thatdemoguy
Guerilla Warrior,
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i know im early but in my honest opinion The Miz NEEDED that win over Morrison to be seen as credible. What an awesome match.
O.
O.
offical wwe thread
- Thread starter orochi_lubu
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Reality Check
World Hero
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Morrison needed that match too. Proved that he can go in a main-event level match. After that, I'm convinced that Morrison is taking the Rumble this year
thatdemoguy
Guerilla Warrior,
- Joined
- Jul 12, 2003
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agreed. both men definitely stepped up and showed that they have the ability to put on a main-event level match. Morrisons bumps/sells really put over Miz's offense. I find it strange that the show opened with that though. With Cena being out and alot of my favs either on the shelf or elsewhere (edge, jericho, hhh) they are gonna have to let these guys run with the ball. I've always been a fan of Miz and his character and I hope his title run has more matches like tonignt so he isn't seen as so much of a joke.
O.
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WWE RAW Results: 1-3-11
Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Caldwell's complete report). Condensed here to in-ring results only.
1 -- WWE champion THE MIZ (w/Alex Riley) vs. JOHN MORRISON -- WWE Title match -- Falls Count Anywhere match
Riley tried ot get involved, but Miz accidentally bumped Riley when Morrison ducked. The fight moved up to the stage and Morrison rammed Miz into the Raw logo on the Titantron. Riley got involved again and Morrison rammed him into the WWE logo on the platform. Morrison then climbed on top of the big WWE logo and splashed both men. Morrison made a cover on the stage, but Miz kicked out. Morrison sold a left knee injury and punched Miz down the ramp toward the ringside area.
Miz and Morrison made it back into the ring where Miz attempted a superplex, but Morrison delivered forearm strikes to knock Miz to the mat before landing a missile dropkick for a nearfall. Cole recapped Miz and Morrison's story dating back to their tag team days as Morrison scored another nearfall with a roll-up. Morrison followed with a springboard kick to the face, then a running knee strike. He had the pin, but Riley yanked Morrison out of the ring. On the floor, Morrison ran Riley into the guardrail as Cole noted Miz is getting recovery time in the ring. Morrison decked Riley with a flying knee before screaming down at him to go away. Back in the ring, Miz sold that he was scared of what he was seeing from an intense Morrison, who paced the ring like a wild tiger as the referee called for medics for Riley. They cut to break.
Back from break, Miz and Morrison were on the floor below the stage. Miz was looking for a suplex onto a loose guardrail, but Morrison blocked, only to take a back body drop onto the guardrail for a nearfall. Cole and Mathews continued to talk about having a feel "it's John Morrison's night," which means he's not winning. Miz resumed his attack on Morrison with a running knee strike on the stage for a nearfall. Miz followed with a hip toss sending Morrison back-first onto the metal entrance ramp for another two count. Closer to ringside, Miz grabbed a strobe light and smashed Morrison with it to score another nearfall.
At 12:00, the action returned to the ring. Miz toyed with Morrison and taunted him while screaming, "You're not better than me! You're nothing, John!" Morrison fired back with right hands before they started trading punches and kicks. Morrison landed a series of knock down clotheslines for another nearfall, then wanted Starship Pain, Miz moved. Morrison landed on his feet, though, and Miz followed with the Reality Check for a close two count. Miz then crouched behind Morrison and got that look in his eyes wanting the Skullcrushing Finale, but Morrison reversed and went for SSP again. This time, he connected. Morrison made a cover, but Miz kicked out. Morrison sold he couldn't believe it, Cole poped for Miz, and the crowd chanted for a table.
Morrison landed a roundhouse kick that took Miz to the floor at the base of the table. Morrison placed Miz on the table, then went to the ring apron. Morrison wanted a super Starship Pain on the table, but Miz moved and Morrison ate the table. Morrison writhed in pain as Miz made a cover, but Morrison kicked out, shocking Miz. Cole complained about the officiating while both men recovered on the floor. Miz then slowly crouched behind Morrison and dramatically dropped him with the Skullcrushing Finale. Miz made the cover...and it was good for the win. Miz retains the WWE Title. Cole said Morrison was game, but Miz proved he's the rightful WWE champion. Cole claimed there was no Alex Riley involvement to excuse Miz's win. Oh boy, another year of delusional Cole Commentary.
Post-match: Miz slowly made his way up the entrance ramp as Morrison was checked on by medics. Morrison was shown crawling on his belly toward Miz, who just looked back at him with a half-turn. Morrison sold intensity that he'll get Miz eventually.
WINNER: Miz at 17:26 to retain the WWE Title. The winner was never in doubt when the announcers did that "it's Morrison's night!" commentary that gives away the opposite outcome, but the match was very strong and helped get over both men as potential top stars all throughout 2011. The FCA stipulation was superfluous for this level of the feud, but they effectively used the arena to enhance the match and nearfalls. (***1/2)
2 -- MELINA & MARYSE & ALICIA FOX vs. Divas champion NATALYA & BRIE BELLA & EVE
They came back from break with the babyface trio of Divas already in the ring to start the match. Brie started the match and was knocked to the outside. She rolled under the ring and Nikki rolled back out. In the ring, they had the switcheroo for a pin on Maryse, but Alicia broke it up. Natalya then tagged in and wanted the Sharpshooter, but Melina distracted her. Melina then gave Natalya a neck snap across the top rope and tagged in. Melina thought she had a clean angle on Natalya, but Natalya landed a discus clothesline. Eve then tagged in and dropped Melina with a spinning facebuster for the pin and the win. Afterward, Melina sold on the outside while the babyface trio stood tall in the ring to continue building to Natalya vs. Melina.
WINNERS: Team Eve at 3:03. Eve scoring the pin on Melina was an interesting finish. Fine match, but three minutes isn't enough to stand out on the show. (*)
3 -- WWE tag champions SANTINO MARELLA (w/Tamina) & KOZLOV vs. USOS (JIMMY & JEY USO) -- non-title match
Kozlov started things off against Jimmy, then Santino tagged in to a strong reaction. Cole said the match could give the Usos a future title shot and noted the wrestlers on the roster are auditioning for a Rumble slot. Mathews said it's the "most exciting 60 minutes" WWE delivers on the year. Kozlov tagged back in, but the Usos cut him off and tried wearing him down. Kozlov eventually tagged out to Santino, who did his routine. Santino wanted to raise the roof and delivered the Sailor's Salute drop for a two count. Kozlov suddenly got caught up on the ropes and time stood still as he tried to throw himself over the top rope to complete the spot. Santino tried the Cobra on Jimmy, but Jimmy ducked and hit a Samoan Drop for the pin on Santino.
Post-match: Tamina checked on Santino and Jimmy wanted to know what's up with her. Kozlov then dropped Jimmy before Santino and Tamina hit him with a Double Cobra to officially break away Tamina from the Usos. Santino, Kozlov, and Tamina stood tall as the Usos regrouped on the outside.
WINNERS: Usos at 3:55. Santino is supposed to deliver the comedy, but Kozlov delivered the comedy this week getting tied up in the ropes and still trying to throw himself over the top rope. Classic Koz. It looks like a Tag Title match is in the works after the Usos scored the win here. (*)
4 -- ALBERTO DEL RIO (w/Ricardo Rodriguez) vs. R-TRUTH
Truth took control early on taking advantage of Del Rio being "disoriented" from the pre-match slap. Truth knocked Del Rio to the floor and nailed a plancha that took both men to the ground. Ricardo checked on Del Rio as they cut to break.
Back live, Truth continued to hammer on Del Rio in the ring. Truth landed ten punches to the head followed by a snap powerslam for a nearfall. Del Rio came back with a fallaway arm drop dropping Truth's left arm across his knees. Del Rio continued to focus on the left arm/shoulder looking to set up Truth for the cross armbreaker. Del Rio aggressively kicked Truth in the gut, but missed with an attack on the ropes and flew to the outside.
Ricardo tried to wake up Del Rio, who sold the effects before storming back into the ring, only to take a series of clotheslines from Truth. Truth executed a hip toss for a two count, but Del Rio rolled to the apron and yanked Truth's left arm into the ringpost. Del Rio then locked on the cross armbreaker center ring. Mathews said no one gets out of Del Rio's finisher. Truth held on for a good ten seconds before tapping out to give Del Rio the win. The announcers recapped the finish and said Del Rio sent a clear message to everyone in WWE that his goal is to win the Rumble.
WINNER: Del Rio via submission at 9:53. They clearly wanted to get over Del Rio as one of the favorites in the Rumble match and continue using Raw to expose him to a wider audience. (*3/4)
5 -- RANDY ORTON vs. KING SHEAMUS vs. WADE BARRETT -- #1 contender steel cage match -- only way to win via escaping -- Barrett out of Nexus with a loss
Barrett immediately tried to climb out, but Orton and Sheamus cut him off. Orton and Sheamus formed a temporary alliance, then Sheamus tried to escape by climbing out (rather than going through the door), and Orton cut him off. Barrett then blindsided Orton with a boot to the head, but Orton recovered and tried to climb the cage to escape as the crowd screamed in excitement, but the heels yanked him back into the ring. The crowd chanted for Orton, who tried to fight off both men. Sheamus knocked down Barrett, then tried to escape, but Orton cut him off. Orton finally tried to escape through the door, but then turned back to both men and teased the RKO. He remained perched on the mat staring at the heels as they cut to break.
Back live, Orton was sitting on top of the cage trying to escape as Sheamus tried to pull him back in. Orton's body dangled over the side of the cage as Sheamus tried to pull him back in. Barrett then joined the effort to drag Orton back inside the cage. Sheamus ended up standing right next to the door, which he could have escaped through, but opted to go back on the offensive against Orton, who made a full comeback. Orton wanted the spike DDT, but the crowd shouted at him to get Barrett, who was trying to escape on the other side of the cage. Orton cut off Barrett, then threw him into the side of the cage. The crowd popped as Orton positioned both men on the ropes for the spike DDT, but Barrett blocked and Sheamus back dropped Orton into the side of the cage.
At 9:00, Sheamus began stomping on Orton before teasing an escape. Orton cut him off, then Barrett attacked Orton from behind. The heels double suplexed Orton, trying to take out their biggest threat. Sheamus and Barrett then traded blows, their alliance not lasting very long. Barrett got the best of Sheamus and started climbing, but Orton grabbed him and pulled him back into the cage to deliver a superplex from the top turnbuckle.
Cole and Mathews reset the show as all three men collected themselves. Sheamus delivered power offense on Barrett, then tried to escape through the cage door, but Orton yanked him back in. Barrett recovered and dropped Sheamus with a pumphandle slam as Orton came to life again. Barrett landed a belly-to-belly suplex, saw everyone was down, and began climbing the cage again. Barrett fought off Sheamus, then opted for a top rope elbow drop, but Sheamus blocked with his knees. Sheamus then measured Barrett, but Orton surprised him with a series of clotheslines and a powerslam. Barrett also took a powerslam. Sheamus then took the Angle Slam from Orton before Barrett took a spike DDT off the second rope.
Sheamus suddenly blocked an attack and tried to climb out, but Orton cut him off. They traded headbutts before Barrett crotched both men. Barrett was alone and he slowly began climbing, but C.M. Punk suddenly came to ringside. Punk climbed the cage and extended a hand for Barrett. Punk then ripped off Barrett's Nexus armband and kicked Barrett off the cage. Barrett took a dramatic flatback bump and Punk left the ringside area with Barrett's N armband.
In the cage, Sheamus called for the cage door trying to leave. Sheamus gave Barrett the Brogue Kick, then Orton sprung out of nowhere with the RKO on Sheamus. Orton stared at the open door as the crowd roared. Orton slowly approached the cage door, stared back at his opponents, and escaped the cage to win and become #1 contender. The crowd applauded and cheered as Orton stared inside the cage. Cole gave a quick wrap-up eight minutes past the top of the hour and they signed off with the visual of Orton confidently staring back inside the cage.
WINNER: Orton at 18:45 to become #1 contender, Barrett is out of Nexus. Exciting cage match if you can get past the logic hole of why the wrestlers opt for the difficult path of escaping over the top of the cage rather than trying to escape through the door until the very end. It's similar to the suspension of disbelief required for a ladder match when the wrestlers take forever to climb a ladder. (***)
Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Caldwell's complete report). Condensed here to in-ring results only.
1 -- WWE champion THE MIZ (w/Alex Riley) vs. JOHN MORRISON -- WWE Title match -- Falls Count Anywhere match
Riley tried ot get involved, but Miz accidentally bumped Riley when Morrison ducked. The fight moved up to the stage and Morrison rammed Miz into the Raw logo on the Titantron. Riley got involved again and Morrison rammed him into the WWE logo on the platform. Morrison then climbed on top of the big WWE logo and splashed both men. Morrison made a cover on the stage, but Miz kicked out. Morrison sold a left knee injury and punched Miz down the ramp toward the ringside area.
Miz and Morrison made it back into the ring where Miz attempted a superplex, but Morrison delivered forearm strikes to knock Miz to the mat before landing a missile dropkick for a nearfall. Cole recapped Miz and Morrison's story dating back to their tag team days as Morrison scored another nearfall with a roll-up. Morrison followed with a springboard kick to the face, then a running knee strike. He had the pin, but Riley yanked Morrison out of the ring. On the floor, Morrison ran Riley into the guardrail as Cole noted Miz is getting recovery time in the ring. Morrison decked Riley with a flying knee before screaming down at him to go away. Back in the ring, Miz sold that he was scared of what he was seeing from an intense Morrison, who paced the ring like a wild tiger as the referee called for medics for Riley. They cut to break.
Back from break, Miz and Morrison were on the floor below the stage. Miz was looking for a suplex onto a loose guardrail, but Morrison blocked, only to take a back body drop onto the guardrail for a nearfall. Cole and Mathews continued to talk about having a feel "it's John Morrison's night," which means he's not winning. Miz resumed his attack on Morrison with a running knee strike on the stage for a nearfall. Miz followed with a hip toss sending Morrison back-first onto the metal entrance ramp for another two count. Closer to ringside, Miz grabbed a strobe light and smashed Morrison with it to score another nearfall.
At 12:00, the action returned to the ring. Miz toyed with Morrison and taunted him while screaming, "You're not better than me! You're nothing, John!" Morrison fired back with right hands before they started trading punches and kicks. Morrison landed a series of knock down clotheslines for another nearfall, then wanted Starship Pain, Miz moved. Morrison landed on his feet, though, and Miz followed with the Reality Check for a close two count. Miz then crouched behind Morrison and got that look in his eyes wanting the Skullcrushing Finale, but Morrison reversed and went for SSP again. This time, he connected. Morrison made a cover, but Miz kicked out. Morrison sold he couldn't believe it, Cole poped for Miz, and the crowd chanted for a table.
Morrison landed a roundhouse kick that took Miz to the floor at the base of the table. Morrison placed Miz on the table, then went to the ring apron. Morrison wanted a super Starship Pain on the table, but Miz moved and Morrison ate the table. Morrison writhed in pain as Miz made a cover, but Morrison kicked out, shocking Miz. Cole complained about the officiating while both men recovered on the floor. Miz then slowly crouched behind Morrison and dramatically dropped him with the Skullcrushing Finale. Miz made the cover...and it was good for the win. Miz retains the WWE Title. Cole said Morrison was game, but Miz proved he's the rightful WWE champion. Cole claimed there was no Alex Riley involvement to excuse Miz's win. Oh boy, another year of delusional Cole Commentary.
Post-match: Miz slowly made his way up the entrance ramp as Morrison was checked on by medics. Morrison was shown crawling on his belly toward Miz, who just looked back at him with a half-turn. Morrison sold intensity that he'll get Miz eventually.
WINNER: Miz at 17:26 to retain the WWE Title. The winner was never in doubt when the announcers did that "it's Morrison's night!" commentary that gives away the opposite outcome, but the match was very strong and helped get over both men as potential top stars all throughout 2011. The FCA stipulation was superfluous for this level of the feud, but they effectively used the arena to enhance the match and nearfalls. (***1/2)
2 -- MELINA & MARYSE & ALICIA FOX vs. Divas champion NATALYA & BRIE BELLA & EVE
They came back from break with the babyface trio of Divas already in the ring to start the match. Brie started the match and was knocked to the outside. She rolled under the ring and Nikki rolled back out. In the ring, they had the switcheroo for a pin on Maryse, but Alicia broke it up. Natalya then tagged in and wanted the Sharpshooter, but Melina distracted her. Melina then gave Natalya a neck snap across the top rope and tagged in. Melina thought she had a clean angle on Natalya, but Natalya landed a discus clothesline. Eve then tagged in and dropped Melina with a spinning facebuster for the pin and the win. Afterward, Melina sold on the outside while the babyface trio stood tall in the ring to continue building to Natalya vs. Melina.
WINNERS: Team Eve at 3:03. Eve scoring the pin on Melina was an interesting finish. Fine match, but three minutes isn't enough to stand out on the show. (*)
3 -- WWE tag champions SANTINO MARELLA (w/Tamina) & KOZLOV vs. USOS (JIMMY & JEY USO) -- non-title match
Kozlov started things off against Jimmy, then Santino tagged in to a strong reaction. Cole said the match could give the Usos a future title shot and noted the wrestlers on the roster are auditioning for a Rumble slot. Mathews said it's the "most exciting 60 minutes" WWE delivers on the year. Kozlov tagged back in, but the Usos cut him off and tried wearing him down. Kozlov eventually tagged out to Santino, who did his routine. Santino wanted to raise the roof and delivered the Sailor's Salute drop for a two count. Kozlov suddenly got caught up on the ropes and time stood still as he tried to throw himself over the top rope to complete the spot. Santino tried the Cobra on Jimmy, but Jimmy ducked and hit a Samoan Drop for the pin on Santino.
Post-match: Tamina checked on Santino and Jimmy wanted to know what's up with her. Kozlov then dropped Jimmy before Santino and Tamina hit him with a Double Cobra to officially break away Tamina from the Usos. Santino, Kozlov, and Tamina stood tall as the Usos regrouped on the outside.
WINNERS: Usos at 3:55. Santino is supposed to deliver the comedy, but Kozlov delivered the comedy this week getting tied up in the ropes and still trying to throw himself over the top rope. Classic Koz. It looks like a Tag Title match is in the works after the Usos scored the win here. (*)
4 -- ALBERTO DEL RIO (w/Ricardo Rodriguez) vs. R-TRUTH
Truth took control early on taking advantage of Del Rio being "disoriented" from the pre-match slap. Truth knocked Del Rio to the floor and nailed a plancha that took both men to the ground. Ricardo checked on Del Rio as they cut to break.
Back live, Truth continued to hammer on Del Rio in the ring. Truth landed ten punches to the head followed by a snap powerslam for a nearfall. Del Rio came back with a fallaway arm drop dropping Truth's left arm across his knees. Del Rio continued to focus on the left arm/shoulder looking to set up Truth for the cross armbreaker. Del Rio aggressively kicked Truth in the gut, but missed with an attack on the ropes and flew to the outside.
Ricardo tried to wake up Del Rio, who sold the effects before storming back into the ring, only to take a series of clotheslines from Truth. Truth executed a hip toss for a two count, but Del Rio rolled to the apron and yanked Truth's left arm into the ringpost. Del Rio then locked on the cross armbreaker center ring. Mathews said no one gets out of Del Rio's finisher. Truth held on for a good ten seconds before tapping out to give Del Rio the win. The announcers recapped the finish and said Del Rio sent a clear message to everyone in WWE that his goal is to win the Rumble.
WINNER: Del Rio via submission at 9:53. They clearly wanted to get over Del Rio as one of the favorites in the Rumble match and continue using Raw to expose him to a wider audience. (*3/4)
5 -- RANDY ORTON vs. KING SHEAMUS vs. WADE BARRETT -- #1 contender steel cage match -- only way to win via escaping -- Barrett out of Nexus with a loss
Barrett immediately tried to climb out, but Orton and Sheamus cut him off. Orton and Sheamus formed a temporary alliance, then Sheamus tried to escape by climbing out (rather than going through the door), and Orton cut him off. Barrett then blindsided Orton with a boot to the head, but Orton recovered and tried to climb the cage to escape as the crowd screamed in excitement, but the heels yanked him back into the ring. The crowd chanted for Orton, who tried to fight off both men. Sheamus knocked down Barrett, then tried to escape, but Orton cut him off. Orton finally tried to escape through the door, but then turned back to both men and teased the RKO. He remained perched on the mat staring at the heels as they cut to break.
Back live, Orton was sitting on top of the cage trying to escape as Sheamus tried to pull him back in. Orton's body dangled over the side of the cage as Sheamus tried to pull him back in. Barrett then joined the effort to drag Orton back inside the cage. Sheamus ended up standing right next to the door, which he could have escaped through, but opted to go back on the offensive against Orton, who made a full comeback. Orton wanted the spike DDT, but the crowd shouted at him to get Barrett, who was trying to escape on the other side of the cage. Orton cut off Barrett, then threw him into the side of the cage. The crowd popped as Orton positioned both men on the ropes for the spike DDT, but Barrett blocked and Sheamus back dropped Orton into the side of the cage.
At 9:00, Sheamus began stomping on Orton before teasing an escape. Orton cut him off, then Barrett attacked Orton from behind. The heels double suplexed Orton, trying to take out their biggest threat. Sheamus and Barrett then traded blows, their alliance not lasting very long. Barrett got the best of Sheamus and started climbing, but Orton grabbed him and pulled him back into the cage to deliver a superplex from the top turnbuckle.
Cole and Mathews reset the show as all three men collected themselves. Sheamus delivered power offense on Barrett, then tried to escape through the cage door, but Orton yanked him back in. Barrett recovered and dropped Sheamus with a pumphandle slam as Orton came to life again. Barrett landed a belly-to-belly suplex, saw everyone was down, and began climbing the cage again. Barrett fought off Sheamus, then opted for a top rope elbow drop, but Sheamus blocked with his knees. Sheamus then measured Barrett, but Orton surprised him with a series of clotheslines and a powerslam. Barrett also took a powerslam. Sheamus then took the Angle Slam from Orton before Barrett took a spike DDT off the second rope.
Sheamus suddenly blocked an attack and tried to climb out, but Orton cut him off. They traded headbutts before Barrett crotched both men. Barrett was alone and he slowly began climbing, but C.M. Punk suddenly came to ringside. Punk climbed the cage and extended a hand for Barrett. Punk then ripped off Barrett's Nexus armband and kicked Barrett off the cage. Barrett took a dramatic flatback bump and Punk left the ringside area with Barrett's N armband.
In the cage, Sheamus called for the cage door trying to leave. Sheamus gave Barrett the Brogue Kick, then Orton sprung out of nowhere with the RKO on Sheamus. Orton stared at the open door as the crowd roared. Orton slowly approached the cage door, stared back at his opponents, and escaped the cage to win and become #1 contender. The crowd applauded and cheered as Orton stared inside the cage. Cole gave a quick wrap-up eight minutes past the top of the hour and they signed off with the visual of Orton confidently staring back inside the cage.
WINNER: Orton at 18:45 to become #1 contender, Barrett is out of Nexus. Exciting cage match if you can get past the logic hole of why the wrestlers opt for the difficult path of escaping over the top of the cage rather than trying to escape through the door until the very end. It's similar to the suspension of disbelief required for a ladder match when the wrestlers take forever to climb a ladder. (***)
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New Japan Pro Wrestling "Wrestle Kingdom 5" results: 1-4-11
Results courtesy of PWTorch.com
Match Results:
Prelim A: Wataru Inoue & Tiger Mask & Tama Tonga & Tomoaki Honma defeated Yujiro Takahashi & Tomohiro Ishi & Gedo & Jado in an eight-man tag match. Short tag match. It was disappointing to see Tiger Mask relegated to dark match status.
Prelim B: Kouji Kanemoto & Ryusuke Taguchi defeated Kenny Omega & Taichi. Kenny Omega looked great, and the fans seemed to be really behind him.
(1) IWGP tag champions Giant Bernard (A-Train/Prince Albert) & "Machine Gun" Karl Anderson defeated Beer Money (Robert Roode & James Storm) and Nakanishi Manabu & Strongman in a three-way tag match to retain the TNA Tag Titles. I liked Anderson in this match; he and Bernard got a nice reaction. Beer Money did the Beer Money suplex and DWI, and James Storm did the beer-spitting spot, which backfired. Fun match, which ended with Bernard telling TNA that "NJPW is no. 1!"
(2) La Sombra & Mascara Dorada (from CMLL) defeated Jushin Thunder Liger & Hector Garza. Lucha libre style tag match with lots of high-risk athletic spots. La Sombra performed an inwards somersault dive to the outside and Mascara Dorada did a tightrope walk moonsault to the outside. Really impressive work from all four wrestlers.
(3) Hiroyoshi Tenzan defeated Takashi Iizuka in a "Deep Sleep" (first person unconscious) match. Finally, a singles match! Very physical grudge match - Iizuka is an awesome heel. Tenzan finished with an move similar to the Anaconda Vice to put Iizuka away. The crowd loved Tenzan - he was out for a long time with an injured neck and seems to be somewhat of a crowd favorite.
(4) Rob Van Dam defeated Toru Yano in a hardcore match.
Poor RVD. He put on a good effort here, but received little to no love from the crowd. Japanese crowds are tough to win over. Standard hardcore rules match with chairs, trash cans, ladders, etc. involved. RVD hit the Van Daminator a couple of times and hit the Five Star Frogsplash to Yano holding a chair for the win.
(5) Yuji Nagata defeated Minoru Suzuki in a grudge match. Apparently there is legit heat between these two guys going back over 20 years. Nagata hit some mega-stiff kicks, very much a Japanese strong style match.
(6) IWGP Jr. Hvt. champion Prince Devitt defeated Kouta Ibushi to retain the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title. Easily the best match of the night. Both of these guys are so impressive in the ring, and shook hands at the end after a very fast-paced match. I urge everyone to check this out on YouTube if it gets uploaded.
(7) Sugiura & Yoshihiro Takayama defeated Hirooki Goto & Kazuchika Okada. Takayama was as stiff as ever, everyone was "oooh"-ing every time he hit a knee. They did a Go To Sleep style move where Sugiura threw Goto off his shoulders and onto Takayama's oncoming knee. Looked nasty. Takayama got the win for his team with a bridging German suplex.
(8) TNA World Hvt. champion Jeff Hardy defeated Tetsuya Naitoh to retain the TNA Hvt. Title. As I mentioned, a disappointing match. Never got going. Jeff hit the Whisper in the Wind, Twist of Hate, and finished with the Swanton Bomb. Naitoh did all the heavy-lifting before that, and did his best to create some movement.
(9) Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Go Shiozaki. Great match. Nakamura has some nasty looking chops. He was even chopping Shiozaki's knee at one point.
(10) Tougi Makabe defeated Masato Tanaka.
(11) Hiroshi Tanahashi defeated IWGP Hvt. champion Satoshi Kojima to become the 56th IWGP Heavyweight Champion. Tanahashi, who was in TNA for a while, had the crowd behind him in an entertaining title match, and sent everyone home happy with a title win.
Results courtesy of PWTorch.com
Match Results:
Prelim A: Wataru Inoue & Tiger Mask & Tama Tonga & Tomoaki Honma defeated Yujiro Takahashi & Tomohiro Ishi & Gedo & Jado in an eight-man tag match. Short tag match. It was disappointing to see Tiger Mask relegated to dark match status.
Prelim B: Kouji Kanemoto & Ryusuke Taguchi defeated Kenny Omega & Taichi. Kenny Omega looked great, and the fans seemed to be really behind him.
(1) IWGP tag champions Giant Bernard (A-Train/Prince Albert) & "Machine Gun" Karl Anderson defeated Beer Money (Robert Roode & James Storm) and Nakanishi Manabu & Strongman in a three-way tag match to retain the TNA Tag Titles. I liked Anderson in this match; he and Bernard got a nice reaction. Beer Money did the Beer Money suplex and DWI, and James Storm did the beer-spitting spot, which backfired. Fun match, which ended with Bernard telling TNA that "NJPW is no. 1!"
(2) La Sombra & Mascara Dorada (from CMLL) defeated Jushin Thunder Liger & Hector Garza. Lucha libre style tag match with lots of high-risk athletic spots. La Sombra performed an inwards somersault dive to the outside and Mascara Dorada did a tightrope walk moonsault to the outside. Really impressive work from all four wrestlers.
(3) Hiroyoshi Tenzan defeated Takashi Iizuka in a "Deep Sleep" (first person unconscious) match. Finally, a singles match! Very physical grudge match - Iizuka is an awesome heel. Tenzan finished with an move similar to the Anaconda Vice to put Iizuka away. The crowd loved Tenzan - he was out for a long time with an injured neck and seems to be somewhat of a crowd favorite.
(4) Rob Van Dam defeated Toru Yano in a hardcore match.
Poor RVD. He put on a good effort here, but received little to no love from the crowd. Japanese crowds are tough to win over. Standard hardcore rules match with chairs, trash cans, ladders, etc. involved. RVD hit the Van Daminator a couple of times and hit the Five Star Frogsplash to Yano holding a chair for the win.
(5) Yuji Nagata defeated Minoru Suzuki in a grudge match. Apparently there is legit heat between these two guys going back over 20 years. Nagata hit some mega-stiff kicks, very much a Japanese strong style match.
(6) IWGP Jr. Hvt. champion Prince Devitt defeated Kouta Ibushi to retain the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title. Easily the best match of the night. Both of these guys are so impressive in the ring, and shook hands at the end after a very fast-paced match. I urge everyone to check this out on YouTube if it gets uploaded.
(7) Sugiura & Yoshihiro Takayama defeated Hirooki Goto & Kazuchika Okada. Takayama was as stiff as ever, everyone was "oooh"-ing every time he hit a knee. They did a Go To Sleep style move where Sugiura threw Goto off his shoulders and onto Takayama's oncoming knee. Looked nasty. Takayama got the win for his team with a bridging German suplex.
(8) TNA World Hvt. champion Jeff Hardy defeated Tetsuya Naitoh to retain the TNA Hvt. Title. As I mentioned, a disappointing match. Never got going. Jeff hit the Whisper in the Wind, Twist of Hate, and finished with the Swanton Bomb. Naitoh did all the heavy-lifting before that, and did his best to create some movement.
(9) Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Go Shiozaki. Great match. Nakamura has some nasty looking chops. He was even chopping Shiozaki's knee at one point.
(10) Tougi Makabe defeated Masato Tanaka.
(11) Hiroshi Tanahashi defeated IWGP Hvt. champion Satoshi Kojima to become the 56th IWGP Heavyweight Champion. Tanahashi, who was in TNA for a while, had the crowd behind him in an entertaining title match, and sent everyone home happy with a title win.
BEST wrestling game on SNES/SFC
Just uploaded this vid to youtube today (I hadn't put up a vid in over 3 years lol), but I recently discovered this awesome gem and have to spread the word about it.
It's titled "Zen-Nihon Pro Wrestling 2: 3-4 Budokan." (Sometimes AKA Zen Nippon). It's the 3rd title in the SFC wrestling series and simply the best, with better graphics, more moves (you can now grapple from behind), and an improved Fatal Four Way match over its prequel, Zen Nippon Dash
Check this game out wrestling fans!
Here's my official YT description of it
---
Here it is, folks. The best damn wrestling game you could play on your Super Nintendo. This is a Super Famicom-only game that features 19 All Japan Pro Wrestling stars, plenty of cool moves (check out the signature moves!), time-based grappling techniques and a killer FATAL FOUR WAY match. For my money, it's better than any WWF or Fire Pro game on the SNES.
Here I am using Akira Taue, and here are some noteworthy moments to observe:
0:22 Kenta Kobashi meets the ropes up close and personal!
0:50 Kenta Kobashi does a nice Ric Flair flop (!!)
1:08 Kenta's patented Machine Gun Chop!
1:34 Akira's Dynamic Kick takes out Eagle from behind, then Akira is dropkicked by Patriot -- nice sequence!
1:47 Whiplash affect off Akira's CHICHUBU CEMENT!
2:44 Dynamic Kick into whiplash off the STEEL BARRICADE!!
2:52 I chokeslam (AKA "Nodowa Otoshi") Eagle. Patriot re-enters the ring only to eat a missile dropkick to the back of his head -- ouch!
3:40 Why you taunting, Kobashi?
4:03 Sigh, some people just never learn... I'll try a clothesline this time!
4:12 Tried to "Aftershock" (*evil snicker*) Patriot after I pinned his carass, but he wouldn't have none of that...
5:31 Akira's Ore Ga Taue! (well, close enough anyhow)
6:16-6:43 Some "Aftershock" fun inflicted on Kobashi
6:47 SOB no-sold! Grrrr...
7:35-7:52 Dynamic Kick Heaven! 2.5 count pissed me off, so I gave the bloke five knee drops for his trouble! Meanwhile, the audience erupts in a frenzy at the unfolding drama
7:50-8:00 2.9 count! Even after an UP CLOSE Dynamic Kick. SOB...
8:03-8:26 What a finale... ouch.
8:24-8:32 Something to remember me by, Eagle! Muahahaha
As you can see, this is just an extremely enjoyable wrestling game with plenty of lovable quirks (i.e. whiplash tricks, Aftershock attacks, etc.). Its wrestling is pure, but wild enough for some arcade-like fun. To me it combines the gameplay purity of a Fire Pro with JUST ENOUGH of the zany arcade fun of Saturday Night Slam Masters (though it borders more along the lines of Fire Pro). And thus, this is, in my book, the best SNES wrestling game out there.
It's got one of the best "running attack" systems in wrestling game history. It's so fun to just rush attack people in this game. Creates for some mayhem and plenty of shouting amongst friends, believe me! It's a shame this game is so unknown because it's truly AWESOME.
BTW, US SNES gamers got "Natsume Championship Wrestling" in 1994. NCW was based off the first game in this series, Zen Nippon Pro Wrestling (1993). NCW is easily the best *US* SNES wrestling game IMHO. ZNPW 2:3-4 Budokan though is easily the best, period.
You can read my NCW review here BTW:
http://www.rvgfanatic.com/7401/348201.html
If you have any comments on this wrestling game, the match itself, my NCW review, or what you personally believe to be the best SNES wrestling game, comment below! I always enjoy to read the various comments you may have!
PS- Yes I know this video has some transition problems around 3:15-ish and later 6:15-ish. My camera can only record up to 3 minutes at a time, so yeah
Just uploaded this vid to youtube today (I hadn't put up a vid in over 3 years lol), but I recently discovered this awesome gem and have to spread the word about it.
It's titled "Zen-Nihon Pro Wrestling 2: 3-4 Budokan." (Sometimes AKA Zen Nippon). It's the 3rd title in the SFC wrestling series and simply the best, with better graphics, more moves (you can now grapple from behind), and an improved Fatal Four Way match over its prequel, Zen Nippon Dash
Check this game out wrestling fans!
Here's my official YT description of it
---
Here it is, folks. The best damn wrestling game you could play on your Super Nintendo. This is a Super Famicom-only game that features 19 All Japan Pro Wrestling stars, plenty of cool moves (check out the signature moves!), time-based grappling techniques and a killer FATAL FOUR WAY match. For my money, it's better than any WWF or Fire Pro game on the SNES.
Here I am using Akira Taue, and here are some noteworthy moments to observe:
0:22 Kenta Kobashi meets the ropes up close and personal!
0:50 Kenta Kobashi does a nice Ric Flair flop (!!)
1:08 Kenta's patented Machine Gun Chop!
1:34 Akira's Dynamic Kick takes out Eagle from behind, then Akira is dropkicked by Patriot -- nice sequence!
1:47 Whiplash affect off Akira's CHICHUBU CEMENT!
2:44 Dynamic Kick into whiplash off the STEEL BARRICADE!!
2:52 I chokeslam (AKA "Nodowa Otoshi") Eagle. Patriot re-enters the ring only to eat a missile dropkick to the back of his head -- ouch!
3:40 Why you taunting, Kobashi?
4:03 Sigh, some people just never learn... I'll try a clothesline this time!
4:12 Tried to "Aftershock" (*evil snicker*) Patriot after I pinned his carass, but he wouldn't have none of that...
5:31 Akira's Ore Ga Taue! (well, close enough anyhow)
6:16-6:43 Some "Aftershock" fun inflicted on Kobashi
6:47 SOB no-sold! Grrrr...
7:35-7:52 Dynamic Kick Heaven! 2.5 count pissed me off, so I gave the bloke five knee drops for his trouble! Meanwhile, the audience erupts in a frenzy at the unfolding drama
7:50-8:00 2.9 count! Even after an UP CLOSE Dynamic Kick. SOB...
8:03-8:26 What a finale... ouch.
8:24-8:32 Something to remember me by, Eagle! Muahahaha
As you can see, this is just an extremely enjoyable wrestling game with plenty of lovable quirks (i.e. whiplash tricks, Aftershock attacks, etc.). Its wrestling is pure, but wild enough for some arcade-like fun. To me it combines the gameplay purity of a Fire Pro with JUST ENOUGH of the zany arcade fun of Saturday Night Slam Masters (though it borders more along the lines of Fire Pro). And thus, this is, in my book, the best SNES wrestling game out there.
It's got one of the best "running attack" systems in wrestling game history. It's so fun to just rush attack people in this game. Creates for some mayhem and plenty of shouting amongst friends, believe me! It's a shame this game is so unknown because it's truly AWESOME.
BTW, US SNES gamers got "Natsume Championship Wrestling" in 1994. NCW was based off the first game in this series, Zen Nippon Pro Wrestling (1993). NCW is easily the best *US* SNES wrestling game IMHO. ZNPW 2:3-4 Budokan though is easily the best, period.
You can read my NCW review here BTW:
http://www.rvgfanatic.com/7401/348201.html
If you have any comments on this wrestling game, the match itself, my NCW review, or what you personally believe to be the best SNES wrestling game, comment below! I always enjoy to read the various comments you may have!
PS- Yes I know this video has some transition problems around 3:15-ish and later 6:15-ish. My camera can only record up to 3 minutes at a time, so yeah
- Joined
- Sep 14, 2003
- Posts
- 20,332
TNA Genesis PPV Results: 1-9-11
Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Caldwell's ongoing report).
1 -- X Division champion JAY LETHAL vs. KAZARIAN -- X Division Title match
They didn't waste any time quickly going after it with Lethal the aggressor looking for revenge on events that happened on Impact leading to the PPV. Kazarian slipped to the outside looking for a breather, but Lethal caught him with a suicide dive on the floor. Lethal delivered a chop, then came off the apron with a splash onto Kazarian. Back in the ring, Lethal scored a two count. Lethal scored a few more nearfalls before Kazarian went on the offensive for a few minutes. Lethal came back with a handspring back elbow smash and both men were down.
At 6:00, Lethal and Kazarian started trading bombs before Lethal landed a chop and slingshot Kazarian across the top rope. Lethal randomly started shaking out his right knee to sell an injury to give Kazarian an opening to slingshot Lethal into the ring and execute mid-air cutter for a nearfall. Nice. They went up top where Kazarian wanted the Flux Capacitor, but Lethal elbowed out and landed a sunset flip powerbomb for a close two count. Lethal sold frustration that he couldn't put away Kazarian while the announcers noted Kazarian is feeling pressure to win for Immortal.
At 9:00, Kazarian sold frustration that he couldn't put away Lethal, then slowly pulled up Lethal before shoving him down to the mat. Kazarian followed with a hard slap to the face that caused Lethal to stand tall and show fire. Lethal ducked a second slap, then ripped off a flurry of slaps and chops capitalizing on being fired up. Lethal executed a suplex, then played to the crowd to build toward a big move. Taz noted Lethal was wasting time. Lethal went up top, but Kazarian smashed him with an enziguiri kick. Kaz tried to follow with a reverse Tombstone from the top, but Lethal shoved Kaz down and into the ref. Kaz sprung to life and crotched Lethal, then caught Lethal with the reverse Tombstone. It was good for a pin and a new X Division champion.
WINNER: Kazarian at 11:38 to capture the X Division Title. Hot potato with the X Title continues, but this was a strong PPV opener. Right at that three-star level with two good stories in-play for both men, strong back-and-forth action, and enough time to tell a complete story. (***)
2 -- Knockouts champion MADISON RAYNE vs. MICKIE JAMES -- Knockouts Title match
Madison tried taunting Mickie early on, so Mickie caught her trying to run away and dropped her to the mat for a quick nearfall. Madison then scampered to the corner trying to slow down Mickie after agitating her. Madison slipped to the floor, then tried to bait Mickie to the outside. Mickie finally took the bait, allowing Madison to use a game of cat & mouse to take control of the match back in the ring. Mickie teased a comeback with a small package, but Madison kicked her in the head and started taunting the crowd. Mickie suddenly caught Madison around the waist and swung her around before landing a frontslam.
Mickie made her full comeback and wanted a DDT, but Madison slid to the corner. Mickie followed with a seated sentaun from the top rope, then wanted to finish it, but Tara came jogging down to ringside. Mickie took the bait and started arguing with Tara ringside. Behind everyone's back, Madison slapped on a loaded glove, then dropped to the mat to play opposum. Mickie re-entered the ring, then Madison dropped her with a loaded punch. The ref returned to the ring after trying to separate Tara and Mickie and counted to three for Madison.
WINNER: Rayne at 10:27 to retain the Knockouts Title. Strong women's match with plenty of time allotted to the match. Madison plays such a convincing heel and Mickie's comebacks were set up nicely by Madison playing her role well. The cheat-to-win finish was expected, not just because it's a TNA PPV, but it keeps the program going with Mickie still chasing. (**)
Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Caldwell's ongoing report).
1 -- X Division champion JAY LETHAL vs. KAZARIAN -- X Division Title match
They didn't waste any time quickly going after it with Lethal the aggressor looking for revenge on events that happened on Impact leading to the PPV. Kazarian slipped to the outside looking for a breather, but Lethal caught him with a suicide dive on the floor. Lethal delivered a chop, then came off the apron with a splash onto Kazarian. Back in the ring, Lethal scored a two count. Lethal scored a few more nearfalls before Kazarian went on the offensive for a few minutes. Lethal came back with a handspring back elbow smash and both men were down.
At 6:00, Lethal and Kazarian started trading bombs before Lethal landed a chop and slingshot Kazarian across the top rope. Lethal randomly started shaking out his right knee to sell an injury to give Kazarian an opening to slingshot Lethal into the ring and execute mid-air cutter for a nearfall. Nice. They went up top where Kazarian wanted the Flux Capacitor, but Lethal elbowed out and landed a sunset flip powerbomb for a close two count. Lethal sold frustration that he couldn't put away Kazarian while the announcers noted Kazarian is feeling pressure to win for Immortal.
At 9:00, Kazarian sold frustration that he couldn't put away Lethal, then slowly pulled up Lethal before shoving him down to the mat. Kazarian followed with a hard slap to the face that caused Lethal to stand tall and show fire. Lethal ducked a second slap, then ripped off a flurry of slaps and chops capitalizing on being fired up. Lethal executed a suplex, then played to the crowd to build toward a big move. Taz noted Lethal was wasting time. Lethal went up top, but Kazarian smashed him with an enziguiri kick. Kaz tried to follow with a reverse Tombstone from the top, but Lethal shoved Kaz down and into the ref. Kaz sprung to life and crotched Lethal, then caught Lethal with the reverse Tombstone. It was good for a pin and a new X Division champion.
WINNER: Kazarian at 11:38 to capture the X Division Title. Hot potato with the X Title continues, but this was a strong PPV opener. Right at that three-star level with two good stories in-play for both men, strong back-and-forth action, and enough time to tell a complete story. (***)
2 -- Knockouts champion MADISON RAYNE vs. MICKIE JAMES -- Knockouts Title match
Madison tried taunting Mickie early on, so Mickie caught her trying to run away and dropped her to the mat for a quick nearfall. Madison then scampered to the corner trying to slow down Mickie after agitating her. Madison slipped to the floor, then tried to bait Mickie to the outside. Mickie finally took the bait, allowing Madison to use a game of cat & mouse to take control of the match back in the ring. Mickie teased a comeback with a small package, but Madison kicked her in the head and started taunting the crowd. Mickie suddenly caught Madison around the waist and swung her around before landing a frontslam.
Mickie made her full comeback and wanted a DDT, but Madison slid to the corner. Mickie followed with a seated sentaun from the top rope, then wanted to finish it, but Tara came jogging down to ringside. Mickie took the bait and started arguing with Tara ringside. Behind everyone's back, Madison slapped on a loaded glove, then dropped to the mat to play opposum. Mickie re-entered the ring, then Madison dropped her with a loaded punch. The ref returned to the ring after trying to separate Tara and Mickie and counted to three for Madison.
WINNER: Rayne at 10:27 to retain the Knockouts Title. Strong women's match with plenty of time allotted to the match. Madison plays such a convincing heel and Mickie's comebacks were set up nicely by Madison playing her role well. The cheat-to-win finish was expected, not just because it's a TNA PPV, but it keeps the program going with Mickie still chasing. (**)
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- Sep 14, 2003
- Posts
- 20,332
TNA Genesis PPV Results: 1-9-11
(We have confirmed that Styles is legitimately injured independent of Styles's comment on Twitter after the segment: "Sorry guys it's true. I tore me my hip flexor and hip labrum. I'll be back wrestling real soon.")
3 -- TNA tag champions MOTOR CITY MACHINEGUNS (ALEX SHELLEY & CHRIS SABIN) vs. BEER MONEY (ROBERT ROODE & JAMES STORM) -- TNA Tag Title match
Shelley and Roode started things off with a mid-match stare down. Other than a quick shove by Roode, no touching in the first minute to stretch out the feeling-out process selling the importance of the match and how familiar the teams are after being one of the top feuds of 2010. Shelley won the first exchange of the match with an enziguiri kick for a nearfall. Storm then tagged in, as did Sabin, who worked with Shelley for some double-team offense on the heels. The Guns, with full crowd support, began tagging in and out working on Storm before the Guns landed double suicide dives on the floor sending Roode and Storm crashing into the guardrail.
Back in the ring, Shelley was blindsided by a double-team move, which set up Beer Money on the offensive working over Shelley. Shelley then escaped the attack by hitting Sliced Bread #2 on Storm. He tried to make a tag, but Roode ran around the ring to yank Sabin off the ring apron to prevent the tag. Beer Money then resumed the attack on Shelley. BM continued to score nearfalls and Taz noted they should keep going for as many pinfalls as possible trying to wear down the opponent and perhaps sneak out a win.
Shelley finally fought out of the heel corner and hot-tagged Sabin, who entered the match with a flurry of offense at 12:00. Sabin stunned Roode with a standing kick, then hung Roode upside down for a basement dropkick in the corner. Sabin then suplexed Storm on top of Roode before chucking Storm to the outside. Sabin followed with a huracanrana on Roode, then the Guns set up for a double-team Tornado DDT for a nearfall. All four men were in the ring at this point and there was a noticeable quiet in the arena as the fans seemed to be anticipating a potential finish.
Storm and Sabin battled on the floor while Shelley and Roode battled in the ring. All four men returned to the ring where high-impact moves were traded. Roode then ducked an enziguiri kick by Sabin, but Sabin rolled up Roode for a nearfall. Storm then spewed beer in Sabin's face and Roode hit a Double A spinebuster, but Sabin kicked out to an "ooh and aww" reaction. Shelley and Storm resumed their battle on the floor. In the ring, Sabin nailed a kick to Roode in the corner and Sabin held the position to show the audience. Shelley then came off the top with the Skull & Bones combo with Sabin. The Guns had the win, but Storm pulled the ref out of the ring. Shelley then splashed Storm on the floor. In the confusion, Roode executed a textbook Northern Lights suplex on Sabin, who kicked out just in time.
Everyone was back in the ring at 17:00 setting up the finish. Beer Money hit a superkick combo, then the DWI combination finisher on Sabin, but it still wasn't good enough for a three count. Roode rolled his eyes back to sell disbelief as Taz said Bischoff must be ripping his hair out backstage. Beer Money went for the DWI again, but Sabin escaped. The Guns accidentally collided in the corner when Sabin popped Shelley with a corner kick, then Roode rolled up a stunned Sabin from behind and it was good for a three count. Post-match: Sabin sold shock as Beer Money quickly scampered out of the ring clutching the Tag Titles. Shelley sold he was completely KO'ed.
WINNERS: Beer Money at 17:59 to capture the TNA Tag Titles. Another day, another excellent match between the Guns and Beer Money. The teams were on the verge of over-doing the "all-four-men-in-the-ring" spots, but they effectively switched it back to one-on-one sequences when they pushed the limit. The finish sets up an easy re-match with the story that Beer Money simply cannot beat the Guns and the Guns beat themselves in this match. (***1/2)
(We have confirmed that Styles is legitimately injured independent of Styles's comment on Twitter after the segment: "Sorry guys it's true. I tore me my hip flexor and hip labrum. I'll be back wrestling real soon.")
3 -- TNA tag champions MOTOR CITY MACHINEGUNS (ALEX SHELLEY & CHRIS SABIN) vs. BEER MONEY (ROBERT ROODE & JAMES STORM) -- TNA Tag Title match
Shelley and Roode started things off with a mid-match stare down. Other than a quick shove by Roode, no touching in the first minute to stretch out the feeling-out process selling the importance of the match and how familiar the teams are after being one of the top feuds of 2010. Shelley won the first exchange of the match with an enziguiri kick for a nearfall. Storm then tagged in, as did Sabin, who worked with Shelley for some double-team offense on the heels. The Guns, with full crowd support, began tagging in and out working on Storm before the Guns landed double suicide dives on the floor sending Roode and Storm crashing into the guardrail.
Back in the ring, Shelley was blindsided by a double-team move, which set up Beer Money on the offensive working over Shelley. Shelley then escaped the attack by hitting Sliced Bread #2 on Storm. He tried to make a tag, but Roode ran around the ring to yank Sabin off the ring apron to prevent the tag. Beer Money then resumed the attack on Shelley. BM continued to score nearfalls and Taz noted they should keep going for as many pinfalls as possible trying to wear down the opponent and perhaps sneak out a win.
Shelley finally fought out of the heel corner and hot-tagged Sabin, who entered the match with a flurry of offense at 12:00. Sabin stunned Roode with a standing kick, then hung Roode upside down for a basement dropkick in the corner. Sabin then suplexed Storm on top of Roode before chucking Storm to the outside. Sabin followed with a huracanrana on Roode, then the Guns set up for a double-team Tornado DDT for a nearfall. All four men were in the ring at this point and there was a noticeable quiet in the arena as the fans seemed to be anticipating a potential finish.
Storm and Sabin battled on the floor while Shelley and Roode battled in the ring. All four men returned to the ring where high-impact moves were traded. Roode then ducked an enziguiri kick by Sabin, but Sabin rolled up Roode for a nearfall. Storm then spewed beer in Sabin's face and Roode hit a Double A spinebuster, but Sabin kicked out to an "ooh and aww" reaction. Shelley and Storm resumed their battle on the floor. In the ring, Sabin nailed a kick to Roode in the corner and Sabin held the position to show the audience. Shelley then came off the top with the Skull & Bones combo with Sabin. The Guns had the win, but Storm pulled the ref out of the ring. Shelley then splashed Storm on the floor. In the confusion, Roode executed a textbook Northern Lights suplex on Sabin, who kicked out just in time.
Everyone was back in the ring at 17:00 setting up the finish. Beer Money hit a superkick combo, then the DWI combination finisher on Sabin, but it still wasn't good enough for a three count. Roode rolled his eyes back to sell disbelief as Taz said Bischoff must be ripping his hair out backstage. Beer Money went for the DWI again, but Sabin escaped. The Guns accidentally collided in the corner when Sabin popped Shelley with a corner kick, then Roode rolled up a stunned Sabin from behind and it was good for a three count. Post-match: Sabin sold shock as Beer Money quickly scampered out of the ring clutching the Tag Titles. Shelley sold he was completely KO'ed.
WINNERS: Beer Money at 17:59 to capture the TNA Tag Titles. Another day, another excellent match between the Guns and Beer Money. The teams were on the verge of over-doing the "all-four-men-in-the-ring" spots, but they effectively switched it back to one-on-one sequences when they pushed the limit. The finish sets up an easy re-match with the story that Beer Money simply cannot beat the Guns and the Guns beat themselves in this match. (***1/2)
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- Sep 14, 2003
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- 20,332
TNA Genesis PPV Results: 1-9-11
4 -- BROTHER DEVON vs. "BULLY" BROTHER RAY
Ray was out first, then Devon charged the ring and Ray quickly left the ring. Ray tried to bait Devon into fighting him on the floor, then Ray pulled So Cal Val into harm's way. Val decided to slap Ray across the face, then Devon capitalized by throwing Ray off the ramp to the floor. Devon choked Ray with a TV cable before grabbing a bottle of water to smash across Ray's face. Devon landed right hands as the crowd chanted for tables. The referee tried to get them back in the ring to officially start the match, but the fight continued on the floor, including Devon choking Ray with Ray's new leather vest. Devon taunted Ray before finally rolling him into the ring to officially start the match.
Devon dropped to his knees and begged off. "Brothers, man. We're brothers," Ray repeated over and over. Devon asked the crowd what he should do, then Ray tried a low blow, but Devon saw it coming and landed a right hand punch to the forehead followed by a leaping clothesline. Devon landed a scoop slam, then went up top, but Ray rolled all the way across the ring to escape to the floor. Devon tried to follow on the outside, but Ray clubbed him with a forearm and tried to leave through the crowd. Devon gave chase and whipped Ray into the base of the grandstands.
The walking brawl continued up the steps of the grandstands as the ref began a count trying to encourage the wrestlers to get back into the ring. Devon used a fan-supplied shoe as a weapon on Ray's forehead, then tossed it back to the fan, who proceeded to bite his shoe like a dog. Taz noted that wasn't very sanitary. Back in the ring, Ray cut off Devon, who no-sold momentarily and hulked up in Ray's face before Ray smashed him in the lower region. Ray taunted Devon, then missed with an elbow smash. Ray tried a Bubba Bomb, but Devon countered with a modified uranage for a two count. Devon tried following with a top rope move, but Ray crotched him and landed two thunderous open-hand slaps across the chest. Ray followed with a superplex and both men sold the effects before Ray drapped an arm over Devon for a nearfall.
Ray proceeded to retrieve a chain, but he missed when Devon moved. The ref tried to reprimand Ray, who then missed with a fist wrapped in a chain before Devon back-dropped Ray to the mat. Devon picked up the chain and teased using the chain, but the ref tried reprimanding him. Devon popped Ray with the chain anyways, prompting a DQ.
Post-match: Devon continued to beat on Ray with the chain before Devon shoved the ref away. The crowd chanted, "Let them fight," as more referees spilled into the ring trying to calm down Devon. Devon pounded on Ray with right hand blows before three refs pulled Devon away. Ray tried to jump Devon, but Devon stood his ground and a brawl was on. The announcers said they need more than three referees. Security and agents spilled into the ring trying to separate them. Ray broke free and landed a big kick to the groin before stomping out of the ring and throwing his arms in the air to celebrate the "win." Ray disappeared to the back as Devon sold the low blow in the ring.
WINNER: Ray via DQ at 8:48. Excellent story to the match. It felt like the end of the first big chapter of the story building toward the next big chapter in the feud. Ray and Devon held their own working as singles wrestlers and everyone played their roles well: Devon as the sympathetic, fighting babyface and Ray as the "bully," chicken heel. (**)
4 -- BROTHER DEVON vs. "BULLY" BROTHER RAY
Ray was out first, then Devon charged the ring and Ray quickly left the ring. Ray tried to bait Devon into fighting him on the floor, then Ray pulled So Cal Val into harm's way. Val decided to slap Ray across the face, then Devon capitalized by throwing Ray off the ramp to the floor. Devon choked Ray with a TV cable before grabbing a bottle of water to smash across Ray's face. Devon landed right hands as the crowd chanted for tables. The referee tried to get them back in the ring to officially start the match, but the fight continued on the floor, including Devon choking Ray with Ray's new leather vest. Devon taunted Ray before finally rolling him into the ring to officially start the match.
Devon dropped to his knees and begged off. "Brothers, man. We're brothers," Ray repeated over and over. Devon asked the crowd what he should do, then Ray tried a low blow, but Devon saw it coming and landed a right hand punch to the forehead followed by a leaping clothesline. Devon landed a scoop slam, then went up top, but Ray rolled all the way across the ring to escape to the floor. Devon tried to follow on the outside, but Ray clubbed him with a forearm and tried to leave through the crowd. Devon gave chase and whipped Ray into the base of the grandstands.
The walking brawl continued up the steps of the grandstands as the ref began a count trying to encourage the wrestlers to get back into the ring. Devon used a fan-supplied shoe as a weapon on Ray's forehead, then tossed it back to the fan, who proceeded to bite his shoe like a dog. Taz noted that wasn't very sanitary. Back in the ring, Ray cut off Devon, who no-sold momentarily and hulked up in Ray's face before Ray smashed him in the lower region. Ray taunted Devon, then missed with an elbow smash. Ray tried a Bubba Bomb, but Devon countered with a modified uranage for a two count. Devon tried following with a top rope move, but Ray crotched him and landed two thunderous open-hand slaps across the chest. Ray followed with a superplex and both men sold the effects before Ray drapped an arm over Devon for a nearfall.
Ray proceeded to retrieve a chain, but he missed when Devon moved. The ref tried to reprimand Ray, who then missed with a fist wrapped in a chain before Devon back-dropped Ray to the mat. Devon picked up the chain and teased using the chain, but the ref tried reprimanding him. Devon popped Ray with the chain anyways, prompting a DQ.
Post-match: Devon continued to beat on Ray with the chain before Devon shoved the ref away. The crowd chanted, "Let them fight," as more referees spilled into the ring trying to calm down Devon. Devon pounded on Ray with right hand blows before three refs pulled Devon away. Ray tried to jump Devon, but Devon stood his ground and a brawl was on. The announcers said they need more than three referees. Security and agents spilled into the ring trying to separate them. Ray broke free and landed a big kick to the groin before stomping out of the ring and throwing his arms in the air to celebrate the "win." Ray disappeared to the back as Devon sold the low blow in the ring.
WINNER: Ray via DQ at 8:48. Excellent story to the match. It felt like the end of the first big chapter of the story building toward the next big chapter in the feud. Ray and Devon held their own working as singles wrestlers and everyone played their roles well: Devon as the sympathetic, fighting babyface and Ray as the "bully," chicken heel. (**)
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TNA Genesis PPV Results: 1-9-11
5 -- TV champion DOUGLAS WILLIAMS vs. ABYSS -- TNA TV Title match
The announcers talked up the match story prior to the opening bell - Williams is disadvantaged since it will be difficult for him to set up his trademark suplexes with an injured wrist following an attack by Styles and Kazarian on Impact leading to the PPV. Williams sold the left wrist injury early on and tried wrestling with one hand before Abyss yanked Williams's hand into the ringpost. Abyss followed by smashing Williams's hand into the ring steps before Williams made a comeback with his right hand. Abyss cut him off, then smashed Williams's left arm across the top rope. The crowd, not buying into A.J. Styles as a heel, chanted they want to see Styles. Abyss nearly DQ'ed himself trying to use the TV Title belt as a weapon, but Williams ducked and the match returned to the ring.
Back in the ring, Williams showed fire making a comeback on Abyss with consecutive offense. He teased a German Suplex, then ducked a clothesline, and used Abyss's momentum to scoop him up for a belly-to-back side suplex. Williams then went up top looking for a high-impact move (wasn't there an anti-X Division program involving Williams as a heel six months ago?) and connected with a flying knee on Abyss for a two count.
Abyss came up bleeding on his knuckles, then went to the floor and retrieved Janice. The ref, distracted, missed Styles limping in the back door to drop Williams with a belt shot. Styles hobbled out of the ring and Abyss innocently dropped Janice on the ground to tell the ref he would agree not to use it. Abyss re-entered the ring and dropped Williams with the Black Hole Slam. It was good for the pin and the win. Tenay and Taz noted Bischoff was correct on his prediction that Immortal would win all the belts.
WINNER: Abyss at 9:47 to capture the TV Title. Okay match playing off Williams's pre-existing injury and giving Williams an "out" for his loss. (*1/2)
5 -- TV champion DOUGLAS WILLIAMS vs. ABYSS -- TNA TV Title match
The announcers talked up the match story prior to the opening bell - Williams is disadvantaged since it will be difficult for him to set up his trademark suplexes with an injured wrist following an attack by Styles and Kazarian on Impact leading to the PPV. Williams sold the left wrist injury early on and tried wrestling with one hand before Abyss yanked Williams's hand into the ringpost. Abyss followed by smashing Williams's hand into the ring steps before Williams made a comeback with his right hand. Abyss cut him off, then smashed Williams's left arm across the top rope. The crowd, not buying into A.J. Styles as a heel, chanted they want to see Styles. Abyss nearly DQ'ed himself trying to use the TV Title belt as a weapon, but Williams ducked and the match returned to the ring.
Back in the ring, Williams showed fire making a comeback on Abyss with consecutive offense. He teased a German Suplex, then ducked a clothesline, and used Abyss's momentum to scoop him up for a belly-to-back side suplex. Williams then went up top looking for a high-impact move (wasn't there an anti-X Division program involving Williams as a heel six months ago?) and connected with a flying knee on Abyss for a two count.
Abyss came up bleeding on his knuckles, then went to the floor and retrieved Janice. The ref, distracted, missed Styles limping in the back door to drop Williams with a belt shot. Styles hobbled out of the ring and Abyss innocently dropped Janice on the ground to tell the ref he would agree not to use it. Abyss re-entered the ring and dropped Williams with the Black Hole Slam. It was good for the pin and the win. Tenay and Taz noted Bischoff was correct on his prediction that Immortal would win all the belts.
WINNER: Abyss at 9:47 to capture the TV Title. Okay match playing off Williams's pre-existing injury and giving Williams an "out" for his loss. (*1/2)
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TNA Genesis PPV Results: 1-9-11
Backstage: Rob Van Dam told Eric Bischoff that he wants "Hardy" tonight. Bischoff told RVD to be careful what he wishes for because he might just get it. "You want Hardy? You got Hardy!" RVD said it's about time, then walked to the entrance ramp. After RVD entered the ring, Jeremy Borash ominously announced the mystery opponent. Out came Matt Hardy looking like Tyler Reks with the hair while sporting a long black trench coat. RVD tried to act shocked that it's the other Hardy.
6 -- ROB VAN DAM vs. MATT HARDY
Before the bell sounded, Taz posed the question of whether Hardy is part of Immortal. The bell sounded and Hardy extended a hand saying he's not his brother. RVD got in Hardy's face, then Hardy popped him with a right hand to the face. Hardy landed a back drop, then lightly jogged around the ring. He mocked RVD's "R-V-D" thumb-to-shoulder pose before RVD popped him with a roundhouse kick and kick strike. Tenay then announced "TNA Genesis" is currently trending on Twitter.
The match moved to the floor and RVD flung Hardy back into the ring. RVD came off the top with a cross-body splash for a nearfall, then Hardy came back with a suplex into the corner turnbuckle. Hardy followed with a corner clothesline and the Hardy Girlz in the crowd screamed. Hardy proceeded to apply a full nelson submission before turning it into the Stroke for a nearfall. Hardy mocked RVD's pose again while stumbling around the ring before landing a neckbreaker. Hardy went to the corner turnbuckle for a high-impact move, but RVD popped him with a kick to the throat.
Hardy and RVD started trading bombs before Hardy hit the Side Effect for a nearfall. Taz wondered aloud if Hulk Hogan is pulling the strings behind-the-scenes trying to recruit talent. Tenay noted it would be against "court orders," per the storyline with Dixie Carter. Hardy continued to slow things down as the crowd was lulled to sleep before RVD made a comeback at 9:20. RVD landed a standing crescent kick and played to the crowd before scoring with a roundhouse kick for a nearfall. Hardy suddenly tried a small package, but RVD kicked out. RVD then came right back with another kick followed by Rolling Thunder.
RVD wanted a Five Star Frogsplash and they went to a faraway camera shot showing RVD connecting. RVD rolled Hardy over for a pin and it appeared to be good for a three, but the ref (Jackson James) decided Hardy's hand was underneath the bottom rope. It was another awkward non-finish spot involving Jackson, as Hardy's hand never moved and it was in the same position for the one and the two. RVD argued with the ref, then Hardy hit the Twist of Fate. RVD put his foot under the bottom rope, but the ref opted not to give him a rope break, giving Hardy a three count.
Post-match: The ref quickly left the ring and RVD was left feeling robbed. The announcers noted RVD was robbed and they went to a replay. Taz noted Hardy's hand was already under the ropes for the one and the two before the ref decided to stop before three. They replayed RVD putting his foot under the bottom rope for the eventual finish and put over RVD being screwed.
WINNER: Hardy at 11:54. They actually managed to get some legit babyface heat on RVD since everyone outside of the Hardy Girlz wanted to see Hardy get his comeuppance just for showing up. Hardy had some ring rust and the "controversial referee finish" was clunky again, but it overall advanced RVD's quest trying to get to Jeff Hardy and Immortal. RVD just had to bring the babyface fire in the follow-up. (*1/2)
Backstage: Rob Van Dam told Eric Bischoff that he wants "Hardy" tonight. Bischoff told RVD to be careful what he wishes for because he might just get it. "You want Hardy? You got Hardy!" RVD said it's about time, then walked to the entrance ramp. After RVD entered the ring, Jeremy Borash ominously announced the mystery opponent. Out came Matt Hardy looking like Tyler Reks with the hair while sporting a long black trench coat. RVD tried to act shocked that it's the other Hardy.
6 -- ROB VAN DAM vs. MATT HARDY
Before the bell sounded, Taz posed the question of whether Hardy is part of Immortal. The bell sounded and Hardy extended a hand saying he's not his brother. RVD got in Hardy's face, then Hardy popped him with a right hand to the face. Hardy landed a back drop, then lightly jogged around the ring. He mocked RVD's "R-V-D" thumb-to-shoulder pose before RVD popped him with a roundhouse kick and kick strike. Tenay then announced "TNA Genesis" is currently trending on Twitter.
The match moved to the floor and RVD flung Hardy back into the ring. RVD came off the top with a cross-body splash for a nearfall, then Hardy came back with a suplex into the corner turnbuckle. Hardy followed with a corner clothesline and the Hardy Girlz in the crowd screamed. Hardy proceeded to apply a full nelson submission before turning it into the Stroke for a nearfall. Hardy mocked RVD's pose again while stumbling around the ring before landing a neckbreaker. Hardy went to the corner turnbuckle for a high-impact move, but RVD popped him with a kick to the throat.
Hardy and RVD started trading bombs before Hardy hit the Side Effect for a nearfall. Taz wondered aloud if Hulk Hogan is pulling the strings behind-the-scenes trying to recruit talent. Tenay noted it would be against "court orders," per the storyline with Dixie Carter. Hardy continued to slow things down as the crowd was lulled to sleep before RVD made a comeback at 9:20. RVD landed a standing crescent kick and played to the crowd before scoring with a roundhouse kick for a nearfall. Hardy suddenly tried a small package, but RVD kicked out. RVD then came right back with another kick followed by Rolling Thunder.
RVD wanted a Five Star Frogsplash and they went to a faraway camera shot showing RVD connecting. RVD rolled Hardy over for a pin and it appeared to be good for a three, but the ref (Jackson James) decided Hardy's hand was underneath the bottom rope. It was another awkward non-finish spot involving Jackson, as Hardy's hand never moved and it was in the same position for the one and the two. RVD argued with the ref, then Hardy hit the Twist of Fate. RVD put his foot under the bottom rope, but the ref opted not to give him a rope break, giving Hardy a three count.
Post-match: The ref quickly left the ring and RVD was left feeling robbed. The announcers noted RVD was robbed and they went to a replay. Taz noted Hardy's hand was already under the ropes for the one and the two before the ref decided to stop before three. They replayed RVD putting his foot under the bottom rope for the eventual finish and put over RVD being screwed.
WINNER: Hardy at 11:54. They actually managed to get some legit babyface heat on RVD since everyone outside of the Hardy Girlz wanted to see Hardy get his comeuppance just for showing up. Hardy had some ring rust and the "controversial referee finish" was clunky again, but it overall advanced RVD's quest trying to get to Jeff Hardy and Immortal. RVD just had to bring the babyface fire in the follow-up. (*1/2)
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TNA Genesis PPV Results: 1-9-11
7 -- JEFF JARRETT vs. KURT ANGLE -- MMA Exhibition match
Before the "exhibition" started, Angle got on the mic and told Jarrett's MMA crew that if they try to get in the ring, he'll destroy them. The first two-minute round began with Jarrett dancing around the ring trying to avoid Angle. Angle finally decided to just lay down on the mat and give Jarrett an opening to apply his best submission. Jarrett, like a good heel, told Angle to get up and fight. Jarrett shuffled his feet as if he were in a football drill trying to avoid Angle, then Angle finally grabbed him and applied a rear naked choke. The bell sounded for the end of round one before Jarrett could tap.
ROUND TWO - Angle targeted the left shoulder and Jarrett escaped before Angle applied a rear naked choke. Angle started counting the number of take downs he scored as Jarrett continued to score rope breaks to escape. Angle slapped on a cross armbreaker and Jarrett grabbed the ropes again. Angle then slapped on the Anklelock, but the bell sounded for the end of the round to save Jarrett again. During the rest-time in-between rounds, Jarrett either barfed or spit toward Angle. Gunner and Murphy tried to talk up Jarrett with a sports cliche pep talk. That was great. Meanwhile, the crowd chanted, "Angle's going to kill you."
ROUND THREE - Taz noted Gunner and Murphy rubbed an illegal substance on Jarrett's face, which Jarrett rubbed on Angle to temporarily blind him. The bell started to sound for no apparent reason. Suddenly, they actually cut to a shot of Angle on the mat with a blade in his hand. Wow. That takes the cake for worst production moment in TNA history. Moments later, Angle came up bleeding as Jarrett smashed him with right hand blows. Angle sold being KO'ed as blood poured from his forehead onto the mat. Jarrett shouted down at Angle that he started this and now he's ending this. Jarrett said he's retiring from his MMA career and all three of them are coming to the retirement party. "You, me, and you know who else," he said. Taz, having referenced Karen Angle being the wife in the middle before the "exhibition" started, provided the proper foreshadowing for "you know" being involved in the follow-up angle. Jarrett left the ring and screamed at Taz and Tenay that he's retiring undefeated and he left Angle in a pool of his own blood. Jarrett repeated he's throwing a retirement party on Impact.
WINNER: Exhibition thrown out at 4:30. Most memorable from this will be the close-up shot of Angle pulling out a blade to cut himself across the forehead. Jarrett continued the trend of heels cheating to win on this PPV, which was fitting for where the feud is at this stage. (n/a)
7 -- JEFF JARRETT vs. KURT ANGLE -- MMA Exhibition match
Before the "exhibition" started, Angle got on the mic and told Jarrett's MMA crew that if they try to get in the ring, he'll destroy them. The first two-minute round began with Jarrett dancing around the ring trying to avoid Angle. Angle finally decided to just lay down on the mat and give Jarrett an opening to apply his best submission. Jarrett, like a good heel, told Angle to get up and fight. Jarrett shuffled his feet as if he were in a football drill trying to avoid Angle, then Angle finally grabbed him and applied a rear naked choke. The bell sounded for the end of round one before Jarrett could tap.
ROUND TWO - Angle targeted the left shoulder and Jarrett escaped before Angle applied a rear naked choke. Angle started counting the number of take downs he scored as Jarrett continued to score rope breaks to escape. Angle slapped on a cross armbreaker and Jarrett grabbed the ropes again. Angle then slapped on the Anklelock, but the bell sounded for the end of the round to save Jarrett again. During the rest-time in-between rounds, Jarrett either barfed or spit toward Angle. Gunner and Murphy tried to talk up Jarrett with a sports cliche pep talk. That was great. Meanwhile, the crowd chanted, "Angle's going to kill you."
ROUND THREE - Taz noted Gunner and Murphy rubbed an illegal substance on Jarrett's face, which Jarrett rubbed on Angle to temporarily blind him. The bell started to sound for no apparent reason. Suddenly, they actually cut to a shot of Angle on the mat with a blade in his hand. Wow. That takes the cake for worst production moment in TNA history. Moments later, Angle came up bleeding as Jarrett smashed him with right hand blows. Angle sold being KO'ed as blood poured from his forehead onto the mat. Jarrett shouted down at Angle that he started this and now he's ending this. Jarrett said he's retiring from his MMA career and all three of them are coming to the retirement party. "You, me, and you know who else," he said. Taz, having referenced Karen Angle being the wife in the middle before the "exhibition" started, provided the proper foreshadowing for "you know" being involved in the follow-up angle. Jarrett left the ring and screamed at Taz and Tenay that he's retiring undefeated and he left Angle in a pool of his own blood. Jarrett repeated he's throwing a retirement party on Impact.
WINNER: Exhibition thrown out at 4:30. Most memorable from this will be the close-up shot of Angle pulling out a blade to cut himself across the forehead. Jarrett continued the trend of heels cheating to win on this PPV, which was fitting for where the feud is at this stage. (n/a)
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Thanks a mil, Steve! Never tried this one. AJPW Featuring Virtua is one of my fav Saturn games ever, & King's Road my fav era of wrestling...so this is one I've got to try someday!
Keep the reviews coming. Strong work!
Keep the reviews coming. Strong work!
Just uploaded this vid to youtube today (I hadn't put up a vid in over 3 years lol), but I recently discovered this awesome gem and have to spread the word about it.
It's titled "Zen-Nihon Pro Wrestling 2: 3-4 Budokan." (Sometimes AKA Zen Nippon). It's the 3rd title in the SFC wrestling series and simply the best, with better graphics, more moves (you can now grapple from behind), and an improved Fatal Four Way match over its prequel, Zen Nippon Dash
Check this game out wrestling fans!
Here's my official YT description of it
---
Here it is, folks. The best damn wrestling game you could play on your Super Nintendo. This is a Super Famicom-only game that features 19 All Japan Pro Wrestling stars, plenty of cool moves (check out the signature moves!), time-based grappling techniques and a killer FATAL FOUR WAY match. For my money, it's better than any WWF or Fire Pro game on the SNES.
Here I am using Akira Taue, and here are some noteworthy moments to observe:
0:22 Kenta Kobashi meets the ropes up close and personal!
0:50 Kenta Kobashi does a nice Ric Flair flop (!!)
1:08 Kenta's patented Machine Gun Chop!
1:34 Akira's Dynamic Kick takes out Eagle from behind, then Akira is dropkicked by Patriot -- nice sequence!
1:47 Whiplash affect off Akira's CHICHUBU CEMENT!
2:44 Dynamic Kick into whiplash off the STEEL BARRICADE!!
2:52 I chokeslam (AKA "Nodowa Otoshi") Eagle. Patriot re-enters the ring only to eat a missile dropkick to the back of his head -- ouch!
3:40 Why you taunting, Kobashi?
4:03 Sigh, some people just never learn... I'll try a clothesline this time!
4:12 Tried to "Aftershock" (*evil snicker*) Patriot after I pinned his carass, but he wouldn't have none of that...
5:31 Akira's Ore Ga Taue! (well, close enough anyhow)
6:16-6:43 Some "Aftershock" fun inflicted on Kobashi
6:47 SOB no-sold! Grrrr...
7:35-7:52 Dynamic Kick Heaven! 2.5 count pissed me off, so I gave the bloke five knee drops for his trouble! Meanwhile, the audience erupts in a frenzy at the unfolding drama
7:50-8:00 2.9 count! Even after an UP CLOSE Dynamic Kick. SOB...
8:03-8:26 What a finale... ouch.
8:24-8:32 Something to remember me by, Eagle! Muahahaha
As you can see, this is just an extremely enjoyable wrestling game with plenty of lovable quirks (i.e. whiplash tricks, Aftershock attacks, etc.). Its wrestling is pure, but wild enough for some arcade-like fun. To me it combines the gameplay purity of a Fire Pro with JUST ENOUGH of the zany arcade fun of Saturday Night Slam Masters (though it borders more along the lines of Fire Pro). And thus, this is, in my book, the best SNES wrestling game out there.
It's got one of the best "running attack" systems in wrestling game history. It's so fun to just rush attack people in this game. Creates for some mayhem and plenty of shouting amongst friends, believe me! It's a shame this game is so unknown because it's truly AWESOME.
BTW, US SNES gamers got "Natsume Championship Wrestling" in 1994. NCW was based off the first game in this series, Zen Nippon Pro Wrestling (1993). NCW is easily the best *US* SNES wrestling game IMHO. ZNPW 2:3-4 Budokan though is easily the best, period.
You can read my NCW review here BTW:
http://www.rvgfanatic.com/7401/348201.html
If you have any comments on this wrestling game, the match itself, my NCW review, or what you personally believe to be the best SNES wrestling game, comment below! I always enjoy to read the various comments you may have!
PS- Yes I know this video has some transition problems around 3:15-ish and later 6:15-ish. My camera can only record up to 3 minutes at a time, so yeah
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TNA Genesis PPV Results: 1-9-11
8 -- MR. ANDERSON vs. MATT MORGAN -- #1 contender match for the TNA World Title
Morgan with an early shoulder block trying to give Anderson his first taste of a big bump to start things off. Anderson tried a shoulder block, but Anderson just bounced off Morgan, who shook his head that it won't work. They went to a cool new overhead camera shot from high in the arena showing the action in the ring as the wrestlers continued to feel each other out. Morgan landed a hip toss, but missed with a leg drop. Anderson scored a clothesline and scored a one count. Morgan then scored a one count and they came to their feet for a stand-off. Nice start.
They circled each other in the ring and Morgan teased a punch, which caused Anderson to flinch. Morgan delivered a right hand that caused the announcers to question whether it was close to him targeting the concussion. Morgan followed with a headbutt and Taz noted it's anything goes with Morgan trying to get that #1 contender spot. Morgan nailed a big clothesline in the corner followed by a sidewalk slam for a two count. Anderson rolled to the ring apron, then Morgan wanted a big boot, but Anderson moved and Morgan spilled over the top rope to the floor. Anderson smirked and landed a clubbing forearm to the back of the head. He tried a splash off the apron, but Morgan caught Anderson and slammed him back-first into the ringpost. Morgan followed by ramming Anderson into the side of the ring apron before rolling Anderson back into the ring.
In the ring, Morgan shoved a boot in Anderson's throat. Anderson fought off the rapid-fire elbows once, but then Morgan scored with corner elbow strikes on his second try. Anderson quickly came back with a knee clip to take Morgan off his feet. Anderson targeted the left leg, looking like Ric Flair setting up for a figure-four leglock. Tenay noted Anderson is trying to take away Morgan's Carboon Footprint finisher by removing his plant leg. (Worth noting on this PPV is improved commentary from Tenay and Taz focusing on the matches as sports-like events.)
Morgan made his way to his feet and tried to shake off the leg work before grabbing Anderson off the top rope for a big chokeslam. It was good for a nearfall, then both men returned to their feet. Morgan landed a series of knock-down clotheslines, then tried a big discus clothesline, but Anderson ducked and nailed the Mic Check. Anderson made a cover, but Morgan escaped just in time. TNA went back to the new overhead shot as both men recovered on the mat. They came to their knees and started trading bombs, then moved to their feet and traded bombs. The blows intensified before Morgan blasted Anderson out of nowhere with the Carbon Footprint, but Anderson kicked out of a pin. "No!" Morgan shouted. The announcers noted perhaps the Footprint wasn't as effective because of the leg work by Anderson.
Morgan tried to follow with another boot to the face, but Anderson countered with a second Mic Check. Anderson couldn't make a cover, though, and eventually rolled on top of Morgan for a cover resulting in a two count. The announcers suggested perhaps Anderson isn't 100 percent of the concussion issue. Anderson suddenly went for a small package and he trapped Morgan for a three count to score the win. Taz laughed that after all that physicality, a small package ended the match.
WINNER: Anderson at 15:24 to become new #1 contender. Good main event with some nice back-and-forth and a good storyline in-play that the announcers focused on, but Anderson and Morgan didn't quite take it to the "next level" before the surprise finish. It was above expectations, but it was more of a set-up for the follow-up... (**3/4)
Post-match: The new Immortal music hit and Eric Bischoff came to the ring with a steel chair in hand. Bischoff teased a chair shot, but smiled and took a mic. He took a seat and told Anderson that he was so impressed with his work. Bischoff said he's not even going to make Anderson wait. He went ahead and gave Anderson his title match...right now. Anderson was still selling the effects of Morgan's work as he tried to pull himself up. Meanwhile, Hardy came out dressed not to wrestle while smoking a cigarette. Hardy mockingly tried to "warm up" before stomping out the cigarette on the ground. Meanwhile, Anderson sold that he could barely hold himself up in the ring. Bischoff smiled, clapped it up for Hardy, and took off to the back.
9 -- TNA World Hvt. champion JEFF HARDY vs. MR. ANDERSON -- TNA World Title match
Hardy quickly nailed the Twist of Hate and Taz said it's over. Hardy made a lazy cover, though, and Anderson kicked out before three. Hardy, wearing a tie, dress shirt, and jeans, sold shock as they showed Morgan still on the outside recovering from the #1 contender match. Hardy nailed another Twist of Hate, but Anderson kicked out again. Anderson continued to sell on the mat while Hardy walked around the ring trying to figure out what to do. Anderson then made a desperation heave sending Hardy to the outside where Morgan popped to his feet and landed a discus clothesline while the ref was distracted. Morgan rolled Hardy inside the ring and Anderson nearly scored the win, but Hardy kicked out.
Hardy and Anderson traded bombs on their feet as the crowd started to anticipate something more than just Hardy getting a quick win. Anderson scored a neckbreaker after they traded bombs, resulting in a close nearfall. Anderson showed a little fire, but Hardy caught him with the Whisper in the Wind off the top. Anderson rolled to the floor looking for a breather as Hardy looked down at his pants to see that his left pant leg was split down the middle. Hardy retrieved a chair from ringside, but Mick Foley suddenly showed up and stole the chair from Hardy. Ric Flair came down looking for a piece of Foley, but security intervened. And Flair vs. Foley must continue.
Meanwhile, back in the ring, Hardy wanted a Swanton Bomb, but Anderson crotched him. Anderson then went for a superplex, but Hardy shoved him down to the mat. Hardy ripped off his dress shirt and landed the Swanton Bomb. Hardy motioned that it was all over, but Anderson kicked out in time. The crowd began sensing it even more for Anderson, chanting "Anderson, Anderson." Hardy tried scooping up Anderson, but Anderson landed a rolling suplex. He was bleeding from his forehead. Hardy then cut off Anderson and called for Matt. Suddenly, RVD showed up and grabbed Matt's leg and they started fighting ringside. In the ring, Bischoff had a chair. He wanted Anderson's head, but Anderson cut him off and landed the Mic Check center ring. Hardy tried to run back into the ring and hit the Twist of Hate, but Anderson countered with the Mic Check and he scored a three count. Anderson is the new World champion.
Post-match: They cut to shots of Fortune (Beer Money, Styles, and Kazarian) selling shock. Taz said Immortal & Fortune were supposed to hold all of the titles after tonight, but Bischoff got greedy and the night will end without possession of the top title. Anderson recovered to his feet and held up Hardy's Immortal Title belt while Bischoff was shown clutching his head on the way to the back. Taz wanted to know what Hogan was thinking of all this. They cut back to Anderson inviting a fan into the ring. Anderson's music stopped and he did the mic drop to introduce himself as the new "Total Nonstop Champion." He sold losing his balance before completing his proclamation. Anderson's music hit again and Tenay said 2011 might be the "year of the a--hole" if Genesis is any indication. They signed off five minutes before the top of the hour.
WINNER: Anderson at 9:05 to capture the TNA World Title. They had to get the belt off Hardy with his guilty plea coming up on January 20, and this made the most sense with Bischoff's hubris trying to have complete domination in TNA getting in the way. The multiple run-ins were expected for a TNA PPV main event, but served a purpose of setting up multiple feuds coming out of the PPV. Surprisingly, the finish with Anderson capturing the title seemed a bit anticlimactic. TNA has delivered much bigger celebrations and the crowd has been much more excited for the likes of Christian, RVD, and A.J. Styles winning the top title in TNA as babyfaces. (*1/2)
8 -- MR. ANDERSON vs. MATT MORGAN -- #1 contender match for the TNA World Title
Morgan with an early shoulder block trying to give Anderson his first taste of a big bump to start things off. Anderson tried a shoulder block, but Anderson just bounced off Morgan, who shook his head that it won't work. They went to a cool new overhead camera shot from high in the arena showing the action in the ring as the wrestlers continued to feel each other out. Morgan landed a hip toss, but missed with a leg drop. Anderson scored a clothesline and scored a one count. Morgan then scored a one count and they came to their feet for a stand-off. Nice start.
They circled each other in the ring and Morgan teased a punch, which caused Anderson to flinch. Morgan delivered a right hand that caused the announcers to question whether it was close to him targeting the concussion. Morgan followed with a headbutt and Taz noted it's anything goes with Morgan trying to get that #1 contender spot. Morgan nailed a big clothesline in the corner followed by a sidewalk slam for a two count. Anderson rolled to the ring apron, then Morgan wanted a big boot, but Anderson moved and Morgan spilled over the top rope to the floor. Anderson smirked and landed a clubbing forearm to the back of the head. He tried a splash off the apron, but Morgan caught Anderson and slammed him back-first into the ringpost. Morgan followed by ramming Anderson into the side of the ring apron before rolling Anderson back into the ring.
In the ring, Morgan shoved a boot in Anderson's throat. Anderson fought off the rapid-fire elbows once, but then Morgan scored with corner elbow strikes on his second try. Anderson quickly came back with a knee clip to take Morgan off his feet. Anderson targeted the left leg, looking like Ric Flair setting up for a figure-four leglock. Tenay noted Anderson is trying to take away Morgan's Carboon Footprint finisher by removing his plant leg. (Worth noting on this PPV is improved commentary from Tenay and Taz focusing on the matches as sports-like events.)
Morgan made his way to his feet and tried to shake off the leg work before grabbing Anderson off the top rope for a big chokeslam. It was good for a nearfall, then both men returned to their feet. Morgan landed a series of knock-down clotheslines, then tried a big discus clothesline, but Anderson ducked and nailed the Mic Check. Anderson made a cover, but Morgan escaped just in time. TNA went back to the new overhead shot as both men recovered on the mat. They came to their knees and started trading bombs, then moved to their feet and traded bombs. The blows intensified before Morgan blasted Anderson out of nowhere with the Carbon Footprint, but Anderson kicked out of a pin. "No!" Morgan shouted. The announcers noted perhaps the Footprint wasn't as effective because of the leg work by Anderson.
Morgan tried to follow with another boot to the face, but Anderson countered with a second Mic Check. Anderson couldn't make a cover, though, and eventually rolled on top of Morgan for a cover resulting in a two count. The announcers suggested perhaps Anderson isn't 100 percent of the concussion issue. Anderson suddenly went for a small package and he trapped Morgan for a three count to score the win. Taz laughed that after all that physicality, a small package ended the match.
WINNER: Anderson at 15:24 to become new #1 contender. Good main event with some nice back-and-forth and a good storyline in-play that the announcers focused on, but Anderson and Morgan didn't quite take it to the "next level" before the surprise finish. It was above expectations, but it was more of a set-up for the follow-up... (**3/4)
Post-match: The new Immortal music hit and Eric Bischoff came to the ring with a steel chair in hand. Bischoff teased a chair shot, but smiled and took a mic. He took a seat and told Anderson that he was so impressed with his work. Bischoff said he's not even going to make Anderson wait. He went ahead and gave Anderson his title match...right now. Anderson was still selling the effects of Morgan's work as he tried to pull himself up. Meanwhile, Hardy came out dressed not to wrestle while smoking a cigarette. Hardy mockingly tried to "warm up" before stomping out the cigarette on the ground. Meanwhile, Anderson sold that he could barely hold himself up in the ring. Bischoff smiled, clapped it up for Hardy, and took off to the back.
9 -- TNA World Hvt. champion JEFF HARDY vs. MR. ANDERSON -- TNA World Title match
Hardy quickly nailed the Twist of Hate and Taz said it's over. Hardy made a lazy cover, though, and Anderson kicked out before three. Hardy, wearing a tie, dress shirt, and jeans, sold shock as they showed Morgan still on the outside recovering from the #1 contender match. Hardy nailed another Twist of Hate, but Anderson kicked out again. Anderson continued to sell on the mat while Hardy walked around the ring trying to figure out what to do. Anderson then made a desperation heave sending Hardy to the outside where Morgan popped to his feet and landed a discus clothesline while the ref was distracted. Morgan rolled Hardy inside the ring and Anderson nearly scored the win, but Hardy kicked out.
Hardy and Anderson traded bombs on their feet as the crowd started to anticipate something more than just Hardy getting a quick win. Anderson scored a neckbreaker after they traded bombs, resulting in a close nearfall. Anderson showed a little fire, but Hardy caught him with the Whisper in the Wind off the top. Anderson rolled to the floor looking for a breather as Hardy looked down at his pants to see that his left pant leg was split down the middle. Hardy retrieved a chair from ringside, but Mick Foley suddenly showed up and stole the chair from Hardy. Ric Flair came down looking for a piece of Foley, but security intervened. And Flair vs. Foley must continue.
Meanwhile, back in the ring, Hardy wanted a Swanton Bomb, but Anderson crotched him. Anderson then went for a superplex, but Hardy shoved him down to the mat. Hardy ripped off his dress shirt and landed the Swanton Bomb. Hardy motioned that it was all over, but Anderson kicked out in time. The crowd began sensing it even more for Anderson, chanting "Anderson, Anderson." Hardy tried scooping up Anderson, but Anderson landed a rolling suplex. He was bleeding from his forehead. Hardy then cut off Anderson and called for Matt. Suddenly, RVD showed up and grabbed Matt's leg and they started fighting ringside. In the ring, Bischoff had a chair. He wanted Anderson's head, but Anderson cut him off and landed the Mic Check center ring. Hardy tried to run back into the ring and hit the Twist of Hate, but Anderson countered with the Mic Check and he scored a three count. Anderson is the new World champion.
Post-match: They cut to shots of Fortune (Beer Money, Styles, and Kazarian) selling shock. Taz said Immortal & Fortune were supposed to hold all of the titles after tonight, but Bischoff got greedy and the night will end without possession of the top title. Anderson recovered to his feet and held up Hardy's Immortal Title belt while Bischoff was shown clutching his head on the way to the back. Taz wanted to know what Hogan was thinking of all this. They cut back to Anderson inviting a fan into the ring. Anderson's music stopped and he did the mic drop to introduce himself as the new "Total Nonstop Champion." He sold losing his balance before completing his proclamation. Anderson's music hit again and Tenay said 2011 might be the "year of the a--hole" if Genesis is any indication. They signed off five minutes before the top of the hour.
WINNER: Anderson at 9:05 to capture the TNA World Title. They had to get the belt off Hardy with his guilty plea coming up on January 20, and this made the most sense with Bischoff's hubris trying to have complete domination in TNA getting in the way. The multiple run-ins were expected for a TNA PPV main event, but served a purpose of setting up multiple feuds coming out of the PPV. Surprisingly, the finish with Anderson capturing the title seemed a bit anticlimactic. TNA has delivered much bigger celebrations and the crowd has been much more excited for the likes of Christian, RVD, and A.J. Styles winning the top title in TNA as babyfaces. (*1/2)
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Ring of Honor TV Results: 1-3-11
And here we go...
Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Caldwell's complete report). Condensed here to in-ring results only.
1 -- TV champion EDDIE EDWARDS vs. MARK BRISCOE -- ROH TV Title match -- 15-minute time limit
The announcers noted neither Briscoe has held a singles title in ROH. (Jay will get his ROH World Title shot on January 15.) Edwards, sporting tape over his injured right shoulder, tried to slow down the pace early on to wrestle his style. The action moved to the floor and Mark landed a somersault splash that sent Edwards crashing into the guardrail in front of individuals sporting lucha masks. Back in the ring, Mark and Eddie traded thunderous chops, with Mark targeting the giant bulls-eye on Edwards's shoulder. Mark followed with a standing superkick, but paused to play to the crowd before making a cover for a nearfall.
At 10:00, Edwards rocked Briscoe with an enziguri, then went up top for a double foot stomp for a nearfall. Edwards followed with a submission focusing on the left knee, but Briscoe reached the ropes for a break. They battled up top, with Briscoe knocking Edwards to the mat before delivering a frog splash into an elbow smash for another nearfall. Briscoe tried to follow with his finisher, but Edwards countered into the Achilles Lock center ring. Briscoe tried to reach the ropes, but Edwards pulled him back to center ring to score a submission victory.
WINNER: Edwards via submission at 12:18. Nice, competitive title match showcasing ROH's quality in-ring product. Also, good to see Mark stand out on his own as a singles wrestler. (**1/2)
2 -- MIKE MONDO vs. GRIZZLY REDWOOD
Grizzly, checking in around 5'5" doesn't exactly fit the billing of a "giant" to be "killed" by Mondo, but apparently that's part of Mondo's heel gimmick talking a big game. Prazak suggested Grizzly should insert some lifts in his boots. Mondo showed off his power offense early on with a running buckle bomb that sent Grizzly crashing to the mat for a nearfall. Mondo stayed on Grizzly trying to wear him down, then Grizzly made a comeback with a Tornado DDT out of the corner. Grizzly then dropped the suspenders and went up top, but Mondo crotched him. Prazak deftly noted, "Mondo has spirit," as Mondo climbed up top and delivered a superplex for the pin.
WINNER: Mondo at 5:48. Fine match. Grizzly was a good opponent for Mondo, who could give ROH some mid-card heel depth for ROH shows this year. (*1/4)
3 -- CHARLIE HAAS & SHELTON BENJAMIN vs. BRAVADO BROTHERS (LANCE & HARLEM)
Benjamin started things off with a suplex on Harlem, who immediately backed off to the corner selling his back. Haas tagged in and blasted Harlem with power offense. The Bravado Brothers tried to double-team Haas, who fought them off before landing a lift-up powerslam on Harlem for a two count. Shelton re-entered and proceeded to deliver a double Samoan drop with both brothers hoisted on his shoulders. Haas and Benjamin then hit a combination superkick and running splash before Haas slapped on the Haas of Pain submission for the tapout victory.
WINNERS: Haas & Benjamin at 2:58. Perfect TV debut. Get over the signature moves, look dominating, and establish Haas & Benjamin with the audience. (n/a)
4 -- ROH tag champion CLAUDIO CASTAGNOLI (w/ROH tag champ Chris Hero and Sara Del Rey) vs. HOMICIDE
The commentators focused on Homicide trying to prove his World Title credentials since returning to ROH in September 2010. Homicide tried to pick a fight with the larger Claudio by slapping him across the face, so Claudio fired back with a ridiculous number of uppercuts and forearm strikes in succession. Homicide then fired back with forearms before Claudio decked Homicide with a decisive European uppercut. Claudio followed with an overhead toss before wiping his hands to suggest it's over. After a nearfall, Claudio tried to wear down Homicide with a rear chinlock.
Claudio continued to dominate as the crowd seemed to be getting behind him. Homicide shouted at Claudio, "Screw you," before Claudio delivered another boot to the head. The crowd then got behind Homicide with a "187" chant and Homicide delivered a knock-down lariat. Both men came to their feet and started trading bombs. Homicide then executed consecutive suplexes on the larger Claudio before climbing up top. Claudio crotched him, though, and attempted a superplex, but Homicide headbutted Claudio over the top rope to the floor. Claudio tried to outsmart Homicide, but Homicide waited for Claudio to turn around before delivering a cannonball splash.
Back in the ring, Homicide executed a top rope splash resulting in a nearfall. Homicide teased the Cop Killer, but Claudio blocked and nailed the pop-up European uppercut for a nearfall. Claudio called for the end, looking to end Homicide's winning streak, but Homicide blocked a chokeslam and executed a spinning neckbreaker. Homicide went up top and landed a Tornado DDT for another two count.
Homicide called for a finishing lariat, but Claudio surprised him with a smashing lariat for a two count. Claudio then dropped Homicide with a chokeslam, but Homicide kicked out. They went to the finish where Claudio ate an exposed turnbuckle after Homicide countered, then Homicide followed with an Ace Crusher for the pin and the win.
WINNER: Homicide at 11:58. Strong TV main event, although the nearfalls at the end became repetitive. In any promotion, Claudio could be booked as a top heel holding a title for months and months with no challengers able to knock off him. His size and physical offense gives him instant credibility and he's developed more of a personality over the last year to make him a more marketable singles star. As for Homicide, good booking as ROH advanced his ROH Title quest. (**3/4)
And here we go...
Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Caldwell's complete report). Condensed here to in-ring results only.
1 -- TV champion EDDIE EDWARDS vs. MARK BRISCOE -- ROH TV Title match -- 15-minute time limit
The announcers noted neither Briscoe has held a singles title in ROH. (Jay will get his ROH World Title shot on January 15.) Edwards, sporting tape over his injured right shoulder, tried to slow down the pace early on to wrestle his style. The action moved to the floor and Mark landed a somersault splash that sent Edwards crashing into the guardrail in front of individuals sporting lucha masks. Back in the ring, Mark and Eddie traded thunderous chops, with Mark targeting the giant bulls-eye on Edwards's shoulder. Mark followed with a standing superkick, but paused to play to the crowd before making a cover for a nearfall.
At 10:00, Edwards rocked Briscoe with an enziguri, then went up top for a double foot stomp for a nearfall. Edwards followed with a submission focusing on the left knee, but Briscoe reached the ropes for a break. They battled up top, with Briscoe knocking Edwards to the mat before delivering a frog splash into an elbow smash for another nearfall. Briscoe tried to follow with his finisher, but Edwards countered into the Achilles Lock center ring. Briscoe tried to reach the ropes, but Edwards pulled him back to center ring to score a submission victory.
WINNER: Edwards via submission at 12:18. Nice, competitive title match showcasing ROH's quality in-ring product. Also, good to see Mark stand out on his own as a singles wrestler. (**1/2)
2 -- MIKE MONDO vs. GRIZZLY REDWOOD
Grizzly, checking in around 5'5" doesn't exactly fit the billing of a "giant" to be "killed" by Mondo, but apparently that's part of Mondo's heel gimmick talking a big game. Prazak suggested Grizzly should insert some lifts in his boots. Mondo showed off his power offense early on with a running buckle bomb that sent Grizzly crashing to the mat for a nearfall. Mondo stayed on Grizzly trying to wear him down, then Grizzly made a comeback with a Tornado DDT out of the corner. Grizzly then dropped the suspenders and went up top, but Mondo crotched him. Prazak deftly noted, "Mondo has spirit," as Mondo climbed up top and delivered a superplex for the pin.
WINNER: Mondo at 5:48. Fine match. Grizzly was a good opponent for Mondo, who could give ROH some mid-card heel depth for ROH shows this year. (*1/4)
3 -- CHARLIE HAAS & SHELTON BENJAMIN vs. BRAVADO BROTHERS (LANCE & HARLEM)
Benjamin started things off with a suplex on Harlem, who immediately backed off to the corner selling his back. Haas tagged in and blasted Harlem with power offense. The Bravado Brothers tried to double-team Haas, who fought them off before landing a lift-up powerslam on Harlem for a two count. Shelton re-entered and proceeded to deliver a double Samoan drop with both brothers hoisted on his shoulders. Haas and Benjamin then hit a combination superkick and running splash before Haas slapped on the Haas of Pain submission for the tapout victory.
WINNERS: Haas & Benjamin at 2:58. Perfect TV debut. Get over the signature moves, look dominating, and establish Haas & Benjamin with the audience. (n/a)
4 -- ROH tag champion CLAUDIO CASTAGNOLI (w/ROH tag champ Chris Hero and Sara Del Rey) vs. HOMICIDE
The commentators focused on Homicide trying to prove his World Title credentials since returning to ROH in September 2010. Homicide tried to pick a fight with the larger Claudio by slapping him across the face, so Claudio fired back with a ridiculous number of uppercuts and forearm strikes in succession. Homicide then fired back with forearms before Claudio decked Homicide with a decisive European uppercut. Claudio followed with an overhead toss before wiping his hands to suggest it's over. After a nearfall, Claudio tried to wear down Homicide with a rear chinlock.
Claudio continued to dominate as the crowd seemed to be getting behind him. Homicide shouted at Claudio, "Screw you," before Claudio delivered another boot to the head. The crowd then got behind Homicide with a "187" chant and Homicide delivered a knock-down lariat. Both men came to their feet and started trading bombs. Homicide then executed consecutive suplexes on the larger Claudio before climbing up top. Claudio crotched him, though, and attempted a superplex, but Homicide headbutted Claudio over the top rope to the floor. Claudio tried to outsmart Homicide, but Homicide waited for Claudio to turn around before delivering a cannonball splash.
Back in the ring, Homicide executed a top rope splash resulting in a nearfall. Homicide teased the Cop Killer, but Claudio blocked and nailed the pop-up European uppercut for a nearfall. Claudio called for the end, looking to end Homicide's winning streak, but Homicide blocked a chokeslam and executed a spinning neckbreaker. Homicide went up top and landed a Tornado DDT for another two count.
Homicide called for a finishing lariat, but Claudio surprised him with a smashing lariat for a two count. Claudio then dropped Homicide with a chokeslam, but Homicide kicked out. They went to the finish where Claudio ate an exposed turnbuckle after Homicide countered, then Homicide followed with an Ace Crusher for the pin and the win.
WINNER: Homicide at 11:58. Strong TV main event, although the nearfalls at the end became repetitive. In any promotion, Claudio could be booked as a top heel holding a title for months and months with no challengers able to knock off him. His size and physical offense gives him instant credibility and he's developed more of a personality over the last year to make him a more marketable singles star. As for Homicide, good booking as ROH advanced his ROH Title quest. (**3/4)
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WWE NXT Results: 1-4-11
Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Caldwell's complete report). Condensed here to in-ring results and elimination.
1 -- PROS BATTLE ROYAL
Daniel Bryan quickly picked up Rodriguez and spun him around about 35 times while all of the Pros leaned back and watched. Bryan finally had enough and Truth slapped Ricardo over the top rope. Out goes Del Rio via Ricardo. Grisham and Josh Mathews debated their favorite as the other five Pros battled it out in the ring. Bryan and DiBiase resumed their Raw feud trying to eliminate each other before Masters and Truth helped Bryan work over DiBiase.
The first Pro eliminated was Bryan after Ziggler snuck up behind him and dumped him to the floor. Ziggler, getting revenge on those U.S. Title vs. IC Title match losses, told Bryan that felt real good. Suddenly, Truth went flying over the top rope when DiBiase pulled down the top rope. Ziggler rolled out of the ring momentarily, leaving Masters and DiBiase. Ziggler then snuck in the back door and eliminated both of them to pick up the win.
Post-match: Ziggler's Pro, Jacob Novak, stood up and applauded his Pro on the win. Ziggler smirked and took the mic before demanding a round of applause. Ziggler said he never liked Novak at all. "You're terrible. You don't have 'it.' You're not anything. You're a blazer from Express!" he said. Ziggler said he wants a winner. He called for Byron Saxton. Ziggler told him he just won the lottery. Novak started to march to the ring to complain to Ziggler, but Striker cut him off and said Novak gets to prove himself against Saxton tonight. So, Masters apparently gets Novak now.
WINNER: Ziggler at 3:50.
2 -- JACOB NOVAK (1-1) (w/Chris Masters) vs. BYRON SAXTON (2-1) (w/Dolph Ziggler)
Masters and Ziggler assumed their positions on the ring apron to cheer on their new Rookies as Novak showed a little fire. "Why didn't you do that when I was with you?!" Ziggler asked Novak. Novak continued to dominate the match as the announcers asked whether this could be the final match for either one due to the elimination tonight. Novak continued to slow down the pace not particularly looking for a victory here. This was worse than Randy Orton's chinlock of doom.
Saxton eventually made a comeback and scored a nearfall. Novak then slowed down the pace again and scored with an impressive sidewalk slam for a nearfall. And back to the chinlock. Novak missed with an elbow drop and staggered to his feet where Saxton catapulted Novak into the corner. Saxton scored a one-arm facebuster before walking into a boot to the face and a clothesline from Novak. And Novak slowed the pace again. Novak wanted a suplex, but Saxton countered into sort of a reverse Stroke/Russian legsweep.
WINNER: Saxton (3-1) at 5:40. The frustrating thing about Novak is he'll look good for a few moves, then seem completely lost moments later. Saxton's finisher needs some polish, but he's a keeper.
3 -- BRODUS CLAY (1-1) (w/Ted DiBiase and Maryse) vs. JOHNNY CURTIS (1-2) (w/R-Truth)
Curtis backed up his punch during the Mic Contest by aggressively punching Brodus completely out of the ring. DiBiase, showing more intensity than he showed the last eight months on Raw, got in Clay's face and told him to get his head straight. Back in the ring, Clay smashed Curtis with a clothesline and dropped an elbow to begin working over Curtis. Clay then applied a nerve hold trying to work on Curtis's shoulder muscles. Curtis made a comeback with a dropkick to the knees before going up top for a missile dropkick resulting in a nearfall. Curtis took his eye off the ball trying to go after DiBiase, which gave Clay an opening for a Tongan death grip into a chokeslam for the pin and the win.
Post-match: DiBiase entered the ring to talk trash to Curtis before Striker entered the ring to ask Clay what motivates his aggression. Clay said he's tired of being pushed over, pushed aside, and being looked over. Clay cut an intense promo that he will go through all of these bums. DiBiase, still selling intensity, raised Clay's hand while Maryse paraded around the ring applauding her men.
WINNER: Clay (2-1) at 3:33. That's the kind of intensity and sense of urgency this show (and DiBiase's career) needed. Excellent from everyone involved. This entire show has been a vast improvement over last week's episode.
Cue up the drumroll and the video game character selector. As expected...Jacob Novak is gone. Novak took the mic and said this is a crushing blow. He said this was supposed to change his own life. Ziggler interrupted on-stage and sold boredom with his former Rookie. Novak then marched off as Striker plugged the next elimination will happen in two weeks and the immunity points will be reset.
Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Caldwell's complete report). Condensed here to in-ring results and elimination.
1 -- PROS BATTLE ROYAL
Daniel Bryan quickly picked up Rodriguez and spun him around about 35 times while all of the Pros leaned back and watched. Bryan finally had enough and Truth slapped Ricardo over the top rope. Out goes Del Rio via Ricardo. Grisham and Josh Mathews debated their favorite as the other five Pros battled it out in the ring. Bryan and DiBiase resumed their Raw feud trying to eliminate each other before Masters and Truth helped Bryan work over DiBiase.
The first Pro eliminated was Bryan after Ziggler snuck up behind him and dumped him to the floor. Ziggler, getting revenge on those U.S. Title vs. IC Title match losses, told Bryan that felt real good. Suddenly, Truth went flying over the top rope when DiBiase pulled down the top rope. Ziggler rolled out of the ring momentarily, leaving Masters and DiBiase. Ziggler then snuck in the back door and eliminated both of them to pick up the win.
Post-match: Ziggler's Pro, Jacob Novak, stood up and applauded his Pro on the win. Ziggler smirked and took the mic before demanding a round of applause. Ziggler said he never liked Novak at all. "You're terrible. You don't have 'it.' You're not anything. You're a blazer from Express!" he said. Ziggler said he wants a winner. He called for Byron Saxton. Ziggler told him he just won the lottery. Novak started to march to the ring to complain to Ziggler, but Striker cut him off and said Novak gets to prove himself against Saxton tonight. So, Masters apparently gets Novak now.
WINNER: Ziggler at 3:50.
2 -- JACOB NOVAK (1-1) (w/Chris Masters) vs. BYRON SAXTON (2-1) (w/Dolph Ziggler)
Masters and Ziggler assumed their positions on the ring apron to cheer on their new Rookies as Novak showed a little fire. "Why didn't you do that when I was with you?!" Ziggler asked Novak. Novak continued to dominate the match as the announcers asked whether this could be the final match for either one due to the elimination tonight. Novak continued to slow down the pace not particularly looking for a victory here. This was worse than Randy Orton's chinlock of doom.
Saxton eventually made a comeback and scored a nearfall. Novak then slowed down the pace again and scored with an impressive sidewalk slam for a nearfall. And back to the chinlock. Novak missed with an elbow drop and staggered to his feet where Saxton catapulted Novak into the corner. Saxton scored a one-arm facebuster before walking into a boot to the face and a clothesline from Novak. And Novak slowed the pace again. Novak wanted a suplex, but Saxton countered into sort of a reverse Stroke/Russian legsweep.
WINNER: Saxton (3-1) at 5:40. The frustrating thing about Novak is he'll look good for a few moves, then seem completely lost moments later. Saxton's finisher needs some polish, but he's a keeper.
3 -- BRODUS CLAY (1-1) (w/Ted DiBiase and Maryse) vs. JOHNNY CURTIS (1-2) (w/R-Truth)
Curtis backed up his punch during the Mic Contest by aggressively punching Brodus completely out of the ring. DiBiase, showing more intensity than he showed the last eight months on Raw, got in Clay's face and told him to get his head straight. Back in the ring, Clay smashed Curtis with a clothesline and dropped an elbow to begin working over Curtis. Clay then applied a nerve hold trying to work on Curtis's shoulder muscles. Curtis made a comeback with a dropkick to the knees before going up top for a missile dropkick resulting in a nearfall. Curtis took his eye off the ball trying to go after DiBiase, which gave Clay an opening for a Tongan death grip into a chokeslam for the pin and the win.
Post-match: DiBiase entered the ring to talk trash to Curtis before Striker entered the ring to ask Clay what motivates his aggression. Clay said he's tired of being pushed over, pushed aside, and being looked over. Clay cut an intense promo that he will go through all of these bums. DiBiase, still selling intensity, raised Clay's hand while Maryse paraded around the ring applauding her men.
WINNER: Clay (2-1) at 3:33. That's the kind of intensity and sense of urgency this show (and DiBiase's career) needed. Excellent from everyone involved. This entire show has been a vast improvement over last week's episode.
Cue up the drumroll and the video game character selector. As expected...Jacob Novak is gone. Novak took the mic and said this is a crushing blow. He said this was supposed to change his own life. Ziggler interrupted on-stage and sold boredom with his former Rookie. Novak then marched off as Striker plugged the next elimination will happen in two weeks and the immunity points will be reset.
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- Sep 14, 2003
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- 20,332
WWE Superstars Results: 1-6-11
Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Errickson's complete report). Condensed here to in-ring results only.
1 -- TYLER REKS vs. JTG
The match started with Reks throwing JTG out of the ring and beating on him. Back in the ring, Reks kicked JTG right in the gut. After that, JTG went on offense for a minute before Reks left the ring. Back in the ring, Reks went back on offense with multiple shots to JTG's back followed by him slamming JTG's ribcage into the ringpost. Reks then continued to work on JTG's ribs by applying the body scissors. After about two minutes, JTG got out of the hold. JTG then landed a kick to Reks's back, followed by a roll-up for a two count. After some offense by JTG, Reks escaped the ring again. Back in the ring, Reks picked up JTG and hit his Burning Hammer finisher. And this one is over.
WINNER: Tyler Reks in 6:00. I thought this was a boring match to start the show. The crowd never really got into this one except for one small "JTG" chant as he was trying to get out of the body scissors. Also, I don't like Reks's gimmick. His surfer gimmick was bad enough, but this is not good.
2 -- "MASTERPIECE" CHRIS MASTERS vs. CURT HAWKINS
Chris masters went on offense first. The announcers were talking about the shoulder injury that Masters suffered last week at the hands of Tyler Reks. Hawkins then went to work on Masters's "injured" shoulder. After a two count, Hawkins applied a headlock, Masters countered out of it, and then landed a Samoan Drop. Huge powerbomb by Masters for a two count. Shoulderblock by Masters. After Hawkins got up, he tried going to the top rope, but Masters grabbed him. Masters then applied Masterlock for the victory.
WINNER: Chris Masters in 4:00. Very quick, but entertaining match. I like how they went back to the injury that Masters suffered last week at the hands of Tyler Reks. But, I believe Masters needs another finisher other then the Masterlock. On the other hand, I'm really starting to like Chris Masters's work. He has improved over the last couple of years (other then only having the Masterlock for a finisher) and I would like to see him get a decent push in the near future.
3 -- YOSHI TATSU vs. ZACK RYDER
The announcers were playing up the "rivalry" between Tatsu and Ryder. (Since when is two matches on Superstars considered a rivalry?) Yoshi was first on offense with a nice hip toss. Yoshi then dove out of the ring onto Ryder. Back in the ring, Ryder went on offense by driving his knee into Yoshi's neck. Ryder then locked in a side headlock, which Yoshi fought out of. Yoshi tried to score a crucifix pin off the Irish whip, but Ryder kicked out at one and started to go to work on Yoshi's back. Ryder threw Yoshi into the corner, but Yoshi fought out with kicks. Ryder then went for the Rough Ryder, but he missed. Yoshi then hit a roundhouse kick to Ryder's head for the three count.
WINNER: Yoshi in 5:00. Very entertaining for a match that lasted fewer then five minutes. The crowd was actually into this one and really got into it when Tatsu was on offense.
4 -- TYSON KIDD & TED DIBIASE (w/Maryse) vs. U.S. champion DANIEL BRYAN (w/Bellas) & MARK HENRY
Kidd and Bryan started the match with a lot of grappling, followed by an arm drag by Bryan. Bryan then tagged in Henry, followed by Kidd being scared and tagging in DiBiase. Henry landed a headbutt followed by a clothesline to DiBiase, then attempted the pin and scored a two count. Henry then knocked both heels out of the ring and tagged in Bryan. Henry then picked up Bryan and threw him out of the ring onto the heels.
They returned at 6:47 with Bryan and DiBiase in the ring. DiBiase was working on Bryan in the corner. Bryan eventually fought his way out. DiBiase hit a clothesline for a two count. Tag to Kidd. They went back to attacking Bryan in the corner. Bryan fought out after an Irish whip and a double cross-body. Bryan tagged in Henry, who quickly went to work on Kidd with a headbutt. Kidd got out of the way of a "splash" attempt by Henry and tagged in DiBiase, who quickly tagged Kidd back in. Henry fought off Kidd, then double tags were made. Bryan landed a flying clothesline on DiBiase, then went for a pin, but DiBiase kicked out at two. Kidd tagged himself in and Bryan tried the LeBell Lock, but couldn't lock it in. After a dropkick to Kidd, both men recovered and Kidd hit a swinging neckbreaker for the win.
WINNERS: Kidd & DiBiase in 13:00. I was surprised by the outcome, as I thought they would put the faces over here. Pretty entertaining match. On a side note, the announcers kept referencing DiBiase's vow to take away the U.S. Title from Bryan in 2011. Maybe that's a hint WWE will take the belt off Bryan in the near future. Also, I don't care for Josh Mathews's commentary. In my mind, he's trying to be too much like Michael Cole with constant sarcasm. I think he needs to develop his own personality on commentary.
Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Errickson's complete report). Condensed here to in-ring results only.
1 -- TYLER REKS vs. JTG
The match started with Reks throwing JTG out of the ring and beating on him. Back in the ring, Reks kicked JTG right in the gut. After that, JTG went on offense for a minute before Reks left the ring. Back in the ring, Reks went back on offense with multiple shots to JTG's back followed by him slamming JTG's ribcage into the ringpost. Reks then continued to work on JTG's ribs by applying the body scissors. After about two minutes, JTG got out of the hold. JTG then landed a kick to Reks's back, followed by a roll-up for a two count. After some offense by JTG, Reks escaped the ring again. Back in the ring, Reks picked up JTG and hit his Burning Hammer finisher. And this one is over.
WINNER: Tyler Reks in 6:00. I thought this was a boring match to start the show. The crowd never really got into this one except for one small "JTG" chant as he was trying to get out of the body scissors. Also, I don't like Reks's gimmick. His surfer gimmick was bad enough, but this is not good.
2 -- "MASTERPIECE" CHRIS MASTERS vs. CURT HAWKINS
Chris masters went on offense first. The announcers were talking about the shoulder injury that Masters suffered last week at the hands of Tyler Reks. Hawkins then went to work on Masters's "injured" shoulder. After a two count, Hawkins applied a headlock, Masters countered out of it, and then landed a Samoan Drop. Huge powerbomb by Masters for a two count. Shoulderblock by Masters. After Hawkins got up, he tried going to the top rope, but Masters grabbed him. Masters then applied Masterlock for the victory.
WINNER: Chris Masters in 4:00. Very quick, but entertaining match. I like how they went back to the injury that Masters suffered last week at the hands of Tyler Reks. But, I believe Masters needs another finisher other then the Masterlock. On the other hand, I'm really starting to like Chris Masters's work. He has improved over the last couple of years (other then only having the Masterlock for a finisher) and I would like to see him get a decent push in the near future.
3 -- YOSHI TATSU vs. ZACK RYDER
The announcers were playing up the "rivalry" between Tatsu and Ryder. (Since when is two matches on Superstars considered a rivalry?) Yoshi was first on offense with a nice hip toss. Yoshi then dove out of the ring onto Ryder. Back in the ring, Ryder went on offense by driving his knee into Yoshi's neck. Ryder then locked in a side headlock, which Yoshi fought out of. Yoshi tried to score a crucifix pin off the Irish whip, but Ryder kicked out at one and started to go to work on Yoshi's back. Ryder threw Yoshi into the corner, but Yoshi fought out with kicks. Ryder then went for the Rough Ryder, but he missed. Yoshi then hit a roundhouse kick to Ryder's head for the three count.
WINNER: Yoshi in 5:00. Very entertaining for a match that lasted fewer then five minutes. The crowd was actually into this one and really got into it when Tatsu was on offense.
4 -- TYSON KIDD & TED DIBIASE (w/Maryse) vs. U.S. champion DANIEL BRYAN (w/Bellas) & MARK HENRY
Kidd and Bryan started the match with a lot of grappling, followed by an arm drag by Bryan. Bryan then tagged in Henry, followed by Kidd being scared and tagging in DiBiase. Henry landed a headbutt followed by a clothesline to DiBiase, then attempted the pin and scored a two count. Henry then knocked both heels out of the ring and tagged in Bryan. Henry then picked up Bryan and threw him out of the ring onto the heels.
They returned at 6:47 with Bryan and DiBiase in the ring. DiBiase was working on Bryan in the corner. Bryan eventually fought his way out. DiBiase hit a clothesline for a two count. Tag to Kidd. They went back to attacking Bryan in the corner. Bryan fought out after an Irish whip and a double cross-body. Bryan tagged in Henry, who quickly went to work on Kidd with a headbutt. Kidd got out of the way of a "splash" attempt by Henry and tagged in DiBiase, who quickly tagged Kidd back in. Henry fought off Kidd, then double tags were made. Bryan landed a flying clothesline on DiBiase, then went for a pin, but DiBiase kicked out at two. Kidd tagged himself in and Bryan tried the LeBell Lock, but couldn't lock it in. After a dropkick to Kidd, both men recovered and Kidd hit a swinging neckbreaker for the win.
WINNERS: Kidd & DiBiase in 13:00. I was surprised by the outcome, as I thought they would put the faces over here. Pretty entertaining match. On a side note, the announcers kept referencing DiBiase's vow to take away the U.S. Title from Bryan in 2011. Maybe that's a hint WWE will take the belt off Bryan in the near future. Also, I don't care for Josh Mathews's commentary. In my mind, he's trying to be too much like Michael Cole with constant sarcasm. I think he needs to develop his own personality on commentary.
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TNA Impact! Results: 1-6-11
Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Wilkenfeld's complete report). Condensed here to in-ring results only.
(1) AJ STYLES & KAZARIAN vs. THE MOTOR CITY MACHINE GUNS
Non-Title Match
For those who are curious, we get the opening bell for the first match of the night at 9:35. The Guns come in brawling, then toss both AJ and Kazarian from the ring. They follow them out with stereo Suicide Dives. Shelley drives AJ into the ring post, slams him against the apron, then rolls him back in. They work a quick double team culminating in their face lock/dropkick. When Shelley leaves the ring AJ rakes Sabin's eye and elbows him away. He goes to pop Shelley—Shelley catches his arm and hits a forearm, but when he tries to follow up the ref gets in his face. That gives Kazarian the chance to hit a quick Slingshot Leg Drop behind the ref's back. AJ goes for a cover that gets one. He drives an elbow into the back of Sabin's head, then stomps on him. He chops him to the corner and tags in Kazarian. Sabin briefly fights them both off, but when he runs for the tag AJ gets him from behind with a Back Breaker and holds him in place for a Slingshot Guillotine Leg Drop. Kazarian drives Sabin's throat into the bottom rope, then gets a cover for two. Sabin gets up firing, but Kazarian stops him with another Eye Rake. Kaz charges him in the corner and connects, but then tries it again and eats a boot and a Decapitator Clothesline. Both men tag out. Shelley gets the jump on AJ with a series of strikes. He tries to pop Kaz, gets caught, but then back kicks AJ, knocks down Kazarian, dodges a charge from AJ who bounces off the ropes, goes over onto Kazarian with a Cross Body Block, then comes back and flips over AJ into the ring. Wow. How has he never been champion? AJ gets a standing switch and goes for a Rolling Chaos Theory, but Shelley blocks it right before the Suplex. Shelley goes for Sliced Bread #2, but AJ tosses him off, then AJ flips off the middle rope looking for an Inverted DDT; Shelley stops him and hits a Brain Buster. A singles feud between these two would be the greatest thing since Sliced Bread (#2). Kaz breaks up the cover at two, so Shelley Back Body Drops him out to the floor. AJ grabs a belt and swings at Shelley. The ref is right there, but it doesn't matter since Shelley ducks and Sabin hits AJ with an enzuigiri. AJ falls back into Sliced Bread #2, which is enough for the win.
WINNERS: The Guns in about as much awesomeness as can reasonably be squeezed into five minutes.Kazarian grabs a chair.
(2) MADISON RAYNE (w/TARA) & SARITA vs. MICKIE JAMES & VELVET SKY
Sky shoves Sarita down to start and dropkicks her in the face. She drives her knee into Sarita's face and then hits a couple chops. Sarita reverses a whip attempt, Sky tries to do a Spinning Head Scissors which is sort of reversed into a Side Slam before Sky just sort of falls out and hits a School Girl. I don't know if that was supposed to look like that. Another cover gets two. Sarita taunts Sky and eats a clothesline for her troubles. Sky drives Sarita's head into the mat a few times. She looks for a DDT, but backs to close to Madison Rayne, who grabs her hat and hits an inverted Guillotine Drop. A cover gets two. Rayne tags in and drives her shoulder into Sky in the corner. Rayne chokes her with her boot, then gets the ref focused on Mickie not quite being in her corner while Sarita comes in and stomps Sky. A cover gets two. Rayne taunts a tag to Mickie, then tags in Sarita. She works a wrist lock while she does some more taunting, then tags Rayne back in. Rayne wraps Sky up between her legs and pounds her face against the mat. She tags in Sarita who hits a stomp and drops an elbow. She sets up as if she's going for a Pedigree, but it's reversed into a DDT. Rayne breaks up the ensueing cover at two, which draws James into the ring. She nails a Lou Thesz Press and mounted punches, then unloads with some knees and a Neck Breaker. While the ref is talking Mickie out of the ring Tara whacks Sky in the face with her elbow brace. Rayne rolls Sarita into the cover and the ref turns around just in time to count the three.
WINNERS: Rayne & Sarita in 5 minutes. I'm in a pretty good mood about this Sarita win streak.
(3) DOUGLAS WILLIAMS vs. ROB TERRY
Non-Title Match
Williams ducks Terry to start, then does it again. Terry does not seem happy. Williams does it one more time and hits a couple strikes and a head butt to the abdomen. He gets a cravat and nails a few more knees, but then runs into a shoulder block from Terry that sends him out of the ring. AJ Styles comes in from nowhere and shoves Williams arm first into the ring post. That draws the bell.
WINNER: Douglas Williams by DQ in about a minute.
(4) JAY LETHAL vs. ABYSS
Non-Title Match
Lethal goes for a waist lock but Abyss twists him off. Lethal tries to pick a leg, but Abyss tosses him back. Lethal goes behind. Abyss tries for a reverse elbow, but Lethal ducks and slugs Abyss in the face. He hits him again, but then Abyss shoves him back. Abyss charges, but Lethal goes out to the apron and drives Abyss into the turnbuckle. Lethal comes off the ropes with a Cross Body Block, but Abyss catches him. Abyss hoists him up for a Running Power Slam but Lethal slips out. A big dropkick fails to take Abyss off his feet. Abyss goozles Lethal, but Lethal fights out and hits a Handspring Elbow. Abyss still doesn't go down, so Lethal hits the top rope and nails a Missile Dropkick for two. Lethal goes back to the top rope, but Abyss gets there too and tosses him across the ring. Abyss charges. Lethal ducks out of the way and comes off the ropes, but runs right into a Black Hole Slam. Abyss covers for two, then lets Lethal up. He tosses him into the corner and pounds him down. He chokes him with the boot, and doesn't break at five.
WINNER: Jay Lethal by DQ in 3 minutes.
(5) JEFF JARRETT (w/TEAM JARRETT) vs. RVD
No DQ Match
Jarrett runs in circles around RVD, then gets distracted by the crowd informing him that he sold out. He dances around some more. RVD gets frustrated. Jarrett goes for a kick, but RVD catches it and hits his reverse enzuigiri. Jarrett pokes him in the eye, but then goes for another kick and eats a Spinning Heel Kick. RVD thrusts his shoulders in the corner, forearms Jarrett down, then comes off the middle rope with a side kick. RVD goes for Rolling Thunder, but Jarrett rolls out of the ring. Jarrett does laps around the ring, then comes back in and right into an RVD forearm. Murphy grabs RVD's leg and Jarrett pounces, beating him down. RVD fights back from his knees, but Jarrett catches him in a standing Sleeper. Jarrett brings RVD down to the mat. The ref checks, but RVD's arm doesn't drop. He powers to his feet and gets out with elbows to the abdomen. He hits straight right hands, a series of clotheslines, and a Superkick. A random Jarrett goon attacks but RVD just tosses him from the ring. RVD brings in a chair, when the rest of Team Jarrett attack. Eventually Gunner and Murphy get him down. The crowd chants for Angle as they hold RVD up for Jarrett. Jarrett hits some right hands, then tells Gunner and Murphy to back off. RVD hits a leaping kick out of nowhere and fights back Gunner and Murphy, but Jeff Hardy runs out and hits his Twist of Hate. Jarrett makes the cover.
WINNER: Jeff Jarrett gets yet another inexplicable win over a top contender in six minutes. The story was okay.
After the match Jarrett and Hardy go back on the attack. Morgan's music hits, and he comes to the ring. He takes down both Hardy and Jarrett, then slams Jarrett into the turnbuckle. Hardy gets up with the chair, eying the back of Morgan's head. Anderson runs down and grabs the chair, then swings. Hardy ducks, and the chair connects to Morgan's back. Hardy and Jarrett flee. Anderson walks out calmly. Morgan is not happy.
Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Wilkenfeld's complete report). Condensed here to in-ring results only.
(1) AJ STYLES & KAZARIAN vs. THE MOTOR CITY MACHINE GUNS
Non-Title Match
For those who are curious, we get the opening bell for the first match of the night at 9:35. The Guns come in brawling, then toss both AJ and Kazarian from the ring. They follow them out with stereo Suicide Dives. Shelley drives AJ into the ring post, slams him against the apron, then rolls him back in. They work a quick double team culminating in their face lock/dropkick. When Shelley leaves the ring AJ rakes Sabin's eye and elbows him away. He goes to pop Shelley—Shelley catches his arm and hits a forearm, but when he tries to follow up the ref gets in his face. That gives Kazarian the chance to hit a quick Slingshot Leg Drop behind the ref's back. AJ goes for a cover that gets one. He drives an elbow into the back of Sabin's head, then stomps on him. He chops him to the corner and tags in Kazarian. Sabin briefly fights them both off, but when he runs for the tag AJ gets him from behind with a Back Breaker and holds him in place for a Slingshot Guillotine Leg Drop. Kazarian drives Sabin's throat into the bottom rope, then gets a cover for two. Sabin gets up firing, but Kazarian stops him with another Eye Rake. Kaz charges him in the corner and connects, but then tries it again and eats a boot and a Decapitator Clothesline. Both men tag out. Shelley gets the jump on AJ with a series of strikes. He tries to pop Kaz, gets caught, but then back kicks AJ, knocks down Kazarian, dodges a charge from AJ who bounces off the ropes, goes over onto Kazarian with a Cross Body Block, then comes back and flips over AJ into the ring. Wow. How has he never been champion? AJ gets a standing switch and goes for a Rolling Chaos Theory, but Shelley blocks it right before the Suplex. Shelley goes for Sliced Bread #2, but AJ tosses him off, then AJ flips off the middle rope looking for an Inverted DDT; Shelley stops him and hits a Brain Buster. A singles feud between these two would be the greatest thing since Sliced Bread (#2). Kaz breaks up the cover at two, so Shelley Back Body Drops him out to the floor. AJ grabs a belt and swings at Shelley. The ref is right there, but it doesn't matter since Shelley ducks and Sabin hits AJ with an enzuigiri. AJ falls back into Sliced Bread #2, which is enough for the win.
WINNERS: The Guns in about as much awesomeness as can reasonably be squeezed into five minutes.Kazarian grabs a chair.
(2) MADISON RAYNE (w/TARA) & SARITA vs. MICKIE JAMES & VELVET SKY
Sky shoves Sarita down to start and dropkicks her in the face. She drives her knee into Sarita's face and then hits a couple chops. Sarita reverses a whip attempt, Sky tries to do a Spinning Head Scissors which is sort of reversed into a Side Slam before Sky just sort of falls out and hits a School Girl. I don't know if that was supposed to look like that. Another cover gets two. Sarita taunts Sky and eats a clothesline for her troubles. Sky drives Sarita's head into the mat a few times. She looks for a DDT, but backs to close to Madison Rayne, who grabs her hat and hits an inverted Guillotine Drop. A cover gets two. Rayne tags in and drives her shoulder into Sky in the corner. Rayne chokes her with her boot, then gets the ref focused on Mickie not quite being in her corner while Sarita comes in and stomps Sky. A cover gets two. Rayne taunts a tag to Mickie, then tags in Sarita. She works a wrist lock while she does some more taunting, then tags Rayne back in. Rayne wraps Sky up between her legs and pounds her face against the mat. She tags in Sarita who hits a stomp and drops an elbow. She sets up as if she's going for a Pedigree, but it's reversed into a DDT. Rayne breaks up the ensueing cover at two, which draws James into the ring. She nails a Lou Thesz Press and mounted punches, then unloads with some knees and a Neck Breaker. While the ref is talking Mickie out of the ring Tara whacks Sky in the face with her elbow brace. Rayne rolls Sarita into the cover and the ref turns around just in time to count the three.
WINNERS: Rayne & Sarita in 5 minutes. I'm in a pretty good mood about this Sarita win streak.
(3) DOUGLAS WILLIAMS vs. ROB TERRY
Non-Title Match
Williams ducks Terry to start, then does it again. Terry does not seem happy. Williams does it one more time and hits a couple strikes and a head butt to the abdomen. He gets a cravat and nails a few more knees, but then runs into a shoulder block from Terry that sends him out of the ring. AJ Styles comes in from nowhere and shoves Williams arm first into the ring post. That draws the bell.
WINNER: Douglas Williams by DQ in about a minute.
(4) JAY LETHAL vs. ABYSS
Non-Title Match
Lethal goes for a waist lock but Abyss twists him off. Lethal tries to pick a leg, but Abyss tosses him back. Lethal goes behind. Abyss tries for a reverse elbow, but Lethal ducks and slugs Abyss in the face. He hits him again, but then Abyss shoves him back. Abyss charges, but Lethal goes out to the apron and drives Abyss into the turnbuckle. Lethal comes off the ropes with a Cross Body Block, but Abyss catches him. Abyss hoists him up for a Running Power Slam but Lethal slips out. A big dropkick fails to take Abyss off his feet. Abyss goozles Lethal, but Lethal fights out and hits a Handspring Elbow. Abyss still doesn't go down, so Lethal hits the top rope and nails a Missile Dropkick for two. Lethal goes back to the top rope, but Abyss gets there too and tosses him across the ring. Abyss charges. Lethal ducks out of the way and comes off the ropes, but runs right into a Black Hole Slam. Abyss covers for two, then lets Lethal up. He tosses him into the corner and pounds him down. He chokes him with the boot, and doesn't break at five.
WINNER: Jay Lethal by DQ in 3 minutes.
(5) JEFF JARRETT (w/TEAM JARRETT) vs. RVD
No DQ Match
Jarrett runs in circles around RVD, then gets distracted by the crowd informing him that he sold out. He dances around some more. RVD gets frustrated. Jarrett goes for a kick, but RVD catches it and hits his reverse enzuigiri. Jarrett pokes him in the eye, but then goes for another kick and eats a Spinning Heel Kick. RVD thrusts his shoulders in the corner, forearms Jarrett down, then comes off the middle rope with a side kick. RVD goes for Rolling Thunder, but Jarrett rolls out of the ring. Jarrett does laps around the ring, then comes back in and right into an RVD forearm. Murphy grabs RVD's leg and Jarrett pounces, beating him down. RVD fights back from his knees, but Jarrett catches him in a standing Sleeper. Jarrett brings RVD down to the mat. The ref checks, but RVD's arm doesn't drop. He powers to his feet and gets out with elbows to the abdomen. He hits straight right hands, a series of clotheslines, and a Superkick. A random Jarrett goon attacks but RVD just tosses him from the ring. RVD brings in a chair, when the rest of Team Jarrett attack. Eventually Gunner and Murphy get him down. The crowd chants for Angle as they hold RVD up for Jarrett. Jarrett hits some right hands, then tells Gunner and Murphy to back off. RVD hits a leaping kick out of nowhere and fights back Gunner and Murphy, but Jeff Hardy runs out and hits his Twist of Hate. Jarrett makes the cover.
WINNER: Jeff Jarrett gets yet another inexplicable win over a top contender in six minutes. The story was okay.
After the match Jarrett and Hardy go back on the attack. Morgan's music hits, and he comes to the ring. He takes down both Hardy and Jarrett, then slams Jarrett into the turnbuckle. Hardy gets up with the chair, eying the back of Morgan's head. Anderson runs down and grabs the chair, then swings. Hardy ducks, and the chair connects to Morgan's back. Hardy and Jarrett flee. Anderson walks out calmly. Morgan is not happy.
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WWE Smackdown Results: 1-7-11
Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Park's complete report). Condensed here to in-ring results only.
1 – EDGE vs. KANE – LAST MAN STANDING MATCH FOR THE WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Kane got the quick advantage with a corner clothesline. Low dropkick by the Big Red Monster. Swinging neckbreaker by Edge as Cole referenced what Edge did to Paul Bearer, in a roundabout way, without ever really addressing what happened to Bearer. Low bridge by Edge took Kane out to ringside. Edge speared Kane off the apron, and Kane’s back bounced off the ringside barricade. Referee Chad Patton applied the count. Kane got up, and gave an uppercut to Edge. We’re two minutes in and the wrestlers are selling like they’re 15 minutes in. Kane took the fight to Edge in the aisle. Edge went to the side of the stage, drawing Kane in and the two men fought into the backstage area. They ended up in the concourse, and Edge was thrown into a water fountain, knocking it sideways. Nice visual there. Fans hooted and hollered as the two men fought by them. They found themselves back in the arena, in the stands. Striker identified their position as being in the 200 level section. They fought up the stairway, making their way to the top of the arena. They were in another concourse by the luxury suites. Kane was counted down after his head bounced off the concrete wall. He reached his feet at six. Edge got a plastic garbage can to the mid-section, which Cole rightly pointed out wouldn’t do too much damage. Security was earning their money on this night already, holding fans back from interfering. Kane looked menacingly down a flight of stairs, seemingly intent on throwing Edge down them. He took a wheelchair from a man who had his leg wrapped up. Kane put Edge in it and wheeled it to the stairs. Edge leapt out before he could be thrown down the stairs, but the chair went for a ride. Kane got up at the count of six again as they went to break almost 8:00 in.
The two men fought back to ringside, near the announcers. Kane took the cover off the announce table, but Edge threw him into the ring steps. Kane got to his feet at eight. Back in the ring they went, where Edge came off the top rope, but was greeted by an uppercut. For what it’s worth, the announcers are taking this match VERY seriously. Edge was on his feet at seven, but Kane slammed him back down. To the top he went, but Edge ducked. Kane landed awkwardly, and Edge DDT’d him. Cole proclaimed that a turning point in the match. Both men were down and Cole said if both men were counted down at 10, the match would restart. Edge ran at Kane, but got chokeslammed. Striker proclaimed a new champion, so you knew it wouldn’t be so. Edge rolled out of the ring and Kane threw him into the steps. He took the first layer of the steps off, and set up for a Tombstone on the bottom one. Edge fought out and gave the Edge-O-Matic to Kane, with Kane landing back-first onto said steps. Kane didn’t even move until eight, but got up at nine. He went right back to the ground, though. Edge set up for a ringside spear, but Kane got his boot up. Kane grabbed Edge by the throat as soon as he got up, and chokeslammed him through the announce table. “It’s over!” shouted Mathews. Striker was down on the ground trying to get something from under the table, and Edge used Striker as balance to get to his feet. Kane was ticked at this point, and grabbed a few chairs from ringside, throwing them into the ring. He went to the top, but Edge tossed a chair into Kane’s skull, knocking him off the top rope. Steel chair to the knee from Edge, and another. Edge readied for a Spear, and Kane fell victim to it in the middle of the ring. Edge rolled out of the ring and grabbed another chair as the ref counted Kane down. Edge gave a conchairto to Kane’s knee. The ref began his count again. Kane reached the ropes at six, trying to leverage himself up. He almost got back up, but collapsed back down because of the knee. The ref’s count reached ten.
WINNER: Edge, at 20:16. One of the better matches these two have put together. A TNA trademark walk-and-brawl (but more effective) to make up for the lack of athleticism the two bring to the table.
2 – DOLPH ZIGGLER vs. KOFI KINGSTON – INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
Striker called Vickie, “the female version of Rosie O’Donnell.” Before the match, they showed clips of the finish of last week’s Triple Threat IC title match. Cole was back to being the heel here. Kingston was hot out of the gate. He went to the top, but missed a high cross-body block. Ziggler capitalized by putting the boots to Kofi, after Striker mistook Vickie for Country music legend Conway Twitty. Ziggler got a near-fall, then settled into a rear chinlock. The two men traded rights in the middle of the ring, but Ziggler made a mistake when he missed a corner splash. Two handed chop by Kingston, and another. High dropkick that somehow almost overshot Ziggler. Amazing. Roll-up by Ziggler for two. Kofi tried to get the crowd fired up and behind him, but they seemed lukewarm. Kofi prepared for Trouble in Paradise. Ziggler dodged it and put Kofi in a sleeper. Kingston unlocked Dolph’s hands and gave him a jaw-breaker. SOS by Kofi for a very near fall. He went to the top rope, but Ziggler attempted to cut him down. Kofi held on and planted Ziggler face first with a top-rope gourdbuster. High cross-body off the top connected, and it was good for a three-count.
WINNER: Kingston, at 5:30. Kind-of short for a big finale between these two (given what seems like hundreds of matches the two have had lately), but understandable given that the previous match went 20 minutes. Still, a bit underwhelming for a title change.
3 – KOFI KINGSTON vs. DOLPH ZIGGLER – INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
Ziggler attacked Kofi to start and got too cocky, leading to Kofi hitting the Trouble in Paradise out of nowhere, and a nice one at that.
WINNER: Kingston, at :46. Looks like they wanted to move on from this feud and tie up the automatic rematch loose end. I wonder if that signals WWE having bigger plans for one (or both) of them.
4 – THE BIG SHOW vs. CODY RHODES vs. DREW MCINTYRE vs. DOLPH ZIGGLER – FATAL FOUR-WAY MATCH TO DETERMINE #1 CONTENDER FOR WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Show immediately dispatched McIntyre over the top rope. He headbutted Rhodes down and slammed Ziggler. Sidewalk slam for Rhodes for two. It was broken up by Ziggler. He took a hard slap to the chest for his troubles. Another chop, this time to the chest of Rhodes. More punishment for McIntyre. Ziggler broke up another pinfall. Show picked Ziggler up by the hair, and just dropped him. Another pin attempt by Ziggler, but McIntyre broke this one up. He was again thrown to the outside, and threw a small tantrum out there. Stink-face for Rhodes in the corner. Another chop for Rhodes. Standing legdrop over the chest of Ziggler. Mathews proclaimed the match over so then Rhodes broke it up. McIntyre again to the apron, and again back down courtesy of a Big Show boot. With all the offense Show is getting, it’s obvious at this point he’s unlikely to win. Big chop in the corner on Ziggler missed, so he and Rhodes worked together on Show. Show pulled them each with one arm and tossed them out of the ring. Show went to ringside and pounded on McIntyre. Show and ended up taking a bump through the barricade and into the timekeeper’s area. They went to break at this point, almost 6:00 into the match. Rhodes was going for a cover on Ziggler as they came back from break. He didn’t get it, so he went to the top rope. McIntyre knocked him off and onto Show on the outside. Rhodes and Ziggler got to go at it in the ring for a few minutes, something that we haven’t seen before. McIntyre made it back in and took both down just prior to the 11:00 mark. Show again took McIntyre off the apron and to ringside, then did some damage to both of his other opponents inside the ring. He signaled for a chokeslam, but Wade Barrett ran in and kicked Show in the head. Cole noted it was a no DQ match. Barrett mounted Show and hammered away. Elbowdrop off the middle rope from the former Nexus leader. I see he got over getting kicked out of Nexus quite quickly. Beautiful Disaster kick by Rhodes for two. Ziggler then came in an nailed the big man with a Zig Zag. Show again kicked out with authority. McIntyre tried his luck with a Future Shock DDT. A third kick out. McIntyre was thrown to ringside and Ziggler came in to give Rhodes the Zig Zag (after telling him to go take out Show) and get the pinfall win.
WINNER: Ziggler, at 13:54. Edge vs. Ziggler and Miz vs. Morrison would be two exciting, unique title matches for the Rumble. Raw wasted their title match, hopefully Smackdown doesn’t do the same.
5 – MICHELLE MCCOOL vs. KELLY KELLY
McCool backed Kelly into the corner with a lock-up, then kicked her in the gut. Kelly hooked Michelle’s neck with her legs and wrapped her in the ropes. She shoved Layla at ringside, but coming back in, McCool kicked her in the chest. She then worked on the left leg of Kelly. Kelly came back and took McCool down with a spinning headscissors that looked like it was in slow motion. She went for the K2, but Layla distracted her long enough for McCool to counter with the Faith Breaker for the win.
WINNER: McCool, at 1:41. Not much to it.
6 – ALBERTO DEL RIO vs. REY MYSTERIO – TWO-OUT-OF-THREE-FALLS MATCH
Del Rio went after Mysterio as Mathews called the first fall “the most important fall.” Wouldn’t that be the third, if it makes it that far? Mysterio got his boots up in the corner and Del Rio ran into them. Headscissor into a 619 position, but Del Rio avoided it. He went for the cross arm-breaker and hooked it in. Mysterio tapped after a few seconds.
WINNER, FIRST FALL: Del Rio, at 1:32. Not realistic in the slightest. There’s no way a one-on-one match between these two would last this long.
Back with the second fall already in progress. Tilt-a-whirl back-breaker by Del Rio for two. Mathews tried to say that Mysterio tapping that early was strategy. Mysterio fought back on the apron, and hit a springboard hurricanrana. Del Rio got the cross arm-breaker again, but Rey rolled over and rolled up Del Rio for a two-count. He tripped ADR up for the 619, but Alberto dodged it. La Magistra cradle for the pin by Mysterio.
WINNER, SECOND FALL: Mysterio, at 7:34 (6:02 for second fall).
Del Rio was working the left arm of Mysterio out of break in the third and deciding fall. Not sure how neither one of these guys were good enough to compete for the #1 contender to the World Title. Hard whip into the buckle by Del Rio, as Mysterio did the Bret Hart sell (chest-first). Perched on the top rope, Rey flew off with a headbutt to the chest. That was unique. Mysterio draped his arm across Del Rio’s chest for a two-count. Springboard cross-body by Rey for another two-count. Del Rio got hold of Mysterio’s arm, and brought it down across his knees. Body-scissors into a DDT by Rey for a near-fall. Rey went to the top, but Del Rio tripped him up, with Rey landing in the Tree of Woe position. A low dropkick by Del Rio broke his opponent free. Back to the top rope both men went, and Del Rio ended up bringing Rey’s arm down across the top rope. Striker was cheering Del Rio on. Del Rio ran at Rey on the apron, but Rey tripped him up and Del Rio awkwardly fell into the buckle. 619 around the ringpost by Rey. Ricardo Rodriguez went to check on Del Rio, but Rey came off the top rope with a cross-body onto both men. Rey threw Del Rio into the ring and as Rey went in, Rodriguez grabbed him by the foot. Mysterio couldn’t make it in by the bell, and the ref couldn’t see Rodriguez holding Rey’s foot.
WINNER, THIRD FALL: Del Rio, via count-out, at 17:07 (9:33 for third fall). Sure didn’t feel like the end of this feud.
After the match, Del Rio retreated to the top of the ramp, leaving Rey to take his frustrations out on Rodriguez. Rodriguez was set up for the 619 as Del Rio watched, like The Miz does when Alex Riley gets beat up. 619 connected, then Rey pointed to Del Rio before landing a splash.
Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Park's complete report). Condensed here to in-ring results only.
1 – EDGE vs. KANE – LAST MAN STANDING MATCH FOR THE WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Kane got the quick advantage with a corner clothesline. Low dropkick by the Big Red Monster. Swinging neckbreaker by Edge as Cole referenced what Edge did to Paul Bearer, in a roundabout way, without ever really addressing what happened to Bearer. Low bridge by Edge took Kane out to ringside. Edge speared Kane off the apron, and Kane’s back bounced off the ringside barricade. Referee Chad Patton applied the count. Kane got up, and gave an uppercut to Edge. We’re two minutes in and the wrestlers are selling like they’re 15 minutes in. Kane took the fight to Edge in the aisle. Edge went to the side of the stage, drawing Kane in and the two men fought into the backstage area. They ended up in the concourse, and Edge was thrown into a water fountain, knocking it sideways. Nice visual there. Fans hooted and hollered as the two men fought by them. They found themselves back in the arena, in the stands. Striker identified their position as being in the 200 level section. They fought up the stairway, making their way to the top of the arena. They were in another concourse by the luxury suites. Kane was counted down after his head bounced off the concrete wall. He reached his feet at six. Edge got a plastic garbage can to the mid-section, which Cole rightly pointed out wouldn’t do too much damage. Security was earning their money on this night already, holding fans back from interfering. Kane looked menacingly down a flight of stairs, seemingly intent on throwing Edge down them. He took a wheelchair from a man who had his leg wrapped up. Kane put Edge in it and wheeled it to the stairs. Edge leapt out before he could be thrown down the stairs, but the chair went for a ride. Kane got up at the count of six again as they went to break almost 8:00 in.
The two men fought back to ringside, near the announcers. Kane took the cover off the announce table, but Edge threw him into the ring steps. Kane got to his feet at eight. Back in the ring they went, where Edge came off the top rope, but was greeted by an uppercut. For what it’s worth, the announcers are taking this match VERY seriously. Edge was on his feet at seven, but Kane slammed him back down. To the top he went, but Edge ducked. Kane landed awkwardly, and Edge DDT’d him. Cole proclaimed that a turning point in the match. Both men were down and Cole said if both men were counted down at 10, the match would restart. Edge ran at Kane, but got chokeslammed. Striker proclaimed a new champion, so you knew it wouldn’t be so. Edge rolled out of the ring and Kane threw him into the steps. He took the first layer of the steps off, and set up for a Tombstone on the bottom one. Edge fought out and gave the Edge-O-Matic to Kane, with Kane landing back-first onto said steps. Kane didn’t even move until eight, but got up at nine. He went right back to the ground, though. Edge set up for a ringside spear, but Kane got his boot up. Kane grabbed Edge by the throat as soon as he got up, and chokeslammed him through the announce table. “It’s over!” shouted Mathews. Striker was down on the ground trying to get something from under the table, and Edge used Striker as balance to get to his feet. Kane was ticked at this point, and grabbed a few chairs from ringside, throwing them into the ring. He went to the top, but Edge tossed a chair into Kane’s skull, knocking him off the top rope. Steel chair to the knee from Edge, and another. Edge readied for a Spear, and Kane fell victim to it in the middle of the ring. Edge rolled out of the ring and grabbed another chair as the ref counted Kane down. Edge gave a conchairto to Kane’s knee. The ref began his count again. Kane reached the ropes at six, trying to leverage himself up. He almost got back up, but collapsed back down because of the knee. The ref’s count reached ten.
WINNER: Edge, at 20:16. One of the better matches these two have put together. A TNA trademark walk-and-brawl (but more effective) to make up for the lack of athleticism the two bring to the table.
2 – DOLPH ZIGGLER vs. KOFI KINGSTON – INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
Striker called Vickie, “the female version of Rosie O’Donnell.” Before the match, they showed clips of the finish of last week’s Triple Threat IC title match. Cole was back to being the heel here. Kingston was hot out of the gate. He went to the top, but missed a high cross-body block. Ziggler capitalized by putting the boots to Kofi, after Striker mistook Vickie for Country music legend Conway Twitty. Ziggler got a near-fall, then settled into a rear chinlock. The two men traded rights in the middle of the ring, but Ziggler made a mistake when he missed a corner splash. Two handed chop by Kingston, and another. High dropkick that somehow almost overshot Ziggler. Amazing. Roll-up by Ziggler for two. Kofi tried to get the crowd fired up and behind him, but they seemed lukewarm. Kofi prepared for Trouble in Paradise. Ziggler dodged it and put Kofi in a sleeper. Kingston unlocked Dolph’s hands and gave him a jaw-breaker. SOS by Kofi for a very near fall. He went to the top rope, but Ziggler attempted to cut him down. Kofi held on and planted Ziggler face first with a top-rope gourdbuster. High cross-body off the top connected, and it was good for a three-count.
WINNER: Kingston, at 5:30. Kind-of short for a big finale between these two (given what seems like hundreds of matches the two have had lately), but understandable given that the previous match went 20 minutes. Still, a bit underwhelming for a title change.
3 – KOFI KINGSTON vs. DOLPH ZIGGLER – INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
Ziggler attacked Kofi to start and got too cocky, leading to Kofi hitting the Trouble in Paradise out of nowhere, and a nice one at that.
WINNER: Kingston, at :46. Looks like they wanted to move on from this feud and tie up the automatic rematch loose end. I wonder if that signals WWE having bigger plans for one (or both) of them.
4 – THE BIG SHOW vs. CODY RHODES vs. DREW MCINTYRE vs. DOLPH ZIGGLER – FATAL FOUR-WAY MATCH TO DETERMINE #1 CONTENDER FOR WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Show immediately dispatched McIntyre over the top rope. He headbutted Rhodes down and slammed Ziggler. Sidewalk slam for Rhodes for two. It was broken up by Ziggler. He took a hard slap to the chest for his troubles. Another chop, this time to the chest of Rhodes. More punishment for McIntyre. Ziggler broke up another pinfall. Show picked Ziggler up by the hair, and just dropped him. Another pin attempt by Ziggler, but McIntyre broke this one up. He was again thrown to the outside, and threw a small tantrum out there. Stink-face for Rhodes in the corner. Another chop for Rhodes. Standing legdrop over the chest of Ziggler. Mathews proclaimed the match over so then Rhodes broke it up. McIntyre again to the apron, and again back down courtesy of a Big Show boot. With all the offense Show is getting, it’s obvious at this point he’s unlikely to win. Big chop in the corner on Ziggler missed, so he and Rhodes worked together on Show. Show pulled them each with one arm and tossed them out of the ring. Show went to ringside and pounded on McIntyre. Show and ended up taking a bump through the barricade and into the timekeeper’s area. They went to break at this point, almost 6:00 into the match. Rhodes was going for a cover on Ziggler as they came back from break. He didn’t get it, so he went to the top rope. McIntyre knocked him off and onto Show on the outside. Rhodes and Ziggler got to go at it in the ring for a few minutes, something that we haven’t seen before. McIntyre made it back in and took both down just prior to the 11:00 mark. Show again took McIntyre off the apron and to ringside, then did some damage to both of his other opponents inside the ring. He signaled for a chokeslam, but Wade Barrett ran in and kicked Show in the head. Cole noted it was a no DQ match. Barrett mounted Show and hammered away. Elbowdrop off the middle rope from the former Nexus leader. I see he got over getting kicked out of Nexus quite quickly. Beautiful Disaster kick by Rhodes for two. Ziggler then came in an nailed the big man with a Zig Zag. Show again kicked out with authority. McIntyre tried his luck with a Future Shock DDT. A third kick out. McIntyre was thrown to ringside and Ziggler came in to give Rhodes the Zig Zag (after telling him to go take out Show) and get the pinfall win.
WINNER: Ziggler, at 13:54. Edge vs. Ziggler and Miz vs. Morrison would be two exciting, unique title matches for the Rumble. Raw wasted their title match, hopefully Smackdown doesn’t do the same.
5 – MICHELLE MCCOOL vs. KELLY KELLY
McCool backed Kelly into the corner with a lock-up, then kicked her in the gut. Kelly hooked Michelle’s neck with her legs and wrapped her in the ropes. She shoved Layla at ringside, but coming back in, McCool kicked her in the chest. She then worked on the left leg of Kelly. Kelly came back and took McCool down with a spinning headscissors that looked like it was in slow motion. She went for the K2, but Layla distracted her long enough for McCool to counter with the Faith Breaker for the win.
WINNER: McCool, at 1:41. Not much to it.
6 – ALBERTO DEL RIO vs. REY MYSTERIO – TWO-OUT-OF-THREE-FALLS MATCH
Del Rio went after Mysterio as Mathews called the first fall “the most important fall.” Wouldn’t that be the third, if it makes it that far? Mysterio got his boots up in the corner and Del Rio ran into them. Headscissor into a 619 position, but Del Rio avoided it. He went for the cross arm-breaker and hooked it in. Mysterio tapped after a few seconds.
WINNER, FIRST FALL: Del Rio, at 1:32. Not realistic in the slightest. There’s no way a one-on-one match between these two would last this long.
Back with the second fall already in progress. Tilt-a-whirl back-breaker by Del Rio for two. Mathews tried to say that Mysterio tapping that early was strategy. Mysterio fought back on the apron, and hit a springboard hurricanrana. Del Rio got the cross arm-breaker again, but Rey rolled over and rolled up Del Rio for a two-count. He tripped ADR up for the 619, but Alberto dodged it. La Magistra cradle for the pin by Mysterio.
WINNER, SECOND FALL: Mysterio, at 7:34 (6:02 for second fall).
Del Rio was working the left arm of Mysterio out of break in the third and deciding fall. Not sure how neither one of these guys were good enough to compete for the #1 contender to the World Title. Hard whip into the buckle by Del Rio, as Mysterio did the Bret Hart sell (chest-first). Perched on the top rope, Rey flew off with a headbutt to the chest. That was unique. Mysterio draped his arm across Del Rio’s chest for a two-count. Springboard cross-body by Rey for another two-count. Del Rio got hold of Mysterio’s arm, and brought it down across his knees. Body-scissors into a DDT by Rey for a near-fall. Rey went to the top, but Del Rio tripped him up, with Rey landing in the Tree of Woe position. A low dropkick by Del Rio broke his opponent free. Back to the top rope both men went, and Del Rio ended up bringing Rey’s arm down across the top rope. Striker was cheering Del Rio on. Del Rio ran at Rey on the apron, but Rey tripped him up and Del Rio awkwardly fell into the buckle. 619 around the ringpost by Rey. Ricardo Rodriguez went to check on Del Rio, but Rey came off the top rope with a cross-body onto both men. Rey threw Del Rio into the ring and as Rey went in, Rodriguez grabbed him by the foot. Mysterio couldn’t make it in by the bell, and the ref couldn’t see Rodriguez holding Rey’s foot.
WINNER, THIRD FALL: Del Rio, via count-out, at 17:07 (9:33 for third fall). Sure didn’t feel like the end of this feud.
After the match, Del Rio retreated to the top of the ramp, leaving Rey to take his frustrations out on Rodriguez. Rodriguez was set up for the 619 as Del Rio watched, like The Miz does when Alex Riley gets beat up. 619 connected, then Rey pointed to Del Rio before landing a splash.
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WWE RAW Results: 1-10-11
Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Caldwell's complete report). Condensed here to in-ring results and first 2011 Hall of Fame selection.
1 -- ALBERTO DEL RIO vs. R-TRUTH
The match moved to the floor early on and the referee's audio was mic'ed up, so it was obvious a count-out was coming. At eight, Ricardo started screaming, "What's up, what's up, what's up?" toward Truth. Del Rio slipped into the ring at eight, Truth popped Ricardo with a slap, and the ref reached a ten count to count out Truth. Cole, a heel advocate (some of the time), talked up how great Del Rio's win was.
WINNER: Del Rio via count-out at 1:48. What is going on with this show tonight? It feels like they gave up competing against the BCS Title game...or just gave up on tonight's show in general. (n/a)
2 -- U.S. champion DANIEL BRYAN (w/Bella Twins) & MARK HENRY vs. TED DIBIASE (w/Maryse) & TYSON KIDD
Bryan started the match with rapid-fire kicks on DiBiase before the heels isolated Bryan. Cole did his usual digs at Bryan before plugging Bryan and Derrick Bateman on a double-date with the Bella Twins on NXT tomorrow night. Bryan escaped DiBiase's offense and reached out for a tag to Henry. Kidd also tagged in. Henry knocked down Kidd with headbutts before measuring him for a big corner splash, but Kidd moved. It only delayed the inevitable, as Henry came back with the World's Strongest Slam on Kidd moments later for the win. Afterward, Henry smiled and celebrated with Bryan, who was joined by the Bellas for a post-match celebration.
WINNERS: DiBiase & Henry at 2:43. Just not enough time or basic-level build-up for this to mean anything. If they're trying to set up a U.S. Title feud involving Bryan, they're not doing a good job of it. (n/a)
3 -- JOHN MORRISON vs. KING SHEAMUS
Cole said he gained more respect for Morrison last week as Sheamus dominated early on. Cole ribbed Lawler about putting himself in the spotlight yet again in the TV main event still to come. Lawler said he didn't ask for this match and the GM "booked this match" because he's still hurting from two weeks ago. Morrison fought back against Sheamus from his knees before knocking down Sheamus in the corner. Morrison slowly set up Starship Pain, but Sheamus popped up to his feet and shoved Morrison over the top rope. Morrison sold on the floor and Cole robotically fed to a break.
Back live, Sheamus had Morrison in a submission hold working him over on the mat. Sheamus followed with a standing powerslam for a nearfall. Sheamus continued to wear down Morrison, who suddenly fired off a round of stomps and kicks. Morrison then missed with the flying chuck, but Sheamus ate the floor trying to follow with a clothesline. Morrison wanted a plancha on the outside, but Sheamus nailed a gutbuster in mid-air. Sheamus then dropped Morrison on the ring steps before returning to the ring. Sheamus wanted the Brogue Kick, but Morrison fell down to the mat and Sheamus punted him in the back. Suddenly, Morrison smashed Sheamus into the ringpost before nailing a kick strike. Cole went into autopilot saying Morrison was building momentum, then Morrison made a cover and it was good for a three count, surprising Cole and drawing a reaction from the crowd.
WINNER: Morrison at 12:05. Decent TV match, but this show has so little energy tonight that it took away from Morrison's style of match when he thrives on an energetic feel in the building. Sheamus seems like he's lost an edge to his character and he's not in any position to be ready for a feud against Triple H. The more Sheamus loses, the less it seems like Hunter is returning to feud against Sheamus. (**)
4 -- WWE champion THE MIZ & ALEX RILEY vs. JERRY LAWLER & RANDY ORTON
The bell sounded one minute before the top of the hour and Orton "talked strategy" to Lawler, who started things off against Riley. Miz and Riley set a trap for Lawler, who was taken off his feet to bring in Miz to work on Lawler. But, Lawler came back with a right hand strike before unloading with right hand blows.
Miz rolled out of the ring and Lawler quickly grabbed him to deliver some forceful offense ringside. Back in the ring, Miz tagged out to Riley, who quickly accepted a bodyslam from Lawler. Orton then tagged in and went to work tattooing Riley with uppercuts and right hand blows. Riley escaped to Miz, who tagged in and took a series of boots to the forehead. Orton then walked on Miz's chest and tagged out to Lawler. Lawler continued the attack on Miz, who accepted multiple right hand blows. Miz then came out of the corner with a boot to the face to cut off Lawler's attack. Miz followed with a signature corner clothesline. A graphic come on the screen saying "Continues" and Cole said they will be back with the conclusion of the match after their last commercial break.
Back from break seven minutes past the top of the hour, Lawler was caught in a rear chinlock. Lawler then escaped and decked Riley. The crowd roared anticipating the hot tag to Orton, but Miz distracted the ref and the ref didn't see the tag to Orton. The ref disallowed the tag, then Miz decked Orton off the ring apron. Back in the ring, Miz wante the Skullcrushing Finale on Lawler, but Orton snuck in the back door with the RKO on Miz. Lawler made a cover, but Riley broke it up just in time. Nice false finish. Mathews said it's clear Miz wasn't going to be able to kick of Lawler's pin following the RKO.
Orton then took the hot tag at 9:30 and Riley was caught in Orton's grasp. Orton decked Riley, who rolled to the ring apron in perfect position for Orton's spike DDT off the second rope. Orton dropped down to the mat setting up the RKO, but Miz teased sneaking into the ring. Miz slowly turned away, Riley tried to get Orton, but Orton dropped Riley with the RKO. Miz sold fear as Orton slowly walked over to Lawler, who tagged in. The crowd wasn't familiar with this unique ending, so they waited for the finish, which was Lawler coming off the second rope with a fist drop on Riley. Orton continued to lock eyes with a fearful Miz as Lawler made the cover on Riley for the pin and the win.
Post-match: Miz dropped off the ring apron, grabbed his WWE Title belt, and stomped off to the entrance ramp while still selling concern with Orton. The announcers plugged John Cena vs. C.M. Punk next week on Raw before they went to final back-and-forth shots of Miz standing on the stage and Orton smiling toward him ready to strike. They signed off 12 minutes past the top of the hour.
WINNERS: Lawler & Orton at 11:21.
During the middle of the show...
In-ring: Jerry Lawler was in the ring to plug the Hall of Fame induction announcement up next. Lawler said one of his greatest career moments was being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. Lawler said fewer than 100 wrestlers have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. He slowly talked about the traits and characteristics of a Hall of Famer. Lawler said the first inductee has earned the respect of each and every one of them. He said he deserves to be a first ballot Hall of Famer. Lawler fed to a video package on...Shawn Michaels. They aired a lengthy video package on Michaels through the years. The final voice on the video was Vince McMahon's famous WrestleMania 12 announcement: "The boyhood dream has come true for Shawn Michaels." Cole made it official as a graphic showed HBK.
In-ring: Suddenly, Michaels's music hit and Shawn Michaels was back on Raw in the flesh for the first time since the night after WrestleMania 26. The crowd came to life as Michaels walked out on-stage and saluted the crowd. Cole, with zero credibility, declared this awesome. Michaels entered the ring smiling for the crowd as the crowd roared. He waited out a "one more match" chant before Alberto Del Rio suddenly interrupted. Del Rio walked out on-stage and walked to the ring introducing himself. Del Rio then listed all of the nicknames for Michaels and told him that these people used to cheer him...pause for loud cheers.
Del Rio entered the ring and said these people cheer him now. The fans booed. Del Rio told Michaels the people know he is the present and future of WWE. And Michaels is just history. Michaels smirked. Del Rio said he's going to win the Royal Rumble, then win the Hvt. Title or the WWE Title at WrestleMania to become the new WrestleMania. Del Rio smiled in Michaels's face, then Michaels nailed him out of nowhere with a direct superkick. Michaels held his pose for a few moments, then did a little Flair Strut before wiping off the toe of his boot. Michaels picked up Del Rio's scarf and danced in the ring before leaving the ring. They cut to a replay of Michaels knocking the wink off Del Rio, who sold beautifully. Michaels watched the replay before shaking hands on the way out from ringside. Michaels was shown on-stage doing a Scott Hall NWO pose before disappearing to the back.
Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Caldwell's complete report). Condensed here to in-ring results and first 2011 Hall of Fame selection.
1 -- ALBERTO DEL RIO vs. R-TRUTH
The match moved to the floor early on and the referee's audio was mic'ed up, so it was obvious a count-out was coming. At eight, Ricardo started screaming, "What's up, what's up, what's up?" toward Truth. Del Rio slipped into the ring at eight, Truth popped Ricardo with a slap, and the ref reached a ten count to count out Truth. Cole, a heel advocate (some of the time), talked up how great Del Rio's win was.
WINNER: Del Rio via count-out at 1:48. What is going on with this show tonight? It feels like they gave up competing against the BCS Title game...or just gave up on tonight's show in general. (n/a)
2 -- U.S. champion DANIEL BRYAN (w/Bella Twins) & MARK HENRY vs. TED DIBIASE (w/Maryse) & TYSON KIDD
Bryan started the match with rapid-fire kicks on DiBiase before the heels isolated Bryan. Cole did his usual digs at Bryan before plugging Bryan and Derrick Bateman on a double-date with the Bella Twins on NXT tomorrow night. Bryan escaped DiBiase's offense and reached out for a tag to Henry. Kidd also tagged in. Henry knocked down Kidd with headbutts before measuring him for a big corner splash, but Kidd moved. It only delayed the inevitable, as Henry came back with the World's Strongest Slam on Kidd moments later for the win. Afterward, Henry smiled and celebrated with Bryan, who was joined by the Bellas for a post-match celebration.
WINNERS: DiBiase & Henry at 2:43. Just not enough time or basic-level build-up for this to mean anything. If they're trying to set up a U.S. Title feud involving Bryan, they're not doing a good job of it. (n/a)
3 -- JOHN MORRISON vs. KING SHEAMUS
Cole said he gained more respect for Morrison last week as Sheamus dominated early on. Cole ribbed Lawler about putting himself in the spotlight yet again in the TV main event still to come. Lawler said he didn't ask for this match and the GM "booked this match" because he's still hurting from two weeks ago. Morrison fought back against Sheamus from his knees before knocking down Sheamus in the corner. Morrison slowly set up Starship Pain, but Sheamus popped up to his feet and shoved Morrison over the top rope. Morrison sold on the floor and Cole robotically fed to a break.
Back live, Sheamus had Morrison in a submission hold working him over on the mat. Sheamus followed with a standing powerslam for a nearfall. Sheamus continued to wear down Morrison, who suddenly fired off a round of stomps and kicks. Morrison then missed with the flying chuck, but Sheamus ate the floor trying to follow with a clothesline. Morrison wanted a plancha on the outside, but Sheamus nailed a gutbuster in mid-air. Sheamus then dropped Morrison on the ring steps before returning to the ring. Sheamus wanted the Brogue Kick, but Morrison fell down to the mat and Sheamus punted him in the back. Suddenly, Morrison smashed Sheamus into the ringpost before nailing a kick strike. Cole went into autopilot saying Morrison was building momentum, then Morrison made a cover and it was good for a three count, surprising Cole and drawing a reaction from the crowd.
WINNER: Morrison at 12:05. Decent TV match, but this show has so little energy tonight that it took away from Morrison's style of match when he thrives on an energetic feel in the building. Sheamus seems like he's lost an edge to his character and he's not in any position to be ready for a feud against Triple H. The more Sheamus loses, the less it seems like Hunter is returning to feud against Sheamus. (**)
4 -- WWE champion THE MIZ & ALEX RILEY vs. JERRY LAWLER & RANDY ORTON
The bell sounded one minute before the top of the hour and Orton "talked strategy" to Lawler, who started things off against Riley. Miz and Riley set a trap for Lawler, who was taken off his feet to bring in Miz to work on Lawler. But, Lawler came back with a right hand strike before unloading with right hand blows.
Miz rolled out of the ring and Lawler quickly grabbed him to deliver some forceful offense ringside. Back in the ring, Miz tagged out to Riley, who quickly accepted a bodyslam from Lawler. Orton then tagged in and went to work tattooing Riley with uppercuts and right hand blows. Riley escaped to Miz, who tagged in and took a series of boots to the forehead. Orton then walked on Miz's chest and tagged out to Lawler. Lawler continued the attack on Miz, who accepted multiple right hand blows. Miz then came out of the corner with a boot to the face to cut off Lawler's attack. Miz followed with a signature corner clothesline. A graphic come on the screen saying "Continues" and Cole said they will be back with the conclusion of the match after their last commercial break.
Back from break seven minutes past the top of the hour, Lawler was caught in a rear chinlock. Lawler then escaped and decked Riley. The crowd roared anticipating the hot tag to Orton, but Miz distracted the ref and the ref didn't see the tag to Orton. The ref disallowed the tag, then Miz decked Orton off the ring apron. Back in the ring, Miz wante the Skullcrushing Finale on Lawler, but Orton snuck in the back door with the RKO on Miz. Lawler made a cover, but Riley broke it up just in time. Nice false finish. Mathews said it's clear Miz wasn't going to be able to kick of Lawler's pin following the RKO.
Orton then took the hot tag at 9:30 and Riley was caught in Orton's grasp. Orton decked Riley, who rolled to the ring apron in perfect position for Orton's spike DDT off the second rope. Orton dropped down to the mat setting up the RKO, but Miz teased sneaking into the ring. Miz slowly turned away, Riley tried to get Orton, but Orton dropped Riley with the RKO. Miz sold fear as Orton slowly walked over to Lawler, who tagged in. The crowd wasn't familiar with this unique ending, so they waited for the finish, which was Lawler coming off the second rope with a fist drop on Riley. Orton continued to lock eyes with a fearful Miz as Lawler made the cover on Riley for the pin and the win.
Post-match: Miz dropped off the ring apron, grabbed his WWE Title belt, and stomped off to the entrance ramp while still selling concern with Orton. The announcers plugged John Cena vs. C.M. Punk next week on Raw before they went to final back-and-forth shots of Miz standing on the stage and Orton smiling toward him ready to strike. They signed off 12 minutes past the top of the hour.
WINNERS: Lawler & Orton at 11:21.
During the middle of the show...
In-ring: Jerry Lawler was in the ring to plug the Hall of Fame induction announcement up next. Lawler said one of his greatest career moments was being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. Lawler said fewer than 100 wrestlers have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. He slowly talked about the traits and characteristics of a Hall of Famer. Lawler said the first inductee has earned the respect of each and every one of them. He said he deserves to be a first ballot Hall of Famer. Lawler fed to a video package on...Shawn Michaels. They aired a lengthy video package on Michaels through the years. The final voice on the video was Vince McMahon's famous WrestleMania 12 announcement: "The boyhood dream has come true for Shawn Michaels." Cole made it official as a graphic showed HBK.
In-ring: Suddenly, Michaels's music hit and Shawn Michaels was back on Raw in the flesh for the first time since the night after WrestleMania 26. The crowd came to life as Michaels walked out on-stage and saluted the crowd. Cole, with zero credibility, declared this awesome. Michaels entered the ring smiling for the crowd as the crowd roared. He waited out a "one more match" chant before Alberto Del Rio suddenly interrupted. Del Rio walked out on-stage and walked to the ring introducing himself. Del Rio then listed all of the nicknames for Michaels and told him that these people used to cheer him...pause for loud cheers.
Del Rio entered the ring and said these people cheer him now. The fans booed. Del Rio told Michaels the people know he is the present and future of WWE. And Michaels is just history. Michaels smirked. Del Rio said he's going to win the Royal Rumble, then win the Hvt. Title or the WWE Title at WrestleMania to become the new WrestleMania. Del Rio smiled in Michaels's face, then Michaels nailed him out of nowhere with a direct superkick. Michaels held his pose for a few moments, then did a little Flair Strut before wiping off the toe of his boot. Michaels picked up Del Rio's scarf and danced in the ring before leaving the ring. They cut to a replay of Michaels knocking the wink off Del Rio, who sold beautifully. Michaels watched the replay before shaking hands on the way out from ringside. Michaels was shown on-stage doing a Scott Hall NWO pose before disappearing to the back.
- Joined
- Sep 14, 2003
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- 20,332
What happened on RAW after it went off the air...
After Raw ended, they had the advertised bonus tag match for the live crowd with John Cena wrestling.
Dark Match: John Cena & Randy Orton beat WWE champion The Miz & C.M. Punk with Michael Cole as special referee. Cena looked good, so the injury must be healed or it wasn't as bad. He didn't take too many bumps, but did all of his signature moves. Orton carried the match and Punk looked fresh, too, off his injuries. The crowd ate up the match, especially Cena being there after thinking he would only be there via video. The match had heel comedy, "C-M Sucks" chants, and Orton was isolated leading to the Cena hot tag.
The finish was Cole not seeing the tag and another referee coming out as both Orton and Cena hit their finishers for the win. The crowd loved it to go home happy.
After Raw ended, they had the advertised bonus tag match for the live crowd with John Cena wrestling.
Dark Match: John Cena & Randy Orton beat WWE champion The Miz & C.M. Punk with Michael Cole as special referee. Cena looked good, so the injury must be healed or it wasn't as bad. He didn't take too many bumps, but did all of his signature moves. Orton carried the match and Punk looked fresh, too, off his injuries. The crowd ate up the match, especially Cena being there after thinking he would only be there via video. The match had heel comedy, "C-M Sucks" chants, and Orton was isolated leading to the Cena hot tag.
The finish was Cole not seeing the tag and another referee coming out as both Orton and Cena hit their finishers for the win. The crowd loved it to go home happy.
- Joined
- Sep 14, 2003
- Posts
- 20,332