offical wwe thread

I saw the whole show of Wrestlemania 25 from start to finish. It's definitely worth being free...not $60.

Best match...is no doubt in my mind...

HBK vs Undertaker!!!

Insaneclown said:

I saw the whole show of Wrestlemania 25 from start to finish. It's definitely worth being free...not $60.

Click to expand...

I bought Wrestlemania XX after a few years of waning interest because it was on my birthday and that was the last I've ever cared about modern, American, professional wrestling. Beyond that, I want to ask you and all who agree with you: Why do you suppose that the modern Wrestlemanias don't match-up well with the old ones? Are the wrestlers themselves less-skilled, and can't possibly rise to the occasion? Are they more-pressured, and panic into lackluster performances in a huge arena? Does the WWE focus too much upon the stories, and thus match-up wrestlers that don't match-up well? Is it that Wrestlemania doesn't necessarily "end" storylines, but merely serve as a bump in the road and so, there's less of a "climax" feeling?

Any insights from contemporary fans would be of interest to me. Thank you in advance for sharing.

WWE RAW Results: 4-6-09

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

1 -- UNIFIED tag team champions CARLITO & PRIMO COLON vs. THE MIZ & JOHN MORRISON -- Unified tag title match -- Lumberjack match

Morrison was chucked to the outside early in the match and the babyface jacks took their time getting in some shots before chucking him back into the ring. Colons in control heading to break.

Back from break, Carlito took a hot tag and nailed a neckbreaker on Miz for a two count. Miz then slingshot him to the apron and Carlito shoved him down onto the lumberjacks below. Awkward spot. Morrison then hopped up top and nailed a sick Shooting Star Press/450 splash onto all of the lumberjacks ringside. Whoa, where did that come from? Back in the ring, the action broke down, then Primo took Morrison to the floor. Lumberjack brawl broke out. Meanwhile, back in the ring, Miz blocked the backcracker and rolled up Carlito for a close two count. Miz couldn't believe it. He then put Carlito in the electric chair, but Carlito slipped out and hit the backstabber for the pin and the win to retain the belts.

WINNERS: Colons at 9:30. Very good TV tag match with the lumberjacks creating some movement ringside to enhance the match. Just a sample of how good the pre-PPV match was. (**1/4)

2 -- RAW DIVAS vs. SMACKDOWN DIVAS 10-diva tag match

Line-up for the Raw Divas was Kelly Kelly, Jillian Hall, Layla, Women's champion Melina, and Mickie James. Smackdown Divas had Eve Torres, Divas champion Maryse, Gail Kim, Natalya, and Maria. Might as well just mix and match the heel and babyface divas after Santino took over the division last night. Mickie scored the pin for her team after a DDT on Natalya, who took advantage of her chance to be on Raw TV earlier in the match.

WINNERS: Team Raw at 3:53. Interesting to see how the diva feuds shake up after the Draft next week. Perhaps they will finally break up Santino(a) and Beth after the Glamarella deal ran its course. (*)

3 -- World Hvt. champion JOHN CENA & C.M. PUNK & JEFF HARDY & RICKY STEAMBOAT & IC champion REY MYSTERIO vs. CHRIS JERICHO & MATT HARDY & KANE & BIG SHOW & EDGE

Match was joined in progress with Matt working over Rey. Jeff then took a tag and Matt scurried to his heel partners to tag in Edge. Hardy and Edge had a mis-communication trying to set up some spots, so Hardy tagged out to Cena. Cena set up Edge, then stared down Steamboat and milked a well-received tag to Ricky. He snapped off a top rope chop, then a thrust before slapping on an armbar. "You still got it," was the chant.

Kane tagged in and Ricky took him down to size, then he delivered a round of chops on the other heels. Crowd hot for Ricky, who went up for a chop on Kane. "Vintage Ricky the Dragon," Cole said to kill it all. Kane then dropped Steam with a sidewalk slam to begin a isolated attack on Steamboat. Crowd still very much behind Steamboat trying to rally him. Ricky ripped off some chops on Big Show, but Show cut him off. Jericho then came in and slapped on the Walls of Jericho, but Steamboat grabbed Jericho's ankles and rolled him up for a two count.

Punk then took a tag when Steamboat flipped away from Jericho and he cleaned house. Punk with a bulldog on Jericho, then he started clearing the heels off the apron until Kane nailed him with an uppercut. Jericho worked on Punk with some offense, then the heels started isolating Punk going into a break.

Back from break, Punk was still taking a beating. Show then tried to quiet the crowd for a frying-pan-like chop to the chest. Show then slap-tagged Edge into the match and the fighters for Vickie's affection shared unwelcoming glance. Kane tagged in and took Punk up top, but Punk fought him off to the mat. Punk wanted a second-rope smash, but Kane blocked with a chokeslam grip, but Punk countered with a tornado DDT. Babyfaces were itching for a hot tag and Hardy took the tag. He worked on Edge, who also took a tag. Hardy with a dropkick combo, then a pin for a two count. Matt tried to sneak in, but Jeff tossed him to the floor and hit a plancha. Cena took a tag in the interim, then Rey before Cena took Show over the top rope to the floor. Rey then set up Edge and Jericho for a double 619. Sick. Rey went up top and Steamboat went up top too. Steamboat hit a cross-body splash on Edge and Rey hit a top rope splash on Jericho simultaneously. Rey then made the pin for the win.

Post-match: Punk grabbed his briefcase and had a brief stare down with Cena. Punk can cash in that briefcase anytime. Steamboat receive a ton of love from Cena as the heels were shown taking the walk of shame. Steamboat then took center ring all for himself and celebrated in the ring one more time to cap off his amazing weekend. Cena, Rey, Punk, and Jeff were then shown standing on the entrance ramp giving Ricky a standing ovation. Ricky ran out of the ring and jumped into all of their arms.

WINNERS: Team Steamboat at 15:35 of TV time. Awesome match. Some guys just never lose that in-ring ability to wrestle and Steamboat has it in his bones. As long as he's breathing, he'll be able to tell a story in the ring. Awesome to see him the last two nights. Match had a fun finish to send 'em home happy 45 minutes early. (***1/2)

4 -- SANTINA MARELLA vs. BETH PHOENIX (w/Rosa Mendes)

They came back and aired a WWE.com exclusive of Santino dancing around the ring during the break while Beth just stood there embarrassed. Bell sounded back live and Beth slapped Santino across the chest. Santino tried to use Rosa against Beth, but Beth caught him back in the ring for a powerslam attempt. Santino held onto the top rope, though, and rolled on top of Beth to score a pin for the win.

WINNER: Santina at 1:18. Santino(a) played the comedy role just fine. Classic WWE sketch comedy featuring the absurd and men playing dress-up or being shown wearing off-color underwear to fulfill some sort of strange McMahon preference for filler wrestling segments. (n/a)

5 -- RANDY ORTON vs. VINCE MCMAHON

The bell sounded and McMahon stepped up to Orton for a big open-hand slap. Orton sold like he was shot in the face, then McMahon landed some more blows. He kicked Orton in the gut and the fight spilled to the floor where McMahon continued to dominate. Back in the ring, Orton slipped in a fallaway backbreaker to cut off McMahon. Orton waited for McMahon to slowly get up, then he grappled McMahon and gave him the RKO in center ring. Orton didn't make a cover, though. He waited for McMahon to slowly reach his knees, then Orton lined up McMahon for a Punt, but Shane stormed into the ring and pummeled Orton. Apparently it's No DQ, as the ref let it all go. Cody and Ted then jumped into the ring to attack Shane. Suddenly, Triple H stormed ringside and took out the Two Stooges on the floor. Hunter fought with Orton back in the ring until Cody and Ted jumped Hunter. Match still going on, apparently.

Suddenly, Batista's music hit. Oh snap! Batista came out on stage dressed to wrestle and he stormed the ring to tackle Orton. He cleared the heels, then shook the ropes, as the announcers screamed that "Batista is back!" Cody bailed before he could take a beating, but Hunter threw Cody back into the ring and Shane shoved Cody into Batista for a Batistabomb. Orton and Ted high-tailed it up the stage. Vince then talked from ringside that Batista will be taking his place at Backlash. Batista was pumped up as Orton and Ted bailed to the backstage area. They recapped the ending of the segment to close the show.

WINNER: Who knows in who knows when. Run-in came around 4:30, so we'll go with that, although the match never officially ended. Big surprise for Batista's return, but they're back on the same path of killing Randy Orton's heat. Orton being scripted to sell for McMahon was just as sad as him ridiculously selling SuperShane's punches the night after the Rumble. McMahon Family's over-inflated sense of self on TV defies logic. (1/2*)

What the heck? No focus on Michaels vs. Taker other than a 30-second spot in the middle of the show? That's absurd. I don't want to speculate that Hunter had something to do with this since HBK and Taker stole his WrestleMania moment, but if it smells like chicken and tastes like chicken, then it's chicken.

Zero Satori said:

I bought Wrestlemania XX after a few years of waning interest because it was on my birthday and that was the last I've ever cared about modern, American, professional wrestling. Beyond that, I want to ask you and all who agree with you: Why do you suppose that the modern Wrestlemanias don't match-up well with the old ones? Are the wrestlers themselves less-skilled, and can't possibly rise to the occasion? Are they more-pressured, and panic into lackluster performances in a huge arena? Does the WWE focus too much upon the stories, and thus match-up wrestlers that don't match-up well? Is it that Wrestlemania doesn't necessarily "end" storylines, but merely serve as a bump in the road and so, there's less of a "climax" feeling?

Any insights from contemporary fans would be of interest to me. Thank you in advance for sharing.

Click to expand...

Well, back in the good old days of pay-per-view, WrestleMania was that 'can't miss' event that brought up the fullest potentials of the wrestlers participating in it. Over time, other PPV events came in like The Survivor Series, SummerSlam and Royal Rumble. Still it was that 'can't miss' PPV event where all the storylines and fued came to a boil and were settled. Since then, the WWE decided to do PPV's on a monthly basis and even the major events have loss lots of their luster in the attempt to always go one up on each other and unfortunately, you can only go so high and have so many storylines before it gets too repetitive and to the point where you're now lucky to get one or two good matches surrounded by mediocrity.

Well, that's my take on it. If the WWE wants to get back to its roots, they need to stop the monthly PPV crap and go back to the big 4 or 5 PPV events, using the TV series (RAW, ECW, Smackdown and Superstars) to build up to and hype them and have resolving storylines and senerios in the PPVs.

Arcademan said:

Well, that's my take on it. If the WWE wants to get back to its roots, they need to stop the monthly PPV crap and go back to the big 4 or 5 PPV events, using the TV series (RAW, ECW, Smackdown and Superstars) to build up to and hype them and have resolving storylines and senerios in the PPVs.

Click to expand...

I completely agree! From both an old-style fan's perspective as well as a fan of other "fighting" pay-per-views over the years, given the opportunity, I think I'd set it up like this:

JANUARY: Royal Rumble
The focus is on, of course, the Royal Rumble. It should be an epic match at the end of the night, lasting an hour or more. The undercard would just be the warm-up act, with a couple of tag-team matches because the Royal Rumble itself promotes individual characters and their responces to danger.

SPRING: Wrestlemania
The grand-daddy of them all. I don't remember exactly how the saying goes, but it's about pageantry, celebrity, and putting-on the best damned show on Earth because it's meant to spread pro wrestling's appeal beyond the current base. Only the best and brightest get to fight here. Unlike the other PPVs, it wouldn't be used to "push" young talent.

SUMMER: King of the Ring
I chose this one over Summerslam because Summerslam itself never really had an appropriate "theme" that people could look forward-to. King of the Ring is honestly one of the most underappreciated events in western pro wrestling. They should get the best young stars and have them participate. New Japan Pro Wrestling does this, as did PRIDE Fighting Championship (BUSHIDOU) and the goal is simple: Give the young bucks the chance to shine. Even if they lose in the second round, they still got a minimum half-hour to show their stuff. WWE could up the ante by being more-willing to invite guests from other promotions, thereby attracting fans of multiple promotions and commentators going "Do you think this-and-this guy will finally get the chance to face this-and-this guy?" Oh, and leave ALL the old guys out. Period.

AUTUMN: Survivor Series
Four on four, single elimination, with a "final match" at the end where all the survivors face-off against one another. The drama of this event was astounding from its very inception; pairing-up wrestlers that otherwise wouldn't even bother to look each other in the eye. Adding a "Lethal Lottery" aspect to it would also be a good option, in-case the "HOGAN'S TEAM" versus "BRET HART'S TEAM" idea doesn't connect with fans.

...and so on. Back to Royal Rumble, and we're talking about a MEGA SHOW about every three months, each with a different theme and each accomplishing very different things for the company. Instead of watering each one down by having all sorts of different events, make each one something to look forward-to.

Zero Satori said:

I bought Wrestlemania XX after a few years of waning interest because it was on my birthday and that was the last I've ever cared about modern, American, professional wrestling. Beyond that, I want to ask you and all who agree with you: Why do you suppose that the modern Wrestlemanias don't match-up well with the old ones? Are the wrestlers themselves less-skilled, and can't possibly rise to the occasion? Are they more-pressured, and panic into lackluster performances in a huge arena? Does the WWE focus too much upon the stories, and thus match-up wrestlers that don't match-up well? Is it that Wrestlemania doesn't necessarily "end" storylines, but merely serve as a bump in the road and so, there's less of a "climax" feeling?

Any insights from contemporary fans would be of interest to me. Thank you in advance for sharing.

Click to expand...

My problem with the modern Wrestlemanias is that most of the matches don't seem worthy of it. Take a look at the WM25 card. Other than Taker vs HBK it felt it should have been one of the lesser PPVs like Backlash. I also feel that many of the potential great undercard matches ain't given enough time. Take the cruiserweight open at WMXX for example. The talent displayed in that match could have easily stolen the show. Instead it was treated like a filler match that lasted less than 10 minutes. The ECW title match from last year's Mania lasting 8 seconds. If it was going to be that long why even have it on the card? So to me Wrestlemania went for the "Grand dad of them all" to a generic run of the mill WWE PPV.

The man even botched his own comeback....what a shame that this has to happen to Orton.

O.

I think it was ArcadeMan who stated this earlier, and if not I apologize to whoever stated it, but I just watched Edge vs. Taker on my Mania 24 DVD again, and The Rock's induction speech of his father and late grand daddy.

Wrestling I associate with the good ole days of arcade games, NES, 16-bit war... that whole late '80s-mid '90s era. I guess it helps for me because those were also my childhood years (and I was lucky enough to have been blessed with an awesome childhood).

Anyway, seeing Taker when he debut at the '90 Survivor Series, to winning the world title in 2008 at Wrestlemania 24 in an AWESOME main event match... hearing the great stories of past wrestling greats at the Hall of Fame... WWE I still keep up with because I always have since the late '80s.

Fuck man... seeing Steamboat go last night and tonight on Raw was MARK OUT CITY. I got goosebumps as Ricky turned back the hands of time.

Few things provide me with a fond sense of nostalgia. It's one reason why I still play the SNES, or pop in an old movie from my childhood (i.e. Godzilla). A lot has changed, died and retired. Good cartoons and family sitcoms have died out. My old childhood stomping grounds have been replaced by WalMarts and the like, and so on. But YEAR AFTER YEAR, the WWE, although the faces have changed somewhat (though guys like HBK and Taker keep it going), is the ONE entertainment entity that is still around and thriving. I enjoy pro wrestling, but I don't watch TNA. I guess I will always follow the WWE for as long as I breathe. It's not always the greatest product, but I live for the moments and memories it still produces once in a blue moon -- the ability to mark out and forget all your real world troubles... to mark out like you did when you first saw Hogan vs. Warrior at Wrestlemania 6

That's all I wanted to say

ECW on Sci-Fi Results: 4-7-09

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

1 -- THE MIZ & JOHN MORRISON & TYSON KIDD (w/Natalya) vs. EVAN BOURNE & Unified tag team champions PRIMO & CARLITO COLON

Miz took a beating early on, so he tagged out to Kidd, who took out Carlito at the knees. Carlito was isolated in the corner, then he tagged out to Evan Bourne, who came in hot on Morrison. Bourne kicked Morrison in the chest, then ran up on his shoulders to flip him over the top rope to the floor with a nice huracanrana. Bourne escaped Double Trouble on the floor and slipped back into the ring to stand tall going into break.

Back from break, heels were working on Bourne as Mathews & Striker talked about the Draft next Monday. Mathews sounded great on commentary during the Velocity era, but he just sounds a little off his first night back on national TV. Grisham and Striker were just so awesome together on ECW. Match really slowed down as Bourne was isolated to build up to a hot tag to Primo. Kidd also tagged in for the heels and Primo snapped off a round of aerial offense that has made him a stand-out star in recent months. Action broke down and Miz was tossed to the floor. Carlito was tossed out too. Primo then flung Morrison to the outside, leaving himself and Kidd, who missed a top rope splash. Primo then grappled Kidd from behind and nailed the backstabber. Primo hot-tagged to Bourne and he nailed the Shooting Star Press for the pin and the win.

WINNERS: Bourne & Primo & Carlito in 15:00. Solid ECW TV match. Great flurry at the end after a weak mid-portion when Bourne was isolated forever. Bourne's SSP still looks awesome every time he hits it. I'm waiting for Primo's break-out spring 2009. It's time. (**1/2)

2 -- CHRISTIAN vs. TOMMY DREAMER vs. FINLAY (w/Hornswoggle) vs. MARK HENRY (w/Tony Atlas)

Dreamer should be on the advantage since he's the only one who wasn't in MITB on Sunday. They quickly jumped into the match with Christian against Dreamer and Henry against Finlay. They quickly went to a break. Apparently they're in a hurry for the main event tonight.

Back from break, three men executed a suplex on big Mark Henry before shoving him into the ring steps ringside. Apparently they don't want to deal with him until it's absolutely imperative. Striker took us back to last year's Elimination Chase to the ECW Title in the third-person when Tommy Dreamer won the deal before his mammoth man took the spot from Dreamer. Striker was referring to Big Daddy V when he managed him. Mathews and Striker got into their first tiff as the pace picked up in the ring. Hornswoggle then ran interference to help Finlay use a shillelagh against Henry and cover him for the first elimination. Wait, that's it.

WINNER: Finlay in 10:00, Henry eliminated. That was an anti-climatic finish. So, apparently, it's a triple threat match next week and they eliminate another person next week before determining the #1 contender on the final ECW before Backlash. Match was okay, but it wasn't detailed very well to set up the wrong expectations. Mathews and Striker had very little chemistry, by the way. Hard to put together a great combo with no experience working together, but it didn't work tonight. (*1/2)

Camera man was actually Sim Snuka

Ring of Honor TV Results: 4-4-09

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

1 -- STERLING JAMES KEENAN vs. ERICK STEVENS

Stevens landed a series of chops early on, then Keenan cheated to gain the advantage and draw Hogewood's ire on commentary. Stevens tried to regain control as the crowd was virtually taken out of the match. Stevens broke free of a stranglehold submission and nailed an overhead suplex. He followed with the choo-choo splash in the corner before nailing a shoulderblock from the second rope. Everything built to the Doctor Bomb and Stevens nailed it for the win.

WINNER: Stevens at 7:00. Match was designed to showcase Stevens's power offense and introduce him as the powerhouse wrestler in ROH. Just fine, but Stevens needs to find a way to stand out more. (**)

2 -- CHEECH & CLOUDY vs. DARK CITY FIGHT CLUB (JOHN DAVIS & CORY CHAVOUS)

Dark City dominated early until Cloudy snapped off a huracanrana. DC had a mis-communication to set up the opposition for a 619, but it was over quickly thereafter. Cheech took a combo sit-out powerbomb and neckbreaker from DCFC for the win.

WINNERS: DCFC in 3:00. Squash to introduce the Dark City. They have potential, although not much personality that jumps off the screen. Give them time. (3/4*)

3 -- CHRIS HERO (w/Larry Sweeney and Sara Del Rey) vs. NECRO BUTCHER

Sweeney tried to run interference to help out Hero, but Necro kicked out of a pin attempt. Hero threw Necro to the floor and the outside participants put the boots to Necro. Hero played the cocky heel in the ring, much to Hogewood's chagrin. Suddenly, some encouragement from Sweeney to Hero was inserted in between spots as Hero continued to work on Necro. Hero booted Necro in the head and Necro spilled to the floor again. This time, he used a chair for a chairpowerslam on the floor. No word from the announcers on why this was allowed. Sweeney then ran interference to give Hero the loaded elbow pad. Prazak played the devil's advocate on Hero being allowed to use the loaded elbow pad on Necro for the pin and the win. Post-match: They focused on Necro in "The Wrestler."

WINNER: Hero in 8:00. Match continued this week's theme of putting over specific moves, such as the loaded elbow pad in this match. Rules of the match were seemingly tossed out without an explanation, which is befitting of a Necro match. (*1/2)

4 -- AUSTIN ARIES vs. BRYAN DANIELSON

Basic exchange early on between the two ROH all-stars. Prazak referenced Danielson's training background at Shawn Michaels's school back in the day, then both men paused for a staredown after a mat-based exchange. Aries went to work on Danielson as Hogewood cut off Prazak to scream about Aries going after the eyes. That dastardly man! Aries knocked Danielson to the outside, then he nailed a suicide dive on the floor. Back in the ring, Aries continued to work on Danielson. Aries got cocky and Danielson knocked him off the apron to the floor. Danielson then nailed a running knee strike off the apron.

Back in the ring at 10:00, Danielson hit a missile dropkick and another knee strike. He wanted the Cattle Mutilation, but Aries countered with a bridge pin for a two count. Aries wanted to follow with the brainbuster suplex, but Danielson blocked. Aries then slapped on the Last Chancery submission, but Danielson escaped into Undertaker's triangle choke. Aries tried to escape, but he eventually tapped out to give Danielson the victory in the TV main event.

WINNER: Danielson in 14:00. Very good TV main event. Good showcase of Danielson's offense and Aries's personality. Good chemistry between two of ROH's best. Would be nice if ROH tried something new on pro wrestling TV by sticking around after each week's main event for post-match commentary to give each week's main event a little more color. They have done a nice job each week of building up the main event throughout the show, so the only thing missing is post-match follow-up. (***)

WWE Smackdown announcer Jim Ross says his on-air role during WWE broadcasts will be changing to a secondary role, even though he's not sure who he will be partnered with after the 2009 Draft.

Ross worked with Todd Grisham at last night's TV taping for this Friday night's Smackdown in the color commentator position after Tazz left WWE last week.

"My pal Tazz got a little burned out from all the travel, etc. and has left WWE," Ross said on WWE Universe. "I will move to another role going forward on WWE TV broadcasts much like my role was at WrestleMania 25. I will be doing more analyzing or color commentary than my old role of doing play by play."

AAA on Galavision TV Report

By: Xavier Hernandez
Show aired on: 04/04/2009


The show starts off with the summary of last week's show. Vampiro will represent Roldan in the big "hair vs. hair" match. The eternal feud between Billy and the Apaches had another epic chapter. The Hermandad, with the help of Silver King, defeated the AAArmy. Vampiro finally snaps, and resigns to his charge, only to fight Konnan back. For this show, Mesias vs. Chessman (again?), plus another excting AAA vs. Legion tag match, and more. What else can you ask for? (Yes, I'm being sarcastic again).


*Pretaped Segment: Vampiro is backstage waiting for someone, but he is suddenly assaulted by the Legion. This is angle is pretty much to make Konnan look like a coward, because he is ambushing his opponent, to make sure he doesn't make it to RdR. Bad segment.


*Pretaped Segment: Billy talks about the Apaches, and says he's been through a lot during the last three years with the Apaches. But it doesn't matter how many times they attack him, Billy won't go down, becuase he finally found his darkest side, and he won't be happy until he sees the entire Apache family in a coffin (yes, he did say that). He also makes fun of Fabi, and he truly regrets marrying her. Now, the Apaches want to use Billy as their ticket to wrestle at RdR, and Billy will take the challenger, just to humilliate them in front of everyone. Billy hates the Apaches. (Very disturbing segment, I wonder who wrote that script).


1) El Apache, Fabi Apache & Gato Eveready vs. Billy Boy, Cinthia Moreno & El Orienta
l
-Only Fall: Women open the match with fast paced moves, followed by the speed of Gato and Oriental. Apache snaps and begins to slap everyone, including Gato, and this leads to the triple team ambush by the rudos. Billy brings out two chairs to punish Apache, but Fabi makes the save with a hard kick. Apache makes a huge comeback with a Crossbody on Billy, and he now uses the chairs on his son-in-law. Billy takes the chairs back, and targets Apache's leg. Apache is hurt, and medical staff help him out. Billy continues to attack Apache, even when he is taken on a stretcher. Fabi finally makes the comeback with fast paced moves, but Billy stops her. Billy connects with a suicide dive on Gato. Oriental attempts a Vader Bomb, but Fabi lifts her knees. Oriental accidentally kicks his sister, and Fabi rolls him up for the three count.

Winners: El Apache, Fabi Apache & Gato Eveready

-Aftermath: Backstage, Apache is hurt really bad, and the doctir says the injury looks quite bad, so they need to examine his leg. Fabi says this rilvary needs to be ended now (I agree with that)


*Noti AAA:
-AAA ran another show in a popular bar in Mexico (again, an unsual place for wrestling events). The performers were mainly minis, exotics, and mid-carders.
-That's it! A whole segment, only for one pice of news, and nobody cares about it.


*Pretaped Segment: Konnan talks to the Hermandad, and he is still pissed off, because the tag champs are slowly rebelling against him. The Hermandad say they will do whatever Konnan asks, as long as they get paid. Konnan holds a suitcase, and says he will give them the item, if they are succesful in their mission.


2) La Hermandad (Joe Lider & Nicho El Millonario) vs. Mexican Powers (Crazy Boy & Ultimo Gladiador)

-Only Fall: When these two teams mix up, there is a carnival of botched moves all over the place. Crazy hits an Asai Moonsault on both heels. Nicho hits a Frankensteiner on Gladiador, to the outside. They acutally did a sick combo of a Superplex, a Back Suplex, and a Powerbomb, which looked botched but pretty awesome. Nicho gets a huge Corskcrew Crossbody from Gladiador. Crazy gets tons of falls, but the referee counts slowly. Lider lowblows Crazy, but the referee ignores it, and makes the three count.

Winners: Joe Lider & Nicho El Millonario


*Pretaped Segment: D-Mex is backstage, and Rocky is missing, because he is touring in Japan. Koslov is very excited about their match with the Harts, but warns them to keep Nikki away. Waltman is laso excited to wrestle such talented athletes, but yet dumb people, who just obey Konnan's orders, and belive the crap of Zorro.


3) D-Generation MEX (X-Pac & Alex Koslov) vs. Hart Foundation 2.0 (Jack Evans & Teddy Hart w/Nikki)

-Only Fall: Koslov and Teddy kick off with fantastic technical moves. Evans and Waltman tag in, but Teddy gets himself tagged in for the double team assault. Koslov makes the comeback with a Springboard Elbow, and mocks Evans. Koslov delivers another Springboard Elbow on Evans, but this time on the outside. Waltman lands outside, and Teddy gets them with a Springboard Moonsault, followed by the Cartwheel Dive by Evans. The Harts get back in control of the match, with tons of aerial moves. Koslov even receives the American Tower Assault, which always looks sick. Evans mistakenly hits Diving Knees on Teddy, and the comeback begins, after a huge Superkick by Koslov, and a series of karate kicks from Waltman. Both Harts are taken out with a Hilo from Waltman, but Nikki gets involved again. Waltman connect with a top rope X-Factor on Teddy, but Nikki attempts to use her chest as a distraction again. Evans accidentally hits Nikki, and Waltman rolls him for a two count. Nikki gets an Enzuigiri from Koslov, and a Bronco Buster from Waltman. Teddy takaes advantage of the distraction to pin Koslov, after a sick Backcraker. Awesome match, but the Nikki factor dragged it down again.

Winners: Jack Evans & Teddy Hart


*Pretaped Segment: Electro and Silver talk backstage. Electro is glad to have Silver on the Legion, and tells him not to worry about his money, but Silver says he will help Konnan duplicate his money. Silver says he wants to put Manson away, because there are only two true wrestlers from the Comarca region (himself and his brother). But he despises Parka even more, specially for his AAArmy crap. On the other hand, Manson and Parka talk too. Manson is happy to join Parka's cause, but Parka wants to be alone again. Zorro also gets talk time, and he is focused on Manson, and will make sure the Prophet of Lucha has Manson on his knees.


4) Silver King, Electroshock & Zorro vs. La Parka, Charlie Manson & Abismo Negro (R.I.P.)

-Only Fall: Match starts fait, but it turns into the classic TV main event, where the Legion ambushes the tecnicos for several minutes. Comeback begins, with aerial attacks from Manson. Parka brawls with Silver, and both brothers deal with each other as well. Inside the ring, Zorro makes Abismo submit ot the Zorro Stretch (manuever was named by me).

Winners: Silver King, Electroshock & Zorro

-Aftermath: D-MEX come to the rescue, and Waltman wants Zorro.


*In-Ring Segment: Mesias talks to Chessman, and calls him a crybaby, who only complains. Mesias knows he will defend his title against Chessman at RdR, but he is sure he's walking out as champion. This match will be a steel cage, and Mesias says that's his specialty. Chessman laughs, amd this brings Konnan out. Since Konnan is the General Manager of the company, he can do whatever he wants. And what he wants is to change the main event to a handicap match, which means.......


5) Mesias vs. Chessman & Konnan

-Only Fall: Mesias is rapidly ambushed by both Chessman and Konnan. Mesias makes the comeback with a clothesline to Konnan, but Chessman gives him a DDT. Chessman pins Mesias, after a Chair Legdrop.

Winners: Chessman & Konnan

-Aftermath: Konnan summons Roldan to the ring, and Rivera enters as well. Roldan punches Rivera, but Konnan gives him a huge chairshot, and punches him harder. Mesias tries to save Roldan,. but the Harts enter the ring. The Hermandad enters as well, but they're all taken out by Mesias. Mesias is about to take out Rivera, but Chessman spears him. Mesias is laid out cold by the Legion. Marisela throws a beverage at Konnan, to show her wrath towards him. The Legion leave the arena in a rain of trash.



Feedback is always welcomed at elcidphoenix88_spainful@hotmail.com

Thanks!!!

Click to expand...

TemJin's Comments: slightly mediocre show this time. the show constantly shuffles in-between good, and TNA-like shittyness.

Source: PWTorch.com

Former WWE star Andrew "Test" Martin died after over-dosing on pain-killers, according to the Hillsborough County (Fla.) medical examiner.

The examiner determined that Martin accidentally over-dosed on Oxycodone, which is a key ingredient found in the painkiller OxyContin, reports the U.K. Sun.

After pain pills and steroids were found in Martin's apartment, the medical examiner requested a toxicology report to help determine the cause of death. It's apparent Martin had an excessive amount of pain medication in his system, which contributed to his death.

Click to expand...

WWE star The Undertaker is still scheduled for next week's European tour after nearly suffering a legitimate injury during his WrestleMania 25 match against Shawn Michaels.

In the middle of the match, Undertaker went for a head-first dive over the top rope and nearly crashed head-first into the floor. Taker then went another 15 minutes against Michaels to create one of the all-time great WrestleMania matches.

WWE Smackdown announcer Jim Ross says Taker was shaken up, but he will be on WWE's annual post-WrestleMania international tour that begins April 15 in Dublin, Ireland.

"The Undertaker is still scheduled to travel on the upcoming European tour after his 'near miss' at WM25 in the instant classic versus Shawn Michaels," Jim Ross said on jrsbarbq.com. "I would easily surmise that both future HOF'ers will be considerably sore for several days after laying it all on the line in Reliant Stadium."

TNA Impact! Results: 4-9-09

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

1. Sheik Abdul Bashir (w/Kiyoshi, No Limit) defeated Suicide in a non-title match in 4:00. Bashir tossed Suicide to ringside early. One of the No Limit members attacked him and threw him back inside the ring while the ref was distracted. Later, Kiyoshi entered the ring and kicked Suicide while the referee was distracted. Bashir DDT'd Suicide on the X Division Title belt and scored the pin. West played dumb about the belt on commentary. Afterward, the lights went out and when they came back on Suicide was gone...

Powell's POV: Mixed emotions on this result. Bashir needs some wins, but Suicide is showing signs of getting over and should continue to build momentum. It just feels like it's too soon for him to be losing matches.

2. Samoa Joe beat Booker T (w/Kurt Angle) in 1:50. Joe attacked Booker to start the match and maintained control of the offense until Angle reached in and tripped him. Angle handed Booker a chair, but Styles ran out, took away the chair, and attacked Booker. A short time later, Joe powerslammed Booker and scored the pin. Joe didn't look happy that Styles helped him. The series to determine which Lockdown team has the advantage is now tied 1-1...

Powell's POV: It's nice to see Joe get a win rather than the DQ stuff he's been doing, but Booker kinda looks like a bitch for losing in less than two minutes when he was trying to avenge his wife. They are doing a good job of establishing tension between the babyface team heading into the Lethal Lockdown match.

3. James Storm (w/Robert Roode) defeated Scott Steiner (w/Kevin Nash) by DQ in 4:25. Team 3D sat in on commentary to hype their pay-per-view match against Team 3D. Late in the match, Nash struck Storm with a lead pipe for the DQ. Team 3D ran in to scare off the Mafia, just as Beer Money saved them last week. West stole the moment by talking smack about Team 3D once they left the broadcast table...

4. Awesome Kong beat Madison Rayne and Velvet Sky (w/Velvet Sky) in a handicap match in 1:20. Kong went for the Awesome Bomb, but Rayne pushed Sky onto the Knockouts Champ. Rayne turned her head thinking the match was over, but Kong hooked Rayne's shoulders with her legs and scored the pin. Afterward, the BP tried to cut Kong's hair, but Taylor Wilde ran out for the save...

5. The Motor City Machine Guns defeated Mick Foley in a first blood handicap match to retain the New Japan Jr. Tag Team Titles in 9:30. Foley brought his barbwire baseball bat to the ring with him. As Foley walked to the ring, he exchanged a quick face-to-face glance with Sting, who is at ringside as the special enforcer referee.

West pointed out that he's never seen the Guns bleed in all the time they've been in TNA. Sabin dropkicked Foley on the floor, and then the Guns followed up with a double suicide dive that knocked Foley into the guardrail.

Powell's POV: Funny line about the Guns never bleeding. They caught a bunch of hell from TNA management for refusing to blade during an angle with Team 3D months ago. They story goes that they've never bladed before and objected to bleeding in that angle. They were in the doghouse for months.

After the break, Sabin mocked Sting, who responded by pulling him to ringside and delivering the Scorpion Death Drop. Foley hit the double-arm DDT on Sabin and applied the Mandible Claw with a sock on his hand. The referee noticed blood on the white sock and tried to call for the bell, but Foley stopped him and the match continued.

Foley walked over and picked up a microphone. He said blood on the sock is not what he promised. He said he promised to bust Shelley open. "Shelley, I'm going to make you suffer," Foley said. Mick picked up the barbwire baseball bat and brought inside the ring with him. He started to rake the bat over Shelley's head, but Sting stood up and struck Foley with a chair. Foley bled and the referee named the Guns the winners.

After the match, Foley and Sting had a pull-apart brawl to close the show...

Powell's POV: The main event would have done more for Shelley had he worked a singles match against Foley. Working a handicap match against Foley and needing help from Sting didn't make the Guns look strong. The finish was cheap, but it served as solid hype for Sting vs. Foley. The show is improving, but they need to add good, meaningful matches to the mix. Four minutes of wrestling in the first hour just isn't enough.

WWE Smackdown Results: 4-10-09

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

1. Big Show defeated Kofi Kingston at 3:28. The announce team put over Show as being pissed off. Kofi tried to lame ass handstand/kick things and on the second one, Show stomped on his head. Kofi escaped Show and managed to get a couple of kicks in, and then Show chopped him and the beat down began. Show hit a Camel Clutch slam which woke up Kingston. Kingston hit a couple of dropkicks until Show swatted one away and retook control. Kingston kicked Show as he charged into the corner, hit a missile dropkick, and finally dropped Show with another dropkick. He hit his signature leg drop and the climbed the ropes again. Show punched him out of the air for the win. Post match, a video replay showed the high spots…

Shore’s Slant: That’s first time I remember ever really paying attention to Kingston in an interview. Why isn’t this guy pushed? He can wrestle his ass off and he’s better than most on the mic. WTF? JJ Dillon talked about the lack of young talent, but it seems to me young talent never gets a chance so that’s kind of a self-fulfilling prophecy isn’t it? And for the record, how awesome was it when Steamboat and Flair locked up. For a split second I was 12 again and that was cool.

2. The Great Khali w/Ranjin Singh defeated Santiono Marella at 0:26. Punjabi Plunge. Pin. That’s it…

Shore’s Slant: I swear to God I am not going to cover Khali and Santino Marella making out. You sick bastards. I’d rather see Edge and Vickie do it than those two kiss.

3. Gail Kim defeated Michelle McCool at 2:54. McCool attacked Kim at the bell and then it got bad. Lots of missed spots. Maryse was shown watching on a monitor backstage. McCool got the better of Kim and drover her to the floor and kicked her against the wall. She rolled Kim back in and missed a leg drop. Kim hulked up and hit a flying cross body for two. McCool rolled out from an elbow drop from the top. She went to cover and Kim rolled her up for the win…

Shore’s Slant: McCool needs to go away for a while as she is completely uninspired. She looks aloof and was the problem with that match. She couldn’t keep up with Kim. That should have been good, but McCool made it awful. Tough break for Kim.

4. Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase defeated Carlito and Primo Colon at 9:14. DiBiase and Carlito started out. The announce team pointed out that Legacy has a title shot at Backlash. DiBiase and Rhodes worked quickly in and out on Carlito. Carlito dodged an elbow drop and tagged in Primo. He power bombed Primo onto Rhodes for a two count. Carlito tagged back in and Rhodes hit a chin buster. Legacy tried to double clothesline Carlito but he ducked and hit his back springboard elbow on them both. Primo ran in and they clotheslined Legacy over the top. DiBiase ran back in and Carlito back dropped him. DiBiase backed into a corner as the show went to commercial…

Back from commercial and Rhodes worked on Primo. Rhodes and DiBiase again tagged in and out quickly. Rhodes hooked in an abdominal stretch and Primo reversed into a hip toss. Rhodes charged and Primo tossed him over the top. DiBiase rolled Rhodes back in, but Primo got the hot tag and Carlito wrecked Rhodes. Carlito dropkicked DiBiase to the floor and climbed the ropes. DiBiase pulled Carlito off the rope and Rhodes hit his finisher, Cross Rhodes, for the win. DiBiase got a cheap shot on Primo and hit his finisher, Dream Street. They beat on the champs and Randy Orton came to the ring and kicked the champs a little. The group posed in the ring…[C]

Shore’s Slant: A solid, but uneventful match. That’s good, they managed to peak my interest and not give it all away. This ought to be pretty good after a month working house shows to get it right. This is a true heel stable for now. Evolution got cheers from the second it formed and never really felt healish whenever Flair was involved. He’s loved too much. But fans hate these guys, which they should. They could build several new faces with the heat they generate.

5. Matt Hardy defeated Jeff Hardy in a Stretcher Match in 15:15. Matt charged in and Jeff side stepped him and took control. They tumbled to ringside and the stretcher fun began. Jeff tried, and failed to suplex Matt onto a stretcher. Matt regained control and took the action back to the ring. Matt tried a suplex, but Jeff reversed into a front suplex. Matt reversed a move into a Side Effect.

He rolled the stretcher to the ring and placed Jeff on it. He got the first two wheels across the line and Jeff kicked him in the face. He rolled off the stretcher and clotheslined Matt. Jeff rolled the stretcher to the top of the ramp and surfed it down and jumped off to tackle Matt in a very cool spot to go into commercial…

Back at the 7:08 mark and Matt whipped Jeff who tackled Matt. He picked up Matt for a front atomic drop, but Matt locked in a weird submission move. Matt put Jeff on the stretcher and made it to the bottom of the ramp when Jeff fought out. Jeff whipped Matt into the stairs and both rested for a moment. Jeff got up and put Matt on the stretcher and got to the ramp but Matt slid out. They fought across the stretcher until Jeff fell down. He tried to run over Jeff’s head with the stretcher but Jeff moved. Matt rolled him back in the ring and set the stretcher up at ringside.

Matt got a chair but Jeff hit it into Matt’s head. Matt dropped the chair on the stretcher and Jeff punched him until he fell back onto the chair and stretcher. Matt rolled off and was holding onto the bottom of the stretcher. Jeff hit a leg drop onto the top of the stretcher, ramming the stretcher into Matt’s face. Jeff placed Matt on the stretcher, face down, and rammed it into the corner, sending Matt flying. He placed Matt back on the stretcher and climbed to the top rope. He went for the Swanton and Matt moved. Holy Shit. Matt rolled Jeff up the ramp. He had to stop a few times to punch Jeff before crossing the line and winning. Matt celebrated and kicked the stretcher. Jeff rolled all the way to the ring before slamming to a stop…

Shore’s Slant: Wow, Smackdown was better than Raw this week. That match was better than their Mania match in my opinion. Great hot spots and Jeff Hardy is a fool. No way I dive onto a stretcher. Wow. Solid, solid show and I hope this continues after the draft.

WWE RAW Results: 4-13-09

Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Caldwell's complete report). Condensed to in-ring matches and draft selections.

1 -- EVAN BOURNE (ECW) vs. IC champion REY MYSTERIO (Raw) -- Draft Match -- non-title

The two even-sized cruiserweights started with a feeling-out process. Raw and ECW announcers were on the call for this one. Thank goodness for Matt Striker giving us some background on their Lucha backgrounds. Rey took Bourne to the outside early on and sent Bourne head-first into the guardrail via a drop toe hold. Back in the ring, they had a mid-air collision with Bourne scoring a two count on a pin attempt. Bourne then landed a standing moonsault for a two count. Bourne went up top, but Rey sprang to life and crotched Bourne. Rey snapped off a huracanrana, but Bourne kicked out. Rey then nailed the 619 and went up top. He nailed the top rope splash for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Rey at 3:30. Great dose of athleticism, but match should have been given plenty more time to showcase Bourne to a new Raw audience. (**)

Draft Pick #1: The video game board revealed that Raw gets U.S. champion MVP. After the announcement, MVP came out on stage and played to the crowd. Michael Cole made a reference to MVP's ego not being contained on Raw.

2 -- KANE (Raw) vs. THE BRIAN KENDRICK (w/Ezekiel Jackson) (Smackdown) -- Draft Match

TBK tried to act cocky on Kane, who chased him to the outside. Zeke then took a pounding from Kane. Back in the ring, TBK begged of and tried a surprise kick, but Kane quickly dropped him with a chokeslam for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Kane at 0:45. Ouch. (n/a)

Draft Pick #2: Raw gets another pick. This time, it's Big Show. Show came out on stage and Kane stared up toward the stage. Oh gosh, we're getting another big-man feud.

3 -- Women's champion MELINA & KELLY KELLY & MICKIE JAMES (Raw) vs. Divas champion MARYSE & MICHELLE MCCOOL & NATALYA (Smackdown)

Natalya is...on...the...ECW...brand...right? Winning team gets a draft pick. They started with a shoving match because no one can get along. After a few minutes of trademark spots, Michelle McCool scored the pin for Team Smackdown.

WINNER: Michelle McCool for Team Smackdown at 1:50. Short divas match. No surprise there. (1/2*)

Draft Pick #3: Women's champion Melina is going to Smackdown. So, another unification match coming up, this time between Melina and Maryse for the two women's titles? We'll see if Maryse is drafted to Raw or ECW.

4 -- World Hvt. champion JOHN CENA (Raw) vs. ECW champion JACK SWAGGER (ECW) -- non-title Draft Match

Seems like a good set-up for Edge to cost Cena the match and give ECW some talent help. Match moved to the floor early on before returning to the ring where Swagger worked over Cena. Swagger nailed a hard clothesline mid-ring, then slapped on a full nelson. Cena broke the Masterlock, then charged at Swagger with shoulder tackles. He then wanted the Five Knuckle Shuffle on Swagger and he connected to Striker's chagrin on commentary. Cena wanted to follow with the FU, but Swagger grabbed the top rope and nailed a boot that spun Cena to the mat. Definitely a "big match feel" as they cut to break with Swagger in control.

Back live, both men were recovering inside the ring after Cena ate the announce table as they cut to break. Cena then nailed a series of body blows, but Swagger executed something that looked like a DDT for a two count. Swagger and Cena took a breath, then Swagger executed a running knee lift for a two count. Cena was selling dead-weight at this point, then he tried a comeback, but Swagger caught him with a powerslam for a two count. Swagger then tried a running Vader Bomb, but Swagger jumped into Cena's arms for the FU. Cena then slapped on the STFU and Swagger tapped in about five seconds.

WINNER: Cena at 11:30. Excellent match. Swagger was given plenty of offense and Cena sold respect for Swagger after their battle. Definitely a good match for Swagger despite the loss. (***)

Draft Pick #4: Raw gets...Matt Hardy. Hardy came out on stage and did the "You Can't See Me" toward Cena, who smirked inside the ring. Hardy was ready to do some damage on Raw.

Draft Pick #5: Triple H. Hunter slowly walked out on stage to show off his WWE Title belt toward Cena, who stared back with an "all right, it's on" look. Hunter then pointed toward Cena and told him, "You and me, man." Another potential unification or Cena is going somewhere else. Suddenly, Edge stormed into the ring and attacked Cena from behind. Cena recovered and teased the FU, but Edge escaped. Stare down and it's on at Backlash.

5 -- SANTINO MARELLA (Raw) vs. GREAT KHALI (w/Singh) (Smackdown) -- Draft Match

Santino tried to collect himself with more on the line than he bargained for, but Khali shoved him across the ring. Khali made Santino scream like Carlton Banks on Fresh Prince, then Santino held onto the ropes for dear life. Santino tried to charge Khali, but Khali chopped him down. Khali with a boot on the chest for the pin.

WINNER: Khali at 1:02. An expected squash to get someone over to Smackdown. (n/a)

Draft Pick #6: Smackdown gets...C.M. Punk and his Money in the Bank briefcase. Um...there's currently no champion on Smackdown.

Continued in next post...

WWE RAW Results: 4-13-09

...continued from previous post.

6 -- THE MIZ (w/John Morrison) (ECW) vs. KOFI KINGSTON (Raw) -- Draft Match

ECW's Josh Mathews said he had a chance to talk to Miz earlier tonight and he's very concerned about being separated from Morrison. Raw and ECW announcers discussed their "bro-mance." Miz bailed to the outside to escape Kofi's high-flying offense, but Kofi nailed a dropkick through the ropes. Morrison feigned interference, though, allowing Miz to blind-side Kofi and take advantage. Back in the ring, Miz slowed things down with a chinlock on Kofi. Lawler made fun of ECW for not having a draft pick, so Striker announced the supplemental draft on WWE's website on Wednesday.

Match slowed to a crawl, then Kofi fought out of a chinlock. Kofi landed a right hand strike before ducking a clothesline and hitting a leaping clothesline. Kofi started to charge up, then he wanted the boom-boom leg drop, but Miz moved out of the way. Action resumed with a power struggle mid-ring that led to Kofi nailing a legsweep into a boom-boom leg drop for a two count. Kofi called for the Jamaican buzzsaw kick, but Miz ducked. He then covered Kofi for a two count. They went into a nearfall sequence as the match continued to drag a little. Suddenly, Morrison jumped on the ring apron and grabbed Kofi from behind right in front of the ref, who called for the bell. Morrison tried to explain himself to Miz, who wasn't pleased.

WINNER: Kofi Kingston via DQ at 8:53. Just a bit off throughout this one. Chemistry wasn't there and the finish was a weakly-booked conclusion to an off match. (*)

Draft Pick #7: Raw gets another wrestler. This time...The Miz is going to Raw. In the ring, Miz just looked around stunned. Morrison had his hands on his hips in shock. "The bro-mance is over," Mathews declared. Miz and Morrison embraced, then Miz suddenly turned on Morrison with the Reality Check. Oh snap. Well, there's your split. A few years of teaming, then WWE blows money on doing a legit split with a five-second spot. Miz snapped on Morrison then had this evil look in his eyes before brushing that dirt off his shoulder.

7 -- RAW vs. ECW vs. SMACKDOWN 15-man battle royale -- Draft Match (two picks)

Blue vs. Red vs. Black brawl started with brawling all over the ring. Show eliminated Ricky Ortiz first. Oh, Ricky. Suddenly, Show dumped out Burchill, much to Striker's chagrin. Grisham, the ECW turncoat, was eager to point that out. Show then tossed out Chavo. Henry knocked out Shad Gaspar. Show then chunked Primo, who favored his ankle upon taking the fall. R-Truth out too. Show then tossed Kidd. Henry knocked out JTG. Show then grappled Carlito and tossed him. Edge only one left from ECW. Henry then eliminated MVP.

Final four of Henry and Finlay from ECW, Edge from SD, and Show from Raw. Edge then eliminated Finlay. Edge was suddenly cornered by the big men. Edge had the classic look of fear and tried to get the big men to go after each other, but Show gave Edge a chokeslam. Henry and Show battled, then Show lifted up Henry to the apron. They battled on the top rope in a Sumo wrestling match. Show then landed the right hand and Henry fell to the floor. Edge vs. Show now. Oh boy. Show charged Edge, but Edge ducked and Show flew over the top rope to give Edge the win. Post-match: Show snapped on the announce table as Edge gloated in victory.

WINNER: Edge & Smackdown at 5:37. Just a standard battle royal finishing with a play on the Edge-Show feud from WrestleMania. (*1/2)

Draft Pick #8: Kane going to Smackdown. Kane's music hit and he came out on stage, which led to Edge shooting him a curious look. Kane smiled despite the inherent color differences.

Draft Pick #9: Chris Jericho is going to Smackdown. Edge and Jericho exchanged glances as the announcers speculated on a potential alliance. How about Christian going to Smackdown and it's on.

8 -- SHELTON BENJAMIN (Smackdown) vs. CHRISTIAN (ECW)

Christian wanted a top rope move early, but Shelton busted out the cat-like leap to the top for an overhead toss. Christian then rolled to the floor to take a breath. Shelton followed to the outside and rolled Christian back into the ring. Meanwhile, Grisham posed the question of whether Punk could possible cash in the MITB briefcase before the night is over. Shelton missed with a springboard smash attempt and Christian fired up with the crowd behind him. Christian wanted the Killswitch, but Shelton blocked into a backbreaker for a two count. Shelton missed with a corner splash and Christian capitalized with the Killswitch for the pin and the win much to the delight of Striker. He was so excited for this pick.

WINNER: Christian at 3:50. Fine athletic match. Just a little off. Seems like the "athletic guys" are just trying too hard tonight. (*1/2)

Draft Pick #10: Vladimir Kozlov. Oh, gosh. Poor ECW. They wait two hours and 15 minutes to get the Torch's Crashing Star in the month of March. Kozlov then stared down Christian in the ring. Welcome back to WWE, Christian.

9 -- C.M. PUNK (Smackdown) vs. MATT HARDY (Raw)

Pudgy Matt tried an early pin attempt before Punk snapped off a suplex for a one count. Punk landed hard knees to the gut before Hardy caught him in the corner with a hard front slam that caused Punk to land gut-first on the mat. That didn't look good for Punk, who rolled a shoulder to escape a pin. Punk came back with a high knee lift, then a leaping kick for a two count. Hardy landed a corner clothesline, but Punk came back with a running knee in the corner and bulldog for a two count. Punk wanted the G2S, but Hardy blocked and hit the side effect. Suddenly, crowd screamed as Jeff Hardy stormed the ring to attack Matt for a DQ. He beat up Matt, then wanted the Twist of Fate, but Matt rolled out of the way. Jeff then chased Matt to the back. Punk was not happy with the decision. Raw gets another pick.

WINNER: Matt Hardy via DQ at 4:26. Okay match. Finish set up a re-match between Matt and Jeff somewhere down the line if it's not at Backlash since they're not on the same brand. (*1/4)

Draft Pick #11: Maryse is going to Raw. There's your re-separation of women's champions. ... and Michelle McCool from Maryse.

10 -- CHRIS JERICHO (Smackdown) vs. TOMMY DREAMER (ECW) -- Draft Match

Striker said this is the first-time-ever that Jericho and Dreamer have faced off. We'll put that one under the Microscope this week. Grisham took a huge dig at Dreamer that if he's considered a wrestling legend, then so is the Brooklyn Brawler. Wow. Grisham with a full heel turn on ECW now that he's on Smackdown. Dreamer made a comeback and hung Jericho upside down in the corner for the E-C-W basement dropkick. Dreamer wanted to end it, but Jericho blocked into the Walls of Jericho. Dreamer rolled through, though, and scored a close two count. Dreamer followed with a sit-out slam for a close two count. Dreamer wanted to take it up top, but Jericho crotched him. Dreamer fought Jericho off, then he wanted a leaping smash, but Jericho blocked with the codebreaker in mid-air for the win. Striker: "I just don't get it." Welcome to the ECW brand.

WINNER: Jericho at 4:42. Fine match. Just another five-minutes-and-under presentation to allow the announcers to get in their talking points. Good nearfalls in the final few minutes. (*)

Draft Pick #12: Rey Mysterio going to Smackdown. Well, there's your answer to Smackdown's dropping ratings. Get Rey back on Smackdown. Ross said Raw had so much momentum early, but now Smackdown has grabbed the second-half of the show.

11 -- LEGACY (TED DIBIASE & CODY RHODES) vs. WWE champion TRIPLE H & SHANE MCMAHON & BATISTA -- handicap match

Let's break it down. Whoever scores the fall for Team McMahon gets Randy Orton one-on-one next week. If Cody or Ted wins, then Cody, Ted, and Orton get the person who is pinned in a three-on-one match next week. There, that was simple. Cody and Ted agreed that Cody would get the start. Team McMahon couldn't decide, so the bell sounded and Shane jumped Cody like a rat on cheese. Shane then did his left hand jabs on Cody and danced circles around him. Suddenly, Batista blind-tagged himself in and told Shane to step off. After DiBiase tagged in, Hunter tagged himself in and wanted to work on Ted. Suddenly, Hunter had a pin on DiBiase and Batista yanked him off the pin. Hunter and Batista had a stare down, then DiBiase snuck up behind Hunter and took his knee out from behind to begin an isolation. Hunter tried a comeback, but DiBiase snapped off a nice dropkick to cut him off.

They hit the top of the hour as Cole re-set the stips as Hunter continued to take a beating. Batista tried to fire up the crowd, then Hunter made the hot tag to Batista, who cleaned house on DiBiase, the legal man. Batista fired up with clotheslines before knocking Cody off the apron. Batista nailed a powerslam then made a cover, but DiBiase broke it up. Shane then clotheslined DiBiase to the floor. DiBiase walked into a spinebuster, then wanted the Batistabomb and he connected. Batista made the cover, but Shane broke it up. Uh-oh. Batista slowly got up and shoved Shane down. Hunter then tagged himself in and stared down Batista. Suddenly, Shane tackled Batista and they brawled to the floor. Meanwhile, Hunter gave DiBiase a Pedigree in center ring and scored the pin for the win with Shane and Batista too late to make the save.

WINNER: Triple H at 7:45. Well, Hunter and Orton get a second chance at their WrestleMania main event next week after the disaster two weeks ago. Match was good for the storyline purposes of teasing dissension in the McMahon Family. DiBiase & Rhodes didn't benefit much, but they weren't even on the Mania card, so whatever. (*3/4)

Post-match: The McMahons circled around each other trying to be calm about the deal that just happened. Randy Orton then came out on stage to stare down Hunter with an icy stare. Orton so great right here. He orchestrated the McMahon Family tearing itself apart and he just stared into the ring with a knowing look. Well done. Hunter vs. Orton next week.

Vince McMahon on ESPN's E:60 show

Source: PWTorch.com

ESPN's E:60 show from April 14 opened with a video package on the return of their newsmagazine show. They showed a brief video package on the WWE feature airing tonight, including a brief quote from Vince McMahon.

They cut to the black-and-white "around-the-table" E:60 intro discussion. Jeremy Schaap made his case that WWE could be the greatest entertainment entity around today. Schaap was asked if WWE tried to script this presentation of McMahon. Schaap shifted in his chair and said we will see a McMahon not usually seen.

The first segment of the show then went right to the WWE story. After brief soundbytes from John Cena and Big Show aired, they cut to clips of Schaap interviewing Vince McMahon.

Hulk Hogan was shown talking about Vince McMahon "betting the house" on the first WrestleMania. They cut to a clip of WrestleMania III where WWE set the all-time indoor attendance record.

More clips of WrestleMania's historical moments mixing wrestling, sports, and entertainment. Schaap said McMahon re-defined wrestling.

McMahon said he came along and said wrestling is not a sport, but the greatest theatrical performance going. He said all of these other promoters were calling it the wrong thing.

"A lot of weren't real happy about it," Hogan said. "All of a sudden, the cigar-smokers disappeared. The families showed up. The kids and grandmothers. They would bring more kids. Instead of just selling a wrestling ticket, you're selling wrestling merchandise."

Schaab then got personal with McMahon, who opened up about wanting to kill his step-father when he grew up in a trailer in North Carolina. McMahon paused and said the beatings his step-father gave himself and his mom was too much to handle. He said he never gave up, though.

"If I'm not dead, then I win," McMahon said about his philosophy after taking the beatings.

McMahon said he gravitate to his father, Vince McMahon, Sr., but his father didn't want him in this business. McMahon, Sr. told him to become a lawyer. "I detest lawyers," McMahon, Jr. said.

McMahon repeated the statement that his father never would have sold him the old WWWF if he knew what he would do with it. McMahon contested the idea that he killed the territories in pro wrestling. "They drove themselves out of business," McMahon said.

Cut to clips of the McMahon Family operating the business. Stephanie was interviewed by Schaab about her toughest job being managing her father, Vince McMahon, but "he has the ultimate creative say."

They showed clips from inside a production meeting with WWE's creative team discussing storylines leading to WrestleMania 25. After a few brief discussions were shown, McMahon sent the ESPN cameras out of the room.

Schaab then bumped into John Morrison and The Miz to check out their glamorous wardrobe. Schaab did a voice-over about WWE being a traveling circus.

Bret Hart was then shown talking about WWE taking wrestlers and eating them up. Mike Mooneyham talked about wrestlers being independent contractors with zero benefits from WWE. Mooneyham said WWE gets away with it by making wrestlers sign contracts waiving their rights.

Back to Hart, who talked about the steroids issue. They showed clips from McMahon at the steroid trial in 1994. Mooneyham discussed Vince McMahon having to deal with a public image problem due to steroid issues and

"I don't know what happened to Chris Benoit - what went on in his brain," McMahon said. "It was unquestionably the darkest day in the history of the business."

Schaab played devil's advocate and asked McMahon why he even has a steroid policy if they are entertainment. "Some of it is political," McMahon said. "There is a double-standard because there is a history of steroids in our business."

Hogan was then shown again. He said McMahon is essentially a robot. "Never seen him break down and cry. Never seen him give up," Hogan said. He added that he would tell McMahon: "Dude, you have to go to the bathroom to change the battery in your forearm."

Schaab then asked McMahon about the future of the WWE when he's not around. McMahon defiantly said that's never going to happen. "I'm probably never going to die," McMahon said. "I will always be around somehow."

ECW on Sci-Fi Results: 4-14-09

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

1 -- JOHN MORRISON vs. EVAN BOURNE

Morrison took control early on, but Bourne snapped off an arm drag to ground Morrison on the mat. Bourne then wanted a top rope move, but Morrison cut him off. Bourne ended up on the apron and Morrison smashed him in the face with a knee strike to knock Bourne to the floor. Morrison worked Bourne over on the floor, then took him back in the ring to continue delivering a beating. Morrison put Bourne in a reverse torture rack to squeeze Bourne's lower back for an attempted submission, but Bourne suddenly spun out of the submission into a modified head scissors. That was sweet. Bourne sold the back, then warmed up a dive to the outside, but Morrison ran back into the ring and nailed Bourne with a knee to the gut to cut him off. Cut to break with J-Mo in control.

Back to the action where Morrison had Bourne in a deep headlock. Mathews talked about Miz and Morrison mocking Bourne on recent editions of the Dirt Sheet, which may not be in-tact after Miz randomly turned on J-Mo last night. Morrison cut off Bourne's comeback at 11:00 with a back heel kick, then he strutted around the ring before delivering more offense. Bourne suddenly came back with a series of palm thrusts, but Morrison grounded him with a modified Rings of Saturn. Some new camera shots took us closer to the action from the corner turnbuckle.

Match continued with Bourne escaping the submission mat hold and landing a smashing left-arm clothesline. Bourne bringing some power offense tonight. Bourne snapped off a huracanrana, then a standing dropkick, followed by a spin kick for a two count. The wrestlers collected their breath, then Bourne took Morrison to the corner and nailed a palm thrust. Bourne then jumped onto Morrison's shoulders and kinda did a huracanrana with Morrison helping him out on the flip to the mat. Still looked good. They went into a series of pin exchanges before Bourne took Morrison over the top rope to the floor with a cross-body block.

Both men made it back into the ring, then Bourne nailed a double-knee smash from the top rope. Bourne was slightly perturbed and not being able to finish off J-Mo, so he went for kick strikes. Morrison blocked a third and wanted the Moonlight Drive, but Bourne countered with a knee strike. Bourne then dragged Mo to the corner and wanted the Shooting Star Press, but Mo popped to his feet and nailed Bourne with an enziguiri kick. Morrison then dragged Bourne into position for the Moonlight Drive off the top rope. Morrison then made the cover for the win.

WINNER: Morrison in 18:00. Heck ya. That's what I call an ECW TV match featuring the top young talent in the company. I'll have to revise my Draft Analysis column, as I forgot to include Morrison in the Top Tier with Swagger, Bourne, Kidd, and Christian on ECW. Morrison delivered the goods in his first singles action without The Miz by his side in quite some time. Bourne was stout as well, especially busting out some new power offense and strikes. Excellent work. (***3/4)

2 -- KOZLOV vs. POOR DAVID

Kozlov wanted a boot to the throat early on. David suddenly mustered the nerve to head to the second rope and Kozlov shoved him to the mat. Kozlov landed a series of headbutts to the chest, as Striker made reference to Mathews getting a nose-bleed last night. Kozlov with the modified Rock Bottom for the win. Post-match: Kozlov took the mic and cut a promo in Russian. He hates everyone. Something about Russian outlet malls or perhaps dominating everywhere. ECW will be no different, he said.

WINNER: Kozlov in 1:00. Good, effective use of the squash match formula to give Kozlov a fresh start on ECW. (n/a)

3 -- CHRISTIAN vs. TOMMY DREAMER vs. FINLAY -- Championship Chase match

Deal is that one person gets eliminated, then the two remaining are apparently on WGN this Thursday for the #1 contender match to face Swagger at Backlash. Finlay cleaned house early on, then Christian was knocked to the floor a minute in. Dreamer and Finlay battled in the ring as Horny shouted noises of encouragement to Finlay.

Match continued with Christian trying to re-enter the ring, only to have Finlay bump Christian to the floor. Christian should just chill on the floor for the remainder of the match and let the other two go after each other to eliminate one of them. That obviously wouldn't be the honorable thing to do, though, and Christian is an honorable man, so he re-entered the ring and was quickly knocked to the ropes again. Dreamer then clotheslined himself and Finlay to the outside. Christian sprung to his feet and went up top for a double splash on the floor. Who's going to Superstars? Find out after the break.

They returned from break with Finlay shoving Christian off the top turnbuckle into the guardrail on the floor. Christian all over the floor tonight. Back in the ring, Finlay attacked Dreamer as Horny tried to get Dreamer to give it up. Let me re-write that. Hornswoggle encouraged Dreamer to submit to Finlay's mat-based attack in order to give Finlay the victory this week. Striker was then handed a note that he screwed up. No DQ or count-out tonight. Finlay continued to dominate Dreamer, but Dream wouldn't take a three count. Christian snuck back into the scene as Dreamer made his comeback, then Dreamer smashed Christian into Finlay. Suddenly, there was a double pin, but both men kicked out.

At 11:00, Finlay and Christian collided heads and collapsed to the mat along with Dreamer. Christian pulled himself up, then went up top, only to have Finlay crotch him. Finlay wanted a superplex, but Dream had other ideas. He hung Finlay upside down, then climbed up top and superplexed Christian for a two count. Dreamer re-hung Finlay for the E-C-W basement dropkick and he connected. Dream wanted to end it, but Finlay shoved him to the outside. Christian was prone on the mat, so Finlay approached him, only to have Christian pull out a small package for a close two count. Finlay popped up for the rolling hills, but Christian slipped to the floor. Dreamer then surprised Finlay with a DDT, but Fin kicked out.

Christian tried to sneak attack Dreamer with the Killswitch, but Dreamer blocked and hung Christian in the ropes. Dreamer tossed Finlay into Christian, then rolled up Finlay for a two count. Striker said Christian should just chill in ropes since he was tied up rather than do anything. Finlay then grappled Dreamer and gave him the Celtic Cross mid-ring for the pin and the win. Dreamer is out. Finlay vs. Christian on Superstars. Winner gets Swagger at Backlash.

WINNER: Finlay at 15:00 to eliminate Dreamer. Excellent main event. They created a real sense of peril for all three men to see who would eventually get the fall in the match. Dreamer had enough offense to stay credible and pick up his Quest to the ECW Title storyline with the storyline of him being "that close" in the Championship Chase. Excellent piece of booking to conclude this week's show. (***)

Upcoming wrestling events...

- Wednesday is the WWE Supplemental Draft on WWE.com. A complete list will be posted here.

- Thursday is the debut of WWE Superstars on WGN America at 8 pm EDT/ 5 pm PDT with an encore at 11 pm EDT/ 8 pm PDT. At least it comes on before TNA Impact! so you can watch both shows every Thursday.

- Sunday is the TNA Lockdown PPV. If you don't want to waste the $30 to see it, come here for the 'real-time' posted results.

This year's draft has to be the only time Smackdown got the better end of the stick. Getting Mysterio, Jericho, Kane and Punk while keeping Edge and Jeff Hardy.Also no Batista, no HHH, and no Cena. Smackdown just became the wrestling show to watch. Thanks for sending all the crap to Raw.

The Bourne/Morrison match was great. We need more matches like that on ECW. Good start with Morrison's singles push.

Definitely going to be a good year for Smackdown, with plenty of fresh fueds to be had. Only thing I'm upset with is Maryse being moved to Raw. That's my girl.