offical wwe thread

ROH! ROH! ROH!

O.

IMHO, ECWWE is booked considerably better than TNA.
hell, an episode of ECW has more wrestling action in general than an episode of Impact does these days...and ECW is an hour shorter.
i used to think Impact was better than WWE as a whole at it's beginnings on SpikeTV, now i just cant find myself rooting for TNA at all. i still groan a shitload at stuff on all of the WWE programs, but i just find it to be better than TNA has ever been as of late and probably ever will.

oh yeah yashiro...PWG PWG PWG PWG!!! (still like ROH, just being territorial.)

J. Max said:

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.

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Not too keen about this match-up myself and I know a majority of people would have rather seen Orton or Jericho face Cena for the title at the Royal Rumble however with Batista out of the picture for several months, the WWE needs to set up a big match for Wrestlemania so my bet it'll be Cena/Orton there or something equally big so I can concede Cena/JBL at the RR instead of Wrestlemania. Besides, everyone knows Shawn Michaels will be the 'X-factor' in the match.

ECW on Sci-Fi Results: 12-30-08

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

1- MARK HENRY vs. MATT HARDY

Henry overpowered Hardy in the opening minute. Hardy goaded Henry into a test of strength, only to get a kick to the gut to go on offense. Good thinking there. But Henry went back on offense soon after. The fans got behind Hardy as Henry's methodical offense started to wear down the ECW Champ. Tony Atlas caused a distraction as Hardy was about to get things going, which allowed Henry to splash him in the corner. Hardy barely got his foot on the rope on a pin attempt by Henry, and the show went to break with Matt in peril.

Henry continued his offensive onslaught, giving Matt some shots to the ribs then stepping on his throat. Matt got off the ropes as Mark was going to sit down on him as he had his throat across the ropes in a 619 position. Henry found away to choke Matt on the ropes anyway. Henry missed a sit-down splash and Hardy started his comeback. Side Effect for two from Matt. He knocked Atlas off the apron and Henry pushed Hardy off on a Twist of Fate attempt. But he pushed him right into Jack Swagger, who had come out and entered the ring. Swagger slammed him to the mat, drawing the DQ and the ire of Henry.

WINNER: Hardy, by DQ at 10:05. Well, they sure made Henry look good as he owned that match. I'm surprised they're not putting him on the back-burner with Swagger ready to take over as top heel challenger.

2- PAUL BURCHILL vs. DJ GABRIEL

Burchill was seconded by Katie Lea, and of course Alicia Fox was with Gabriel. I kinda thought Gabriel was a heel. Two Brits going at it here. Couple arm-drags by Gabriel, but Burchill got some shots in himself. Matt Striker gave full background on Burchill, who was making his first ECW appearance. A slight "DJ Gabriel" chant from the crowd. Burchill settled into a chin-lock. Gabriel got a couple elbows in to the chin of Burchill, but Paul came back with some knee drops. Striker even mentioned Burchill was a descendant of Blackbeard the Pirate. Another chin-lock from Paul. Gabriel fought back with a monkey flip but a clothesline to the back of the head by Burchill ended that sequence. Gabriel countered a powerslam with a gutbuster. Gabriel went to the second rope, presumably for his finisher, but Burchill pulled his foot off the rope. Gabriel got the win by rolling over on Burchill and hooking the legs behind him for the three.

WINNER: Gabriel, at 5:32. WWE has shown a penchant for starting someone new off against jobbers, then moving them on to lower card guys. Gabriel has passed the jobber test, so he got Burchill tonight. Still, Burchill got in more offense than I expected.

3- FINLAY & BOOGEYMAN vs. JOHN MORRISON & THE MIZ- NO DISQUALIFICATION MATCH

Early on, Hornswoggle got down behind Miz and Finlay pushed Miz over the little guy. Morrison got involved and the two ended up getting clotheslined outside the ring by Boogeyman. Miz almost got pulled under the ring on the other side by Boogey, then Hornswoggle dove onto the duo. Morrison took out Finlay's leg on the apron and Miz kicked him to ringside. Miz applied a chin-lock to Finlay in the ring. Morrison tagged in and battled Finlay. Shouldn't this be a Tornado Tag match, since it's no-DQ? What's the point of waiting for a tag? Boogeyman was literally foaming at the mouth to get in the ring as Finlay continued to be beaten down. Boogey finally broke up a pin attempt by Morrison and nailed Miz to boot. That gave Finlay time to re-energize and clean house. As Finlay clothesline Miz over the top rope, the legal man Morrison rolled him up for the win.

WINNERS: Miz & Morrison, at 5:54. Finlay wisely did all the work for the faces.

After the match, Finlay did his finisher on Miz after Boogeyman attacked him. The heels made their way up the ramp as Finlay picked some kids from ringside to dance and run around the ring with Hornswoggle. A feel-good way for WWE to end 2008.

TNA Impact! Results: 1-1-09

Apparently this was a 'Best of 2008' show. No results available.

WWE Smackdown Results: 1-2-09

Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Park's complete results)

1- CURT HAWKINS & ZACK RYDER vs. FINLAY & THE GREAT KHALI

Khali immediately took out both men and did the double noggin-knocker. With the ref distracted, Hornswoggle got involved too. Finlay tagged in and dished out some punishment to Hawkins. He then clotheslined Ryder on the outside. That distraction led to some yelling from Hawkins and he took over on offense as well. It's hard to believe how far these two have fallen in the last year; I thought for sure they were destined to be something worth investing in as the EdgeHeads. They're in desperate need of some character advancement though. Finlay came back to make a tag and Khali did some more attacking of both. Punjabi Plunge on Ryder for three.

WINNER: Finlay & Khali, at 4:06. I could see Finlay & Khali becoming a semi-permanent "odd couple" face team.

2- JESSE & FESTUS vs. EZEKIEL JACKSON & THE BRIAN KENDRICK

Oh c'mon, now Ezekiel has the red tights; now he's inviting MORE comparisons to Ahmed Johnson. Some teamwork by the faces cleaned house on the heels. Jesse worked over Kendrick and tagged in Festus. Festus missed a charge but caught Kendrick on a cross-body attempt. But Festus tweaked his knee and Kendrick, then Ezekiel after a tag, honed in on that body part. Festus recovered enough to tag Jesse, who was all over Kendrick. Not much crowd heat for the faces. Eventually, Festus and Zeke got involved. Zeke made a blind tag when Jesse was on offense and surprised the country boy with a uranage to finish them off.

WINNERS: Jackson & Kendrick, at 4:42. And the heels are back on track. This was a bit more energetic than I expected.

3- VLADIMIR KOZLOV vs. HURRICANE HELMS

Kozlov dodged a few Hurri-kicks and went to work on Helms' left arm. Jeez, right off the bat he went for a mat-hold. Helms tried to fight out and came back until Kozlov locked his arms and gave some headbutts to the chest of Helms. Kozlov took Helms down again with the arm. Helms slammed Helms across the top rope, then hit the fallaway slam. Helms got Kozlov down to one knee and attempted the Shining Wizard, but Vlad met him with a headbutt, then his finisher for the win.

WINNER: Kozlov, at 4:18. Got Kozlov more over as a machine, but it wasn't particularly entertaining.

-Coming up next, the Royal Rumble entrants from Smackdown will be announced. I wonder why they decided to forego qualifying matches this year?

-Jim Ross was in the ring to present the Smackdown Royal Rumble participants. Oh, it's only "some" of them. First is Triple H. The Big Show, Vladimir Kozlov and Shelton Benjamin. As JR was going to announce something (or someone) else, Shelton and his music interrupted. He took umbrage with JR simply introducing him as a "participant," rather than the odds-on-favorite he should've been announced as. He told JR to get out of the ring then showed off his US Title and bragged about his title reign thus far. He said no one in the Rumble match can compare with his talents. The Undertaker's voice came over the PA system, the lights went out, and when they came on, he was in the ring. He then chokeslammed Shelton. He was the other participant JR was about to mention.

4- MVP vs. KIZARNY

Before the match, MVP was so down-trodden he just wanted them to bring out whoever his opponent is and to get it over with. No bragging, no nothing. Crowd was chanting for "MVP" at the start, but Kizarny did get a decent pop coming out. Kizarny got some offense then baseball slid MVP to the outside. He dove through the ropes and onto MVP. Cross-body from the second rope got one. MVP headbutted Kizarny in the gut and threw Kizarny to the outside. He hung Kizarny out to dry on the barricade. In the ring, he got a two-count. Waist-lock applied by MVP. MVP stayed on the offense and face-planted him into the mat. Back to the waist-lock. Belly-to-belly throw by MVP, but Kizarny came back with a jaw-breaker. Dropkick to MVP's leg, then a running seated dropkick. Kizarny bounced MVP's head off the three turnbuckles in the corner then made a unique cover on MVP. It only got two. Playmaker was countered with a double-arm roll-up for the pin.

WINNER: Kizarny, at 6:29. I don't know if the finisher was botched or what, but it looked weak. Didn't seem to me to be an impressive debut from the carny.

5- EDGE & BIG SHOW vs. MATT & JEFF HARDY

Edge and Matt Hardy started the match off and then Jeff tagged in and the brothers took out Edge and Show. They tried to throw Edge onto Show,but the big man simply caught him. The heels tried to re-group going into break.

Edge was in control of the WWE Champion out of break. Jeff hit a Whisper in the Wind then Matt came in and missed a moonsault. Edge tagged Big Show who did some damage to Matt. Edge tagged in as the match slowed a bit. He worked the arm and rib area of Matt. Show lifted Matt by the arm and slammed him down. JR compared Show's fingers to railroad spikes and Tazz said they were as thick as sausages. Show and Edge cut off the ring as they worked Matt over. Matt back-dropped Edge but couldn't make the tag as Edge rolled him up for two. Show, unprovoked, walked away from the match and went backstage, just like on the Tribute to the Troops show (only he was provoked by Jericho then). Edge looked confused, but set up to spear Matt. Matt got the boot up then hit a Side Effect and both men were down. Tag was made to Jeff, who hit his usual offense on Edge. Poetry in Motion was hit by the brothers and Matt hit a bulldog. Then he landed the Twist of Fate and tagged Jeff, who hit the Swanton and made the pin.

WINNERS: Matt & Jeff Hardy, at 14:06. Solid main event that set up some things with Edge and Big Show but I hope they don't turn Show face again already.

SMACKDOWN has really eroded into a terrible product since Terra Ryzing aka Mr. Levesque made his debut. Two mid-card wrasslers for life hold Championship ttles and the debut of this kizarny freak is just too much to take. Backroom Politics trumps entertaining entertainment apparently.
I found the early days of jobber vs star more entertaining for the simple fact that 'real wrasslin' maneuvers were used.
BB

BIG BEAR said:

I found the early days of jobber vs star more entertaining for the simple fact that 'real wrasslin' maneuvers were used.

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Seconded. But then again, I haven't seen much "traditional" (1970s-1990s) style pro wrestling since the early days of The Rock and "Stone Cold" Steve Austin. It really seemed to be those guys (more than other, similar wrestlers of the era) who began the full evolution from the older style promotion to the idea that mic-work was just as important as ring-work. Gimme some of that hot Dean Malenko, Bret Hart, Mr. Perfect action any day

Seriously, now I don't even watch professional wrestling for the simple reason that sitting through a two hour telecast to get one hour (maximum) of actual wrestling and even then, every match has to have some sort of "interference" or otherwise debatable outcome.

Maybe I'm talking about something that's already been covered. Maybe not. But in any case, I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one out there who "likes pro wrestling" and can appreciate a certain degree of characterisation but refuses to stomach what most promotions (including, sadly, many in Japan) try to pass-off as wrestling.

Zero Satori said:

Maybe I'm talking about something that's already been covered. Maybe not. But in any case, I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one out there who "likes pro wrestling" and can appreciate a certain degree of characterisation but refuses to stomach what most promotions (including, sadly, many in Japan) try to pass-off as wrestling.

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I agree with everything except this. The Japanese and Mexican pro wrestling scene is actually pretty darn entertaining (at least to me). When I watch wrestling in the WWE and TNA, they lack just that, wrestling. When I watch the international and independent scene, i'm blown away each match. The only American promotions I pay attention to is ROH, Shimmer, and my local promotion PCW. Everything else in the international scene is entertaining to the very end (much like the WWF, WCW, and ECW was back in the day) and there isn't much talking.

Maury V. said:

I agree with everything except this. The Japanese and Mexican pro wrestling scene is actually pretty darn entertaining (at least to me).

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i ditto this. i wish for something like Japan's "strong-style" wrestling to come here to the U.S.

TemJin3000 said:

i ditto this. i wish for something like Japan's "strong-style" wrestling to come here to the U.S.

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After the Angle/Joe match, I thought TNA was going to do something like this, but it didn't happen.

McMahon and Dixie Carter are going to need to wise up soon and realize that this isn't the 1990s anymore. Every wrestling boom period has been marked by the promotions doing something "different". In the 80s, you had Hulk Hogan and marketing to kids. In the 90s, you had "crash TV" and Stone Cold Steve Austin. (And the nWo, which made wrestling "cool" again.)

What they need to realize is that it isn't necessarily a charismatic star (although it helps to have a Hogan or Austin) that creates a boom, but a change in the way that they present their product. Also, ripping off Japan is always a good idea. Some of the best ideas come from there (the nWo being the prime example.)

J. Max said:

Some of the best ideas come from there (the nWo being the prime example.)

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I read this on wiki to see if it was true and it was! Easy E (Eric Bischopp) came up with the idea while watching a New Japan show.

It amazes me how people like the WWE and not what the WWF was all about. I can kinda understand why kids would like it but most of the adults now like it now than what it used to be. I cringe at the kids loving John Cena and not watching the matches for the history. J. Max is right, we do need something different and quick.

I met Dixie Carter this year and she's awesome! I would just love for her to change up TNA cause I love this promotion SO much. The crowds have spoken, either change up the act or "FIRE RUSSO!".

Mexican and Japanese pro wrestling 4 lyfe!

Maury V. said:

I read this on wiki to see if it was true and it was! Easy E (Eric Bischopp) came up with the idea while watching a New Japan show.

It amazes me how people like the WWE and not what the WWF was all about. I can kinda understand why kids would like it but most of the adults now like it now than what it used to be. I cringe at the kids loving John Cena and not watching the matches for the history. J. Max is right, we do need something different and quick.

I met Dixie Carter this year and she's awesome! I would just love for her to change up TNA cause I love this promotion SO much. The crowds have spoken, either change up the act or "FIRE RUSSO!".

Mexican and Japanese pro wrestling 4 lyfe!

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i like the current WWE and the "WWF" of the past equally. (although, the WWE of the last couple of years had long spreads of moments almost as terrible as TNA is now.)

anyways, once again i agree... "Mexican and Japanese pro wrestling 4 lyfe! ". speaking of which, i'll post the AAA report soon.

WWE RAW Results: 1-5-09

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

1 -- SANTINO MARELLA & Women's champion BETH PHOENIX vs. GOLDUST & MELINA

Early on, Goldust tried to kiss Beth, who shied away before Goldy nailed a flying butt bomb on Santino to knock him to the mat. Goldust then clotheslined Santino over the top rope to the floor. The divas then entered the ring and Melina caught her in the corner for a sort-of turnaround head jam. She then bridge pinned Beth for the pin and the win.

After the match, Beth's #1 fan hopped the guardrail and tried to attack Melina, but security held her back. Melina wanted a piece of #1 Rosa Mendes, but security yanked her away. Melina then returned to ringside to celebrate the victory while Goldust disappeared and made himself invisible. After a replay of the finish, Melina celebrated with Goldust, who kinda walked around in a dazed state.

WINNERS: Melina & Goldust in 4:00. Decent set-up for Beth vs. Melina for the belt at the Rumble. Goldust's involvement? Apparently they need to justify having him on the roster. Just fine, though. (3/4*)

2 -- Intercontinental champion WILLIAM REGAL (w/Layla) vs. C.M. PUNK -- IC Title match

Punk quickly knocked Regal to the floor in the opening minute, then Punk set up for a splash, but Regal pulled Layla in harm's way to make sure Punk didn't try anything. Regal took advantage of the hesitation and yanked Punk down hard to the mat. Nice heel tactics. Layla then scowled at Regal for being so dastardly. Punk then teased the G2S at 3:00, but Regal grabbed the ref by the shirt collar to prevent the hold. The ref then called for a DQ and Punk was not pleased with the call.

After the DQ, Layla quickly grabbed the IC Title belt and handed it to Regal as they tried to high-tail it. Of course, Layla was still quite upset with Regal. Quite funny. Punk complained to the ref about the DQ, then Stephanie McMahon appeared on screen and said she won't let the first title match of 2009 end this way. She said in the re-match, a DQ will hand the belt over to Punk. Fans cheered. Not clear on when the re-match is. After the commercial, at the Rumble, on the debut of Superstars on WGN?

WINNER: Punk via DQ in 4:00; Regal retained the IC Title. Well that sucked. At least there's a follow-up re-match, but will anyone care about another IC Title match with a false-start on the first title match of the year? (n/a)

3 -- World tag team champions THE MIZ & JOHN MORRISON vs. REY MYSTERIO & KOFI KINGSTON -- non-title match

After lengthy ring intros and other essential pre-match business, they went to the babyfaces standing tall before cutting to a break about a minute into the match. I'm putting money on Kofi on the defensive out of the break.

Dang, it was Rey on the defensive out of the break. Kofi picked up a tag at 5:00, and he cleared Morrison off the apron, but Morrison recovered and crotched Kofi on the top rope when he went up top. Miz and Morrison then took control working over Kofi.

Kofi tried to break free at 9:00, but Miz and Morrison cut him off once again. Kofi finally broke free at 10:00 as Rey encouraged the fans to show up and get into the hot tag sequence. Kofi finally crawled across the desert and tagged in Rey, who swashbuckled his way into a huracanrana on Morrison. Rey then scored a nearfall on a double-foot dropkick, but Morrison blocked a wheelbarrow attempt into a front gutbuster for a nearfall. Nice counter of an overly-choreographed move.

Rey then landed a DDT with a springboard counter for a two count. Things broke down and Kofi took Miz to the floor. He clutched his knee on the way down. In the ring, Rey hit the 619 on Morrison, then kicked the Miz away. Rey wanted the springboard sentaun on Morrison to finish it, but Miz provided enough of a distraction for Morrison to counter the Sentaun with a spin kick to the gut in mid-air. Morrison then covered Rey for the pin and the win.

After the match, Mike Knox stormed the ring and attacked Rey. Well, program isn't over yet. Knox then swung Rey into the ropes and slingshot him throat-first across the middle rope. Kofi tried to limp into the ring while still clutching his knee, then Knox kicked him back to the outside. Knox hung Rey up on the top rope, then kicked him in the head and Rey fell hard to the mat. Knox, with his giant beard, went over to the scraps and walked right over Rey on the way out.

WINNERS: Miz & Morrison in 13:00. Nice finish to the match, although we might need a health check on Kofi. Miz & Morrison continue to be a great tandem and Morrison continues to show why the latter part of 2009 should be his break-out time as a singles wrestler. (**1/2)

4 -- JILLIAN HALL vs. KELLY KELLY

Lawler offered his usual jokes about Kelly's attractiveness, but offered a serious comment about her improving each week in the ring. Jillian quickly went to work on Kelly, talking her way through a heel beating on Kelly. She then screamed toward the hard cam, causing my cat's ears to go wild. Jillian sat down on a seated full nelson, then Kelly broke free and kicked Jillian beneath the chin. She flipped away from Jillian, then snapped off a multiple-revolutions head scissors. She went up top and nailed a cross body block, but for a two count only.

Kelly tried a victory roll, but Jillian countered with a bridge pin of her own. Kelly escaped, then wanted a handspring elbow smash, but Kelly kicked her away. Kelly then stepped up on Jillian's back and landed a sick guillotine leg drop. She made the cover for the win. Afterward, Jillian attacked Kelly from behind until Kane's entrance hit. Kane then entered the ring to confront Kelly, who slowly tried to back away from Kane. He took the mic and said the truth finally comes out that she never liked him, but only protected Orton, who rejected her. Kane said it doesn't feel real good, does it? Kane said that next week, he's going back to what he enjoys in taking people apart. He has a match with Orton next week. He told her to feel free to watch. Kane laughed and dropped the mic.

WINNER: Kelly in 4:00. Fine. Jillian was able to work in some heel tactics - like screaming - to keep the action intriguing leading to Kelly's comeback. Good set-up for Kane vs. Orton next week. (3/4*)

5 -- CRYME TYME (JTG & SHAD GASPAR) vs. SIM SNUKA & CODY RHODES

Lawler set up his own joke that Cryme Tyme received a key to the city from New Orleans earlier in the weekend, then they had to change the locks today. Cole chuckled on the canned line. The chemistry between the two is just so forced. Cody and Sim worked over JTG for a few moments, then Shad took a lukewarm tag and back dropped Cody hard to the mat. He then scoop-slammed Cody and fired up the crowd for a "Money Money Yeah Yeah" elbow drop ala the Five Knuckle Shuffle. It came down to Cody and JTG, and Cody landed a spin-out facebuster on JTG for the pin and the win.

WINNERS: Legacy in 6:00. Legacy picks up a predictable win here to apparently remain in the group, but the follow-up after the commercial was pretty interesting... (*)

6 -- WWE World Hvt. champion JOHN CENA & SHAWN MICHAELS vs. RANDY ORTON & CHRIS JERICHO

No debate between Michaels and Cena on who would start this one off, as Michaels went right to the apron and grabbed a tag rope for a dead stare out into space. Cena checked for life behind his dead eyes, then went to work against Jericho, who quickly grounded him. Crowd was quickly on fire as Cena made a comeback with a side headlock. Michaels then blind-tagged himself into the match and wanted a superkick on Jericho, but Jericho ducked. Cena then looked at Michaels and they clotheslined Jericho to the floor. JBL then came out on stage and looked into the ring. Michaels met him with a puppy-dog stare while Cena looked at Michaels to see if he was on the right page. Cut to break with tension high.

During the break, Michaels lost control of the match. Lawler said JBL left ringside after distracting HBK, which allowed Orton and Jericho to take control. Cena took a hot tag at 6:00 and cleaned house on Orton. He then brushed that dirt off and dropped him with the Five Knuckle Shuffle in center ring. Cena wanted the FU on Orton and Michaels tried to clear off Jericho, but Orton raked Cena in the eyes to escape. Cena then grappled Michaels, thinking he was Orton, but HBK slipped out of the FU. HBK screamed at Cena, who then was attacked from behind by Orton and Jericho to begin an attack on Cena. Great sequence.

By the way, crowd is ridiculously hot for this one. Jericho settled into some mat work on Cena, who tried to get the crowd to rally. Michaels snapped out of his daze with a loud "Cena, Cena" chant and showed a touch of emotion for his default tag partner. Cena suddenly powered into FU position, but Jericho countered with a DDT in center ring for a two count. Cena tried to fight back at 11:00, but Jericho locked in a sleeperhold. Cena tried to reach out for a tag, but Jericho hopped on his back for additional leverage to pull Cena back to center ring. Another nice sequence. They showed JBL watching on a monitor backstage.

Jericho took Cena to the corner and wanted a superplex, but Cena fought him and shoved Jericho down to the mat. Cena then came off the top with his guillotine leg drop. Cena then crawled to the wrong corner before regrouping and going over to his corner for HBK's tag. Before Cena could reach up, Orton took his tag and tackled Cena to cut him off. Great sequence again. Orton then missed with a dropkick when Cena hooked the ropes off a whip, then Michaels demanded that tag in an encouraging way.

Cena pulled himself up at 15:00 and then jumped all the way across the ring to hot tag Cena. HBK stopped and thought about going after Cena, but then HBK sprang on Jericho with a flying right hand smash. Michaels unloaded on Jericho, but Jericho caught him with a smash across the face. He wanted a Lionsault, bur HBK got the knees up. HBK then went up top in vintage fashion and wanted a top rope elbow, but Jericho got his knees up to block. That took the crowd out of it momentarily. Jericho then wanted the Walls of Jericho, but HBK rolled him and Orton broke it up.

All heck broke loose when Cena became involved, then Orton wanted the RKO, but Cena shoved Orton off and HBK smashed him right in the face with Sweet Chin Music. Jericho then popped up and Michaels smashed him for good measure with the superkick. Cena backed up, thinking he was next, but Michaels went over to Jericho and covered him for the pin and the win.

Post-match: Cena went to the apron to back away from Michaels, who seemed a little froggy. The crowd went nuts as Cena continued to be leery of Michaels. They cut backstage where Grisham brought in JBL for a chat. JBL stared at the monitor and said his employee was great out there tonight. But, we'll see how he handles next week when Michaels faces Cena one-on-one with him in HBK's corner. JBL let that soak in, then they cut back to the ring where Cena re-entered the ring when HBK left. HBK then re-entered the ring and walked over to Cena, who threw up a forearm to half-way defend himself. They ended the show with HBK teasing a back-and-forth on how to handle Cena.

WINNERS: Cena & Michaels in 16:00. Excellent WWE main event style match that was heavy on storyline to carry the tag team portion of the match. Crowd was red-hot and Cena and Michaels effectively milked those hot tags. Orton was nearly lost in the shuffle while Jericho was great on the heel end of things. Well done to set up next week's blockbuster Raw. (***1/4)

ECW on Sci-Fi Results: 1-6-09

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

1 -- JACK SWAGGER vs. FINLAY (w/Hornswoggle)

Swagger went to the mat early on, utilizing his amateur acumen, then Finlay got one up on Swagger before making a mock smiley face toward Finlay to mock his Cheshire cat grin. Swagger took exception and grounded Finlay on the mat. Matt Striker said he really likes the name Swagger, as it embodies what he's about. Finlay landed some European uppercuts with a thud as Todd Grisham reminded us that Swagger is the #1 contender to Matt Hardy's ECW Title. Finlay clotheslined Swagger over the top rope at 4:00, then Hornswoggle showed up and attacked Swagger with a splash from the apron. Kids popped. Swagger took exception and chucked Hornswoggle hard into the guardrail. Kids cried and booed. Finlay then came over to Swagger and smashed him into the ringpost before checking on his son. Kids cheered. Let's grab a break.

Back from break, Swagger was in control inside the ring. Excellent belly-to-back suplex from Swagger, who then went to the arm with an arm bar. Finlay tried to fight back, but Swagger came up with a hard clothesline. BTW, Finlay is bleeding from the mouth here. In any event, Swagger stomped away on Finlay in the corner before landing a single-arm DDT. He then landed a high knee square in the face for a two count. Ref asked Finlay if he wanted to quit on another armbar, but Finlay shot back that he ain't quitting.

Match continued at 12:00 with Finlay struggling to escape the arm bar before landed three forearm blows. Swagger scooped him up, though, and nailed a shoulder breaker for another two count. Finlay then avoided a sit-down splash and rallied with a burst of momentum that included a seated butt bomb for a two count. Finlay then landed the rolling rock slam for another two count. Finlay then tried a shoulder tackle, but he smashed his shoulder into the ringpost. Swagger wanted the gut wrench, but Finlay countered into a roll-up for a two count. Swagger was the first one up, but Finlay used a headbutt to subdue Swagger. Swagger then caught Finlay with two knees to the head out of the corner before following right up with a gut wrench powerbomb for the win.

WINNER: Swagger in 15:00. Some people might not have liked this one due to the slow-down nature of the match, but I thought this was an excellent match. Swagger continues to take advantage of every opportunity he's given and advances in the ring every time out. He has "star" written all over him. Good piece of business here to have Swagger pick up a "respectable" victory over Finlay. (**3/4)

2 -- KATIE LEA (w/Paul Burchill) vs. ALICIA FOX (w/D.J. "Colt McCoy" Gabriel)

Alicia was impressive early on, snapping off some nifty aerial moves. She kicked Katie in the gut before landing a "splits-like" leg drop for a two count. Katie then slingshot Alicia throat-first across the middle rope before slamming her to the mat with a backbreaker across her knee for the win.

WINNER: Katie Lea in 3:00. Decent match. Alicia looked impressive in the limited amount of time she had in the ring on offensive. (3/4*)

3 -- THE BOOGEYMAN vs. BRETT IDOL

Boogeyman quickly went to work on Brett and finished him off with a pumphandle slam for the win. Not much here. Squash to re-introduce Boogeyman onto TV. Afterward, Boogeyman grabbed the bag of worms and took a bite of worms before regurgitating onto Brett.

WINNER: Boogeyman in 2:00. Well, it's Boogeyman. (n/a)

4 -- ECW champion MATT HARDY vs. MARK HENRY (w/Tony Atlas) -- non-title match

Henry quickly went to work on Hardy, who's developed a bit of a gut while trying to heal his knee and unable to do as much cardio recently. Before they cut to a mid-match commercial, Hardy knocked Henry to the floor and came off the top with a splash sending both men crashing into the guardrail.

Let's get back to the action with Henry landing a big elevated hanging suplex for a two count. Henry was favoring his left knee while Atlas shouted instructions to continue punishing Hardy into buying the product. Henry out Hardy on the mat and twisted his neck to open up, but Hardy refused to take the product. He then chop-blocked Henry's left knee twice to force him onto the mat.

Hardy teased the Twist of Fate, but Henry blocked, only to take a bulldog from the second rope. Hardy was feeling it and wanted the TofF again, but Henry shoved him down to the mat. He missed with the Big Splash, though, and Hardy got the Twist on the third attempt to score the pin and the win. They replayed the finish, then Grisham and Striker gave a big plug for the Hardy vs. Swagger match next week.

WINNER: Hardy in 11:00. Nice match. One of the better ones in their series. And a good set-up for Hardy vs. Swagger for the strap on next week's show. Good conclusion to a book-end strong show. (**)

AAA on Galavision TV Report

Guerra de Titanes (1/2)
By: Xavier Hernandez
Show aired on: 01/03/2009



The show opens with the announcers' welcome from the arena in Orizaba. Preview of every match: Latin meets Konnan, D-MEX against the Family, and a steel cage match, where one man will be unmasked/shaved.



*Pretaped Segment: Zorro is counting money in the only way he knows (1,2,3..). Electro walks into his office, to ask for Zorro's "help". Electro wants to buy a car, and needs some support from the treasury. Zorro is so kind that he gives him money, courtesy of his own pocket (really?). Somewhere else, the Apaches are getting ready for their match, and Billy appears to wish them good luck. Fabi says she doesn't need luck, and kicks him out, even though Apache disagreed with her.



1) AAA Mixed Tag Team Championship
El Oriental & Cinthia Moreno (c) vs. El Apache & Fabi Apache

-Only Fall: The Morenos apply dropkicks, and then both fly out of the ring. Back in the ring, the Morenos apply a nice variety of double team moves to punish the Apaches. The tecnicos make the comeback, and Apache hits a Diving Crossbody on Oriental. Fabi hits an Asai Moonsault on both Oriental and Apache. Cinthia tries to battle Apache, but she gets kissed instead. Oriental also kisses Fabi, so they're even now. Apache goes for the Swanton, but Cinthia moves the ropes to make Apache fall. Oriental tries the Vaderbomb, but Apache lifts his knees. Apache goes for the Crucifixbomb, but Oriental reverses it, and Fabi makes the save. Fabi accidentally kicks Apache, and Cinthia finishes him with a Diving Crossbody. In the ring, Oriental pins Fabi with a sick Death Valley Driver.

Winners and STILL champions: El Oriental & Cinthia Moreno

-Aftermath: A doctor check on Fabi, after the sick spot. Billy Boy arrives to check on Fabi, but he gets slapped. Billy turns on her, and stomps her. Apache chases Billy away.



*Pretaped Segment: First, we get a video package highlighting D-MEX and their actions. Zorro meets with the Black Family, and talks about their match. Ozz tells Zorro that the Family supports the board, but not the Legion (then the angle from last week, never happened?).



2) D-Generation MEX (X-Pac, Alex Koslov & Rocky Romero) vs. Black Family (Ozz, Cuervo & Scoria)

-Only Fall: The Family attacks the tecnicos right away. Romero makes the quick comeback with speedy moves. Waltman hits the Bronco Buster, and D-MEX is in control. Cuervo is tossed out of the ring, and Waltman hits a Hilo. Koslov also hits a Diving Plancha on Ozz. Romero finishes the flying marathon with a suicide dive on Scoria. Back in the ring, Ozz gives Waltman a chairshot, but Koslov dropkicks Ozz with the chair, and it's over.

Winners: X-Pac, Alex Koslov & Rocky Romero

-Aftermath: Zorro arrives, and the Family ambushes the tecnicos. Waltman is bleeding, due to the kendo stick of Zorro. Romero's arms are taped to the ropes, and Koslov is powerbombed through a table. Konnan joins the massacre of D-MEX. Konnan gets on the mic, and says D-MEX just paid the price of interfering in the Legion matches. He also addresses Roldan (sitting in the crowd), and tells him to leave.



3) Latin Lover (w/Vampiro) vs. Konnan (w/HF 2.0 & Arturo Rivera)

Prematch Comments: Konnan says he doesn't want Vampiro at ringside, and he introduces his seconds. Latin asks for Vampiro to be his second, and he accepts.

-Only Fall: The Harts enter the match, but Latin counters their attacks. The match transfers to the crowd, and Latin delivers hard strikes on Konnan. Vampiro tries to attack Konnan, but he gets a lowblow and a DDT. The Harts apply a double suplex on Latin, followed by a series of splashes. Evans hits the 630 Senton, but Latin moves. Latin tosses both Harts out of the ting, and hits a Corkscrew Crossbody on both. Anothe referee checks on Vampiro, but Konnan knocks him down, and attacks Vampiro again. Rivera confronts latin, and Konnan helps him. Konnan is tossed into a chair, and Latin attacks everyone. River gets KOed with brass knuckles. Latin also KOs Konnan with brass knuckles, and Tropicasas returns to make the tree count.

Winner: Latin Lover

-Aftermath: Latin dances above the body of an unconscious Konnan, while Rivera is "bleeding" from his mouth. Konnan says what the heck is Roldan doing inside the ring, because Roldan is a simple fan. Roldan makes fun of Konnan, and asks him to dance. A group of "policemen" enters the ring, and they handcuff both Roldan and Latin. Konnan tells Vampiro to shut up, or else he will end up like Roldan. (So Roldan and Latin go to jail then?)



4) Steel Cage Match (Loser leaves "unmasked/bald")
El Elegido vs. Pirata Morgan vs. SuperFly vs. Electroshock vs. Brazo de Plata vs. El Brazo (w/Guapito)

-Only Fall: Three midcard feuds mixed into one match, so everyone attacks their respective rival. The tecnicos and rudos make alliances to work as two teams. The rudos are set, and Porky hits a Plancha on the trio. A series of Triangle Holds is made with five guys, and Electro turns them around to lock a Single Leg Crab on Porky, and punish the rest as well. Fly climbs the cage, only to hit a Hilo on Electro. Elegido climbs, but Pirata pulls his trunks down. Pirata is the first one to escape the cage. Electro bodyslams Porky, and escapes the cage as well. Fly also escapes the cage at the same time. Porky climbs the cage, and leaves with the help of Fly. Elegido climbs the cage, but Pirata and Guapito try to stop him. Fly helps Elegido get Guapito inside the cage. Elegido and Pirata battle on top of the cage, while Guapito is left alone with Brazo. Technically Brazo lost already, because Guapito is not officially in the match. Guapito headbutts Brazo, and climbs the cage with help of Elegido.

Loser: El Brazo

-Aftermath: Looks like Guapito turned on Brazo, as he celebrates with the tecnicos. Brazo is shaved inside the cage, but he still complains about the actions of Guapito. Porky now makes fun of Brazo for losing his hair.



FINAL COMMENTS: Believe or not, I liked this show. Every show has been terrible, since the Memorial show, so I was expecting another awful show, but I was wrong. This show wasn't a fantastic show, but it was the best show in weeks. The opener was pretty good, the D-MEX match was short but OK. The Konnan/Latin was bad, but somewhat entertaining, due to the people that interfered in it. The steel cage was decent, because we had three awful feuds combined. Guapito was not officially included in the match, so I believe Elegido should be credited as responsible for the loss of Brazo. Next week is part 2 of GdT, and I don't think it will be as nice as this first part.

Feedback is always welcomed at elcidphoenix88_spainful@hotmail.com
Thanks!!!!

Click to expand...

TemJin's Comments: a little bit better.

TNA Impact! Results: 1-8-09

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

1. Alex Shelley (w/Chris Sabin) defeated Eric Young in an X Division Title tournament match in 4:35. Early in the match, Sabin reached up and pulled Young off the ring apron when the ref wasn't looking. At 4:00, Young hit a top rope elbow drop for a good nearfall. Moments later, the Guns collided on the ring apron when Sabin tried to interfere. Young decided to stick his head through the ropes for no reason, so Sabin took advantage of the situation and interfered. Shelley hit Sliced Bread No. 2 and scored the clean pin...

After the match, Prince Abdul Bashir came out and roughed up Shawn Sewell. Bashir attacked Sewell and threw him back inside the ring. Sewell came back with an flying forearm and then went into spaz mode. Sewell ripped off his shirt and got the better of Bashir. He eventually cleared Bashir from the ring.

Jim Cornette ran out and told Sewell to stay put. Cornette told Sewell he's a referee, not a wrestler. Cornette fired Sewell as Bashir celebrated in the background. Cornette turned his attention to Bashir. Cornette turned the tables by saying that Sewell was fired for three days. He announced that Sewell would be back on the TNA payroll as a wrestler on Sunday when he faces Bashir at Genesis.

Powell's POV: It seemed silly that Bashir was allowed to taunt and beat up Sewell whenever he felt like it, but the payoff to this storyline should be fun. I'm also looking forward to the Sabin vs. Shelley finals for the X Division Title on Sunday. The pay-per-view suddenly looks better on paper.

2. Awesome Kong (w/Raisha Saeed, Rhaka Khan, Sojourner Bolt) pinned Madison Rayne in 2:00. They are now calling all the women in Kong's corner the "Kongtourage." Kong hit the Awesome Bomb for the pin. "Thanks for playing," West said. Nice line...

3. Matt Morgan (w/Abyss) defeated Robert Roode (w/James Storm, Jacqueline) via referee stoppage in 4:45. Abyss came out after Morgan, who told him to back off. The announcers said Morgan is losing patience with Abyss. Good, turn on him already.

At 4:00, Morgan sent Roode over the top rope and Roode came up holding his left knee in pain. The trainer came out to examine Roode's knee. The referee called for the bell and named Morgan the winner of the match. A shot aired of Jay Lethal and Consequences Creed walking onto the stage with the Money in the Bank, er, Feast or Fired briefcase that Lethal won...

4. Jay Lethal and Consequences Creed beat Beer Money (w/Jackie) to win the TNA Tag Titles. Storm worked the match in street clothes, while Roode nursed his bad knee at ringside. After the break, the babyfaces continued to work over Storm, who survived some nearfalls.

Storm not only survived, he scored a nearfall of his own on Lethal when he hit the Eye of the Storm. Roode remained at ringside and played cheerleader with Jackie. Lethal hit the top rope elbow, but the ref was distracted. Roode crawled in with the briefcase, but Lethal saw him and kicked his knee. Lethal grabbed the briefcase and struck Storm with it. Lethal covered Storm for the 1-2-3...

Powell's POV: Good match with all three guys working hard, but it took two guys and a briefcase to beat Storm. Tenay talked about how "opportunistic" it was of Lethal and Creed. If they're going to rip off WWE gimmicks, the least they could do is come up with their own adjectives.

5. Kurt Angle defeated B.G. James in a No DQ match in 10:00. James came out and hid on the side of the stage, then attacked Angle when he made his entrance. James controlled the early action, but Angle whipped him into the ring post. James bladed. Angle pounded away on his head at ringside as the show cut to commercial.

Angle continued to work over James after the break. James made a comeback, did his dance, and hit the pumphandle slam for a nearfall. Angle came back with the ankle lock, but James kicked him off. However, Angle hit the Angle Slam a short time later for a nearfall. In the end, Angle applied the Ankle Lock. James held on forever and reached the ropes, but Tenay pointed out that the ref couldn't force Kurt to break the hold in a No DQ match. James eventually tapped out...

Powell's POV: Kurt should have looked dominant heading into the pay-per-view against a guy that the fans see as a part-time wrestler. At least Angle finished him off clean, which doesn't happen enough in TNA.

After the match, Booker T, Scott Steiner, and Kevin Nash walked to the ring. Angle worked over James with punches and then placed the chair around B.G.'s ankle and stomped it repeatedly. Jarrett and Foley ran out and the Mafia fled even though they had them outnumbered. "How will Jeff Jarrett react to this?" Tenay asked. "We'll be right back"...

After the break, B.G. was carted off on a stretcher. Jarrett was seated in a chair inside the ring while Foley, Devon, Styles, and Rhino stood by. Jarrett looked at the ground while cutting a promo. He said B.G. had nothing to do with it. "I have prided myself on setting an example of doing things the right way every time," Jarrett said. "Kurt, that's character. But this Sunday, Kurt, all I can think about is beating the shit (censored) out of you." Jarrett stood up and looked into the camera. "Kurt, I'm talking to you, you son of a bitch (censored)..."

Foley patted him on the back to calm him down and then took the mic. Foley said he couldn't help but feel ashamed. He recalled telling the Mafia that Foley is crossing the line. He said he couldn't help but think he looked bad on the HD screen. He pointed out that one of his bottom teeth is gray. He said he's looking rough. He said the tooth is gray because that same tooth was jammed up his nose 10 years ago. He said they put it back and that's okay.

"All these things represent who I am," Foley said. "Yeah, I walk a little slower, and I stumble when I talk, and I am not a handsome man, but I am the hardcore legend." He said the hardcore legend is coming home at Genesis. Foley said he knew Jarrett had his hands full and Rhino will be challenging for the TNA Title, so he will draw strength from Devon and Styles. He referred to A.J. as the gutsiest performer of this generation.

"I may not be as good as I once was, but for one night I will be as good as I ever was," Foley said. Jarrett stood up and hugged Foley. "Damn, I can't wait until this Sunday," West said... A video previewed the pay-per-view to close the show...

Powell's POV: That was the money promo we've been waiting to hear from Foley. Too little too late? Bad timing with the national championship game taking place on another network? I say yes to both questions, but Foley definitely delivered in that segment. Good hype for Jarrett vs. Angle, and a strong promo from Foley to hype his six-man tag match. I'll have a lot more to say about the show in Friday's TNA Impact Hitlist.

D-Lo Brown, Bam Neely and Val Venus have been released by the WWE as they announced a reduction in personnel. More to be forthcoming...

Several referees are released, including Tim White plus Kevin Thorn has been added to the cut of wrestlers.

disspite these releases (NOOOOO NOT VAL AND D-LO!!! im serious.), someone awsome is coming to the WWE...and that someone is Low-Ki!

i predict they'll put him in ECW, which would be a great idea IMHO.
hopefully they won't fuck him over like they're doing to Scotty Goldman (Colt Cabana).

this is a good year for new and returning people. hell, we got Christian and Gail Kim coming back to the WWE, so 2009 is looking up IMO.

Source: prowrestling.net

The WWE website features a story that claims Jeff Hardy and his girlfriend Beth were in a car accident in Cameron, N.C. early Friday morning. "Both Jeff and Beth were injured during the accident, but no ambulance was called to the scene." To read the full item, visit WWE.com.

Powell's POV: This is a storyline that will be featured on tonight's Smackdown. Hardy states during an interview that airs on the show that he will appear on next week's show and will defend the WWE Title at the Royal Rumble. The segment actually aired in most overseas markets yesterday. As one of our correspondents noted, there was no story posted on the WWE website for those viewers, and the date that they listed in the police video during the show was a day early.

Click to expand...

WWE Smackdown Results: 1-9-09

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

1. Triple H defeated John Morrison in a Tables Match at 4:23. Morrison attacked quickly and had control until Hunter spilled him to the outside. Hunter set up a table and tried to suplex Morrison on it from the steps. Morrison countered and dropped Hunter on his face. Back in the ring, a table was set up in the corner. Both men teased throwing the other into it before Morrison hit a springboard kick onto Hunter. Hunter tried to toss Morrison over the rope onto a table but Morrison landed on his feet on the apron.

Morrison slid back into the ring under Hunter’s legs and came off the ropes but was met with the Double A Spinebuster. Hunter set up another table in the ring and set Morrison on the top turnbuckle and tried to superplex Morrison onto it, but Morrison fought out and Triple H fell on the table. Morrison tried to jump from the top onto Hunter, but Hunter recovered and tossed Morrioson onto the table on the outside for the win. Post match, The Miz distracted Hunter while Chavo ran in and drove him through the table setup in the corner. Hunter will be facing The Miz and Chavo Guerrero in his handicap match later.

Shore’s Slant: So-so table match. I hate gimmick matches on free TV. They always leave something to be desired. Kind of like a $50 whore. It gets the job done, but…eh, it wasn’t as exciting as it should have been.

2. Undertaker defeated Shelton Benjamin at 12:34. Shelton started off luring Taker into the corners, ducking his punch and retaliating. He did this three times until Taker grabbed him by the throat, threw him into the corner, and the beat down began. Taker worked on Benjamin’s arm before hitting Old School at 2:18. Taker clotheslined Benjamin over the top rope…

Back at 5:27, Taker was still in control. JR told us that Taker had used the ring post on Benjamin during the break. Taker dropped Benjamin for Snake Eyes but missed the big boot. Benjamin spun and chop blocked Taker. Taker sold the leg injury and Benjamin attacked it, even slamming the leg against the ring post. Taker fought back and teased a choke slam but Benjamin kicked the leg and went back to working on the leg. Benjamin had the leg laid out on the bottom rope and Taker used the other leg to kick Benjamin over the top rope.

Taker followed to the outside, slamming Benjamin into the rail and the nailing the apron leg drop. Back in the ring, Benjamin again kicked the leg and took control. He had Taker in the corner and climbed to the second rope for the ten punches bit. Taker picked him up for a last ride, but Benjamin slipped down Taker’s back and reversed into a DDT for a two count.

Benjamin setup Taker in the corner and hit a Stinger Splash. He went for a second, but was caught and choke slammed for a two count. Taker tossed Benjamin into the corner. Benjamin grabbed the ropes and kicked his feet up, but Taker slipped underneath to catch him in a tombstone setup. Taker did his tongue out pin for the win.

Shore’s Slant: Solid match from these two. Benjamin doesn’t look all that weak in the ring, and Taker builds momentum for the Rumble. I can see now that the Hardy angle is going to irritate the shit out of me. Lovely.

3. The Bella Twins defeated Michelle McCool and Victoria at 3:22. Brie and McCool started out. McCool hip tossed Brie and then did like five pushups to show off. Brie promptly clotheslined her. Brie hit several moves before McCool took control and tagged in Victoria who hit a front flip leg drop over the top rope. Victoria beat down Brie and then set her up near the corner. Victoria climbed to the top and missed a moonsault. Brie tagged in Not Brie and she covered for three and the win. Post match, the twins celebrated and McCool went Sybil on Victoria. She finished the beating off with a piledriver into flapjack move.

Shore’s Slant: My wife has figured out how to tell the twins apart. Brie has a tattoo and Not Brie…well…does not. That’s why she’s Not Brie. I have to admit, Michelle McCool has made me care about her more than for the three minutes I’m alone in the bathroom. I mean, I think a lot in the bathroom. You know? I’m just sayin.

4. Triple H defeated Chavo Guerrero and The Miz at 4:18. Miz started off, took a hip toss, and promptly tagged out. Chavo through Triple H into his corner. Miz grabbed him from behind. Chavo went for a spear but Hunter moved, sending him into the ring post. Miz tagged back in. He faced off with Hunter and Chavo blindsided him.

The heels beat on Hunter, tagging in and out frequently. Chavo missed a frogsplash but tagged out quickly. Miz in was promptly beat down with a face buster, neckbreaker, and spinebuster. Miz managed to break away and went for a tag but Chavo dropped down and backed away. Miz turned around into a Pedigree for a Triple H win. Post match, Vickie came on the screen and said the Last Man Standing match would be against the Big Show…

Shore’s Slant: Another Smackdown where Triple H is God and the rest of you will bow before him. Ugh.

5. Carlito and Primo Colon defeated The Brian Kendrick and Ezekiel Jackson to retain the World Tag Team Championship at 6:07. Primo and Zeke started out. Zeke bitched slapped him and he tagged in Carlito. Carlito got crushed as well, so both men attacked at the same time, finally bringing Zeke down. Carlito got a one count and Zeke drove him into the corner and tagged in TBK. TBK worked on Carlito for a moment but was overpowered. Carlito tagged in Primo, who was slapped by TBK. He chased TBK out and around the ring before both men slipped back in. TBK tagged in Zeke as he did and he attacked Carlito from behind.

Zeke worked on Carlito like he was a sausage biscuit with power move after power move. TBK called for the tag and lost control almost immediately. Primo got the hot tag and Carlito hit several moves on TBK before trying a cover. Zeke made the save and Primo attacked him. Both of them ended up tumbling to the outside as TBK pushed Carlito into Primo, butting heads and rolling up Carlito for the closest two count I have ever seen. Carlito kicked out and popped up to nail the backstabber for the win.

Shore’s Slant: Well color me surprised, I had Zeke and TBK winning that one. I guess it really doesn’t matter as tag belts are bottom rung titles in WWE. Fun match, maybe the best of the night.

6. The Big Show defeated Triple H in a Last Man Standing match at 16:25. Show started on the left arm injury that Hunter has been selling since Chavo put him through a table. Hunter managed to get a few shots in before Show tossed him over the ropes. Hunter answered the count at five. He tried to get back in the ring, but Show bent him backwards over the top rope and chopped him back into the ring…

Back from commercial at the 5:35 mark and Show was still beating on Hunter. He picked him up by his left arm a few times and then just started hitting body shots. Hunter finally fell down, but Hunter rolled out onto his feet at seven. Show followed and Hunter hit a few shots before Show through him into the steps. Hunter was up at eight. He managed to drop Show’s throat on the top rope and hit a few blows before Show knocked him down again at 9:08. Hunter was back up at eight.

Show put Hunter in the corner and started to wail on him again. Hunter hit a DDT reversal that sent both men down and back up at eight again. They fought and then Show actually speared Triple H like Edge would. Hunter back at eight again. Show dropped him again and the crowd woke up. Hunter got back to his feet at nine. He got three headbutts and then backed in the corner and told Show to bring it on. Show hit him with three more headbutts. Hunter gave him the DX crotch chop. Show ran in and Hunter moved. He bounced off and Hunter nailed a Pedigree at 12:02, but Show was up at nine.

Show threw several wild punches but missed and seemed to tire. Hunter nailed a facebuster and teased another Pedigree, but Show picked him up and hit a Celtic Cross type move. Hunter was up at nine but fell through the ropes. Show followed and was driven into the ring post. He was up at nine. Hunter went back to ringside and was chokeslammed onto the announce table. He was up at 9½. Show looked frustrated, but climbed out of the ring and stood behind Hunter. Hunter turned around into a knockout punch and never moved as the ref counted to ten. Show walked back up the ramp were Vickie Guerrero met him, looking satisfied. A clearly overdubbed Tazz closed the show with the line: “I think it’s safe to say, that our General Manager got some serious payback.” Vickie looked smug as Triple H started to stir…

Shore’s Slant: About what I expected from these two on free TV. Not terrible, but not all that good either. I’m still waiting for the sledgehammer to come out. I have to say, I am truly stunned that it never made an appearance. This was a weird show in that it was wrestling heavy, but still annoyed me. Taker/Benjamin was fun, as was the Tag Title match. The main event was OK, but I was tired of Triple H by then. Let’s recap: he ate a table, a couple of stair shots, went through four guys, and still took 16 minutes to be put down. Where does he hide the big ass “S”? The road to the Royal Rumble continues next week. Thanks for reading and I’ll see you then.

TNA Genesis PPV Results: 1-11-09

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

Bojangles Arena: Lots of blacking-out of the top section of seats. Cameras went a little wild capturing the fans on the front sections. Cue up Sonjay Dutt's theme music, but no sign of Dutt. Oh, there he is. No sign of So Cal Val for an opening X Division match of sorts. Who knows. Jimmy Rave out next to Dutt's theme music. Kiyoshi was out third for this "special unadvertised bonus match," as Tenay called it. That was more corporate-speak than a Linda McMahon press release quote.

Out for the babyfaces, Eric Young came out first. Tenay quickly said Christy Hemme is off the PPV card tonight due to an injury. As a result, they have a six-Knockout match with the winner getting a future Knockouts Title match against Kong. LAX came out next to team with Young. Tenay said Rhino hasn't showed up in the arena yet. Maybe he got run over or beat up in the hallway of the hotel. Don West said the situation has put the World Title match in doubt.

1 -- SONJAY DUTT & JIMMY RAVE & KIYOSHI vs. LAX (HOMICIDE (0-1) & HERNANDEZ (0-1)) & ERIC YOUNG (0-1)

West quickly told us this is just a match to have some fun and not take seriously. Well, at least someone in TNA finally admitted they've watered down the X Division to just fly-around-the-ring-and-mean-nothing. LAX just straight dominated this to start things off. A few minutes into the match, they cut to a split-screen of Jim Cornette banging on the locker room door of the Main Event Mafia. No answer. He tried to the door handle, but nothing. Not sure why they keep bringing this Kiyoshi goof back. Must be part of the working relationship for a six-appearance deal with Great Muta, which includes Muta and any goof who looks and dressed in his likeness.

Thank goodness for Eric Young, who came in hot at 6:00 and cleared the ring of the heels. Rave then caught Young and smashed him onto the apron. Homicide followed with a big suicide dive onto the heels. Dutt wanted a piece, leaving Super Mex Hernandez eyeballing five warm bodies on the floor. Hernandez, the next TNA World champ, then flew over the top rope with a huge splash onto everyone. He popped to his feet after a big crowd pop and wiped his 'stache to show job well done.

Back in the ring at 10:00, things broke down. Hernandez just chucked Rave to the mat, but then Dutt caught him with a smash to the face. All six men down. Back to Cornette and Borash still knocking on the Mafia door. Oh, by the way, this is an elimination deal. On cue, Dutt smashed Young and pinned him with his feet on the ropes. Crowd thought it was done, but it's elimination. In any event, Young's out.

Homicide went to work on Rave, but Rave avoided a corner situation and rolled him up with a hook of the tights for another elimination. So, it's Hernnadez vs. everyone. Hernandez bullied folks around before t-shirt-tossing Rave across the ring. Hernandez then cracker-jack tossed Dutt before giving Kiyoshi the Border Toss across the ring for a pin and an elimination. Dutt tried a sneak attack, but Hernandez caught him and nailed a sick sit-out powerbomb for a pin. Rave tried a sneak attack, but Hernandez whipped him into the corner. He then back-flipped onto the top rope and shoved Rave to the corner of the mat. Hernandez then nailed a big top rope splash onto Rave and made the pin for the win. Afterward, Homicide re-entered the ring to celebrate.

WINNER: Hernandez in 14:00. Hernandez replaces Rhino and wins the TNA World Title via cashing in the case. Let's make it happen. Otherwise, a strong "Triple H" treatment for Hernandez, who dominated this one. (**1/2)

TNA Genesis PPV Results: 1-11-09

2 -- CHRIS SABIN vs. ALEX SHELLEY (1-0) -- X Division Title match -- Tournament final

This had the makings of a sick (in a good way) match early on. They went serious to start things off, with both men having very serious demeanors on their face. Sabin and Shelley had a very nice early exchange leading to a standing ovation from fans ringside. Sabin took control for the first time at 4:00 with a kick to the head before going to the mat for some submission holds. Tenay re-referenced the Oz vs. Kazmaier match Mick Foley dropped in his promo on the Guns on Impact. Some background. Oz = Kevin Nash. Kazmaeir beat Nash at Halloween Havoc 1991, which featured the infamous Chamber of Horrors match.

At 10:00, both men recovered to their feet and traded chops to the chest. Sabin landed a flying elbow smash in one corner, then Shelley followed in the opposite. Sabin followed in the opposite to end the exchange before going up top for a sick springboard Tornado DDT for a two count. Sabin went back to the apron where Shelley countered a smash into the Crossface. West said this reminds him of the classic X Division match-ups between Jerry Lynn and A.J. Styles from the old days.

Sabin nailed a Tiger Suplex with a bridge at 12:00, and Shelley just managed to kick out. Crowd slowly warming up to the action, as fans on the front section started to stand up for a closer look. Shelley smashed Sabin with a high clothesline before hitting the Celtic Cross for a two count. They battled up top where Sabin missed with a huracanrana and Shelley followed with a powerbomb. He went up top himself, and Sabin got his knees up to block a frog splash. Sabin recovered first and went up top where he missed a missile dropkick. Shelley then went up top and nailed a frog splash to the back. He wasn't done, though. Shelley nailed a sick frog splash clear across from the opposite side of the ring and appeared to have it done, but Sabin kicked out. Believable nearfall. "This is awesome," chant from the crowd. That's legit from a TNA audience for once.

Sabin came out of nowhere with a sick clothesline that turned Shelley inside out, then he snapped Shelley onto his shoulders and hit the Cradle Shock for a two count only. Wow. What a nearfall. They took it back up top where Sabin wanted a top rope Shock, but Shelley fought it off and superkicked him. Shelley then wanted Sliced Bread, and he connected. Shelley made the cover, but Sabin kicked out just in time. Shelley tried to come back, but Sabin nailed him with a kick to the face that rocked his teeth. Seriously, something went flying.

Shelley suddenly went to the mat favoring his ankle. Sabin was on the apron for a springboard move, so he walked back into the ring. Sabin was a touch tentative, then he turned his back to discuss things with the ref, leading to Shelley predictably - but still great - rolling up Sabin from behind for the pin and the win to capture the belt. They replayed the highspots, then Shelley extended his hand to Sabin, who tentatively accepted before Shelley embraced him with a big hug.

WINNER: Alex Shelley in 17:00 to capture the X Division Title. We have an early Match of the Year contender from TNA in 2009. What a match. TNA finally let the X Division stars "go" in the ring and they definitely stole the show, even winning over a non-Impact Zone audience that you can tell is a little sleepy tonight. Great athleticism, highspots, and pacing. Shelley was great getting one over his default follower. (****1/2)

Storylines or PPV trainwreck:

Backstage: Borash wanted an update from Rhino. Cornette said he can't find out anything. And, on top of that, apparently Kevin Nash has a steph infection from Japan and could have blood poisoning if he wrestles tonight. We have no Nash. Cornette said he's calling someone more important right now. Mick Foley interrupted and said he's excited about his return to the ring. Cornette tried to tell Foley about Kevin Nash's situation. Foley said they promised the fans a six-man tag match, and they're giving the fans a six-man tag. And they have until the bell to find a suitable replacement or it'll be a handicap match.

Ringside: Tenay and West were befuddled. Hemme injured. Rhino isn't here. Nash is in the hospital. Even if two out of three are storyline-related, it makes TNA look very bush league to tell the audience they've essentially lost control of the talent roster.