offical wwe thread

TNA Genesis PPV Results: 1-11-09

3 -- SHEIK ABDUL BASHIR vs. SHANE SEWELL

"This is a fight. This is a war," West said. Keep that line handy for Angle vs. Jarrett later on. Ref Earl Hebner was assigned this one, and Hebner has been the silent player in this whole mess. Shane was on the offensive early and often, then they went to the floor. Someone spilled a lot of popcorn ringside. Announcers focused heavily on Earl early on. Sheik shoved Shane at 2:00, then Shane came back with an arm drag. West said Shane took the ref gig because he needed to put food on the plate. As opposed to a napkin? I know it's tough with a live broadcast, but it's fun listening to West try to incorporate sayings into his commentary.

Bashir bailed from the ring at 3:00 to re-group, then Shane chased him up the ramp and clubbed him to the ground. Again, ref Earl reprimanding Shane. West with an update that there is no update on Rhino. Sheik then crotched Shane on a guardrail ringside right in front of a very large Carolina Panthers fan. Could have used him last night against Arizona. Shane made it back into the ring before the ten count, then Sheik put the boots to Shane.

Shane made his comeback with the big-eyed Hulk Up at 8:00 before nailing a shot to the gut and a bulldog for a two count. Bashir nailed a jawbreaker, but Shane came back with a back elbow. He then went up top and hit a cross body block for a two count. Shane then tapped into the Ric Flair crowd and slapped on the figure four in center ring. Sheik grabbed the ropes, though.

Sheik then hot-shot Shane across the top rope before landing forearm blows to the forehead. Ref Earl then got into a shoving match with Bashir, who tried to punch Earl, but Earl slapped him across the face. Shane then comically chased Earl across the ring until Shane clotheslined Bashir. Looked like Charles Barkley racing Dick Bavetta. Shane then floated over over Bashir and sunset flip pinned Shane. Looked like a fast count from Earl. All the refs then celebrated with Shane on the outside afterward. Goofy moment number ten on this show thus far.

WINNER: Shane in 12:00. I sure hope Sting wasn't holding out for the figure four pop later in the show, as Shane took that one third match into the show. Okay match. Shane is fundamentally sound, which has allowed him to stick around in wrestling for quite some time. (**)

Confirmed about the legitity of a couple of injuries:

- Awesome Kong suffered a back injury sometime last week, which is why her match was pulled from tonight's PPV. She will not miss much time, but will have to miss TNA's upcoming European Tour.

- As mentioned on the TNA PPV, Kevin Nash is hospitalized in Charlotte with a severe staph infection in one of his elbows. He may also has blood poisoning due to the severe infection. There is a lot of concern in the locker room for Nash's health right now.

TNA Genesis PPV Results: 1-11-09

4 -- TNA tag team champions CONSEQUENCES CREED & JAY LETHAL vs. BEER MONEY, INC. (ROBERT ROODE & JAMES STORM w/Miss Jacqueline) vs. ABYSS & MATT MORGAN -- TNA tag team title match

Story early on was Roode, Storm, and Jackie caught in a very lewd position from the heel playboy of showing your rear end to get a pop. Fans with a "T&A" chant, I believe this time. Morgan tried to channel Hernandez with a big splash onto everyone on the floor. Back in the ring, Abyss did the Big Show extended-hand-to-the-roof signal for a chokeslam, but Beer Money cut him off.

Action broke down at 10:00 with men flying all over the ring. Morgan then caught Creed in mid-air with the big bicycle kick that send Creed rolling to the floor. Storm then snuck up behind Morgan and nailed the backcracker. Roode and Storm then wanted a double team move, but the logistics were all off. Jackie then ran interference and Abyss accidentally KO'ed Morgan with one of the tag title belts. Jackie and the ref continued to talk, even as Lethal had a pin on Morgan. Ref then tried to boot Jackie to end the mess. Meanwhile, Storm hit a superkick on Lethal to remove him from the equation. Roode then covered Morgan for the win.

WINNERS: Beer Money in 15:00 to re-capture the TNA tag titles. What a terribly over-booked tag match that didn't hold the audience's attention. (3/4*)

TNA Genesis PPV Results: 1-11-09

5 -- TAYLOR WILDE & ROXXI & ODB vs. KONGTOURAGE (RAISHA SAEED & SOJOURNER BOLT & RHAKA KHAN)

Early on, Taylor "got the crap beat out of her," as Don West put it. The heels cut off Taylor from making the hot tag to a teammate until ODB grabbed the tag at 6:00. ODB knocked around the heels before attempting a scoop slam on Khan. After some awkwardness, ODB landed a modified fallaway slam on Khan. Suddenly, the whole deal comically fell apart. Roxxi ended up on the floor with Bolt and Khan and they kinda stumbled around ringside before Taylor came off the top with a splash for over-done spot number 100 tonight. Back in the ring, ODB rolled up Raisha for the win.

Post-match: Taylor and Roxxi raised ODB's hand in victory. ODB gets a future title shot. Knockouts champion Awesome Kong then showed up to intimidate ODB in the ring. Kong pushed ODB a little, then ODB pumped herself up. Suddenly, the whole deal broke free. A random tolling of the bell did nothing to break this up. Khan then ridiculously attempted to sell a choke on Taylor while not actually doing anything. Kong gave ODB a chokeslam in mid-ring.

WINNER: ODB in 7:00 to become #1 contender. Crowd wasn't buying what they were selling here. Outside-the-ring activity before the finish was laughably bad. Post-match was equally laughable involving Khan. (1/2*)

TNA Genesis PPV Results: 1-11-09

6 -- KURT ANGLE vs. JEFF JARRETT

TNA rubber-stamped this as a No DQ match because that's just the way it has to be. Suddenly, they cut backstage to show a disheveled-looking man chucking items across a locker room. Announcers said Rhino has arrived at Genesis. Refs tried to intervene and calm Rhino down. Back to the ring where Jarrett grabbed a beer and threw it in Angle's face for a taste of the brew. Jarrett tried to follow up in the ring, but Angle shoved him off the apron into the guardrail to begin his offensive attack. Jarrett came back at 7:00 with a back drop that took Angle to the floor, then Jarrett tried a dive over the top rope, but he clipped his knee on the top rope and nearly broke his neck trying to splash Angle, who reached out to absorb the blow.

Angle then recovered and sent Jarrett into the announce table. He then grabbed the ring bell and smashed it clear into Jarrett's forehead. Jarrett slumped down behind the desk and came up bleeding heavily from the forehead. Jarrett and Angle battled onto the ramp and landed a DDT on the entrance. They battled up to the stage where Angle landed an Angle Slam off the stage through the pyro table a few feet below. West over-exaggerated that neither man is going to be able to walk again. On cue, Jarrett stood up. Meanwhile, Angle left a trail of drool down the entrance area back to ringside.

They picked up the feud back in the ring at 14:00 with both men trying to build momentum until Jarrett landed a knock-down series of clotheslines. Jarrett then nailed a weak-looking Pedigree, which Tenay called a plant DDT. Jarrett wanted the Stroke, but Angle rolled through into the ankelock. Jarrett broke free, then Angle brought a chair into the ring. Jarrett ducked, though, and kicked the chair into Angle's face. He followed with the Stroke for a close two count. Angle then came up with the Angle Slam and had the pin, but Jarrett classically picked up his shoulders instead of kicking out to prevent a three count.

Angle charged Jarrett hard in the corner, but Jarrett moved and Angle smashed his left shoulder into the ringpost. Jarrett then snuck out the guitar and measured Angle, but Angle kicked Jarrett right in the groin. Angle then picked up the guitar and the chair. Crowd responded for the guitar, so he grabbed the chair. LOL. Angle measured Jarrett, then he smacked Jarrett across the top of the head. Great, a chair shot to the head in 2009 involving the owner of the company. Great example for the rest of the roster. Angle made a cover, but only got a two count. Angle argued with the ref, then grabbed Jarrett and slapped on the anklelock. Jarrett screamed out in pain, but broke free.

At 20:00, Jarrett countered the Olympic Slam into a DDT. Jarrett then Hulked Up and tossed aside the guitar when it broke. Jarrett grabbed the chair and smashed Angle in the face. Thankfully, Angle got his hands up to absorb the blow slightly. Jarrett hobbled over to make a cover, but it was good for a two count only. Angle then quickly rolled Jarrett's shoulders over and crucifix pinned a surprised Jarrett for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Angle in 23:00. That was a pretty darn good match if you can get past the multiple chair shots to the head and Jarrett's blown spot with the over-the-top-rope dive. Jarrett knows how to tell that main event story, while Angle is TNA's top in-ring talent month after month. Great chemistry in the ring. (***1/2)

Post-match: Medics tried to check on Jarrett, who was recovering in the corner. Angle then slowly grabbed a chair and stalked Jarrett to inflict more damage. Refs scrammed, then Angle stomped on Jarrett's ankle with it inside the chair. Jarrett was left a bloody mess with his ankle stuck in the chair as Angle left the ring. They stayed with a camera shot of Jarrett needing the stretcher to help him out of the ring.

TNA Genesis PPV Results: 1-11-09

7 -- TNA World Hvt. champion STING vs. RHINO -- TNA World Title match

<error in report: will post when corrected at source...>

WINNER: Sting in 9:00 to retain the TNA Title. Hard to remember the last time a wrestling company delivered an advertised title match when everyone would have preferred the indirectly teased replacement title match of Sting vs. Hernandez. Crowd was there to cheer Sting and they definitely weren't buying into Rhino's injury angle. It's not Rhino's fault; it's simply TNA presenting the Mafia as the cool heel faction and Sting being the pseudo babyface with history in Charlotte that over-rides any TNA angle. (*)

8 -- FRONTLINE (BROTHER DEVON & A.J. STYLES & MICK FOLEY) vs. MAIN EVENT MAFIA & SUITABLE REPLACEMENT (Legends champion BOOKER T (w/Sharmell) & SCOTT STEINER & KIP JAMES)

As shown, Kip James replaces Kevin Nash in tonight's match.

TNA Genesis PPV Results: 1-11-09

8 -- FRONTLINE (BROTHER DEVON & A.J. STYLES & MICK FOLEY) vs. MAIN EVENT MAFIA & SUITABLE REPLACEMENT (Legends champion BOOKER T (w/Sharmell) & SCOTT STEINER & KIP JAMES)

After the bell sounded, Steiner dropped a "motherf-----" on Don West with no bleep. Tenay said he hopes they have a seven second delay. Nope. Foley vs. Kip, Styles vs. Steiner, and Devon vs. Booker were the opening pairings before this thing broke down. Frontline regrouped in the ring, then Mafia returned to the ring and Kip accepted a Styles dropsault. Frontline continued to work on the Mafia before Booker cut Styles off to set up the Mafia's attack on Styles. Kip then wanted the Fameasser on Styles, but Styles moved and hit the Pele kick. Nice. Foley took a hot tag and he came into the ring to gingerly knock folks around. Steiner then cut off Foley with a clothesline. Action broke down all over the ring, then ref counted everyone out. Fans booed the decision.

Not quite so fast, said Jim Cornette, who came out on stage. Cornette said he's been coming to Charlotte for 25 years and we don't do things down here. He said that by the power vested in me, I order a re-start to the match. Foley applauded that, then Booker took the mic and said everyone knows Cornette ain't got the authority to do that, so by the power invested in him, this match is over. Foley took the mic and said Cornette doesn't have the authority, but as executive shareholder, he does. Conflict of interest at its finest. Foley said they're re-starting it under hardcore roles.

And off they went again with anything goes part III tonight. Weapons were tossed into the ring where Styles hit a dropkick on Booker. On the ramp, Foley had a trash can full of weapons he dumped on Kip. Crowd wanted tables. Ten minutes until the top of the hour here. Meanwhile, Booker dumped Foley onto the announce table and into the lap of the announcers. Foley superman recovered and got wood per the fans. He wanted a dive onto Kip from the announce table, which Tenay way over-sold, but Booker crotched him from behind. Styles suddenly flew off the top rope with a dive onto Kip through the table on the floor. Sweet, but the camera missed it. Fortunately, they had a replay.

In the ring, Devon fought Steiner in the ring before going up top and hitting a diving headbutt. Way too many highspots tonight, as the crowd didn't pop for that. Devon stood up, but Booker hit the axe kick. Booker wanted the Spinaroonie, but Foley slipped back into the ring to make Booker eat Mr. Socko. Steiner smashed Foley from behind with a can, though. Foley quickly recovered and grabbed a chair. Booker had to sell fear forever, making it completely comical, then Foley finally figured out the chair situation and hit Booker. Foley then gave Steiner a DDT and pinned him for the win. Foley > Frontline.

WINNERS: Frontline in 16:00. Unless Mick Foley is going to wrestle a full-time schedule, wrestle house show matches as the headline act, and be involved in the World Title picture as a top contender, it makes no sense for Foley to constantly be positioned as the only wrestler capable of getting one over the Mafia. Another short-sighted booking decision. Match was just a rinse, repeat from the previous two matches. (**)

I just got back from the Genesis show recently and I must say that I am horribly unimpressed with TNA right now. If the tickets werent free for me I dont think I would have gone. The house show they put on at the local restaurant Friday night (that I also attended) was MUCH better.

The highlight of my night HAD to undoubtedly be the Shelley/Sabin match. I havent seen anything like that from TNA in a long time and this is the direction they should be going in, but instead I get fed recycled, regurgitated, recooked WCW all over again.

Needless to say im disgusted.

O.

O. Yashiro said:

I just got back from the Genesis show recently and I must say that I am horribly unimpressed with TNA right now. If the tickets werent free for me I dont think I would have gone. The house show they put on at the local restaurant Friday night (that I also attended) was MUCH better.

The highlight of my night HAD to undoubtedly be the Shelley/Sabin match. I havent seen anything like that from TNA in a long time and this is the direction they should be going in, but instead I get fed recycled, regurgitated, recooked WCW all over again.

Needless to say im disgusted.

O.

Click to expand...

How did you end up getting free tickets? I was able to get the two for $30.00 deal but not free tickets. I heard that half of the wrestlers didn't even show up for the house show on friday night.

Kong, Hemme, Nash, Shelley was sick DURING his match, Jarrett's banged up,

AND NOW: Sting worked with knee problems.
Rhino's "injury" made it possible for them to "work lighter".
http://www.wrestlezone.com/article.php?articleid=233800057

BUT WAIT!
Robert Roode got an ankle injury last night.
http://www.wrestlezone.com/article.php?articleid=233806166

Genesis was shit. When I think of main-evet I think of Billy fucking Gunn

AAA on Galavision TV Report

AAA Guerra de Titanes (2/2)
By: Xavier Hernandez
Show aired on: 01/10/2009



The show opens with a summary of last week's show: The Morenos retained their titles, D-MEX was destroyed by the Legion, Latin defeated Konnan in a controversial bout, and Brazo lost his hair. For this part, another classic "Harts vs. Hermandad" match, the typical AAA vs. Legion bout, and Mesias-Zorro for the vacant title.



*In-Ring Segment: Vampiro enters the ring to talk. He talks trash about Konnan, and praises Roldan for hiring him as a Comissioner, and giving immunity to D-MEX. Vampiro says he has rehired referee Pepe Tropicasas, and Alan Stone. He also talks about the title match, and says Mesias has support from AAA.



*Pretaped Segment: Konnan is pissed off because all his offices are a mess, and orders Zorro and Kenzo to fix everything. Konnan also orders Rellik to not let anyone who is AAA enter his building. Later, Konnan talks to the Harts. Konnan says they must win the titles tonight, because this is their third shot. A video of La Hermandad airs as well. Konnan then talks to La Hermandad, and they are mad because they don't want to face the americans. Konnan says both are scared of the americans, and both get extremely pissed off. La hermandad bows to destroy the americans.



1) AAA World Tag Team Championship
Nicho El Millonario & Joe Lider (c) vs. Teddy Hart & Jack Evans (w/Nikki)

-Only Fall: Lider and Teddy start with hard blows on each other. Nicho and Evans tag in, and both trade aerial moves. The match suddenly switches to a double-team attack match, and the Harts are under control. The brothers make the comeback, and they deliver a series of horrible and botched moves. Nicho climbs the post, but Nikki pulls his legs. Evans then gets Nicho with a Frankensteiner, for a close count. Lider hits a weird nerckbreaker, and Evans is bleeding. Lider is distracted by Nikki, and Teddy hits the Hartbreaker on him. Nicho lands outside, and Evans hits his Cartwheel Dive. Lider kisses Nikki, and gives her a Michinoku Driver through a table. The now transfers to the crowd, so this is ugly. Teddy hits an insane Moonsault off the scaffold. The referee says this matchs ends as a double count out.

Winners: DRAW, but STILL Champions: Joe Lider & Nicho El Millonario

Aftermath: The brawl continues, and security staff has to interfere to stop it.



*Noti AAA:
-Hype of the beating that X-Pac received last week, courtesy of Konnan and the legion. Waltman is already out of the hospital.
-Hype on the Morenos, who retained their titles.



2) La Parka, Octagon & Alan Stone vs. Kenzo Suzuki, Rellik & El Padrino

-Only Fall: Typical TV main event match. Legion under control, and tecnicos make the comeback. Referee is knocked, Parka fouls Kenzo, referee refuses to count, Kenzo rolls Parka, and lightspeed three count. That simple!!!!

Winners: Kenzo Suzuki, Rellik & El Padrino



3) AAA World Heavyweight Championship (VACANT)/Ladder Match
Mesias vs. Zorro
Special referee: Charlie Manson

-Only Fall: Zorro uses his kendo stick to attack Mesias. Both men now take their battle to the crowd, and Mesias now uses a ladder to punish Zorro. Momentum switches, and Zorro is now using the ladder as a weapon. Mesias sets a ladder on Zorro's belly, and runs the ladder to dropkick him. Mesias climbs the ladder, but Zorro powerbombs him. Zorro delivers a Belly-To-Belly Suplex on Mesias through the ladder. Mesias climbs the ladder again, but Zorro pushes the ladder. Zorro climbs the ladder, but Mesias hits a Russian Legsweep off the ladder. Chessman arrivesto spit red mist on both Zorro and Mesias. Chessman taked out both challengers, and invites Manson to join him. Chessman tries to climb the ladder, but Manson stops him. Chessman attacks the leg of Manson with the ladder. Several tecnicos arrive to stop Chessman. Konnan and the legion arrive to attack Parka. Zorro climsb the ladder, but he is pushed by Mesias. Mesias climbs the ladder and retrieves the belt.

Winner and NEW champion: Mesias

-Aftermath: The legion immediately attacks Mesias, and Parka is assaulted as well. Vampiro arrives with a plastic pipe in hand to rescue the tecnicos. Konnan goes to the announce table, and challenges the announcers (except Rivera), to get inside the ring. Konnan gets in the mic, and promises he will retire Mesias, Parka and Vampiro. Konnan says Mesias has become a lazy, phony and dumb just like the mexican crowd. Vampiro congratulates Mesias, and puts the belt around his waist. Parka tells Mesias he never trusted him, but he apologizes because he was wrong. Mesias tells Parka he is the one who should apologize for everything he's done in the past. Mesias says that even though he is a foreign guy, he now feels like a true Mexican. Both me hug, so Mesias is officially a tecnico.


FINAL COMMENTS: Overall, a regular show, just like I expected it. The first part was good, but this part was not so good. The tag match was quite bad, not because of the Harts, but because of the Hermandad. These two guys are a danger to everyone, since they can't connect the moves well, so I would consider taking the titles off them and give them to the Harts, who deserve them. This new guy called "Padrino" seemed to me like a crappy version of Batista: no ring skills, no charisma. The main event was acceptable, with some nice spots. Mesias is now officially the top babyface of the company. AAA is all the lucha we have left here in American television, because CMLL just stopped airing on FSE. So that hurts, and no more variety for American Lucha fans.

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

Click to expand...

TemJin's Comments: I agree, put the tag-titles on the Harts...Teddy may be an asshole, but he and Jack Evans have really kicked ass and done great work.

Thanks as always for the AAA report and my apologies...been sick so I haven't been around to do the usual RAW and ECW reports. They will be forthcoming...

WWE RAW Results: 1-12-09

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

1 -- REY MYSTERIO vs. World tag team champion THE MIZ

Cole said Morrison is not here tonight after being injured during the tables match against Triple H on Smackdown this past week. Nice to see them selling an injury like that. Miz was aggressive early on, working on Rey in the corner with boots to the gut. He then hit his trademark running clothesline and knee combo in the corner. Rey came back with a nice seated sentaun from the springboard position, then Rey set up for the 619. Miz moved, though, and dumped Rey to the apron before blocking a sunset flip attempt into a roll-up for a close two count.

Miz wanted the high knee lift into neckbreaker, but Rey countered into a drop toe hold that sent Miz to the apron for the 619. He then hit the springboard splash on Miz for the pin and the win. Afterward, Mike Knox stormed the ring and attacked Rey. Rey fought back with kicks to the face before hitting a huracanrana that cleared Knox to the floor. Knox and Rey then had a staredown for a few moments.

WINNER: Rey in 4:00. Way too short of a match there. Could have gone another seven or eight minutes and given Miz a chance to prove himself in a singles opportunity. (*1/4)

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

After Punk was the aggressor early on, Regal regained control. Punk then tried to fight back with a punch to the gut, but the ref said it was a low blow. Regal sold it like a low blow and the ref bought it to declare a DQ. A replay showed Punk hit him clean in the lower gut. Where's Punk's red challenge flag? Punk tried to explain himself, but the ref was having nothing to do with it.

WINNER: Regal via DQ in 2:00. Well, there had better be a point to this because it's going to be difficult for the audience to buy into future title matches with the first two of this year ending in lame fashion. (n/a)

3 -- KANE vs. RANDY ORTON (w/Cody Rhodes)

Kane was in control early on, landing a huge uppercut beneath the chin that rocked Orton. He then knocked Orton to the outside and Cody went over to check on him. "Orton, you suck!" was the cry from a ringside fan as they cut to break. Nice.

Back from break, Orton was in control of the action with an aggressive chinlock. So, apparently Kane is playing the babyface role tonight. Orton continued his attack on Kane while the announcers referenced the Kelly Kelly love triangle...of sorts. Lawler speculated as to whether Kelly is watching this match tonight.

Kane escaped a chinlock with a side suplex, then he landed a series of clotheslines in the corner. Kane with a sidewalk slam before making a cover for a two count. Orton tried an uppercut, but Kane gripped him for the chokeslam. Orton broke free, though, and hit a fallaway neckbreaker in center ring. He then went into Viper stalking mode and wanted the RKO, but Kane pushed him away. Does that ever work? Kane then went up top. Uh-oh. Orton met him in mid-air with a dropkick and made the cover for an apparent three count. Kane appeared to get his right shoulder up, but ref Scott Armstrong said it was a three. He quickly bailed from the ring and Kane complained about getting his shoulder up.

WINNER: Orton in 9:00. Apparently they're doing a blind-as-a-bat angle for WWE refs now. Either that or Scott legit screwed up making the three count, as there was a very awkward moment after the bell. They played it up well if it was a legit match finish. (*1/2)

Post-match: Manu and Sim Snuka walked out on stage and told Cody to listen up. With us or against us? Sim said they have back-up tonight. Out walked Ted DiBiase, Jr. Oh, teasing he's with them, but he's with Orton. Totally see it. DiBiase emerged on stage looking much bigger than I recall. He then walked down to the ring with Manu and Sim as the announcers mentioned Orton punting him in the head a few months ago. The ring was surrounded, then DiBiase led Manu and Snuka into the ring. Orton looked down to Cody, who slipped into the ring.

Orton was the monkey in the middle, then DiBiase suddenly turned on Sim and Manu. DiBiase, Orton, and Cody beat up Sim and Manu for a while. Announcers went silent as Orton gave instructions to DiBiase and Cody. Cody picked apart Sim before giving him the spin-out neckbreaker. DiBiase finished off the beating on Manu with a Million Dollar Russian legsweep to great crowd heat. DiBiase then joined Orton and Cody leaving the ring. All three stood tall on the stage to close the segment. Cole said Orton is building his Legacy.

4 -- WWE World Hvt. champion JOHN CENA vs. SHAWN MICHAELS (w/JBL) -- non-title match

Cena landed a straight right hand to the jaw early on, showing a little fire that typically isn't there in a Cena match. Michaels was a little shook up, so he went to the corner for a deep breath to meet Cena's icy stare. Cena repeated the attack on Michaels to fluster him, but then Michaels feigned Sweet Chin Music out of nowhere to back up Cena for a mid-match break. Michaels then fired off a round of hard chops to the chest that rocked Cena, who then fired back with right hand blows. Whoa, intensity just picked up a little with Michaels firing back with another round of chops before accepting a veeery high back body drop. Cena then charged Michaels and clotheslined him over the top rope to the floor.

Michaels regrouped and re-entered the ring after catching Cena off guard with a hard clothesline. A little crawler came across the bottom of the screen about Jericho being fired tonight and Mr. McMahon back on the show next week. Nice touch. Cena came back on Michaels with a hard clothesline before sending HBK upside down in the corner to set up a running bulldog for a two count. Cena wanted a suplex, but Michaels turned it into a figure four. My brother just walked in the room, spent one minute watching this, and said Michaels is channeling Flair with all of his moves, then Michaels slaps on the figure four to hammer it home.

Cena reversed the pressure on the figure four right in front of Lil' Naitch ref Charles Robinson, then Michaels released the hold and went back on the attack. Cena hung Michaels upside down in the corner, then punted him up into the air for the FU...er...Throwback position, but Michaels slipped out. Cena then kicked Michaels down and went to the top rope. He wanted the guillotine, but Michaels countered in mid-air to the crossface. JBL stared intently at the hold, which Michaels maintained even when Cena tried to power-lift his way out of the hold. Cena eventually broke free and they cut to a break.

Back from break, Michaels was staring up at the lights on the floor. Cena then shoved HBK back into the ring and he covered him for a two count. Cena went to work on Michaels's back with a Mark Henry-esque bear hug at 14:00, which began to rally the crowd behind Michaels. They had a back-and-forth exchange leading to the top of the hour and Michaels blocked the sit-out slam with a pin attempt for a two count.

At the top of the hour, Michaels went up top for an elbow, but Cena cut him up, then climbed up top. He wanted the FU, but Michaels slipped out and nailed a top rope powerbomb right on the neck for a two count. Nice counter, but Cena has to be feeling that. Cena was motionless, then Michaels went up top for the elbow drop, but Cena rolled out of the way. Cena slowly climbed up top and he nailed the guillotine leg drop this time. Cena came to his feet, then he told JBL you can't see me. He then dropped the Five Knuckle Shuffle on Michaels. He wanted the FU, but Michaels countered into a DDT at 19:00. He made a cover, but Cena kicked out.

Michaels then went up top and delivered the elbow drop to the heart. Michaels tuned up the band, but Cena ducked the superkick and nailed the FU in center ring. He had nothing left in the tank, then made a cover a few seconds later for a two count. JBL continued not to react. So great. Cena slowly got up and grappled Michaels, who was playing opossum and smashed Cena square in the jaw with Sweet Chin Music. He made a cover, but Cena kicked out. First reaction of the night from JBL, who thought it was a three.

Both men recovered as JBL started to pace around, now with the Cowboy hat off his head. Michaels tried to grapple Cena, but Cena went for the FU. Michaels slipped out, then went for a sunset flip pin, but Cena kicked out and rolled into the STFU right in front of JBL. Michaels reached for the ropes as JBL shouted encouragement. Michaels started to fade, then he reached out and grabbed the bottom rope for an escape. JBL backed up and stared at Michaels, who slowly pulled himself up at 23:00.

Cena waited for Michaels to turn around and he went for the FU once again. Michaels slipped out yet again, then Michaels shoved Cena over to the ropes. Just the slightest hint of interference from JBL threw Cena off slightly, then Cena turned around and took the Sweet Chin Music square in the jaw. Michaels made the cover and scored the three count for the win. Sick finish.

Post-match: Michaels rolled himself out of the ring, then headed up the entrance ramp with venom on his face. JBL then entered the ring and stood over Cena's fallen body. They replayed the sweet finish, then Cole stacked the deck against Cena at the Rumble to sell the PPV main event of Cena vs. JBL.

WINNER: Shawn Michaels in 24:00. One night after an early TNA MOTY contender, we have our first WWE Match of the Year contender. What an epic TV match with WWE effectively playing up so many different elements of the Cena-Michaels-JBL program. Michaels was superb. Cena had this different "heel" edge to him. JBL was great in his subtle reactions and not over-playing the heel manager card. Just another great match in the HBK vs. Cena series. They bring out the best in each other. Only a slow period around 12:00 kept this short of reaching five stars. Seriously. (****1/2)

ECW on Sci-Fi Results: 1-13-09

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

1 -- PAUL BURCHILL & KATIE LEA vs. D.J. GABRIEL & ALICIA FOX

Women had a double head-to-head collision early on, then the men entered the ring to pick up the action. The action broke down, with the divas knocking each other out of the ring. Gabriel then smashed Burchill with the leaping European uppercut from the second rope for the pin and the win. Afterward, Gab and Fox danced to celebrate.

WINNERS: Gabriel & Fox in 3:00. Short match without much to write home about. (1/2*)

2 -- THE BOOGEYMAN vs. SAMMY SABOR

Sammy landed a right hand blow on Boogeyman to annoy him, then Boogey tossed Sammy across the ring through the smoke hovering over the ring from his ring entrance. Boogey with a standing powerslam for the easy win. Striker scored major points with a Monty Python reference: "And now for something completely different." Boogey grabbed the worms and proceeded to shove them in young Samuel's mouth.

WINNER: Boogeyman in 1:00. Striker saved this one. I understand the art of building up a monster via the squash, but unless Boogey has developed a magical ability in the last year to work a competitive five-minute match, I don't see him being in a position to ascend to a main event level in ECW.

3 -- ECW champion MATT HARDY vs. JACK SWAGGER -- ECW Title match

Only a few moments aired of the feeling-out process before an abrupt commercial break.

They returned from break with Swagger locking Hardy in a side headlock. Striker said Percy Harvin of the Florida Gators is here and Marisa Tomei is here to find out how it really goes down. Hmm. The action moved to the floor where Swagger whipped Hardy into the ringpost to inflict damage on the left arm. Swagger scored a series of nearfalls before going to the final break.

Back from break, Swagger nailed a superplex and made a cover for a two count. Swagger went for a second superplex, but Hardy fired off a series of forearm smashes. He then nailed a sunset flip powerbomb after Swagger ripped off the top turnbuckle pad in mid-air trying to hold on to block the hold. Hardy scored a nearfall, but Swagger came right back with a belly-to-belly suplex for another nearfall. Hardy came back with a Russian legsweep (two count) and side effect (another two count).

Swagger suddenly rolled up Hardy and hooked the tights for a two count. Swagger yanked down on Hardy's left arm to cut him off, then Swagger went for a leaping Vader Bomb from the second turnbuckle for a two count. Swagger then followed right up with an arm bar that Hardy escaped. Hardy came back with the Scorpion death drop (Striker called it the slop drop) for a two count. They had a meeting of the minds in the corner at 15:00, then Hardy went up top, but Swagger threw him forehead-first into the exposed turnbuckle. Hardy was woozy and Swagger hit the gut wrench powerbomb finisher. He made a cover and scored a three count to win the ECW Title. Afterward, Swagger gloated to the fans about the victory to close the show.

WINNER: Swagger in 16:00 to capture the ECW Title. Excellent title match. Swagger has certainly earned his spot as the champion of a WWE brand. Now, it's a matter of seeing how he fares with the belt in hand. The upside for Swagger is enormous. (***)

Arcademan said:

Thanks as always for the AAA report and my apologies...been sick so I haven't been around to do the usual RAW and ECW reports. They will be forthcoming...

Click to expand...

you're very welcome, and no need to apologize, especially if you were sick.

anyways, as much a i mark out for the Hardys...Swagger winning the title is awsome. now the match-ups should be even more interesting for here on.

One bad thing happened this week...I don't like the idea of Sim Snuka and Manu as a tag team. It just screams "Wild Samoans/SST/Islanders 2009". I mean, how long do you think it will be before they team with Umaga vs Legacy? Bad, bad idea.

J. Max said:

One bad thing happened this week...I don't like the idea of Sim Snuka and Manu as a tag team. It just screams "Wild Samoans/SST/Islanders 2009". I mean, how long do you think it will be before they team with Umaga vs Legacy? Bad, bad idea.

Click to expand...

More like the Samoan Jobber Squad; I see them getting future endeavored soon.

In more cost-cutting moves by the WWE, Sgt. Slaughter and Ron Simmons have been released. DAMN!!!

Arcademan said:

In more cost-cutting moves by the WWE, Sgt. Slaughter and Ron Simmons have been released. DAMN!!!

Click to expand...

TNA Impact! Results: 1-15-09

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

1 -- STING (w/Kurt Angle, Scott Steiner) vs. HERNANDEZ -- TNA World Hvt. Title

Hernandez opened with some chops in the corner against Sting, who was still wearing a gray t-shirt. Hernandez followed with a slingshot shoulder tackle. He followed with another shoulder tackle. Angle showed concern at ringside. Hernandez scored a two count at 1:00. Steiner interfered as Angle distracted the referee. Tenay hyperventilated as he tried to sneak in all of his talking points hyping the rest of Impact, as if you should have to reiterate the line-up in the midst of a TNA World Title match rather than just making the match in and of itself seem like the biggest deal possible. Hernandez tore off his shirt after a couple clotheslines, then set up a powerbomb. Booker T threw Hernandez's shirt in his face just as he lifted Sting. Then the MEM attacked Hernandez, prompting the ref to call for the DQ.

WINNER: Hernandez via DQ in 4:00.

-Four minutes of official in-ring action in the first hour.

2 -- ODB & ROXXI & TAYLOR WILDE vs. RAESHA SAEED & RHAKA KHAN & SOUJOURNER BOLT - Street Fight Rules

A couple minutes of back and forth action, heels on offense first, then ODB came back. They cut to a break at 3:00.

After some ringside brawling, Roxxi went on a flurry of offense and scored a near fall on Bolt with a bridge at 8:00. A minute later Roxxi finished Khan with the Voo Doo Drop.

WINNERS: Roxxi & Wilde & ODB in 9:00.

STAR RATING: 3/4* -- TNA still really misses Gail Kim.

3 -- ABYSS & MATT MORGAN vs. CONSEQUENCES CREED & "BLACK MACHISMO" JAY LETHAL

At 2:00, after Creed did his silly splits routine before popping up to punch Morgan, Morgan KO'd him with a big boot to the face off the ropes. That deserved a big babyface pop. They cut to a break.

Morgan was still beating down Creed after the break. Tenay and West noted that Abyss wanted to tag out, but Morgan was reluctant because he hasn't felt he's had enough ring time in their tag matches lately. As soon as Abyss tagged in, Creed caught him with a boot and hot-tagged Lethal in. Lethal and Creed double-teamed Abyss and then hit Morgan at ringside with a stereo shoulder dive through the ropes. Creed caught Abyss with a top rope dropkick seconds later for a near fall at 7:00. Morgan entered the ring and gave Creed an overhead slam. Creed landed on his feet. Abyss caught a flying Lethal in mid-air, but slammed him inadvertently onto Morgan for the pin.

WINNERS: Lethal & Creed in 8:00 to earn a tag title shot against Beer Money at Against All Odds.

STAR RATING: *

4 -- SCOTT STEINER vs. A.J. STYLES -- Mick Foley as Special Referee

West said Styles "might be the most talented wrestler on the planet today." Steiner took Styles down amateur style and then slapped the back of his head a few times. Foley gave what appeared to be a pep talk to Styles at ringside. West said Foley is noticeably limping at ringside. Styles came back with a headlock at 2:00 followed by a signature dropkick. He played to the crowd and then flip dove onto Steiner on the floor.

Steiner was in control after the break with chops in the corner and then a suplex. Tenay said the Jarrett-Angle match was one of the greatest matches they've had the opportunity to call. West said it was the hardest to call. Steiner bear-hugged Styles and then just tossed him face-first onto the mat in a nasty looking spot. Steiner gave Styles a Steinerline, then grabbed a chair from the crowd. Foley yelled at ref Earl Hebner. Steiner wedged the chair into the corner. The ref lectured him. Styles recovered and whipped Steiner into the chair. Styles took over with a stretch of offense leading to a near fall at 12:00. Steiner raked Styles's eyes afterward. Styles came right back with a bridge suplex and then a hard flying clothesline in the corner. When he went for a Stinger splash, Steiner yanked the ref into his path. Steiner then face-planted Styles as Foley checked on Hebner. Steiner grabbed his steel pipe and hit Foley on the back with it. Steiner then hit Styles with the pipe. With Styles down, Steiner made the cover. Hebner came to long enough to count, but Styles kicked out before three. West said it must've just been an instinctive reaction. Steiner then applied the Steiner Recliner. The ref came to and checked on Styles. Foley came to and pounded on the mat to encourage a Styles comeback. Styles reached for the ropes, so Steiner released the hold and forearmed Styles. He dragged him back to center-ring and reapplied the Recliner. Foley showed off his "famous sock." Petey Williams ran out and leaped off the top rope with a dropkick to Steiner's jaw. The ref didn't see it. Styles then hit Steiner with a Pele Kick for the win. The show closed with Foley, Styles, and Petey standing together in the ring with their arms raised.

WINNER: Styles in 15:00.

STAR RATING: **1/4 -- Steiner's pretty limited, but Styles is pretty good, and Steiner stuck with what he can do - the suplexes and power moves - and they put together a solid match. The finish forwarded the seemingly forgotten Petey-Steiner conflict.

FINAL THOUGHTS: A middle of the road edition of Impact. Nothing stood out as horrible storyline-wise for them, but nothing really grabbed you, either. Just more of MEM and Front Line battling each other. The returns of Brother Ray and Petey was supposed to carry the show from a newsy standpoint. The Palin payoff was a bit of a letdown as the Palin impersonator just disappeared after it was revealed she wasn't the real deal. The Hernandez cash-in was a letdown, too. He better get that briefcase back after how cheap his title match ending was.

WWE Smackdown Results: 1-16-09

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

1 -- JACK SWAGGER & MARK HENRY (w/Tony Atlas) vs. MATT HARDY & FINLAY (w/Hornswoggle)

This is a big moment for Swagger, his first appearance on one of the Big Two shows. For those who haven't been watching ECW, he is the real deal and the best bet to come out of nowhere to be a major player quickly. He is a natural in the ring, a natural on the mic, he's a natural with body language and facial expressions, and a natural at being a heat generator. Ross on Swagger: "Jack Swagger, a young man who has as much potential as anyone I've seen in WWE in many, many years." Meanwhile, Matt Hardy's apparently been on the diet that Hurricane Helms was on the past six months. He's hitting that age in his mid-30s where the same number of calories in doesn't necessary work itself off as easily. Henry overpowered Hardy early, but Hardy came back with an enzuigiri and then a hot-tag to Finlay. Swagger sold to Finlay for a moment, but then rammed Finlay into the ringpost and sent him to the floor where Henry beat on him a little. Swagger got sustained offense as Hardy got the crowd to clap as they cut to a break.

Even when Swagger applies a chinlock, he makes it look like he's holding someone back from pushing a nuclear bomb button that's going to destroy the world. There's nothing casual about it. Finlay avoided a swing splash by Swagger at 11:00 leading to a hot-tag to Hardy. Hardy took it to Swagger right away, looking to get retribution for losing the ECW Title to him earlier in the week. Hardy hit a Side Effect and then set up a Twist of Fate. Atlas threw Hornswoggle into the ring to distract Hardy. Atlas then surprised Hardy with a clothesline. Finlay hit Henry with the shillelagh. Swagger kicked Finlay in the face. Hardy surprised Swagger with a Twist of Fate for the win.

WINNER: Hardy & Finlay in 12:00.

STAR RATING: *1/2 -- Basic okay tag match. I'd have wanted to give Swagger a little more time to shine in his national Smackdown debut than what they gave him here, especially coming off of an ECW Title. Having the heel champ lose to the babyface former champ or challenger is a tried and true proven booking technique, but with someone as new as Swagger, it might not have been ideal.

2 -- R-TRUTH vs. BRIAN KENDRICK (w/Ezekiel Jackson)

Truth dominated early. Kendrick took over with a surprise kick as the ref was talking to Truth. He controlled the next few minutes with a leglock and then a chinlock. He went for The Kendrick, but Truth avoided it and came back with his rolling scissors kick for the win almost out of nowhere.

WINNER: Truth in 5:00.

STAR RATING: *

3 -- THE BIG SHOW vs. MVP -- Last Man Standing match

MVP jump-started the match with a chairshot from behind. As he swung the chair at him again at ringside, Show punched the chair out of his hands. MVP rolled into the ring to regroup and ready for Show's entrance. As Show tried to enter, MVP kicked him to the floor. Show eventually swatted MVP aside and entered the ring, then caught his running boot attempt and sent him tumbling to the floor at 2:00.

Show went after MVP on the floor. MVP rolled back into the ring. Ross complimented MVP's "Hit and Run" strategy. Show shoved MVP to the floor seconds later and this time caught up with him on the floor. He clubbed him across the back with his forearm. At 4:00 Show whipped MVP into the steps. Tazz wondered what Triple H's advice was for MVP. MVP moved out of the path of a charging Show, then leaped off the ring apron and dropkicked Show into the ringpost at 5:00. They cut to a break after Show again swatted away an MVP kick.

After the break, Show slapped MVP across the cheat and then smiled with a sense of satisfaction. He continued the methodical beatdown of MVP, including lifting him by his head and throwing him to the mat. MVP came back with a sleeper at 12:00. MVP came back with a sleeper briefly, but when the action spilled to the floor, Show whipped MVP into the security wall. He sat on the steps at ringside as the ref began to count to ten MVP got up before ten. Show casually stood up and went back to work. Show grabbed MVP by his lapels. That infuriated Show, went aggressively went after MVP with a suplex on the ramp. MVP rolled all the way off the ramp to the floor where the ref began counting again. MVP stood up before ten. Show chopped him hard in the chest. Show pressed and threw MVP onto the stage. Show lifted MVP for a chokeslam. Triple H ran out and hit Show from behind with a sledgehammer. Both men went down. The ref began counting. Triple H yelled at MVP, encouraging him to stand up. The crowd chanted, "MVP, MVP." He did stand up with help from the WWE logo on the stage. The ref raised MVP's arm. When was the last time that happened? The camera zoomed in on Show really selling the pain from the sledgehammer shot.

WINNER: MVP in 16:00.

STAR RATING: **1/2 -- The definition of lumbering, but still well played out. I'm not sure if MVP's losing streak ending needed to be done that way under circumstances where he wasn't even the main focus of the match or angle.

4 -- VICTORIA vs. MICHELLE MCCOOL

Ross said this is Victoria's last match in WWE. "Victoria's retiring," he said. She went after McCool at ringside, and then pounded her head back in the ring. Ross said she's had an amazing career in WWE and wanted to dedicate this match to the troops. She hit a standing moonsault for a near fall at 1:00. Ross noted the referee for this match, Jack Doan, was back from shoulder surgery. She scored another near fall at 2:00 after a superplex. Ross said Victoria's decision to retire came about rather abruptly. He said a lot of tears were shed earlier in the day as she said her goodbyes to a lot of people. McCool came back and began working over Victoria's leg, ramming it over the edge of the ring apron. Victoria made a comeback at 5:00 with a backslide for a near fall. She set up her Widow's Peak finisher, but her leg buckled and McCool escaped and her Styles Clash finisher, now titled the "Faith Breaker." Victoria lay in the ring afterward soaking up the moment as McCool paced around the ring celebrating.

WINNER: McCool in 6:00.

STAR RATING: *1/2 -- Good TV women's match. Longer than usual, which was a nice show of respect giving Victoria time for a full-fledged match on TV instead one of those one minute deals.

-Edge made his full ring intro for "The Cutting Edge" segment.

-Edge said as an elite athlete, he's learned to block out distractions. He said his only focus lately has been to take back his WWE Championship from Jeff Hardy. He said lately that's been difficult because every week there seems to be a new distraction trying to shift his focus, such as very private photos of his wife being plastered all over WWE.com. He said words won't due justice this story, so instead they made a movie. He pointed to the big screen and a video aired of Jeff Hardy's WWE Title victory. Edge called Hardy's title reign "an embarrassing, irrational period" in WWE history. He laughed and said that's just a slight glimpse of the preview. He said the movie ends at the Royal Rumble when Hardy's only WWE Title reign was an accident. He doesn't just want to tell the fans, he wants to tell Hardy in person.

Jeff Hardy's ring intro aired and as he danced on the stage, the pyro show got out of hand and engulfed him. He went down in pain, grabbing at his face. Ross gasped, "What?" A trainer ran to the back for help. Jimmy Wang Yang was the first out, calling for help. Hurricane Helms was next out, followed by trainers. They went to shots of concerned fans in the crowd. A stretcher was brought out. R-Truth ran out next to help him onto the stretcher. Hardy covered his face as they rolled him onto the backbrace. Vickie stepped out to a chorus of boos and observed. It's a little weird they went the backbrace route for facial burns. They replayed the pyro engulfing him from several angles as the crowd fell silent. Hardy was rolled to the back, still covering his face, as the crowd chanted "Hardy, Hardy" and the show ended without further comments.

FINAL THOUGHTS: Good edition of Smackdown. It hardly felt like a throwaway B-show that's been to often this decade. The show-closing angle was well-done. Realistic, but tasteful. The Show-MVP build up and execution and follow-up was all sharp. The filler matches were solid, too.

Bob Holly is the latest causalty as he was released by the WWE.

Wrestling news and tidbits...

Thanks to ComicBloc and my buds there for the links:

Austin wants Ric Flair to induct him and it looks like it'll happen, though WWE's not thrilled with it.
Mark briscoe's out for 4-6 months, but surgery DID go well.
Dr. Astin (remember from the He-Whose-Name-We-Do-Not-Speak murder/suicide?) may have reached a plea deal.
http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/n...e,-Dr.-Phil-Astin-Reaches-Plea-Deal,-More.htm

If you didn't see it, WWE.com has Victoria's farewell speech up.
Best Buy's giving a bonus disc away with WWE The Music Vol. 9. Track listing after the jump....
http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/n...s-Farewell,-WWE-CD-Bonus,-Mean-Gene,-More.htm

Dawn Marie will be doing autographs at the NY ComicCon.
Ric Flair 'heard' about Austin's request, but "didn't know if it was true or not". Flair did say "it'd be cool".
Before They Were Stars: Matt Sydal (evan bourne) drops tomorrow.
http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/n...on-the-Radio,-ROH-Rising-Above-2009,-More.htm

DAMN. Orton got into it with a fan. Doesn't sound good...
http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/n...ericho-and-Hardy-Off-of-House-Shows,-More.htm

Low-Ki... the original idea was for Rey to no longer be "the giant killer" 24/7 and throw down with someone his own size.
Speaking of, Rey resigned for 3 years, with a 2-year option.
and a spoiler on a new 'Legacy' member.
http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/n...-Status,-DH-Smith//s-Future,-Low-Ki,-More.htm

Trish Stratus talks about Victoria retiring.
http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/n...Stratus-Blog,-Lashley-Speaks-on-UFC,-More.htm

and a look at the Royal Rumble, complete with 'trends' and storyline predictions.
http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/columns/94730