offical wwe thread

WWE RAW Results: 1-19-09

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

1 -- BATTLE ROYALE match

A few seconds into the match, the lights went down and out. Lawler covered that Kane was having another entrance. Lights came back on a few seconds later, then all of the heels ganged up on Kane and Kofi until Legacy decided to dump Santino out of the ring at 1:00.

Legacy then dumped Kofi over the top rope, leaving Kane against the Legacy. Out went Cody Rhodes very quickly. DiBiase then skinned the cat before coming back into the ring to nearly eliminate everyone, but Orton held onto the top rope and won because only one of his feet hit the ring. Afterward, Orton celebrated with his boys in the ring.

WINNER: Randy Orton at 1:50. Well, that was insanely short for a battle royale. And they went to sell a Rumble PPV on Sunday? (n/a)

2 -- Women's champion BETH PHOENIX vs. KELLY KELLY -- non-title match

Kelly sporting a Chicago Blackhawks half-jersey to get the local cheers. Beth quickly shoved Kelly down to the mat before Kelly kicked back only to take a big chest smash. Fans were hot with a "Kelly, Kelly" chant before Beth nailed her sit-out facebuster for the pin.

WINNER: Beth at 1:30. Quick squash for Beth to set up her title match against Melina at the Rumble.

3 -- IC champion WILLIAM REGAL (w/Layla) vs. C.M. PUNK -- Intercontinental Title match -- No DQ

Punk landed some stiff kicks to the chest in the ongoing, then Regal rolled to the floor to recover. Punk blocked a suplex on the floor, then rammed him into the ringpost and nailed a kick to the back. Back in the ring, Punk snapped off a suplex before landing more leg blows to the back. Let's get a break.

Back from break, Regal was in trouble with Punk locking him in a submission hold inside the ropes. Punk locked that sucker in forever with no five count in a No DQ, so Layla pulled Punk off. The distraction allowed Regal to smash Punk onto the ring apron. Back in the ring, Regal went to work on Punk with submission holds. Suddenly, they had a standing exchange with forearm blows until Punk landed a spinning backfist and a roundhouse kick to the head. Punk made a cover, but only a two count at 8:00.

Punk with the high knee in the corner, but Regal blocked the bulldog and hit a half-nelson release suplex that dropped Punk straight on his neck. Geez. Regal made a cover, but only a two count. Regal went back to work, then wanted the big knee smash, but Punk ducked and wanted the G2S (huge pop for the tease). Regal fought the hold with repeated elbow smashes, but Punk dropped him with the G2S for the pin and the win to set off a wild celebration in Chicago. Punk soaked up the moment for a few minutes while they replayed the finish and stayed in the moment for quite some time. Nice to see that.

WINNER: C.M. Punk at 9:50 to capture the IC Title. Stiff as a mother match. Excellent work by both men with plenty of intensity and a great exchange of offense. Punk nearly breaking his neck was a momentary setback, but a great 10-minute TV bout nevertheless. (***)

4 -- REY MYSTERIO vs. MIKE KNOX

Rey quickly knocked Knox to the floor, then wanted a dropkick, but Knox clotheslined him from his knees on Rey's level. Rey then slingshot Knox across the ring and wanted the 619, but Knox caught his legs and "disconnected the call" before whiplashing Rey throat-first across the middle rope. Knox then wiped the blood off his mouth and began attacking Rey with a vicious beating in the corner. Ref DQ'ed him for not breaking a five count, then Knox went back for more by nailing the Knox Out in center ring.

WINNER: Rey Mysterio via DQ at 2:50. Just fine to keep the storyline going. Did I just write that? Not right. We'll see where this goes before passing judgment this week. (*)

5 -- World tag team champions THE MIZ & JOHN MORRISON vs. CRYME TYME (SHAD GASPAR & JTG) -- non-title match

CT stole the victory in less than two minutes running referee interference to set up Shad for a front slam on Morrison for the pin. Miz was beside himself afterward.

WINNERS: Cryme Tyme at 1:30. Another too-short match tonight. Promo exchange was more intriguing than the match, which is typical for this feud. (1/2*)

6 -- MELINA vs. JILLIAN HALL

A few seconds into the action, Beth, Santino, and Rosa walked to the ringside area while Jillian yanked on Melina's hair in the corner. Jill nearly botched a move, but slammed Melina to the mat. Out of the corner, Melina rolled through on Jillian with a sunset flip pin for the win. Post-match: Rosa jumped into the ring to earn her keep by attacking Melina, which allowed Beth to sneak into the ring and gave her the chicken wing front-face slam to set up their match at the Rumble. Afterward, Beth stormed out of the ring, leaving Santino to ponder things.

WINNER: Melina at 1:20. Just a quick set-up for the Rumble. (1/2*)

Last part of the show was Vince McMahon's return, Chris Jericho groveling for his job and finished with Randy Orton kicking in Vince's head. Show went 18 minutes over...about the length of the combined matches in the show.

Arcademan said:

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

1 -- BATTLE ROYALE match

A few seconds into the match, the lights went down and out. Lawler covered that Kane was having another entrance. Lights came back on a few seconds later, then all of the heels ganged up on Kane and Kofi until Legacy decided to dump Santino out of the ring at 1:00.

Legacy then dumped Kofi over the top rope, leaving Kane against the Legacy. Out went Cody Rhodes very quickly. DiBiase then skinned the cat before coming back into the ring to nearly eliminate everyone, but Orton held onto the top rope and won because only one of his feet hit the ring. Afterward, Orton celebrated with his boys in the ring.

WINNER: Randy Orton at 1:50. Well, that was insanely short for a battle royale. And they went to sell a Rumble PPV on Sunday? (n/a)

2 -- Women's champion BETH PHOENIX vs. KELLY KELLY -- non-title match

Kelly sporting a Chicago Blackhawks half-jersey to get the local cheers. Beth quickly shoved Kelly down to the mat before Kelly kicked back only to take a big chest smash. Fans were hot with a "Kelly, Kelly" chant before Beth nailed her sit-out facebuster for the pin.

WINNER: Beth at 1:30. Quick squash for Beth to set up her title match against Melina at the Rumble.

3 -- IC champion WILLIAM REGAL (w/Layla) vs. C.M. PUNK -- Intercontinental Title match -- No DQ

Punk landed some stiff kicks to the chest in the ongoing, then Regal rolled to the floor to recover. Punk blocked a suplex on the floor, then rammed him into the ringpost and nailed a kick to the back. Back in the ring, Punk snapped off a suplex before landing more leg blows to the back. Let's get a break.

Back from break, Regal was in trouble with Punk locking him in a submission hold inside the ropes. Punk locked that sucker in forever with no five count in a No DQ, so Layla pulled Punk off. The distraction allowed Regal to smash Punk onto the ring apron. Back in the ring, Regal went to work on Punk with submission holds. Suddenly, they had a standing exchange with forearm blows until Punk landed a spinning backfist and a roundhouse kick to the head. Punk made a cover, but only a two count at 8:00.

Punk with the high knee in the corner, but Regal blocked the bulldog and hit a half-nelson release suplex that dropped Punk straight on his neck. Geez. Regal made a cover, but only a two count. Regal went back to work, then wanted the big knee smash, but Punk ducked and wanted the G2S (huge pop for the tease). Regal fought the hold with repeated elbow smashes, but Punk dropped him with the G2S for the pin and the win to set off a wild celebration in Chicago. Punk soaked up the moment for a few minutes while they replayed the finish and stayed in the moment for quite some time. Nice to see that.

WINNER: C.M. Punk at 9:50 to capture the IC Title. Stiff as a mother match. Excellent work by both men with plenty of intensity and a great exchange of offense. Punk nearly breaking his neck was a momentary setback, but a great 10-minute TV bout nevertheless. (***)

4 -- REY MYSTERIO vs. MIKE KNOX

Rey quickly knocked Knox to the floor, then wanted a dropkick, but Knox clotheslined him from his knees on Rey's level. Rey then slingshot Knox across the ring and wanted the 619, but Knox caught his legs and "disconnected the call" before whiplashing Rey throat-first across the middle rope. Knox then wiped the blood off his mouth and began attacking Rey with a vicious beating in the corner. Ref DQ'ed him for not breaking a five count, then Knox went back for more by nailing the Knox Out in center ring.

WINNER: Rey Mysterio via DQ at 2:50. Just fine to keep the storyline going. Did I just write that? Not right. We'll see where this goes before passing judgment this week. (*)

5 -- World tag team champions THE MIZ & JOHN MORRISON vs. CRYME TYME (SHAD GASPAR & JTG) -- non-title match

CT stole the victory in less than two minutes running referee interference to set up Shad for a front slam on Morrison for the pin. Miz was beside himself afterward.

WINNERS: Cryme Tyme at 1:30. Another too-short match tonight. Promo exchange was more intriguing than the match, which is typical for this feud. (1/2*)

6 -- MELINA vs. JILLIAN HALL

A few seconds into the action, Beth, Santino, and Rosa walked to the ringside area while Jillian yanked on Melina's hair in the corner. Jill nearly botched a move, but slammed Melina to the mat. Out of the corner, Melina rolled through on Jillian with a sunset flip pin for the win. Post-match: Rosa jumped into the ring to earn her keep by attacking Melina, which allowed Beth to sneak into the ring and gave her the chicken wing front-face slam to set up their match at the Rumble. Afterward, Beth stormed out of the ring, leaving Santino to ponder things.

WINNER: Melina at 1:20. Just a quick set-up for the Rumble. (1/2*)

Last part of the show was Vince McMahon's return, Chris Jericho groveling for his job and finished with Randy Orton kicking in Vince's head. Show went 18 minutes over...about the length of the combined matches in the show.

Click to expand...

What the hell? What's with all of these short matches? I felt sorry for those having to sit through that live.

So everyone knows and mainly "Arcademan". I dont know what the hell is going on in WWE/TNA. Well I heard TNA is turning in to another WCW.

Anyway...these last few days I've been watching "WWF The Main Event" episodes on youtube. Wow...great memories...and wrestling was at it's hype in the 80's. I miss the theme song...and the great wrestlers! I just had to let you know! Snif snif!

There are some great classic matches posted on YouTube. Know any great ones? Just leave a linky here and watch the days when wrestling was worth watching

ECW on Sci-Fi Results: 1-20-09

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

1 -- RICKY ORTIZ vs. ADAM EVANS

Ortiz needs to turn heel or just go away. Crowd quiet as Ortiz easily worked over Evans, who over-did the selling of a weak-looking backbreaker. Grisham said Ortiz is still trying to "find his way here in ECW." In other words, he isn't that good in the ring. Ortiz attempted a side belly-to-back suplex and managed not to break the dude's neck before landing a football shoulder tackle. Ortiz then pulled out the rally towel, which drew boos. Ortiz then landed the Big O splash for the pin and the win. Post-match: Swagger took the mic and looked for the cheap pop asking Chi-Town for their support. He told them to "Rally Up." Ortiz then walked over to a fan on the front row and gave him a towel. Fan really didn't want the towel, but he accepted to be nice.

WINNER: Ortiz in 2:00. Let the crowd response indicate the direction of the character. Either turn him heel or send him away. (n/a)

2 -- THE BOOGEYMAN vs. PAUL BURCHILL (w/Katie Lea)

Striker said Burchill has an "interesting workout regiment." Couldn't see the match, as Boogeyman's ring entrance smoke hovered over the ring for the length of the match. So much for McMahon taking wrestling out of smoke-filled arenas. Fans chanted Boogeyman's name, then Katie snuck into the ring and kicked Boogey in the back to cause a DQ. Boogey clotheslined Burchill to the floor and chased after Katie. He tossed her into the ring and teased the worms down the throat, but Burchill pulled his sis out of the ring. They took off running to avoid Boogey.

WINNER: Boogeyman via DQ in 2:00. Eh. Would have liked to have seen this given a chance to test the limits of both wrestlers with at least five minutes. Yes, as torturous as that could be, but they need to find out whether either one can do anything of substance on this show. (n/a)

3 -- FINLAY (w/Hornswoggle) vs. MARK HENRY (w/Tony Atlas) vs. World tag champion THE MIZ vs. World tag champion JOHN MORRISON

One pin or submission ends the match tonight. They did some Rumble spots early on, including Finlay dumping Morrison over the top rope to the floor. Cut to break.

Miz and Morrison tried to double up on Henry, but Henry fought them off easily with a round of clotheslines. Finlay then snuck in behind Henry and wanted a second rope splash, but Henry caught him, dropped him to his feet, and kicked him to the mat. Finlay then came back with a DDT on Henry before Miz and Morrison dropkicked Henry underneath the bottom rope to the floor. Tag champs then stomped on Finlay before giving him a double gut-buster. Things slowed down considerably as Finlay fought the champs in an odd fashion.

Henry decided he was done with things, despite Tony's pleadings, so he walked off. Meanwhile, Horny with a tadpole splash on Morrison. Finlay then dropped Miz with the Celtic Cross, but Morrison prevented a pin with a stiff knee smash to the face. Morrison then covered Miz ? for the pin and the win. Morrison declared himself victorious while Miz was shocked that his partner pinned him. A little Shelley-Sabin deal here. Grisham said it's every man for himself at the Rumble on Sunday. Morrison posed once more while Miz remained annoyed to close the show.

WINNER: John Morrison in 10:00. Had some rough patches, but a nice finish to (a) build-up the Rumble and (b) preview the future and inevitable splitting-up of Miz and Morrison for singles pushes down the line. Not the epic hard-sell for Sunday to close the show, which I thought should have been the Swagger-Hardy pull-apart. (*1/2)

heyy. new around here

hello everyone!

i would like to say that so far this week has been kinda weak for the build up for the rumble.

haha so is Randy Orton really fired?

Arcademan said:

There are some great classic matches posted on YouTube. Know any great ones? Just leave a linky here and watch the days when wrestling was worth watching

Click to expand...

I'll post them from time to time...but here's one to get you started. I watched this one a couple of days ago.


Just listen to the cool theme of The Main Event and watch the awesome commericals. Like Coors light...etc


WWF MAIN EVENT HULK VS ANDRE ,SAVAGE VS HONKY TONK MAN PT1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzuocOkH_-0

HULK VS ANDRE ,SAVAGE VS HONKY TONK MAN PT2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4bCE5HV3kM&feature=related

HULK HOGAN VS ANDRE THE GIANT PT3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixjGBlJEf7A&feature=related

HULK HOGAN VS. ANDRE THE GIANT PART 4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbouXyuSBWI&feature=related

HULK HOGAN VS. ANDRE THE GIANT PART5
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3n1YxjRJu6Q&feature=related

HULK HOGAN VS. ANDRE THE GIANT PART 6
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSPMxa3WENY&feature=related

Duck King said:

hello everyone!

i would like to say that so far this week has been kinda weak for the build up for the rumble.

haha so is Randy Orton really fired?

Click to expand...

First of all, welcome to the Neo-Geo and especially the Official Wrestling Thread. Feel free to look back at the old posts as we have pretty much the last few years of results here.

Second, I agree...no build-up for the Rumble at all. Last year they had qualifying matches and such but they bypassed all that this year. There was an attempt to build up the Rumble via the Swagger/Matt Hardy confrontation last night but the rest of the show failed to follow up on it.

Third...Randy Orton isn't fired no more than Chris Jericho but it'll be interesting to see what storyline follows between the McMahons and Orton and Legacy team.

Insaneclown said:

I'll post them from time to time...but here's one to get you started. I watched this one a couple of days ago.


Just listen to the cool theme of The Main Event and watch the awesome commericals. Like Coors light...etc


WWF MAIN EVENT HULK VS ANDRE ,SAVAGE VS HONKY TONK MAN PT1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzuocOkH_-0

HULK VS ANDRE ,SAVAGE VS HONKY TONK MAN PT2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4bCE5HV3kM&feature=related

HULK HOGAN VS ANDRE THE GIANT PT3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixjGBlJEf7A&feature=related

HULK HOGAN VS. ANDRE THE GIANT PART 4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbouXyuSBWI&feature=related

HULK HOGAN VS. ANDRE THE GIANT PART5
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3n1YxjRJu6Q&feature=related

HULK HOGAN VS. ANDRE THE GIANT PART 6
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSPMxa3WENY&feature=related

Click to expand...

Cool beans, Insaneclown...I'll be sure to check them out and thanks again for the links

The second hour of last week's WWE Raw from January 12 topped all of cable TV for the week of Jan. 12. The second hour, which featured WWE World Hvt. champion John Cena against Shawn Michaels, averaged 5.41 million viewers.

The first hour averaged a solid 5.09 million viewers and finished third among all cable TV programming for the week. USA Network had eight out of the top 20 shows on cable for the week.

Nielsen usually releases only the top 20 shows of the week, but they also provided some ratings information for notable cable TV programs that were well out of the top 20. Surprisingly, the Lakers vs. Spurs NBA game airing on ESPN last Wednesday night only averaged 1.96 million viewers.

Arcademan said:

First of all, welcome to the Neo-Geo and especially the Official Wrestling Thread. Feel free to look back at the old posts as we have pretty much the last few years of results here.

Second, I agree...no build-up for the Rumble at all. Last year they had qualifying matches and such but they bypassed all that this year. There was an attempt to build up the Rumble via the Swagger/Matt Hardy confrontation last night but the rest of the show failed to follow up on it.

Third...Randy Orton isn't fired no more than Chris Jericho but it'll be interesting to see what storyline follows between the McMahons and Orton and Legacy team.

Click to expand...

thank you Arcademan i have been around here just looking around but never got around to becoming a member =P

didnt they do the number drawings last year too on raw? im sure tomorrow night on SD they are just going to hype up the jeff and edge match and thats about it lol.

haha well i wont mind saying goodbye to orton it just seems to cocky and way over due for an ass whoppin' in the ring.

so is Jericho going to be in the rumble match?

Here's the list so far for the 2009 Royal Rumble according to WWE.com:

Finlay
Mark Henry
CM Punk
R-Truth
Carlito
The Brian Kendrick
*Triple H
Big Show
Vladimir Koslov
Shelton Benjamin
*The Undertaker
Randy Orton
Chris Jericho
Kofi Kingston
*Rey Mysterio
The Miz
John Morrison
Cody Rhodes
Ted Dibiase
Santino Marella
+Kane

*-Past Royal Rumble Winners
= - Most consecutive RR matches (this is #11)

Arcademan said:

Here's the list so far for the 2009 Royal Rumble according to WWE.com:

Finlay
Mark Henry
CM Punk
R-Truth
Carlito
The Brian Kendrick
*Triple H
Big Show
Vladimir Koslov
Shelton Benjamin
*The Undertaker
Randy Orton
Chris Jericho
Kofi Kingston
*Rey Mysterio
The Miz
John Morrison
Cody Rhodes
Ted Dibiase
Santino Marella
+Kane

*-Past Royal Rumble Winners
= - Most consecutive RR matches (this is #11)

Click to expand...

Thank you very much

9 open spots left

my pick this year has to go to Vladimir Koslov

Past Royal Rumble Winners

Courtesy of WWE.com

1988- "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan (spot No. 13)
1989- Big John Studd (spot No. 27)
1990- Hulk Hogan (spot No. 25)
1991- Hulk Hogan (spot No. 24)
1992- Ric Flair (spot No. 3)
1993- Yokozuna (spot No. 27)
1994- Bret Hart (spot No. 27) and Lex Luger (spot No. 23) Tied!
1995- Shawn Michaels (spot No. 1)
1996- Shawn Michaels (spot No. 18 )
1997- "Stone Cold" Steve Austin (spot No. 5)
1998- "Stone Cold" Steve Austin (spot No. 24)
1999- Mr. McMahon (spot No. 2)
2000- The Rock (spot No. 5)
2001- "Stone Cold" Steve Austin (spot No. 27)
2002- Triple H (spot No. 22)
2003- Brock Lesnar (spot No. 29)
2005- Batista (spot No. 28: won in sudden death over John Cena)
2006- Rey Mysterio (spot No. 2)
2007- Undertaker (spot No. 30)
2008- John Cena (spot No. 30)

Note that WWE does not have the 2004 Royal Rumble resluts posted since he who will remain nameless won it that year...

Funny how much WWE tries to distance themselves from you know who, on the 2004 Wrestlemania 20 main page has the picture of Chris Benoit holding the title with the late Eddie Guerrero at his side. Also this little poll is posted there:

Which is the most memorable match from WrestleMania XX?
Chris Benoit vs. Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels 79.10 %
Undertaker vs. Kane 9.61 %
Eddie Guerrero vs. Kurt Angle 9.71 %
Cruiserweight Open 1.56 %

Total Votes: 163550

Tragic that the end of his life was, he still has a firm spot in WWE History, like it or not

Duck King said:

Thank you very much

9 open spots left

my pick this year has to go to Vladimir Koslov

Click to expand...

I predict that Evan Bourne and Christian will be surprise participants

Arcademan said:

Funny how much WWE tries to distance themselves from you know who, on the 2004 Wrestlemania 20 main page has the picture of Chris Benoit holding the title with the late Eddie Guerrero at his side. Also this little poll is posted there:

Which is the most memorable match from WrestleMania XX?
Chris Benoit vs. Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels 79.10 %
Undertaker vs. Kane 9.61 %
Eddie Guerrero vs. Kurt Angle 9.71 %
Cruiserweight Open 1.56 %

Total Votes: 163550

Tragic that the end of his life was, he still has a firm spot in WWE History, like it or not

Click to expand...

The thing that makes Benoit a big problem is that he was the best worker in the world when he died. All of the other wrestlers looked to him as a model.

This creates a nightmare for WWE because the guy that everyone looked up to, the best of the best, the heir to Bret Hart, became a sick cold-blooded murderer. Why did this happen? It doesn't matter because every possible cause (steroids, concussions, even stress) leads back to WWE. That's why they don't mention him - it isn't because of what he did (there have been wrestlers who were murderers before) but it's because Benoit's crimes can be linked back to being a professional wrestler.

All of that being said, I don't like that they don't mention him. That's like talking about great running backs and not mentioning OJ Simpson.

Duck King said:

Thank you very much

9 open spots left

my pick this year has to go to Vladimir Koslov

Click to expand...

HELL NO!!! I'd guess Randy Orton - he's easily the most hated heel in WWE right now.

TNA Impact! Results: 1-22-09

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

1 -- X Division champion ALEX SHELLEY vs. CHRIS SABIN vs. SHEIK ABDUL BASHIR vs. SONJAY DUTT (w/So Cal Val) -- X Division Title match

Reinstated ref Sewell has the ref assignment tonight. Apparently there's a deal where Sheik and Dutt are working together. Ya know, for the same reasons Kong, Bolt, and Rhaka are together. Dutt and Bashir decided to let the Guns start off against other, then they snuck in behind after an initial stand-off. At 4:00, Sharmell walked down to ringside to get a close look at the action, presumably due to Shane's presence as ref since Shane confronted Booker T at the PPV. Dutt scored a nearfall at 5:00, then Shelley awkwardly rolled him up from behind with Sabin occupying Sheik to score the pin and the win.

WINNER: Shelley in 6:00 to retain the X Division Title. Fine action, but too many attempted highspots without any flow to tell a memorable story. They just need to find one solid storyline within the Division to focus on, and start re-building the division. Otherwise, these matches are just there to be there. (*)

2 -- SOJOURNER BOLT vs. ODB

It's been like half-an-hour since we had a match here. No Kongtourage out with Bolt tonight. Tenay announced ODB vs. Kong for the Knockouts Title at the Against All Odds PPV. Sojo jumped ODB from behind to jump-start the action. A few minutes into the action, Awesome Kong stormed the ring and put the boots to ODB to cause a DQ. Post-match: Kong gave ODB the implant buster while the Kongtourage came into the ring. Roxxi and Taylor Wilde then stormed the ring to clear the heels as back-up for ODB.

WINNER: ODB via DQ in 3:00. We finally get a match on this show and it ends with a DQ in a few minutes. Eh. Same chapter, different paragraph with this feud that will never end. (n/a)

3 -- MAIN EVENT MAFIA (SCOTT STEINER & Legends champion BOOKER T w/Sharmell) vs. FRONTLINE (ERIC YOUNG & PETEY WILLIAMS) -- Elimination match

Before the match started, Don West mentioned the Team Canada connection between Petey and Eric Young. First time I've thought of A-1 in probably a year. Match started with Young and Booker exchanging holds. Mafia took control and started working over Young in their corner. They eventually beat him down to score an easy pinfall on Young, leaving Petey by himself against the Mafia.

Back from break at the top of the hour, they recapped how the Mafia beat down on Petey during the commercial. Steiner talked trash, then chucked Petey over the top rope, but Petey skinned the cat back into the ring and landed right hand blows on Steiner. Petey tried to land a ton of blows on Steiner to pummel him, but Steiner ducked to the floor for a breather.

Booker then got his tag to get a piece of Petey. He quickly subdued Petey before landing trademark chops to the chest. He missed with a leg scissors, though, and Petey landed a dropkick for a two count. Booker came right back with a powerslam before pulling up on a pin attempt to inflict more damage. Steiner tagged in and Petey landed a tornado DDT, but Steiner kicked out. Petey wanted the Destroyer, but Booker superkicked him to set up Steiner for a top rope fallaway slam. Steiner had the pin, but he pulled up to inflict more damage.

At 11:00, Booker had another pin, but he pulled up before a three count. Booker then delivered the axe kick in center ring to KO Petey. He had the pin and decided to get the three count this time. Afterward, Shane was upset with the treatment of Petey there. He then raised Booker and Steiner's hands in victory while shaking his head in disgust. Booker suddenly slapped Shane across the face and talked trash to him. Shane then Shaned Up and spun around to punch Booker. Steiner cut him off, though, and Booker gave him the book-end in center ring. Shane took a beating, then ref Earl Hebner tried to make the save, but he was scared of Steiner and Booker, who snapped on Shane. Sharmell tried to talk some sense into him as Hebner finally was able to enter the ring to check on Shane.

WINNERS: Booker & Steiner in 12:00. Very dominating victory for the Mafia to re-establish control. Also a case study in how to book a babyface to look sympathetic and ready to see him get revenge (Shane) and how to book a babyface to look pathetic for not being able to back-up a sneak attack (Petey). (*3/4)

4 -- TNA tag team champions BEER MONEY, INC. (ROBERT ROODE & JAMES STORM) vs. ABYSS & MATT MORGAN -- First Blood non-title match

BMI came to the ring after the break, but the male companions attacked the champs on the ramp to start a ringside brawl. Tenay and West said refs are standing around with towels to check for the first blood in this one. The action moved to the ring where Abyss wedged a chair in the turnbuckles to set up Roode, but Roode blocked a corner splash and hit a Blockbuster from the middle rope. Roode then landed right hand blows on Abyss, but no blood. Roode then took the chair to the face missing in the corner on Abyss, but no blood.

Morgan brought Storm back into the ring and landed elbow smashes, but no blood. Roode and Abyss battled to the floor and Roode got the better of that to re-enter the ring and smash Morgan with a belt shot. No blood, though. Abyss then walked back into the ring and took a kick from Storm. He wanted the Last Call superkcik, but Abyss blocked and nailed a chokeslam. BMI then tried to double-team Abyss and they nailed a suplex. Roode wanted a chairshot, but Morgan grabbed the chair from behind and cleared the heels to the corner. What came next was the inevitable of Morgan turning on Abyss with a chair shot to the head that opened up Abyss's forehead to give BMI the win.

Post-match: Morgan licked his lips and then opened up Abyss with a flurry of punches and kicks. Morgan cleared out the mall cops trying to run security, then the camera focused on the leaky faucet releasing blood from Abyss's forehead. Morgan landed another chair shot to the head. Yes, more chair shots to the head involving Abyss because Abyss desperately wants to be lumped in that "Abdullah, Funk, Foley" category. Morgan shouted down to Abyss that he did this to himself.

WINNERS: Beer Money in 6:00. All about the follow-up with Abyss and Morgan. Match was standard brawl-around-the-arena TNA fare. (*1/4)

5 -- A.J. STYLES vs. KURT ANGLE -- Tables match

West pointed out Styles has virtually zero back-up tonight with Rhino still out with an injury from the PPV, Joe injured, Foley in Europe, and Jarrett out of commission. What about ODB? She's probably recovered from her beating. Match started with Angle on the offensive grounding Styles on the mat.

Before they cut to a break, Styles knocked Angle to the floor, then Angle tried to roll back into the ring to avoid Styles's offense and a potential trip through a table. Cut to break with Angle on the defensive.

They returned from break with Angle in control and going for a table. West gave us a word on how dangerous the tables actually are when people take it for granted. Angle brought the furniture into the ring and Angle paused to survey a cut on his thumb. Deep cut at that, as the camera focused on blood coming out of his right palm near the thumb while Angle had a headlock on Styles. Angle unfolded the table at 8:00 and set up Styles for a top rope move through the wood, but Styles fought him off. They had a right-hand blow exchange before Styles crotched Angle on the edge of the table. Ouch.

At 10:00, Styles made his full-fledged comeback and stalked Angle for a potential trip through the wood, but Angle got to his feet and forearmed Styles to the ring apron. Styles answered with the springboard flying forearm that brushed Angle on the head. Styles wanted the Clash, but Angle blocked, only to have Styles roll through, but Angle countered with the anklelock. Styles escaped and then nailed a Pele kick on Angle. Styles put Angle on the table, then went up top, but Angle cat-quick hopped up top to block Styles. Angle then grappled Styles and nailed the Angle Slam through the table in center ring for the win.

WINNER: Angle in 12:00. Good, decisive TV main event. Styles had enough offense to remain credible before setting up the post-match. (**1/2)

Anyone else get 24/7?

They're getting to the sweet spot with the Monday Night Wars.

J. Max said:

HELL NO!!! I'd guess Randy Orton - he's easily the most hated heel in WWE right now.

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im already tired of orton (same story with cena and edge)

i want new people holding the belt and i do belive they should give Koslov a try

@ Reality Check
as much as i would like to see him in it, i dont think Bourne is going to make it. if Christian made his return at the rumble that would be pretty badass!

also i think they will use goldust as a filler in the rumble match

WWE Smackdown Results: 1-23-09

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

(1) U.S. champion SHELTON BENJAMIN vs. THE UNDERTAKER. Looking forward to watching this based on Greg Parks's report, although I'm not a big fan of throwing out Taker matches on free TV without build-up. He needs the Shawn Michaels treatment of having his free TV matches treated like a huge deal to increase his PPV drawing power for the last stage of his career.

Shelton had a great counter at 8:00, taking Taker out of the chokeslam into a leaping DDT for a nearfall. Ross with a nice piece of commentary that he thought Shelton scored a three count based on the position of the ref's hand. Shelton then got caught on Taker, who locked in the Devil's Gate triangle choke out of nowhere for the tap-out victory. WINNER: Taker in 11:00. Very nice match. Shelton looked good in defeat to Taker with several close nearfalls. (**1/2)

(2) GREAT KHALI beat CHAVO GUERRERO in 2:00. Khali has that "Ultimate Warrior" babyface vibe that fans react when he comes out (not to the level of Warrior), but then the match starts and people lose interest. Khali with the chokebomb for the pin and the win. Effectively built up Khali as a threat in the Rumble (like Taker) and showed that Chavo is a fool working for aunt Vickie if she's going to book him in an obvious squash. (n/a)

(3) NIKKI & BRIE BELLA no-contest MICHELLE McCOOL & NATALYA in 2:00. New divas champion Maryse was out on commentary, making her first TV appearance since the house show injury in December. Couldn't understand half of what she said, but that wasn't the point based on the outfit. Suddenly, Maria stormed the ring to jump McCool, causing the match to be thrown out. Michelle eventually got the best of Maria and kneed her into the guardrail. More focus on Michelle, but disappointing use of Natalya.

(3) MATT HARDY vs. EDGE -- No DQ. Weapons entered play at 3:00, bringing up an "E-C-dub" chant from three people near an arena mic. Crowd was hot for the vile exchange, which included a trashcan lid shot to the head. Why the continued use of weapon shots to the head in 2009? Crowd was hot for the brawl, which was interrupted by Mark Henry at 6:00. Hardy fought him off, hit the Twist on Edge, but ECW champ Jack Swagger interrupted and gutwrench powerbombed Hardy. Good to see Swagger in a position of strength on Smackdown this week. Edge with the spear on a lifeless Hardy for the win. WINNER: Edge in 7:00. Nice brawl to set up Edge vs. Jeff and Swagger vs. Matt at the Rumble. Putting those four together would be a heck of a tag match coming out of the Rumble, by the way. (**)

(4) World tag team champions THE MIZ & JOHN MORRISON vs. WWE tag team champions CARLITO & PRIMO COLON. Tazz talked up his WWE debut at the 2000 Royal Rumble. No mention that Tazz beat Kurt Angle. Good, fast-paced action here. Morrison and Carlito exchanged great nearfalls with counters of roll-ups, then Morrison gave Carlito then high knee to the jaw. Miz made a blind tag and Carlito didn't see it when he gave Mo the backstabber. Miz then rolled up Carlito from behind for the win. WINNERS: Miz & Morrison in 12:00. Good second-half to the tag match. Primo doesn't jump off the screen like M&M, but he's effective in his secondary role to Carlito. Nice match. Much better undercard on Smackdown this week compared to recent shows. (**)

(5) TRIPLE H vs. KOSLOV. Koslov's unbeaten record is on the line here. Two minutes into the deal, Vickie excused herself on stage to change things up. Someone is missing from the match. Now, it's a handicap match with Big Show as the other opponent. Apparently Vickie wasn't in the mood to watch another slow-down-drag-out between Hunter and Koslov from Survivor Series.

(5b) TRIPLE H vs. KOSLOV & BIG SHOW. Hunter was on the defensive early on in this one. Koslov lost control for the heels, and Hunter gave him a spinebuster before Show KO'ed Hunter to block a Pedigree. Koslov then scooped up Hunter and gave him a modified Rock Bottom for the pin and the win. WINNERS: Koslov & Show in 7:00. Afterward, Vickie was very pleased with herself and clapped it up. Soft sell going into the Rumble without much excitement to close the show. Excitement is more important than "babyface in jeopardy" to sell the Rumble PPV, so I disagree with the tone to close the show.

I'm digging Orton right now. He brings the sense of Chaos into Raw which is what was making raw so boring to begin with (no sense of Chaos)

TNA...TOO MUCH DRAMA and the MEM....I hate the MEM not as heels or whatever I just hate them..poor booking hate.

WWE Royal Rumble PPV Results: 1-25-09

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

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

Swagger became very frustrated early on, so he took a powder on the outside. Hardy then met him on the floor with a straight right hand before rolling him back into the ring. Back in the ring, they exchanged control as Swagger focused his attack on the left arm. Swagger nailed a belly-to-belly suplex at 8:00, but Hardy kicked out in time. Swagger then followed with a single-arm DDT on the left arm for another close count. Both men were fatigued as they returned to their feet. Hardy fought off Swagger on the top turnbuckle, then Hardy went for everything with a moonsault - nearly smashing Swagger legit in the face - but Swagger kicked out. Swagger then rammed Hardy into the ringpost and wanted the gutwrench, but Hardy fought it. Swagger eventually got him in the air - showing off his strength - and nailed the gutwrench powerbomb for the pin and the win.

Post-match: They stayed with Swagger's post-celebration for a little while, then stayed with Matt Hardy trying to collect himself, distraught over losing the match. Now, where does Hardy go from here?

WINNER: Swagger in 11:00 to retain the ECW Title. Good opening match and a solid PPV debut for Swagger. Some close nearfalls at the end got the crowd involved for the rest of the show. Announcers were solid, as usual. (**3/4)

GodOfHardcore said:

I'm digging Orton right now. He brings the sense of Chaos into Raw which is what was making raw so boring to begin with (no sense of Chaos)

TNA...TOO MUCH DRAMA and the MEM....I hate the MEM not as heels or whatever I just hate them..poor booking hate.

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They are the definition of "X-Pac Heat". They make me want to turn the channel, except Angle who's still entertaining. Speaking of X-Pac, I can't believe that he hasn't shown up in TNA recently.