat and sold that he was KO'ed. Ref Charles Robinson asked Jericho whether he wanted to continue while Punk stood back waiting to see if Jericho was playing opossum. Cut to break.

They returned from break with Punk in control with Jericho apparently recovered. Punk then applied a modified Tarantula in the corner. Crowd was clearly behind Jericho and not feeling Punk tonight. Jericho made a comeback at 8:00 with repeated kicks to the head before landing a gut wrench suplex for a two count. Crowd sang the Canadian National Anthem during a rest hold, then gave itself a round of applause as Jericho continued to ground Punk.

At 10:00, Punk and Jericho fought up top, then Punk shoved Jericho down to a round of boos. Punk smiled, then came off the top with a cross body block for a two count. Punk then fired up with offense before landing a leg whip that floored Jericho. Punk missed in the corner, but caught Jericho with a Samoa Joe snap powerslam, which Cole incorrectly called a scoop slam. Lawler repeated Cole's mistake as the crowd continued to rally for Jericho. Punk wanted a suplex, but Jericho slipped out and landed a running bulldog.

Jericho wanted the Lionsault, but Punk sprang to his feet and caught him in the electric chair. He tried to transition into the G2S, but Jericho slipped out to the mat and countered into the Walls of Jericho. Great sequence. Punk screamed in pain and tried to reach for the bottom rope as Jericho held the move tight, then Jericho blocked a counter attempt. Punk tried to grab that bottom rope one more time, but Jericho pulled him back into the middle of the ring. Punk tried to power out one more time as the crowd begged for a tap out, then he broke free. Jericho tried to come back with the Walls, but Punk kicked him away.

Punk then nailed a knee-lift beneath the chin that temporarily KO'ed Jericho, before Punk made a cover for a close two count. Great action thus far at 14:00, then Punk picked up Jericho and landed his high knee in the corner before Jericho blocked the running bulldog. Punk came back with another kick to the head, though, but Punk was unable to capitalize. He then pulled himself up on the apron and wanted the springboard smash, but Jericho countered in mid-air with the codebreaker. Jericho made the pin for the win, much to the delight of the crowd.

Afterward, the camera focused on Jericho remaining face-down on the mat without blinking as he tried to gather his senses. They showed a replay of the highspots, then Jericho was shown slowly walking back up the ramp holding his head in pain. Jericho advances with JBL, Michaels, and Randy Orton to next week's four-way #1 contender match.

WINNER: Jericho in 15:00. Heck of a TV match. Punk showed great grit fighting off the Walls of Jericho, while Jericho was great as the in-ring heel technician carrying and calling the match. That was a great display, with a hot crowd involved in the action. (***1/2)

6 -- World Hvt. champion JOHN CENA & TRISH STRATUS vs. SANTINO MARELLA & Women's champion BETH PHOENIX

Cena started things, then Stratus tagged in and showed no ring rust as she busted out some forearm blows on Beth, then did the Matrix move to duck a Beth clothesline. She then paint brushed Beth across the chest before doing a big lick to set up a slap. Beth then lifted Trish up in the air and chucked her into the corner. Santino was all-smiles, then Santino was crotched on the top rope accidentally. Beth recovered, then went back to working on Stratus while Cena shouted encouragement. Trish finally made the hot tag at 4:00 and Cena pulled out his signature finishers. Trish then KO'ed Beth with the Chick Kick and Cena nailed the FU on Santino for the pin and the win. Cena then celebrated with Stratus, who played to the Toronto crowd for her big one-night-only return to close the show.

WINNERS: Cena & Stratus in 5:00. A feel-good way to close the show featuring a newsworthy return and Santino doing his thing of bouncing around the ring. They obviously put Stratus with Cena to deflect the expected boos against Cena, so it was a good mask for their once-in-a-blue-moon appearance in front of an "insider-type" audience that would boo Cena. (*)

J. Max said:

Maybe. Booker is a GREAT wrestler, but Jake is still a screw-up. Do you know how he invented the DDT? He was hammered one night in the ring and he slipped while he had a guy in a front facelock. His biggest accomplishment was because he was smashed.

If I was Booker, I'd hire Vader to watch Jake all night and make sure that he didn't touch the Jack Daniels. When he does, make him WRESTLE Vader. Make sure Vader doesn't wash his tights, either. (Of course, Vader never washes his tights.)

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Heh. I likes this idea

RANK CHANGE: Iori's Flame to Kyo's Flame...

Tonight's ECW show was a 'Best of 2008' show so no results are posted.

Arcademan said:

Tonight's ECW show was a 'Best of 2008' show so no results are posted.

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That's an oxymoron. "Best of" and "New ECW" shouldn't be mentioned in the same sentence. All I can imagine is them showing Mark Henry squashing a bunch of guys. I hate them for giving Tony Atlas a job. I still blame him for Bruiser Brody's killer going free.

J. Max said:

I hate them for giving Tony Atlas a job. I still blame him for Bruiser Brody's killer going free.

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He was never called up to testify. You can't blame him for what the authorities failed to do.

Wrestling news and tidbits...

No one's talking about Batista? He's injured for 6-8 months, WrestleMania's out of the question. A hamstring injury...
http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/news/93085/Major-WWE-News:-Batista-Injured,-Out-6-8-Months.htm

Samoa Joe is a Daddy.
Kaz is now engaged to Traci Brooks... Lucky bastich.
http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/news/93083/TNA-News:-Joes-a-Father,-Two-Stars-Get-Engaged.htm

Ron "The Truth/R-Truth" Killings is apparently not welcome in Canada. And by "not welcome", I mean he literally wasn't allowed in the country.
http://www.pwheadlines.com/wwe-news/wwe-star-barred-from-entering-canada-will-miss-smackdown.shtml

Seems Canada is not big on guys with a rap sheet history.
http://www.wrestlezone.com/article.php?articleid=231989443

Scott Hall worked on match with Necro Butcher on the 20th. He was "said to be in good spirits and sober".
Additionally, Ken Kennedy is being advertised for February shows, if that helps gage when he'll be back.
http://www.wrestlezone.com/article.php?articleid=231992776

J. Max said:

That's an oxymoron. "Best of" and "New ECW" shouldn't be mentioned in the same sentence. All I can imagine is them showing Mark Henry squashing a bunch of guys.

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We've never really talked wrestling, but it seems that, every time the chance comes-up to discuss personal opinions regarding the current state of professional wrestling in North America, I'm 100% in agreement with you, sir. Just know that you're not the only one here who wishes there were...interesting things to discuss in this thread more often.

Here's a nice little article from James Caldwell over at PWTorch.com. Agree or disagree with the status of TNA?

CALDWELL: Christmas edition of Impact showed TNA's contempt for itself as a pro wrestling promotion
Dec 26, 2008 - 12:59:12 PM

By James Caldwell, PWTorch columnist

TNA despises what it is. Pro wrestling isn't part of the company's name, like "wrestling" is in the WWE acronym, but TNA used to call itself simply pro wrestling.

Instead, the company switched from the "We are wrestling" slogan to "Cross the Line," which seemed like simply a marketing change like McDonald's used to change once-every-Monopoly-giveaway. But, it's obvious the company no longer wants to be thought of as being about pro wrestling.

WWE came to grips with this a long time ago and decided to create its own spin on pro wrestling. The WWE main event heavyweight style of storytelling centers on interacting with a mass audience with bright colors, over-the-top facial reactions, dramatic nearfalls, and fanciful storylines.

TNA doesn't know what it is. TNA has decided the company is not going to be about pro wrestling, as evidenced by four matches on Impact last night where nothing that happened from bell-to-bell was of any consequence, depending on the pre-and-post-match activity to carry the story.

The ring is a mere inconvenience, but it's used because TNA has a hardcore audience that won't depart from the show as long as they're thrown a bone of a few matches here and there.

"Cool, Sabin's in the ring t-night!" might be a text from a friend to another friend. "Dude, Angle is wrestling!" might be another text.

TNA has reached a point where they're keeping that hardcore-of-all-hardcore TNA viewing audience simply by tossing stars into the ring. Rules don't count. Outcomes don't matter. Results will be quickly forgotten by the time CSI starts.

TNA's contemptuous approach to pro wrestling was inevitable. Spike TV has been whispering in TNA's ear that maybe people don't want to see pro wrestling, as evidenced by the information that X Division wrestling traditionally loses an audience in its designated quarter-hour.

Perhaps it's because viewers see through the facade TNA tries to put up. It's a chicken or the egg deal. Do fans not watch the wrestling content because they don't like wrestling or because TNA presents it with such irreverence and a lack of respect for what happens inside the ring?

Ever since the Trio of X - Styles, Joe, and Daniels - was split up to pursue heavyweight division action and the X Division was left without its top stars, the wrestling content has slowly faded away. That eliminated the threat to the heavyweight stars, which was the X Division demanding main event matches because they were that dang good.

Now, the threat has been pushed aside into a nice little stable called the Frontline, which was effectively deemed sterile on last night's show when Mick Foley - the flannel-wearing executive shareholder - was the first person to actually clean house on the Mafia after the Frontline failed and failed and failed for weeks.

Hulk Hogan said it best - that's a tough intro to this sentence to write - when he said watching TNA reminds him of the dying days of the NWO when everyone wanted to talk and no one wanted to wrestle.

Except, in this case, it's because of a clear contempt for the very nature of the TNA program. TNA is buying into the fallacy that people don't want to watch credible pro wrestling presented on a TV broadcast.

No, people don't want to watch irreverent and poorly presented pro wrestling action, which TNA is making a name for itself by doing. WWE figured out a way to mask its contempt with its main event style of storytelling by mixing the wrestling with the character-studies that a mass audience can buy into.

TNA's contempt for itself - it's very nature as a pro wrestling promotion - is hurting its ability to grow. They can't figure out how to handle self-contempt and still present an entertaining show.

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TNA Impact! Results: 12-25-08

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

1 -- CHRIS SABIN (w/Alex Shelley) vs. KIYOSHI -- X Division Title semi-final tournament match

West was solid in the pre-match reminding the viewer of Consequences Creed having trouble with Kiyoshi in the first round because he didn't have a scouting report on Kiyoshi. Will Sabin learn from watching Kiyoshi in his first TNA match? Of note, ref Shane is back in the ring refereeing. Sheik Bashir walked out on stage with a towel wrapped around his head a minute into the action and sat down on a chair. Kiyoshi is pretty rough around the edges in his execution of moves, further underlying the point that he's a student of Great Muta. Kiyoshi missed with a top rope moonsault, then Sabin nailed the Cradle Shock for the pin and the win. Bashir had a non-reaction. Shelley celebrated with Sabin. He gets Shelley or Young in the finals.

WINNER: Sabin in 5:00. Match was irrelevant, which was unfortunate for Sabin, as the real X Division storyline of Bashir vs. Referee followed. (*)

2 -- SCOTT STEINER & BOOKER T (w/Sharmell) vs. A.J. STYLES & BROTHER DEVON

This started as a closed-fist punch-out brawl between Booker and Devon, then Styles and Steiner battled. Devon then tagged in and shoved a boot into Steiner's throat. Styles back in at 3:00 to work on Steiner, but Steiner shoved Styles into the corner. Styles broke free and pushed Steiner to the floor, then nailed a baseball slide kick. Action broke down on the floor with the Frontline in control as they cut to break.

The action spilled to outside of the Impact Zone during the commercial break where Devon and Booker were brawling by a trailer. West reminded us it wasn't about a pin or getting a win. Is anything wrestling-related in TNA about actually winning a match? I don't even know why they have a ring. Styles and Steiner were brawling in the crowd with a split-screen of the action. Suddenly, the Mafia jumped Devon where Brother Ray was jumped two weeks ago. Nash and Angle pounded on Devon before hand-cuffing him to the wall. Booker followed with huge knee smashes.

Oh, we're back in the ring with Steiner working on Styles. After Styles re-gained control, Kurt Angle showed up in the ring. Styles fought him off, then knocked Nash off the ring apron. Angle was dumped to the floor. Booker then showed up and attempted an axe kick, but Styles hit the Pele kick. Mafia then jumped Styles after regrouping to beat down Styles. Steiner brought a chair into the ring. West was ridiculously over-the-top narrating this, then Frontline finally showed up to help prevent Styles taking the same fate as Joe last week. Mafia eventually beat down the weaker Frontline before Rhino stormed the ring to go after Angle. Rhino cleaned house, but Angle subdued him for Steiner to nail a series of chair shot blows to the back.

Mick Foley had enough and he stormed the ring to knock around the Mafia, who fed him for the big house-cleaning. Goodness, the washed-up executive shareholder > entire Frontline. That's going to help the younger stars in the credibility department. In any event, Foley cleared the entire Mafia with the help of Socko, then Angle talked trash from ringside. Foley wanted a mic. As if we haven't had enough talking on this show. We'll find out his thoughts after the break.

WINNERS: Who knows in who knows. Was there a match? What is a match? Is this a wrestling show? Foley being the one to clean the entire ring of the Mafia after everyone from the Frontline failed was just inexplicable booking. I know you have to hype Foley's return to the ring, but at the expense of the credibility of the entire Frontline roster after they failed to clean the ring just once in two months? Not worth it.

3 -- ODB & ROXXI & TAYLOR WILDE & CHRISTY HEMME vs. Knockouts champion AWESOME KONG & RAISHA SAEED & SOJOURNER BOLT & RHAKA KHAN -- Santa's Workshop Knockouts street fight

Some creative outfits you might see at a tacky Christmas party. Except for Bolt, who apparently missed the memo and sported a leopard-print outfit. Roxxi was an elf. Hemme was an aerobics instructor with candy-cane-striped socks. Kong entered the ring and over-powered Hemme, but Hemme hopped on her back and everything completely broke down. Ref Rudy Charles threw his hands in the air like he just don't care. Kong vs. Hemme is at the PPV in a lumberjill match, by the way. Taylor knocked Raisha off the apron into a mosh pit below on the floor that looked more like a corporate event where someone falls backwards to test the trust of his or her co-workers. Taylor then came off the top with a cross body block into the mosh pit. Back in the ring, Khan grappled Taylor and gave her a step-over kick before licking her hand. Taylor then rolled up Khan, who freaked out at the thought of being part of a wrestling move, and scored the pin for the win.

WINNERS: Team Taylor in 6:00. Just an excuse to get several Knockouts in the ring at the same time. Better-than-average build up for Hemme vs. Kong at the PPV. (*)

4 -- RHINO (w/Jeff Jarrett) vs. KURT ANGLE (w/TNA World Hvt. champion Sting)

Rhino had plenty of offense early on with Angle distracted by Jarrett ringside. Angle then came back at 2:00 with a smashing elbow smash. Angle then spit on Jarrett, who stormed into the ring. Refs were suddenly on the scene to hold back Jarrett, who we are reminded is talent and not office anymore. Let's let the cooler heads prevail during the break.

Rhino made a comeback from an Angle waistlock and landed multiple right hand blows before nailing a forearm to spring free. But, both men knocked each other down with a clothesline. Rhino then came up with a clothesline and a shoulder tackle in the corner before landing a suplex. Angle teased the Olympic Slam, but Rhino countered with a spinebuster. Angle then slapped on an Anklelock, but Rhino kicked him through the ropes to the floor. Jarrett talked trash, then Angle slapped him and side-stepped Jarrett, who crashed into the guardrail.

Back in the ring, Angle re-applied the anklelock, which has no credibility anymore because no one taps out to the move. Jarrett had enough and took off his shirt before storming the ring to attack Angle. Ref Hebner threw the match out. A brawl broke out until security intervened to set up a pull-apart brawl. Terry Taylor and B.G. James tried to enter the scene as Angle slowly reached out and grabbed Jarrett's golden locks. B.G. got the camera time to tell Angle to control himself. Angle then decked B.G., who was laid out to close the show with the focus on him.

WINNER: Angle via DQ in 10:00. Okay match, but just standard Impact TV fare with Rhino in there. He's a roleplayer who shouldn't be asked to carry a main event match, and he's fine when put into the roleplayer slot. Finish was inevitable. For starters, it's a TNA TV main event where a match can't just end. There must be a post-match to take precedence over the contemptuous in-ring action, and now the sympathetic figure is a TNA agent not booked for the PPV. Awesome. (*1/2)

AAA on Galavision TV Report

By: Xavier Hernandez
Show aired on: 12/21/2008


The show starts off with a summary of last week's show. D-Generation MEX have an immunity contract, and they decided to join the AAA army to fight the Legion. Konnan returned the ashes, and claims he will save the company. He already has a policy that anyone who dances is automatically fired. However, Joaquin Roldan just joined the board of directors (sounds so WWE to me), and hired a comissioner to neutralize Konnan's rules: Vampiro. For today, another AAA vs. Legion match, plus Latin meets Zorro, and D-MEX in action.


*Pretaped Segment: Konnan is walking around the streets with the Legion, and they are going to their new offices. Konnan assigns Electro in the Public Relations department, the Harts and Kenzo will do booking, Nikki will have a special spot, and Zorro will be in the treasury department. When they arrive to the offices, they find a mess on the inside, and a message from D-MEX. Konnan gets pissed off.


1) Poder del Norte (Tigre Cota, Tito Santana & Rio Bravo) vs. El Apache, Billy Boy & Gato Eveready

-First Fall: Decent opener, but severely edited. Both Billy and Apche shake hands, but they're attacked by the rudos. Every man flies to the outside, for a great visual. In the ring, Gato hits a Flip Neckbreaker on Tigre for the pinfall.

Winners: El Apache, Billy Boy & Gato Eveready

-Aftermath: The Legion arrives to destroy everyone inside the ring. Konnan says hi to Marisela Roldan, and addresses Mesias. Konan has invited Mesias to join the Legion, and he will probably give him a shot at the vacant title. Konnan says he's happy because he fired a group of models, Pepe Casas (referee), and the Stone Brothers. Konnan hates dancers, and anyone who dances is automatically fired. This brings Latin Lover (the best known dancing wrestler), to the ring. Latin says he will dance, as long as the crowd wants him to. Konnan says he's the one that makes the rules, so Latin is fired! This brings Roldan, who reminds Konnan that he doesn't have full power over the company. The new Comissioner Vampiro arrives to the ring. To make things short, Vampiro rehires Latin, and tells Konnan that he has more power than him. Vampiro also makes a match between Konnan and Latin Lover.


*Pretaped Segment: Roldan talks to Vampiro, and tells him that he has been hired to neutralize Konnan. Roldan says the matches must be fair and square, and Vampiro will make sure Konnan doesn't fire anyone. Vampiro says it's a pleasure to work with Roldan. Outisde the arena, Pepe Casa tries to get inside, but he is stopped by security. Casas is fired, so if he tries to get in, the police will arrive, and Casas backs down.


2) Hart Foundation 2.0 (Teddy Hart & Jack Evans) w/Nikki vs. Real Fuerza Aerea (Aerostar & El Angel)

-First Fall: The tecnicos apply aerial manuevers, while the Harts apply sick double team moves. Angel hits a Diving Crossbody on Evans, and Aerostar hits a sick Drowsy Dive on Teddy. Looks like Aerostar hurt himself with the bad landing. Teddy hits an Asai Moonsault on Angel as well. In the ring, Evans pins Angel with the 630 Senton. Short, but good match.

-Aftermath: The Harts celebrate, while Aerostar is carried on a stretcher.


*Noti AAA:
-Looks like Aerostar will be out for a while, because of the bump he took.
-AAA wrestlers appeared on the Revolution Anniversary march.
-Emphasis on Konnan's recent firings.


*Pretaped Segment: Zorro wonders what is he gonna do with the vacant title. Konnan already offered him the title, but Zorro refuses to take it without a match. Zorro wants a one-on-one title match, to prove to everyone that he is a true champion. Konnan says he will make the match, but he wants Zorro to punish D-MEX and Latin. On the other hand, the Mexican Powers want to forget last week's match, and wants to beat D-MEX. Oriental will join them to defeat thos foreign guys.


3) D-Generation MEX (X-Pac, Rocky Romero & Alex Koslov) vs. Mexican Powers (El Oriental, Crazy Boy & Ultimo Gladiador)

-First Fal: Another good and fast paced match, witht everyone displaying their skills. Every person ends up flying to the outside as well. In the ring, Crazy misses the Chair Moonsault, and XPac connects with the X-Factor through the chair.

Winners: X-Pac, Rocky Romero & Alex Koslov

-Aftermath: The tecnicos celebrate, but they are ambushed by the Legion. The AAA Army arrives to make the save.


4) Latin Lover vs. Zorro (w/Konnan)

-First Fall: This match is NO DQ for Zorro, so Konnan can interfere anytime he wants. Evertime Latin gets in the offensive, he is assaulted by Konnan. Latin makes the comeback, and chases Konnan away. Zorro lowblows Latin, and the referee is forced to make the three count.

Winner: Zorro

-Aftermath: Vampiro arrives to tell Konnan that he is Konnan's boss. Konnan says he won't take crap from Vampiro, because he makes the rules.


*Pretaped Segment: Parka and Fly cut a promo outside the arena. They say the company is in the middle of fog and mist, that they will make all of that disappear soon. They bow to win every match against Konnan, and they even make fun of his bald head.


5) La Parka, SuperFly & Mesias vs. Konnan, Kenzo Suzuki & Rellik

-First Fall: Typical main event, so don't worry if you didn't see this one. The tecnicos finally make the comeback. Konnan removes the mask of Parka, and he cannot be disqualified. D-MEX distracts Konnan, and Parka rolls him for the pinfall.

Winners: La Parka, SuperFly & Mesias

-Aftermath: Mesias answers to Konnan's invitation to the Foreign Legion. Mesias says he will not join the Legion, but he does want the vacant title. So it's official, Mesias has turned face, whether you like it or not! Konnan says he will never give Mesias the title, as long as he stays away from the Legion.



FINAL COMMENTS: Overall, a decent show. First of all, I apologize for not writing last week's report, and that was because I had serious computer problems. So, the big storyline doesn't make sense anymore. What's the point of having Konnan as the new general manager, when every move he makes will be overturned by Vampiro. They could have waited at least a few weeks, before introducing Vampiro, but AAA is so desperate to fight WWE in the ratings of Mexican television. Rushing things this way is not good. Once again, I decided to cut the amount of play-by-play in the matches, because it's hard to keep up with fast paced style matches of AAA.

Feedback is always welcomed at elcidphoenix88_spainful@hotmail.com

Thanks!!!!

Click to expand...

TemJin's Comments: I apologize as well for posting this here so late. Happy Holidays!

WWE Smackdown Results: 12-26-08

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

1. Triple H defeated Chavo Guerrero in 2:08. The match began with Hunter getting very aggressive with Chavo. Chavo applied a baseball slide and a nice heel kick. Chavo tried to fool Hunter by throwing a chair and impersonate Eddie but Hunter didn't fall for it. Hunter spine busted and Pedigreed Chavo for the quick win. After the match, Hunter grabbed the sledgehammer and clobbered Chavo in the mid-section.

Mind of Marv: Decent segment. Triple H's charisma is what makes him entertaining. Chavo has turned into Gopher? Ooh, was that a shot at University of Minnesota? Just some friendly Illini humor, haha.

2. Shelton Benjamin defeated Hurricane Helms to retain United States Title in 11:02. The match began back and forth and Helms said what's up with that. Helms knocked out Shelton and applied a cross body to him outside the ring for three nearfalls. Shelton threw Helms into the ropes for a nearfall.

The match returned with Shelton dominating Helms by working on his neck. Shelton applied a neck breaker for a nearfall and he put Helms in a body scissors. Helms hit Shelton with a nice uppercut and clothesline. Helms attempted the Shining Wizard but Shelton countered. Helms gave Shelton the Shining Wizard but Shelton kicked out. Shelton gave Helms Paydirt to retain his belt.

Mind of Marv: This was a great TV match. Nice action throughout. Shelton did make Helms's finisher look weak by kicking out, but I'm glad they are moving Benjamin forward instead of burying him. I would like for them to have a U.S. Title tournament like they did with the IC title, it would be interesting because of all the mid-carders that can make the tournament fun.

3. Carlito defeated The Brian Kendrick in 2:17. The match was back and forth with a series of kicks and punches. Kendrick kicked Carlito off the top rope for a nearfall. Carlito gave Kendrick a high knee, clothesline and springboard. Zeke tried to get involved by pushing Primo. Kendrick kicked Carlito and missed The Kendrick which led to Carlito applying the Backstabber for the quick win.

Mind of Marv: Pretty quick match which builds up to the future title match between these teams. But come on...seriously the Bella Twins are OVERRATED. I'm just saying.

4. Maryse defeated Michelle McCool to become new Divas Champion with Maria as special guest referee in 4:35. McCool started the match with a lot of athleticism which was somewhat impressive (in my opinion). McCool hit Maryse with a nice dropkick for the nearfall. Maryse applied an inverted leg sweep to a cobra clutch which McCool countered with a nice kick. McCool applied a series of dropkicks and a spinning neck breaker. McCool got the hell kicked out of head by Maryse to win the title. She received a standing ovation from the crowd.

After the match McCool beat the hell out of Maria, which was lead to a ton of "You Suck" chants.

Mind of Marv: Maryse's Ooh Oui entrance music, sounds tight with the bass. But anyway, the heel turn is official of McCool and seeing Maria getting beaten was quite entertaining.

5. The Great Khali squashed MVP in 2:35. MVP rolled out of the ring and almost got counted out. MVP took some cheap shots at Khali but he was basically destroyed. MVP tried to get some offense and applied the Drive By Kick to Khali. Khali ended the misery with the Punjabi Plunge.

Mind of Marv: Watching MVP job every week is sad as hell.

6. Vladimir Kozlov squashed Jimmy Wang Yang in :57. Why bother wasting time? Battering Ram, choke slam, total squash.

Kozlov cut a promo saying everyone on each brand should look out because he will win the Royal Rumble and become champion.

Mind of Marv: Yawn. He's running out of people to squash.

7. WWE Champion Jeff Hardy defeated Big show in a non-title match by count out in 11:00. The match began with Show destroying Hardy with knife edge chops and punches. Hardy attempted a Twist of Fate on Show, but was countered by getting thrown out of the ring.

The show returned with Show still destroying Hardy. Show got some nearfalls with a hammerlock slam, and chops to the chest. Show missed an elbow, and Hardy got a couple of seconds of offense before Show applied a bear hug. Hardy gave Show two Whisper In The Winds and a Swanton Bomb for a nearfall. Show attempted a choke slam but was countered by Hardy for a DDT, a mule kick and a kick to the announce table.

Both entertainers were getting counted outside of the ring and Hardy got back in the ring to get the count out victory. Matt Hardy ran out and celebrated with Jeff.

Edge thought he got away with murder by not facing the Big Show next week but Vickie told Edge that The Hardys seem to be reunited and will face Edge and the Big Show in a tag match for next week.

Mind of Marv: This main event was boring as hell. The first eight minutes was basically a Big Show squash match. What a way to make your WWE champion look weak as hell. Then Show kicks out of two of Hardy's finishers? What's with the WWE make their wrestlers (I mean entertainers) finishers look useless? But overall, this was a wrestling heavy show that I appreciate, but it started to slump within the last 40 minutes which sucked.

AAA on Galavision TV Report

By: Xavier Hernandez
Show aired on: 12/27/2008


The show opens with last week's show summary. Konnan took over the AAA building, but it was vandalized by D-MEX. He also assigned jobs to his legion. Vampiro neutralized Konnan's firing of Latin Lover, and rehired him. The AAArmy beat the Legion with help of the D-MEX. For today's show (last show before GdT), another epic AAA vs. Legion match, Mesias and Chessman will be a team again, and much more.


*Pretaped Segment: Konnan is in the ring to talk about the vacant title, so he brings out Zorro. Konnan will make a Title match at GdT. betweem Zorro and Mesias. Zorro is happy to hear that, and promises to destroy Mesias, because the true champion is Zorro. Konnan also bows to make Mesias' life a living hell, until he joins him. So, Konnan added a stipulation the title match: if Mesias loses, he must join the Legion. This statement brings out the new top babyface in the company: Mesias. He addresses Konnan, and claims he will never join the Legion. Mesias says at GdT, he will be a two-time champion, and Zorro is making a big mistake by facing him. Mesias attacks both Konnan and Zorro, but he is neutralized with the kendo stick from Zorro. Roldan arrives to the ring, and tells Konnan that the title shouldn't be used for Konnan's benefit. Roldan tries to put his issues with Mesias behind, and tries to bring him to AAA. Back to the AAA building, Konnan is pissed off because D-MEX vandalized his property. La Secta talks about Konnan, and say they should think about joining the Legion.


1) Black Family (Ozz, Cuervo & Scoria) vs. Real Fuerza Aerea (Laredo Kid, Aerostar & El Angel)

Only Fall: Ozz and Angel open the match, but the Family use the triple team attack. Ozz mistakenly kicks Cuervo, and the comeback begins. Ozz sets Angel in a chair, and hits his Corkscrew Suicide Dive. In the ring, Aerostar hits a botched West Coast Pop, but Cuervo reverses it. Aerostar counters Cuervo, but the referee hits Aerostar, and Cuervo scores the pin.

Winners: Ozz, Cuervo & Scoria


*Pretaped Segment: Electroshock, the new Public relations guy is arranging calls from famous people to promote the Legion. He contacts the most important newsreporter in Mexico and the producers of "Bailando por un Sueno" (Similar to Dancing with the Stars), but nobody is interested in the Legion, because there is no AAA guys. Kenzo is now in charge of the phone and bookings. Kenzo says there's no AA guys available, and names only the Legion guys (this was funny, since he was only saying names). Both Brazo and Pirata go to Konnan, and beg him to take the dancers out of the company. Konnan wants them to destroy the dancers, and he will listen to their proposals.

2) Bull Terrier Match
El Elegido vs. Pirata Moragn

-Only Fall: This is a phenomenal match, no is not a great match. This brawl starts in the crowd, with Pirata tossing Elegido everywhere. Back in the ring, Elegido tries to touch the six corners, but the referee stops him. Pirata now uses the chain as a weapon on Elegido. The referee tries to hit Elegido with the chain, but he hits Pirata instead. Elegido capitalizes on this to touch the six corners and win the match.

Winner: El Elegido


*Noti AAA:
-More promotion to the AAA website
-Emphasis on Konnan's takeover of the AAA building. They also look at how Zorro (crazy man) handles money, Electro (angry man) is the public relations guy, and the Harts and Kenzo (non-spanish people) do the bookings.
-Hype for Guerra de Titatnes, which was a success, and the company thanks the fans.
-Apparently, both Aerostar and Angel suffered injuries last week, but they are wrestling again.


*Pretaped Segment: El Brazo makes fun of Porky's physical appearance, and bows to destroy him tonight. On the other hand, Porky also says Brazo is very fat, and he is completely ready to take him out for good. Porky calls Brazo the worst Brazo in the entire family.


3) Brazo de Plata vs. El Brazo

-Only Fall: Another five star classic. Both men use incredible maneuvers on each other, which means this match is ugly. Porky takes control of the macth, until the cameras show Pirata attacking Elegido backstage, Pirata drags Elegido to the ring, and Brazo helps him out. Porky tries to help Elegido, but he is assaulted as well. The referee says this match ends in double DQ.

Winners: DRAW

-Aftermath: Konnan and Electroshock arrives to attack the tecnicos. Konnan gets in the mic, and says he will make a big match: The Six-Man Steel Cage match. This match will include Elegido, Pirata, Brazo, Porky, Electro and SuperFly. The loser must remove his mask, or shave his head. Pirata promises he will make sure Elegido loses his mask, and Electro says he's waiting for Fly. Konnan insults the crowd for cheap heat.


4) Zorro & Kenzo Suzuki vs. Mesias & Chessman

-Only Fall: Compete brawl, that looks like a fatal four way, Zorro and Kenzo use chairs to attack the tecnicos. Chessman and Mesias accidentally attack each other. Chessman is out, and Mesias hits the STH on Kenzo for the three count.

Winners: Mesias & Chessman

-Aftermath: Roldan arrives again, to convince Mesias to join the AAArmy. To earn Mesias' support, he will assign a neutral referee for the title match at GdT. This referee is CHARLIE MANSON. Konnan tells Roldan that he is in charge of the company. He calls out the security staff, and pull Roldan out of the arena. Konnan says is payback, because Roldan did the same to him in the past. Somewhere else, Fly is hesitating again about beign with AAA, but Parka convices him to stay with them, and make the Legion's life a living hell.


5) Konnan, Electroshock & Rellik vs. Latin Lover, La Parka & SuperFly

-Only Fall: This is a classic main event of AAA, so there's nothing new to it. Legion is under control since the first second, and chairs are already used. The tecnicos manage to make the comeback, and crowd is crazy for Latin. Electro and Fly are left alone inside the ring, while the rest battle at ringside. Electro locks a Rolling Tapatia, and Fly finally submits.

Winners: Konnan, Electroshock & Rellik

-Aftermath: The Black Family arrives, wearing AAA shirts, but they rip their shirts and attack the tecnicos. The Family members wear Legion shirts, and join Konnan's cause. Electro hits a Tombstine Piledriver on Fly through a table.



FINAL COMMENTS: Overall, I really don't know how to describe these type of shows anymore. The first match was OK, but then we had four epic Five Star matches (beign sarcastic). The closing angle (Family joining the Legion) was almost as shocking as when Hijo del Santo turned rudo many years ago. With Cibernetico gone, Mesias is the new top face, and I doubt that the fans will give him the same response. But again, some fans just take whatever AAA gives them. I'm not having fun calling this show anymore, so I have nothing positive to say about it. Sorry.

Feedback is always welcomed at elcidphoenix88_spainful@hotmail.com

Thanks!!

Click to expand...

TemJin's Comments: yep, another terrible episode of AAA.

TemJin3000 said:

TemJin's Comments: yep, another terrible episode of AAA.

Click to expand...

From the reports you provide, when do they ever HAVE a good episode

Arcademan said:

From the reports you provide, when do they ever HAVE a good episode

Click to expand...

same with TNA: ALMOST NEVER. (AAA is still somewhat better than TNA tho... somewhat. )
the best thing with AAA is that the wrestlers botch alot, so it makes it funny.

also, Jack Evans is awsome. then again, he's always awsome no matter what program he's on.

WWE RAW Results: 12-29-08

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

1 -- CODY RHODES vs. C.M. PUNK

Of note, Punk has a giant bruise on his right thigh. Rough weekend house show tour perhaps. Crowd took a minute or two to buy into the action, which started with Cody working on Punk until he fought back with elbow strikes and a thrust kick to the chest. Punk then went to the corner and wanted a top rope cross body block, but Cody rolled through into a nearfall. Punk then kicked Cody off the apron to the floor. He then wanted a suicide dive, but over-shot Cody just a little bit and smashed his forearm into the announce table. Both men recovered as the ref started his count. Punk suddenly lost track of the count while staring at Regal ringside, then the ref reached ten with Cody in the ring and Punk was counted out.

Afterward, Cody thought he had a clean exit, but Punk grabbed him and began a post-match attack. Punk wanted the G2S on Cody, but Regal slid into the ring and nailed the running high knee to the face that KO'ed Punk ahead of their IC Title match next week.

WINNER: Cody Rhodes in 4:00. That was pretty predictable, but the only "out" to keep Cody in the group and make sure Punk didn't have a clean loss prior to an IC Title match next week. (*)

2 -- DIVAS BATTLE ROYALE of KELLY KELLY vs. MELINA vs. MICKIE JAMES vs. JILLIAN HALL vs. CANDICE MICHELLE vs. KATIE LEA -- Winner faces Women's champion Beth Phoenix at the Royal Rumble

Candice was eliminated like a few seconds into the match. Wow. Jillian then eliminated Kelly a few moments later, much to Santino's delight on commentary. Mickie then dumped Katie and Jillian out simultaneously, leaving us with Melina vs. Mickie. They shared smiles, then circled around the ring before locking up. Santino said Melina looks like a gypsie. Melina then dumped Mickie over the top rope, but she skinned the cat back into the ring. Melina was able to knock Mickie off the apron, though, and Mickie hit the floor to give Melina the win.

WINNER: Melina in 3:00. Terribly short battle royale. Candice must have upset someone, as she had no ring entrance on TV - her calling card - and about 20 seconds in the ring. Or it's part of a long-term storyline involving the women's division that will play out in epic fashion in a credible TV match. Okay, not happening. (1/2*)

3 -- SIM SNUKA vs. SUPER HAAS CHARLIE SNUKA

Sim quickly knocked the wig off Haas before nailing a big knee smash to the face. Crowd has been really quiet tonight, and this was no exception. They tried to rally behind Haas, but Sim smashed him in the face with an elbow. Crowd rallied a second time, then Haas landed the classic thrusts/chops for a two count. Haas then wanted to take it up top for the Superfly splash, but Sim got his knees up to block. Haas tried to collect himself, but Sim landed a big leaping kick to the head for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Sim Snuka in 4:00. Nice effort from Sim, who continues to show more than when he was a Greaser. Haas had a pretty good impression of Superfly, but his gimmick isn't leading anywhere. Just a mere TV filler role, which will keep him on TV, and that's half the battle. (*)

4 -- World Hvt. champion JOHN CENA & REY MYSTERIO & KOFI KINGSTON & CRYME TYME (JTG & SHAD GASPAR) vs. KANE & MIKE KNOX & DOLPH ZIGGLER & World tag team champions THE MIZ & JOHN MORRISON

Lawler quickly asked Cole to be Jim Ross and say business is about to pick. Cole went silent for a few moments before Kofi tagged in and worked on Morrison. Suddenly, all ten men were in the ring for a giant stare down. The referee's nightmare rolls on after the break.

They returned from break with Miz working on Kofi, who broke free and tagged in Rey. Miz walked into a boot to the face before accepting a head scissors. Rey then snapped off a swinging huracanrana before smashing Knox, who was standing on the apron. Rey then found himself up in the air where Miz nailed a powerbomb after Kane slapped Rey from the apron. Kane quickly pounced and tagged into the match before handing Rey over to Knox to bully Rey around. Dolph got some camera time working on Rey before tagging out to Morrison.

Rey and Morrison battled up top, then Rey blocked Morrison and snapped off a sweet reverse huracanrana. Crowd then exploded when Cena took a hot tag to go after Knox, who accepted a series of shoulder tackles. All heck broke loose in the ring, then Kane snuck in behind Cena, but Kofi knocked Kane away with a dropkick. Cena then gave Dolph and Knox sit-out slams. Cena and Kofi made eye contact, then set up for their trademark moves with Kofi hitting the boom-boom leg drop on Dolph and Cena dropping the Five Knuckle Shuffle on Knox.

Kofi KO'ed Dolph with the Jamaican buzzsaw kick, then Cena dropped Knox with the FU in center ring. Cena then looked over at Rey, who wanted in the ring. Crowd popped as Cena paused to milk a tag to Rey, who hopped right up top and nailed a big splash on Knox for the pin and the win. The babyfaces then celebrated in the ring and bowed for the audience as Cole hyped it as a big way to send off 2008 with Cena standing tall.

WINNERS: Team Chain Gang in 12:00. Fun match with an exciting ending to send-'em-home-happy if the fans want to beat traffic out of the building. The heels didn't get too much time to work in offense, but Dolph continues to stand out a few matches into his WWE run. (**1/2)

5 -- ECW champion MATT HARDY vs. MANU -- non-title match

Hardy knocked Manu to the floor early on, then landed a baseball dropkick that sent Manu crashing into the guardrail. Back in the ring, Manu went back on the offensive and landed a Umaga headbutt to the shoulder for a nearfall. Hardy then walked into a swinging neckbreaker at 6:00 for a two count with Hardy playing the usual role of being on the defensive. Umaga...er...Manu measured Hardy for a corner splash, but Hardy countered with a drop toe hold. Manu then blocked a bulldog and landed a dropkick for a two count.

The match continued at 7:00 with Manu landing a corner splash. He wanted a second splash and he connected again. Unbearably slow. Manu tried a Samoan Drop, but Hardy grabbed the top rope and slipped to his feet to nail the Twist of Fate for the pin and the win. Afterward, Manu grabbed his head in disgust before letting it sink in he has to face Orton's firing now. Hardy celebrated on stage for a while.

WINNER: Matt Hardy in 8:00. Slow, plodding match. Manu is better off in tag matches and short singles matches right now. The same Hardy story of the champ being on the defensive forever before hitting the Twist of Fate out of nowhere for the win. (*)

6 -- RANDY ORTON vs. JBL vs. SHAWN MICHAELS vs. CHRIS JERICHO -- #1 Contender match to the World Hvt. Title -- elimination match -- Winner gets Cena at the Royal Rumble

Michaels and Jericho re-visited their history in the opening moments before cutting to a break.

Orton and Jericho were going after each other while JBL and HBK, Inc. watched from the ring apron. Jericho teased the Walls of Jericho in 5:00, but Orton slipped out, only to be dropkicked to the floor. Back in the ring, Orton surprised Jericho with a clothesline, then Michaels tagged in for Orton to work on Jericho. JBL then blind-tagged himself into the match and accepted a codebreaker from Jericho. Michaels broke up the pin to save his employer, though, and nailed Jericho with the superkick at 8:00 after tagging himself back in for JBL. Michaels covered Jericho for the first elimination.

Back from break, JBL had Orton locked in a sleeper hold. He continued to work on Orton as Michaels looked on from the ring apron stuck in a "Got a little captain in you" pose with one leg extended over the middle rope. JBL pummeled Orton, who received an "RKO" chant during spurts of silence.

At 15:00, JBL knocked over Orton with a clothesline as HBK continued to watch. Orton then made a comeback and started to "take a walk around the park" stomping on JBL. Fans popped as Orton set up JBL for the Punt, but JBL scrambled over to Michaels to make a tag to his employee. Orton suddenly snapped off the fallaway backbreaker and Michaels sold it like a pro. Orton then eyeballed JBL and went down into the crouch for the RKO on Michaels, who slowly made his way to his feet and avoided the finisher. Michaels then loaded up Sweet Chin Music and smashed Orton square in the jaw at 20:00 to score the pin on Orton.

JBL entered the ring and backed away when Michaels feigned the superkick. JBL then stared at Michaels, who surveyed the scene and stared back at JBL with pleading eyes. They shared a stare down from a distance, then JBL slowly walked over to Michaels and pointed to the mat for him to take a dive. Michaels closed his eyes and fought back tears while listening to the boos. Fans tried to rally with an "H-B-K" chant, then Michaels verbally pleaded with JBL. Michaels then hitched up his britches and slowly went down to one knee before getting back up. Fans ate this up with a giant spoon. He kept playing with their emotions before finally going down to the mat. He went flat on his back to take a nice long look at the ceiling, but then popped up to his feet.

HBK backed into the corner and said he couldn't do this. Michaels pleaded with JBL one more time before shouting at JBL to do it. Just do it. Michaels closed his eyes then JBL creamed him with the Clothesline from Hell. Michaels fell flat on his back and JBL covered him for the pin and the win. JBL gets the title shot at the Rumble. Michaels gets a giant bruise. Raw gets a ten-minute over-run and five minutes of epic HBK. Afterward, JBL stood on stage and looked down into the ring where Michaels sat up and stared down with tears welling up beneath the surface.

WINNER: JBL in 25:00 to become #1 contender to the World Title. Michaels managed to take a completely dead crowd and have them eating out of the palm of his hand milking five minutes worth of MVP-caliber wrestling storytelling. Match was slow prior to the finish, then Michaels really told a story leading to a stick-it-on-the-Rumble main event with Cena vs. JBL when the Rumble itself will sell the PPV. (***)

About WWE:

I don't want to see John Cena/JBL EVER. Especially at a big PPV like the Royal Rumble. I have a feeling that Shawn Michaels will snap to his senses somehow in this match and cost JBL the title since they are clearly leading to Michaels/JBL at Wrestlemania. Somehow, HHH will convice Shawn to be a man and he'll cost JBL the belt. That sucks too - JBL is a great talker but a terrible wrestler, even when he's in shape.


Now, about TNA:

TNA would be the worst wrestling show on TV right now, except they have Samoa Joe, AJ Styles, Kurt Angle, and Booker T, and there's also this terrible show called "ECW" that makes it look better. The booking is a joke. They've buried Samoa Joe, who came in as a true superstar and now looks like a joke, mostly thanks to Kevin "Poochie" Nash.

The fact is that they have all of the same problems that WCW had in it's waining days. except Hulk Hogan. Kevin Nash and Vince Russo are cancers to wrestling promotions, and even Jerry Jarrett has disowned it. Let's take a look at all of the good things that TNA had that they have blown:

-Samoa Joe. He's been booked to look like a chump. He's the new version of Sting. You know that Lex Luger is going to turn on Sting every single time, but Sting trusts him anyway because he's booked constantly to look stupid. Same thing with Joe.

-The Knockouts Division. There was a time when it looked like they were about to be THE women's division in the US. Now, you have Awesome Kong, ODB, and a bunch of others that no one cares about. (I'm looking at you, Beautiful People). They can either be cheesecake or good wrestlers, but don't be in-betweeners.

-AJ Styles. See Samoa Joe.

-Sting. So you get Sting to come back at age 50 and what do you do with him? Half-heartedly turn him heel. Great idea, since it worked so well in WCW.

-The return of Jeff Jarrett. So it's Jarrett, who know one cares about, but they could have built his return into something special considering the circumstances. But they didn't do anything except rush him back.

-Kurt Angle. Great worker, needs to retire. He's become a comedy act instead of a killer. Again, bad booking.

-The entire X Division. Remember when this was the most exciting division in wrestling? Now because Vince Russo hates Mexicans and Japanese people, it's a joke. The sad thing is that there are so many great workers who really built this up, only to be screwed over.

-Christian Cage. Good thing he's going back to WWE. Smart man, because TNA was burying him too.

-Gail Kim. See Christian Cage.


Honestly, there's a lot more I could go into with TNA, but I think I've made my point. This is WCW, 2008 version, only without the history and budget. Oh, and one more thing: get Scott Steiner off my TV. If I wanted to see roided up freaks, I'd watch baseball.

Truthfully, i've been fed up with TNA and the WWE for quite some time now. I was such a mark for TNA but after the live show back in September, i've kinda had enough of TNA and their horrid booking. I've been streamlining along Mexican, Japanese, and independent promotions for my wrestling fix.