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WWE RAW Results: 2-27-12

Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Caldwell's complete report). Condensed to in-ring results with my usual snide comments in italics...

Opening 20 minutes was Jericho and Punk jawing with each other and honestly enjoyed the comments made more than I should have...

1 -- WWE champion C.M. PUNK vs. World Hvt. champion DANIEL BRYAN (w/A.J., John Laurinaitis, and David Otunga) -- non-title Champion vs. Champion match

The match was joined in progress with Bryan and Punk exchanging blows and strikes in the ring. Cole reset the events going on. They cut away from the ring for a shot of the announce position, where Santino and Teddy Long were also ringside. Laurinaitis and Long began bickering as Bryan worked over Punk in the ring. Punk then made a comeback as the director continued to cut to ringside. Punk then dumped Bryan over the top rope to the floor and Bryan sold a right knee injury. Bryan then called over A.J. as Punk was about to land a suicide dive. Punk slowed down to avoid hitting A.J. with the dive, then Bryan "recovered" and smashed Punk into the ring steps. They cut to another break after 3:15 of action.

Back from break at 6:50, Bryan had Punk in an abdominal stretch mid-ring. They showed clips from during the lengthy break of a near-double pin finish, similar to Smackdown. Again, WWE missed action in the ring with a ringside shot of the announce position. Back in the ring, Punk delivered forearm strikes before attempting a high knee, but he sold pain causing him not to be able to land it flush. Punk shook it off, then went up top for a flying elbow drop to the heart. Punk sold intense pain before looking around the arena for something.

Punk acknowledged a "GTS" chant, then Otunga hopped on the ring apron to distract Punk. Punk fought him off, then Punk and Bryan had a exchange that ended with a mid-ring collision. Suddenly, Santino got on the apron to smash Otunga with the Cobra. Laurinaitis then yanked Santino off the apron, prompting a discussion between Long and Laurinaitis. In the background, Bryan just accepted his title belt from A.J. and started to leave. But, Sheamus ran down to ringside and threw Bryan back into the ring. In the ring, Punk nailed the GTS and made a cover, but Laurinaitis entered the ring and demanded the ref call for the bell.

Post-match: Long stepped into the ring and shoved down Laurinaitis. Otunga and Santino held back the GMs as Punk smirked and slipped out of the ring. They cut to a shot of Punk on the stage telling no one in particular to wait for it. He then held up his title belt to declare he's the best in the world. Suddenly, Jericho jumped Punk from behind on the stage. Jericho lifted up Punk and scoop slammed him on the entrance ramp. Punk sold back pain as Jericho looked down at Punk. So, what's happening in the ring? Jericho then slapped on the Walls of Jericho with a knee on Punk's neck for added pressure. Refs spilled out to demand Jericho release the hold. Jericho eventually released the hold as the crowd chanted in the background. Jericho then grabbed the title belt and hoisted it in the air with a big smirk. Jericho then threw the title belt down on to Punk and told him to enjoy it for now.

WINNER: No Decision announced at 10:15. Way too much happening during and after the match, and yet another match with no decision announced. Sloppy presentation uncharacteristic of WWE.

2 -- KELLY KELLY vs. NIKKI BELLA (w/Brie Bella)

Back from break, the Divas were in the ring. Cole noted Kelly waited all week to tweet about her supposed best friend, Eve, turning her back on Zack Ryder last week. The match then began with Bella in control. After the Bellas attempted Twin Magic, Kelly countered a pin attempt with a rolling pin for the win.

WINNER: Kelly at 1:30.

3 -- JOHN CENA vs. THE MIZ

Cena started hot with trademark offense on Miz as Cole reminded viewers that Rock is live in the building tonight. Cena went for the Attitude Adjustment a minute into the match, but Miz countered with the Reality Check for a two count. Miz stomped away, but Cena seemingly no-sold before taking a knee lift to the face. The commentary was good here talking about Miz needing to prove himself Mania worthy with a win and Cena wanting to impress Rock, who is in the building. Cena made a comeback with clotheslines before measuring Miz for a suplex that Miz countered with a snap DDT. Miz with a nearfall.

Miz slowed down the match and measured Cena for a corner attack that he connected with. Miz held his pose for a few seconds before climbing up top. He missed with a weak-looking double axehandle, then Cena made his trademark comeback. Cena set up for and delivered the Five Knuckle Shuffle before measuring Miz for the AA. Cena hoisted up Miz and delivered it center-ring. Cena opted for the STF center-ring instead of a pin and Miz tapped out within seconds. Cole declared that Cena is ready for Rock in five weeks.

Post-match: Cena stood on the turnbuckles and looked toward the Titantron, where Rock was shown in his locker room bouncing up and down preparing for his return. Rock then shot a look toward the camera and did Cena's You Can't See Me handwave. Rock lifted his hand and they cut back to Cena, who was shown smiling in the ring. Cena left the ring and looked into the crowd before looking toward the WM28 logo. Cena flashed a salute before they cut to break.

WINNER: Cena via submission at 4:03. After a comedown period following the Jericho-Punk-Bryan segments, this was strong with focus on Cena-Rock and Rock's first on-camera appearance of the night. The story of Miz trying to get back to Mania is intriguing, too, for the next few weeks.

4 -- WWE tag champions PRIMO & EPICO (w/Rosa Mendes) vs. U.S. champion JACK SWAGGER & DOLPH ZIGGLER (w/Vickie Guerrero) vs. R-TRUTH & KOFI KINGSTON -- three-way WWE Tag Title match

After the bell sounded, Cole actually explained that a wrestler can only tag in his tag partner. Ziggler opted to duck out of the ring, leaving Kofi and Primo to start things off. The match broke down with rapid-fire exchanges before the ring was left empty after everyone was cleared to the outside. Cole sent the show to break.

Back from break, Swagger and Primo were working on Truth in the ring. Ziggler then tagged in and began arguing with Primo over who should pin Truth. Cole added an injury update on Punk - nice follow-up - that Punk's fictional X-rays have come back negative following Jericho's attack earlier in the show. In the ring, the heels made tags, but started fighting, allowing Truth to tag in Kingston. Kingston executed double-team, crowd-pleasing offense before delivering a double Boom Drop to Swagger and Epico. Suddenly, Ziggler dropped Kofi from behind with the Zig-Zag. The action broke down and bodies started flying in and out of the ring. Kofi then popped Swagger with Trouble in Paradise, but Primo dropped Swagger with a backstabber. Epico then threw Kofi out of the ring and covered Swagger to retain the Tag Titles.

Post-match: Suddenly, Kane's pyro shot off and Kane stormed to the ring to find bodies to devour. Primo ate a big boot ringside. In the ring, Ziggler and Epico ate double chokeslams. Truth tried to get some of Kane, but Truth took a chokeslam. Kane, who took one week off after the ambulance match at Elimination Chamber, stood over the fallen bodies before shooting off his pyro in the ring. Kane left the ring as the announcers talked about Kane being scary.

WINNERS: Primo & Epico at 8:36 to retain the Tag Titles. Well, just like WWE management, Kane apparently doesn't like tag wrestling. It will be interesting to see where WWE slots Kane on Mania.

Eve came out to the ring. One advantage of the DVR...fast-fowarding!!!

5 -- IC champion CODY RHODES & MARK HENRY vs. SHEAMUS & BIG SHOW

The bell sounded and Rhodes quickly tagged Henry before leaving the ring. Show then speared Henry and chased Rhodes out of the ring. Rhodes backed away up the entrance ramp to avoid Show, then Sheamus tagged himself into the match. He smashed Henry with a Brogue Kick and it was good for the win.

WINNER: Sheamus & Show at 0:58. Oh, Henry.

Finally...The Rock is back on TV...and talks for over 20 minutes. Cena talks back...yadda yadda yadda...if you've seen it before, you'll see it again many times before April 1!

WWE NXT Results: 2-29-12

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

1 - ALEX RILEY & PERCY WATSON vs. TITUS O'NEIL & DARREN YOUNG - Tag Team Match

Quick, hard, back-and-forth between Riley and O'Neil, so O'Neil tags in Young, who walks into an armdrag. Young beats on Riley in the corner a bit, but Riley slips out of the corner and lands a hard clothesline for two. Riley clears O'Neil from the apron and heads to the top, but Young kicks him in the head. Neckbreaker from Young and O'Neil comes in. Riley looks for a tag, but he's isolated in the heel corner. Young gets a two count by dropping Riley onto the ropes. Regal talks up the difficulty of adjusting to tag team wrestling to explain while Riley's on the short end of the stick; excellent way to build up the heels.

Riley comes close to tagging out, but O'Neil takes him back to the corner. Riley manages a sunset flip from O'Neil's shoulders in the heel corner, but Young blind tags in. That was a great move from two big men. Young slows it down with a body scissors and Regal says that O'Neil and Young got tips from Arn Anderson earlier today. He is so good at making the talent look good and adding back story to things.

Riley finally gets some space and Watson tags in just as Young sends Riley out of the ring. Watson to the top rope for an axehandle and rights, dropkick, and a flying shoulder tackle to get momentum. Watson is fired up and lands the Highsman for a nearfall. O'Neil jaws from the apron, so Watson knocks him down, but spends too much time gloating. Young sneaks up behind him and, after a little bit of work, hits his finisher for a clean, middle of the ring win.

WINNERS: O'Neil & Young in 5:30. Nice match that could have (and should have) gone longer. I question the booking of the finish, but that is pure personal opinion based on being in favor of Percy Watson. Watson was the standout here, as usual, but Riley's sunset flip was a real treat to see. I'd like to see Watson face or team up with Kofi Kingston or Evan Bourne.

2 - TYSON KIDD vs. MICHAEL MCGILLICUTTY

Kidd shucks and jives, but they trade waistlocks and then trade takedowns. Kidd acts very cocky and confident for the smaller man, and applies a wristlock. McGillcutty turns it into a wristlock of his own, but Kidd gets to the ropes and wraps McGillicutty's arm up in the ropes. Kidd plays to the crowd, but McGillcutty turns to power to get control, then moves to another wristlock. Kidd with a springboard to escape, and rolls through a wheelbarrow into a cover for two. McGillicutty tosses Kidd onto the ropes crotch-first and the crowd chants, "No more children."

The action moves to the outside and McGillicutty rolls Tyson into the ring for two. McGillcutty turns up the aggression and starts shouting at Kidd. Regal in a very insightful half-shoot comment says that a lot of folks get upset when they "have to come to NXT" and says that this is the wrong attitude to have because NXT is a great showcase for everyone. And, you know what? He could not be more right.

McGillicutty with a big chinlock and looks like he's trying to really torque it. Kidd can't get any traction until he gets boots up in a corner. Double clothesline resets the action. Kidd's speed gives him the control. Dropkick for two. Kidd with a crazy move, he jumps over McGillicutty, rolls across the back, grabs on like a crucifix, but rolls forwards and into a cover for two. Kidd to the top, but McGillicutty punches him and looks for a superplex, but Kidd blocks and knocks him off. Moonsault from Kidd for a nearfall. Kidd wants the Sharpshooter, but McGillicutty grabs the apron to block, and kicks Kidd's knees out. McGillicutty with the Turning Heads neckbreaker for the win.

WINNER: McGillicutty in 6:30. Remember last week when I said that McG had his best match? He just topped it. Give these two another five-to-ten minutes and I'll be thrilled. Kidd could have a good match with my filing cabinet, but McGillicutty really stepped up to the plate to knock it out of the park. The best thing McGillicutty's done is lose that baseball cap; it makes him so much more serious.

During this segment of the show, Matt Striker (who pointed out to everyone he's the only person who's been with NXT from the start) announces the William Regal is the NXT General Manager. This might get me to watch the show more now...

3 - KAITLYN vs. MAXINE

Maxine with a quick tackle. Curtis denies being "creepy." Kaitlyn in the corner, but she dodges a charge and goes to work. Bodyslam and leg drop, and Kaitlyn moves to a body scissors. Bateman says Maxine doesn't abuse him; that it's just how she expresses her love. Maxine powers out and gets a trio of two counts. Kaitlyn with a backbreaker and moves to punch Maxine in the head on the mat. Maxine gets boots up in the corner and hits a running sledgehammer for two two counts.

Curtis shushes Mathews as Maxine works an armbar. Curtis with more double entendres. Kaitlyn turns the armbar into a full nelson and hits a sit down slam from the full nelson. Maxine gets flipped over and Kaitlyn uses her feet to pin Maxine for the win. Maxine looks incredulous.

WINNER: Kaitlyn in 4:00. Interesting match with some unusual moves.

WWE Superstars Results: 3-1-12

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

1 - SANTINO MARELLA vs. CURT HAWKINS (w/Tyler Reks)

To begin the match, Hawkins runs out of the ring to avoid a threat from the Cobra, but Marella then throws the sock and his shirt into the ring. I'm sure he has another sock in his singlet. Hawkins runs away from the Marella Martial Arts routine. The crowd calls for the Cobra, so Marella looks to land it, but Hawkins bails to ringside again. Marella with the helicopter takedown and the trumpet. Hawkins tries to surprise him, but Marella counters with an armdrag and mat technique. Quick bridge for two. Hawkins elbows out and draw's the crowd's ire by beating on Marella. A pair of big armdrags puts Hawkins down, but Hawkins comes right back with knees. Marella gets a monkey flip and wants ten punches in the corner, but Hawkins tosses him ringside.

Hawkins into a two-count cover from the break, then a side chinlock. Marella with a takedown to escape, but Hawkins trips him up. Hawkins mocks Marella a bit, then hits a suplex for two. Marella with a hip toss for separation, but Hawkins with the swinging bodyslam for another two count. Hawkins cuts off Marella, but Marella dodges a follow-up charge in the corner. Reks encourages Hawkins, but Marella goes through his usual comeback routine. Reks with a distraction, but Hawkins only can squeeze two from it. Marella counters a suplex setup with a jacknife cover from nowhere for the win.

WINNER: Santino in 8:00. Standard fare of a match. It's interesting how WWE has used the last few months to build Santino up as a humorous "real" wrestler instead of a pure comedy act.

2 - Divas champion BETH PHOENIX vs. ALICIA FOX -- non-title match

Phoenix comes out of the gate on fire, and Fox can't keep her head above water. Delayed bodyslam and Phoenix goes to the crowd. Fox hits the ropes, so Phoenix takes her down with a clothesline and beats her silly on the ropes. Ref only gives her two, so Phoenix gets mad. She picks Fox up by the hair twice and slams her to the mat, but she can't get the pin. Rear chinlock and Fox is struggling hard. Fox can't get momentum, but she tries a sunset flip in the corner, to no avail. Fox pulls a Melina under a clothesline and hits a dropkick, then goes to the corner with Phoenix. Phoenix reverses a whip, but takes a butt butt. Phoenix dodges the Ace Kick and nails the Glam Slam for an easy win.

WINNER: Beth Phoenix in 2:30. Phoenix is so insanely dominant in the ring, the only Divas on the roster who would seem to stand a chance are Natalya and Kharma. Maxine, A.J., or Kaitlyn would make an interesting match based on their use of submissions to potentially offset Phoenix's power.

3 - THE GREAT KHALI vs. JINDER MAHAL

Mahal with early offense, but Khali shoves him into the ropes. Mahal surprises Khali on the ropes and follows up with a DDT for two. Mahal with boots and knees using the ropes, which gets two. Mahal puts boots to Khali in the corner as the crowd rallies Khali. Khali with elbows and a big boot to regain control. Mahal runs into Khali a few times and eats the overhead chop for the loss.

WINNER: Great Khali in 3:00. The less said, the less I'll have to regret my words if I ever meet Khali in person.

TNA Impact Wrestling Results: 3-1-12

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

1 -- DANIELS vs. A.J. STYLES -- gauntlet match

As the bell rang, Daniels and A.J. started the match exchanging chops with A.J. getting the best of the exchange. A.J. hist a backdrop followed by a backbreakers and a knee to the gut of Daniels. The Phenomenal One followed up with a delayed suplex for a two count. Kazarian tried to create a distraction for Daniels as the show went to break.

The show came back with A.J. hitting a dropkick on Daniels. A.J. and Kazarian exchanged some words at ringside which left A.J. open to an attack from Daniels from behind. Back in the ring, Daniels got some offense in on A.J. including a high back drop. A.J. tried to regain the offensive edge as the crowd chanted, “Let's go A.J.” Daniels stopped him mid-comeback with an elbow and got a two count. He had A.J. set for an inverted DDT, but Styled countered with the Pele Kick. After a flurry of offensive on Daniels, Styles hit a springboard forearm from the ring apron. A.J. went for the Styles Clash, but Daniels countered with a back sweep. Kazarian snuck in and hit The Fade to Black resulting in the disqualification of Daniels.

WINNER: A.J. Styles via disqualification at 10:00.

1b -- KAZARIAN vs. A.J. STYLES -- gauntlet match

Kazarian immediately covered A.J. for the win.

WINNER: Kazarian via pinfall at 0:05.

2 -- TNA Knockouts Tag Team champion MADISON RAYNE (w/TNA Knockouts champion/Knockouts Tag Team champion Gail Kim) vs. ODB (w/Eric Young)

The match started with a small “ODB" chant from the crowd. Rayne tried to mount some offense, but quickly realized it wasn’t phasing ODB. ODB took Rayne to the corner and drove her face first into all three turn buckles. She tried to go for the Bronco Buster on Rayne in the corner, but Rayne was able to get her foot up for an awkward looking counter. Rayne’s attempt at gaining the offensive edge was quickly put to an end as she received a hard clothesline from ODB. Young took his shirt off and started running on the apron of the ring distracting the referee. Rayne was expecting Kim to interfere on her behalf, but Kim intentionally stalled, which gave ODB enough time to recover and hit a move for the pin.

WINNER: ODB via pinfall at 3:05.

3 -- ZEMA ION vs. SHANNON MOORE

As the two wrestlers went at it in the ring, Taz and Tenay vilified Ion for his remarks about Sorensen. Moore got Ion to the outside and hit a baseball slide. Moore went for a cross body over the rope to the outside, but Ion moved out of the way. Ion threw Moore back into the ring hit him with a missile dropkick, and then posed to play with his hair.

Moore tried to regain the offense, but Ion stopped him with a neckbreaker. He eventually got enough of an offensive edge to go to the top rope for a moonsault that Ion dodged. Ion hit Moore with a knee to the face from a Death Valley Driver position for the pin.

WINNER: Zema Ion via pinfall in 3:36.

4 -- ANGELINA LOVE & SARITA vs. MICKIE JAMES & VELVET SKY -- tag team match

Sky rushed to the ring to get her hands on Love as James and Sarita battled each other. James threw Sarita to the outside and took her spot in the corner to allow Sky and Love to fight in the ring. Sky tagged in James who hit a huracanrana for a two count. Love was able to make the tag to Sarita, but James remained on the offensive. Sarita was able to get James in the corner to allow Love to attempt to get a cheap shot in, but to no avail as James quickly put a beating on both women on the opposing team. Eventually, with the help of Love, Sarita got James to the outside, which was followed by a diving elbow from Sarita to Mickie, which led to two close two counts.

Sarita tagged Love in to continue the attack on James in the corner. Sarita got back in on the action and put James in peculiar-looking submission hold that she got out of with a boot to the stomach of Sarita. Sarita fumbled long enough for Mickie to get a close two count with a roll up. Both Knockouts got the hot tag to their partners which Sky got the better of on Love. Sarita threw James to the outside and tried to double team Sky with Love with no success. Sky hit Love with a Pedigree for the win.

WINNER: Velvet Sky and Mickie James via pinfall at 5:48.

5 -- TNA World Hvt champion BOBBY ROODE & TNA X Division champion AUSTIN ARIES & BULLY RAY vs. TNA World Hvt. Tag champions MAGNUS & SAMOA JOE & JAMES STORM -- six-man tag team match

Magnus and Aries started off the match for their respective teams. Taz said he dug that fresh faces were in the main event. Magnus and Aries went through some chain wrestling with Aries coming out on top. Aries called for a test of strength and then blew it off with a kick to the side of Magnus. Aries show boated with a cart wheel which prompted Magnus to him with a hard clothesline. Aries tagged Roode in which prompted Storm to ask for the tag to face his former partner. Magnus complied, but once Storm made his way in the ring Roode exited to the outside.

Back from the break, Ray was shown putting the boots to Storm along with some blows to the head. Storm came back with a clothesline and proceeded to wrench the arm of Ray before tagging Joe in. The crowd popped huge for Joe, and then Joe and Ray exchanged strikes. Joe hit Ray with a leg lariat for a one count. Ray quickly tagged in Aries who came running into an overhead belly-to-belly suplex from Joe. Joe tagged Magnus and they hit some double team offense on Aries that prompted him to tag Roode in. Instantly Magnus tagged Storm in to face Roode which caused the heavyweight champion to cower back to tag Aries back in. The rapid fire tags continued as Magnus tagged Joe back in to face Aries. Joe went for the Muscle Buster that was broken up by Roode.

With the referee distracted, Aries hit Joe with a crucifix take down, and then tagged Ray back in. Ray slowed down the pace beating on the back of Ray before tagging Roode back in to take advantage of the weakened Samoan Submission Machine. Roode gloated in Storm’s face which prompted the Cowboy to come into the ring which scared Roode off back into his corner to tag Ray in. After a few hits Ray tagged Aries back in who got Joe into his team’s corner for them to beat on Joe. Eventually Roode and Joe were left in the ring where Roode tried to hit Joe in the corner, but was met with an uranage that allowed Joe to finally tag out to Storm.

Storm finally got his hands on Roode and hit him with some running forearms followed by a back-body-drop. Ray came in for the save, but that was short lived as Aries accidentally nailed him with a dropkick. Storm hit the Closing Time on Roode and then with a superkick for the pin.

WINNERS: Storm & Samoa Joe & Magnus via pinfall at 17:05.

WWE Smackdown Results: 3-2-12

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

1 – SHEAMUS vs. DOLPH ZIGGLER

Match was joined in progress, but it didn’t look as if it had been going for long. Ziggler caught Sheamus by surprise with a dropkick, but missed another not long after. Sheamus took advantage and beat on Ziggler in the corner, then clobbered Ziggler with forearms to the chest. Sheamus suplexed Ziggler from the apron into the ring to give him a near-fall at 1:55. Sheamus chased after Ziggler outside the ring, but Ziggler caught him coming in and took over. Neckbreaker by Ziggler, then he followed up with elbowdrops. Sheamus worked out of a chin-lock and back to his feet. Powerslam by Sheamus for two. Ziggler jumped up on Sheamus’s back to stop the onslaught. Sheamus went down to both knees in the middle of the ring. However, he reached his feet and slammed Ziggler back-first into the buckle, then dumped Ziggler to ringside. Ziggler went to the top, but Sheamus caught him for the Irish Curse back-breaker. Vickie hopped into the ring to put Ziggler’s foot on the rope, but they were further away from the rope than planned (I’d guess) and Vickie had to go all the way into the ring, making it unlikely the ref didn’t actually see it (though from the camera angle, they wisely didn’t show the ref and when he looked). Sheamus registered a few near falls. Vickie signaled for Jack Swagger when Sheamus began to signal for the finish. Sheamus Brogue Kicked Swagger off the apron, but Ziggler hit the Fameasser for a near-fall. Ziggler tried to go for the sleeper hold again, but Sheamus turned it into what he now calls the White Noise (Emerald Frosien) for the win.

WINNER: Sheamus, 8:22 shown. Another nice victory for Sheamus heading into ‘Mania, where he had to overcome Vickie and Swagger in addition to Ziggler.

2 – HEATH SLATER vs. SANTINO MARELLA

Slater tried to attack Marella as Santino’s back was turned, but he couldn’t connect. Santino hip-tossed Slater, but Slater got his knees up on a splash attempt. Booker and Cole talked about the GM battle with Booker saying Long is trying to keep the ratings up and keep Smackdown the #1 show on cable. Sidekick by Slater for only two. Thought for sure Booker would point out how that was one of his signature moves, but he was too busy prattling on about Long and Laurinaitis. Slater got crotched on the top rope and Marella hit the Cobra. Slater fell down and was pinned.

WINNER: Marella, at 1:55. There are worse guys to give a mini-push to than Santino. At least he entertains the crowd.

3 – NATALYA vs. EVE TORRES

“Hoski” chant right off the bat for Eve. Some brief chain wrestling led to a roll-up from Natalya for two. Single-leg take-down by Eve, but they both kipped up at the same time. Eve rejected a handshake and slapped Nattie. Nattie brawled with Eve as Booker said irritable bowel syndrome runs in the family. “We want Ryder” chant. Eve reversed a roll-up and got the pinfall.

WINNER: Eve, at 1:42. Nice match, and they kept it on the ground, which was fine. Different from most other women’s matches.

4 - THE BIG SHOW vs. MARK HENRY

Henry clotheslined Show over the top rope and to ringside just :20 into the contest. Headbutt by Henry outside the ring, then he whipped Show into the barricade, and Show took a bump over it and into the area where the timekeeper sits. The count was on as henry was in the ring. Show made it back to the apron at eight. Henry had exposed the turnbuckle and Show was shoved into it by Henry. Show was back on the outside when they went to break at 1:43.

Back at 5:15 with Henry still in control and Cody Rhodes on commentary. Henry rammed Show back-first into the ringpost. Henry grabbed the steel steps and tossed them at Show, but Show was able to move. Big splash in the corner on Show. Henry went for a Vader Bomb and covered for two. Show got his boot up on Henry and speared him. Both men were down at 7:35. He signaled for the chokeslam, but Henry broke out. World’s Strongest Slam but Show kicked out. After arguing with the ref, Henry charged at Show and ran right into the WMD. Show held his ribs, injured from the shot to the turnbuckle before the break, and slowly made the pin. He got the three-count.

WINNER: Show, at 8:49. Not only does Henry job, but Show kicks out of Henry’s finisher. Not a good sign for those who hope for a return to Henry’s dominating ways from a few months ago.

5 – DREW MCINTYRE vs. JUSTIN GABRIEL

McIntyre was already in the ring. Gabriel is somewhat of anti-climactic opponent for McIntyre. Big boot by McIntyre for a two-count. McIntyre was close to getting disqualified in the corner, but Gabriel hit a tornado DDT. Gabriel went to the top rope and hit the 450 splash, with the camera catching it from a cool angle. That finished it.

WINNER: Gabirel, at 1:43. I’m guessing McIntyre gets fired, only to be rehired by Laurinaitis next week.

6 – RANDY ORTON vs. DANIEL BRYAN

AJ accompanied Bryan to the ring. Orton was all over Bryan and even took the fight to the outside, where he stomped Bryan’s head atop the steel steps. Orton took Bryan to the top rope and tried to suplex him off, but Bryan headbutted Orton to the mat. He held the back of his head as he tried to get to his feet. Bryan crouched in the corner, smile on his face. Running dropkick in the corner found the mark. Single-arm DDT for a two-count at 2:50. They went to break 3:00 in.

Back at 5:58 of the match. Bryan was stomping Orton in the corner, continuing to work over the left arm of the Viper. Orton showed signs of life, but Bryan cut him off by bringing him down throat-first over the top rope. He then went to the top rope, only to be met with a dropkick on the way down. Orton hit his patented DDT, but his arm was still held tight to his side. He signaled for the RKO, but Bryan treid to counter into the LeBell Lock. Bryan couldn’t hook it in, then hit ringside and apparently tried to leave. Orton got him before he could go far and continued his assault. Orton was about to DDT Bryan with Bryan’s feet on the ropes. Suddenly, Kane’s pyro hit and he came out. The bell rang after Bryan scampered back into the ring.

WINNER: Bryan, via count-out, at 9:21.

Kane attacked Orton and the two brawled at ringside. Kane got into the ring and eyed AJ, but Orton went back after him. They continued to fight at ringside and at the announce table. Kane ran Orton into the ring post, shoulder first. Hey, if there’s anyone who embraces the hate, it’s Orton, so what’s Kane’s beef? Chokeslam by Kane laid Orton out. Kane grabbed a mic and welcomed Orton back. That’s all.

"Happy anniversary, Richards, you jiu-jitsu jackoff. By the way, jiu-jitsu jackoff... trending worldwide."

Click to expand...

Kevin Steen folks

Okay folks, Shawne Merriman of the Buffalo Bills has some heat with CM Punk. Apparently Merriman and Chris Brown are best friends and Merriman went on a tirade, attacking punk on Twitter. I can't post much on this crappy computer but it's funny regardless!! I think this is due to the fact that Merriman tried to hit on some of the WWE divas some time ago and got rejected by every single one of them. Punk had enough of it and told him to "fuck off". This is delicious!

Maury V. said:

Okay folks, Shawne Merriman of the Buffalo Bills has some heat with CM Punk. Apparently Merriman and Chris Brown are best friends and Merriman went on a tirade, attacking punk on Twitter. I can't post much on this crappy computer but it's funny regardless!! I think this is due to the fact that Merriman tried to hit on some of the WWE divas some time ago and got rejected by every single one of them. Punk had enough of it and told him to "fuck off". This is delicious!

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I said it once and I'll say it again, Hail Punk

WWE RAW Results: 3-5-12

Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Caldwell's complete report). Condensed here to in-ring results with my personal comments on the non-ring stuff thrown in as an added bonus.

- Show starts out with HBK. Huge pop. Calls out Triple H. Another pop. HBK asks why Trips changed his mind. Basically Trips wants to do what his buddy couldn't. That was about it...oh yeah, HBK will be the referee for the match at WM. Ouch!

1 -- U.S. champion JACK SWAGGER (w/Vickie Guerrero & Dolph Ziggler) vs. SANTINO -- U.S. Title match

Swagger was sporting a new haircut, like an 1800s western movie villain. After the bell sounded, John Laurinaitis and David Otunga came to ringside despite Laurinaitis not running Raw tonight. The heels ran interference and Swagger dropped Santino with the Swagger Bomb, but Santino kicked out. After the kick-out, Teddy Long's music played to bring out Long, Kofi Kingston, and Aksana. The two GMs argued ringside before Raw went to break.

Back live, Swagger was working over Santino while Cole reset the cast of characters ringside. Santino made a comeback, then Laurinaitis hopped on the ring apron to argue with the ref. Long yanked down Laurinaitis, then Laurinaitis and Long got into it. Santino tried a finisher, but Ziggler smacked him from the ring apron. Santino then dropped Ziggler with The Cobra to clear him from the ring apron. Aksana then got into it with Vickie ringside. In the chaos ringside, Long shoved down Laurinaitis. In the ring, Santino countered an anklelock with a quick roll-up and scored a three count for the win. Santino wins the U.S. Title.

Post-match: Laurinaitis grabbed a mic and tried to take over his show, but Long ripped the mic away from Laurinaitis and called for security to take Laurinaitis away. Cue up the local independent guys to come ringside as security to escort Laurinaitis and Otunga out of the building. "I'll get you, Teddy!" Laurinaitis screamed. Long then told Justin Roberts to re-announce Santino as new U.S. champion. Santino choked up and let the tears flow to sell the moment. Santino then led a trumpet celebration to cap off the victory.

WINNER: Santino at 6:40 to capture the U.S. Title. Another chaotic situation building to whatever GM vs. GM match they come up with for WrestleMania.

- The Rock's History Lesson #1 comparing Boston and John Cena. First in a series; collect them all!

2 -- ALICIA FOX vs. EVE

Back in the arena, Alicia Fox was in the ring as Kelly Kelly was ringside to discuss her feud with Eve and her Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards nomination. Eve then came out to boos to face A. Fox. Eve made short work of Fox with a roll-up after 35 seconds.

Post-match: Eve glared toward Kelly before Zack Ryder's music played. Ryder hobbled out on-stage with a cane to support him after being off TV for a few weeks selling injuries from Kane. Ryder told Eve he's glad they never hooked up, saying it's broskis before hoeskis. Ryder did his catchphrase, leaving Eve to try to block out the "hoeski" chants. Cole mocked Ryder, claiming Ryder had a weak comeback after weeks of sitting at home.

WINNER: Eve at 0:38.

- Cena talks alone about his match in WM XXVIII. Nobody remembers second place. Take that New England Patriots!!!

3 -- WWE champion C.M. PUNK & SHEAMUS vs. World Hvt. champion DANIEL BRYAN (w/A.J.) & CHRIS JERICHO

Sheamus landed ten forearm strikes to Bryan's chest early in the match. Punk then tagged in to work on Bryan, but Jericho kicked Punk from behind on the ring apron to target Punk's injured back. Jericho then tagged in and played to the crowd before Raw went to break.

Back from break, Jericho was working over Punk in the ring. Cole read off some tweets on who's the Best in the World before Punk broke free from Jericho and hot-tagged Sheamus, who ran over Jericho with power offense. Sheamus landed a bodyslam, ran over Bryan, and dropped Jericho with the Irish Curse backbreaker for a two count. Sheamus then went up top, but Bryan distracted him, allowing Jericho to dropkick Sheamus to the floor. On the floor, Bryan smashed Sheamus with a running dropkick.

Back in the ring, Jericho went to work on Sheamus. Cole plugged another history video from Rock after this match. Also of note, WWE flashed a series of promotional items on a lower-third graphic and got the name of Edge's WWE Studios movie wrong, calling it "Breaking the Rules" instead of "Bending the Rules." In the ring, Punk took a hot tag and went after Bryan, who also tagged into the match. Punk sold the back injury, but went up top for a Macho Man elbow drop and connected for a nearfall.

The action broke down moments later with all four men in the ring. Sheamus tried the Celtic Cross on Bryan, but Jericho interfered. Bryan and Sheamus then collided ringside. Back in the ring, Jericho teased the Walls of Jericho on Punk, but Punk countered with a roll-up. Apparently in-between two and three, Jericho managed to switch the momentum and score a three count. Jericho immediately ran out of the ring to grab the WWE Title belt and point to the belt, telling Punk it will be his fate at WrestleMania. Jericho then slid the title belt to Punk, who sold frustration.

WINNERS: Jericho & Bryan at 11:54.

- History Lesson #2 with the Rock talking about Paul Revere. Second in a series; collect them all?

4 -- BIG SHOW vs. THE MIZ

The bell sounded, Miz bailed from the ring, and IC champion Cody Rhodes came out on-stage to embarrass Big Show some more. Rhodes said he doesn't have another clip of Show losing at Mania, but, instead he has Show in his natural habitat at WrestleMania 18 - eating at the WWE Restaurant in New York. Cut up Another Embarrassing Big Show WrestleMania Moment. Back in 2002, Show was positioned at WWE's failed restaurant. Back live, Miz tried to sneak attack Show, but Show cut him off and landed a big spear. Lawler suggested Miz will be waiting tables during WrestleMania this year. Show then KO Punched Miz for a decisive win.

WINNER: Big Show at 2:02.

- History Lesson #3. Let's join The Rock Revolution. Third in a series; collect...nah...let's forget about history already.

5 -- KANE vs. R-TRUTH

Kane landed body shots early on, but Truth tried to fight back before taking a boot to the face. Kane landed more offense, but Truth ducked a clothesline and landed a boot to the gut. Truth went for his scissors kick finisher, but Kane avoided and nailed a chokeslam for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Kane at 1:26. So odd seeing Kane back on Raw after Cena dismantled him at Elimination Chamber, with no mention of those events.

Post-match: Randy Orton's music hit and Orton hit the ring to deliver an RKO to Kane, who was momentarily preoccupied with Truth. Orton then called for a mic and repeated Kane's words to him from Smackdown that it's good to be back. Cue up Orton's music. Cole noted Orton is "back to normal" being cold-blooded and seeking revenge.

- Cena and The Rock face-to-face in the squared circle for the second week in a row. Dwayne...really...don't quit your day job, especially when you're getting well paid for it and most likely getting well paid for your match with Cena. More talk between the both of them. You've heard it before and you'll keep hearing it. Different words, same results.

ROH 10th Anniversary iPPV Results: 3-4-12 (next two posts)

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

1 - - ANX (Rhett Titus & Kenny King) vs. WGTT (Shelton Benjamin & Charlie Haas)

Titus took a shot at Haas on the apron, which allowed Benjamin to get the upper hand. Titus fired back and tagged in King, who went to work on Benjamin. Benjamin hit a low blow on King, but the ref wasn’t paying attention. That just makes the ref look completely stupid, as it happened right in front of him. The fans chanted “F--- you, Charlie.” Haas fired back with a double bird to the fans. King fired back on Haas and tagged in King. ANX worked together and took down Haas with a combination of moves and Haas bailed to the outside. ANX then went to work on Benjamin with a combination of moves and he also bailed to the outside as the crowd popped. ANX then hit tandem dives to the outside to take out WGTT and the crowd popped huge.

Benjamin took out Titus’s knee from behind and Haas began to work it over. WGTT tagged in and out to work over Titus’s knee. Haas dragged Titus over to the ringpost and slammed his leg into it. King tried to go help Titus, which distracted the ref. Benjamin tied up Titus’s knees around the ringpost, but the ref saw Benjamin with a steel chair and stopped him. King attacked Haas, who dispatched him. King locked in a figure 4 around the ringpost on Titus, but the ref forced him to break it. The crowd booed as Haas played to them Titus got a surprise rollup on Benjamin for a nearfall. He tried to tag out, but Benjamin locked in a figure 4. The crowd tried to rally behind Titus, who managed to get another rollup on Benjamin, but once again he was prevented from tagging out.

King finally got the hot tag and ran wild. They botched a spot and the crowd got all over King, who locked Haas in a single leg crab. Benjamin broke up the submission, but King took him out with the double knees. Benjamin caught King in a small package for a nearfall. ANX double teamed King and nailed him with a series of kicks. Titus covered Benjamin, but Haas broke up the pin. Haas hit a German suplex on Titus, but he managed to tag in King. Haas and Benjamin quickly nailed him with a double team maneuver, but King got the ropes to break up the pin. The crowd fired up as Titus and Haas exchanged punches. Titus clotheslined Haas to the floor and went over the top with him. King countered Benjamin into a sunset bomb for a nearfall. Both men then exchanged pinning combinations, but King ended up leveraging his weight and got the pin on Benjamin.

Winners: Kenny King & Rhett Titus

Star rating: (***1/4) – This was a very good opener with some great exchanges between both teams. It was interesting to see ANX get the win here, as both teams are involved in separate feuds and both needed a win.

2 - - HOMICIDE vs. MIKE BENNETT (w/Maria & Brutal Bob)

Bennett bailed to the outside as the crowd chanted for Homicide. Homicide went after Bennett on the outside and tossed him into the barrier. Homicide bit away at Bennett’s forehead as the crowd went crazy and chanted “F--- him up.” McGuinness said he was legitimately scared of Homicide. Bennett fired back, but Homicide ducked a charge in the corner and hit a suplex. Bennett rolled to the outside and went for a dive, but Bob dove in Homicide’s way to save Bennett. How is that not DQ? Bennett followed Homicide to the outside and tossed him into the barrier. Bennett tossed Homicide into the ring and nailed him with some punches.

Bennett sent Homicide into the ropes and hit a nice dropkick as the crowd booed. Bennett played to the crowd before going back on the attack. Homicide fired back with a kick, but Bennett caught him with a big spinebuster moments later. Bennett ripped Homicide’s Yankee shirt and wiped himself with it. Homicide fired back and hit an ace crusher that left both men down on the mat. Both men got up and exchanged punches. Homicide signaled for the cop killa, but ended up hitting a powerbomb. Homicide locked in the STF, but Bennett fought free. Homicide went up top, but Bennett cut him off. They battled up top, but Homicide hit several headbutts on Bennett. Homicide signaled for a top rope cop killa and the crowd cheered. Bennett ended up hitting a backdrop off the top. Homicide caught Bennett with a neckbreaker and the crowd applauded. Homicide made the go to sleep signal and the crowd cheered.

Maria got up on the apron. Homicide went after her and Bennett charged at him, but Homicide got out of the way. Bennett avoided Maria and Homicide hit the go to sleep. The crowd roared, but Bennett managed to recover and rolled up Homicide from behind for the win.

After the match, Homicide laid out Bennett. He then went after Bob. Maria ended up alone in the ring with Homicide. Maria tried to run away, but Homicide got her legs. Bennett and Bob eventually managed to drag Maria away from Homicide.

Homicide got on the mic, but they began airing replays. Homicide started a Yankees chant for the crowd for Bennett and Bob, who are from the Boston area. Homicide said it was a pleasure to be here and wished ROH a happy birthday. Homicide then started an “ROH chant.

Winner: Mike Bennett

Star rating: (***) – This was a fun match. Homicide looks like he’s recovered from his injuries. Bennett got a ton of heat here and got a cheap win, but Homicide sent the crowd home happy in the end.

3 - - HOUSE of TRUTH (Michael Elgin & Roderick Strong w/Truth Marini) vs. T.J. PERKINS & AMAZING RED

Strong and Perkins started things off to the ring and came to a stalemate. Red and Elgin then tagged into the match. Red offered a handshake to Elgin, who just glared at him. Elgin tossed Red into the corner. Red hit a basement dropkick and then followed up with a series of dropkicks to Elgin’s head. Strong ran into the ring, but Red took him down with a hurricanrana. Red and Perkins hit springboards on opposite sides of the rings, but the camera shot missed it. Perkins and Elgin went at it. Perkins fought off Strong on the apron and went for a springboard, but Elgin caught him with a powerslam for a 2 count.

Strong tagged in and went to work on Perkins with some big chops in the corner. Perkins went for a tornado DDT, but Elgin cut him off and hit a backbreaker for a 2 count. Elgin and Strong hit a combination of moves on Perkins capped with a backbreaker for a 2 count. Perkins tried to fire back, but Strong caught him with a nice dropkick. Elgin wiped out Red on the apron. Perkins countered a double team maneuver and drove Elgin into Strong in the corner. Perkins fended off Strong and made the hot tag to Red, who took out Elgin and Strong with a missile dropkick. Red hit an awesome rolling kick off Elgin’s back on Strong. He then hit a spinning DDT on Elgin for a nearfall.

The action broke down. Red hit a leaping leg lariat off Perkins’s back to send Elgin flying to the outside. Red and Perkins then wiped out Martini and Strong with stereo dives. Red hit a big missile dropkick on Elgin, but he wouldn’t go down. Red hit code red on Elgin, but Strong broke up the pin. Strong and Perkins went at it, but Strong eventually caught him with a jumping knee to the jaw. Red took out Strong with a series of kicks. Strong rolled out of a code red and hit a gut buster. Elgin then hit a spear, but Ref kicked out at the last second. Strong and Elgin set up Ref for a double team, but Perkins broke it up. Red tried to come off the top, but Elgin caught him and catapulted him into a double team gut buster for the pin.

Winners: Roderick Strong & Truth Martini

Star rating: (***1/2) – This match was fantastic from bell-to-bell. Red & Perkins make one heck of a tag team and they had me on the edge of my seat with a variety of double team moves on HOT. Elgin was really good here showing his power.

4 - - ROH TV Champion JAY LETHAL vs. TOMASSO CIAMPA (w/The Embassy)

Kelly mentioned this match has a 15 minute time limit. Lethal countered Ciampa and nailed him with a big chop. Ciampa gathered himself and glared at Lethal from his knees. Ciampa really has his character right now and is doing all of the little things right when he’s in the ring. Lethal went for a move on Ciampa, but he bailed to the outside and glared at a fan. Ciampa locked hands with Lethal, but he ended up driving his knee into Lethal’s gut. Lethal fired back and hit a dropkick out of an arm drag. Ciampa rolled to the apron. Lethal sprung off the turnbuckles and sent Ciampa off the guardrail and into the apron with a kick. Lethal went for a dive through the ropes, but took out R.D. Evans instead of Ciampa. Ciampa immediately took down Lethal with a big clothesline on the outside.

Ciampa continued to work over Lethal on the outside while the ref counted. Ciampa broke the count and whipped Lethal back and forth between the guardrails in the entranceway. Ciampa then whipped Lethal into the ring apron and made the Embassy signal with his hands. The crowd really hasn’t been into the action so far. Lethal attempted a springboard, but Ciampa cut him off and got a 2 count. Tomasso methodically stalked Lethal as McGuinness mentioned that time was ticking away. Kelly confirmed there was 8 minutes remaining in the match. Ciampa tried to talk trash to Lethal. Lethal fired up and nailed Ciampa with a blow. They began exchanging big punches. Ciampa nailed Lethal with a big dropkick in the corner. He then took down his knee pad and nailed him with a running knee. Ciampa followed up with another running knee. Lethal fired up and nailed Ciampa with a superkick that left both men down on the mat.

McGuinness said time was ticking away as the crowd chanted for Lethal. McGuinness said there were only 4 minutes left in the time limit. Lethal hit a handspring elbow, but only got a 2 count. Lethal went up top, but Ciampa cut him off. Both men battled for position on the top. Lethal sent Ciampa to the mat with 3 minutes remaining in the match. Lethal hit a top rope elbow drop, but Ciampa kicked out at the last second. Both men battled on the apron, but Ciampa lifted up Lethal and nailed him with the air raid crash on the apron. McGuinness and Kelly called for a replay with both men down. Cruise announced that only 2 minutes remained in the match. They tried to show a replay and several odd camera shots were displayed on the screen. The ref counted from inside the ring, but both men beat the count.

Cruise announced one minute remaining in the time limit. Lethal hit the Lethal combination and took out the various members of the Embassy, who tried to interfere. Lethal nailed Ciampa with several blows as the time limit was set to expire. Both men exchanged blows as the time limit expired.

Bobby Cruise announced a time limit draw. Lethal grabbed the mic, but Ciampa attacked him from behind. Ciampa hit project Ciampa on Lethal. Ciampa held up the TV Title as the crowd booed. Ciampa walked to the back with the title.

Winner: No winner due to a Time Limit Draw

Star rating: (***) – The match started slow, but the final minutes were intense and the crowd really got hot. I really liked the finish, as it reminded me of a UFC fight with Lethal trying to make Ciampa tap out to blows in the corner.

5 - - ROH World Tag Team Champions THE BRISCOES (Jay & Mark Briscoe) vs. THE YOUNG BUCKS (Matt & Nick Jackson)

The Young Bucks played to the crowd, which gave the Briscoes a chance to jump them from behind. The Briscoes tossed Nick over the top and sent him flying into Matt, which the crowd went nuts for. Mark suplexed Matt on the apron. The Briscoes ran wild on the outside and Kelly clarified that this was an official match. The Briscoes went to work on Matt and nailed him with a combination kick in the corner. Nick tripped Jay and dragged him to the outside. The Young Bucks then sent him flying off the apron with a headscissors/kick combination. There’s not much heat for this match since the hot start. The crowd did wake up, as Mark made a blind tag and nailed Nick with a kick from behind.

The Young Bucks fired back and sent both Briscoes to the outside. Nick went for a dive, but Mark cut him off with an elbow just as he came through the ropes. Mark then went after Nick inside the ring with karate. Nick caught Mark with a superkick and took Jay out with a dive. Matt then covered Mark for a nearfall. The crowd got into the action and tried to rally behind Mark. The Young Bucks continued to work over Mark, who finally made the hot tag to Jay. The crowd didn’t react to the hot tag, as Mark and Jay ran wild on Matt with kicks in the corner. Nick tried a springboard, but ate a suplex from Mark. Jay then nailed him with a flat liner right into Matt’s crotch.

Kevin Kelly read some fan tweets as Briscoes hit a combination ace crusher on Matt for a 2 count. Nick dragged Mark to the outside and nailed him with a superkick. The camera missed a shot, but Matt ended up rolling up Jay for a 2 count. Jay fired back and drove Matt into the corner. The Young Bucks then caught Jay with a tandem kick in the corner. Matt then held Jay up against the ropes and Nick came off the top with a springboard 450 for a nearfall. Jay tried to fight back and sent a kick from Nick right into Matt’s face. The Young Bucks fired back with a tandem superkick on Jay, but Mark made the save. The Young Bucks set up Jay for their finish, but Jay got his knees up. Mark sent Matt flying off the top to the outside. The Briscoes then hit the doomsday device for the pin.

Winners: The Briscoes to retain the ROH World Tag Team Titles

Star rating: (**3/4) – This seemed like a collection of spots as opposed to a full-fledged match. The crowd really wasn’t into this one at times. The Young Bucks didn’t really get much heat on the Briscoes either during their beat down segments.

6 - - KEVIN STEEN vs. JIMMY JACOBS (w/Steve Corino) – No DQ

McGuinness said we are watching the insane Jimmy Jacobs. Corino got on the mic and said Jimmy had told him he wanted out of this. Jacobs nailed Steen with a chairshot to the back. Jacobs sent a bunch of chairs into the ring as Steen’s entrance bracket was displayed. Jacobs set up Steen on a chair on the outside and nailed him with a tope. The crowd chanted “little Jimmy” at Jacobs. Steen blocked a chairshot and turned it into a code breaker on the chair. He went for a cannonball in the corner, but Jacobs got out of the way. Jacobs went after Steen on the outside again. Steen caught Jacobs and tossed him over his head and into the guardrail. McGuinness said this was eating up Corino inside. Steen tossed Jacobs into the guardrail on the outside and the crowd started their “Yes” chant again.

Steen continued to dominate the action on the outside. He took some candy from a fan and ate it. Steen went to leap off the barricade, but Jacobs cut him off and slammed him onto the entrance ramp. Steen fired back on Jacobs a short time later and drove him into the ringpost. Steen nailed Jacobs with a chairshot across the back. Steen tossed down a section of the barricade and slammed Jacobs onto it. Steen took another section of the barricade down and slammed Jacobs onto it. Steen asked if the crowd wanted another barricade slam and they responded with their Daniel Bryan chant. Steen set up another barricade, but Jacobs countered him. He then hit a tornado DDT on the barricade. A portion of the crowd chanted a complaint about not being able to see, but cheered when Jacobs tossed Steen back into the ring.

Jacobs drove Steen’s face into a chair and went to the outside to get a table. Corino tried to talk to Jacobs, but he ignored him. Jacobs set up the table on the outside and went for a suplex on Steen off the apron. Steen countered and went for a powerbomb, but Jacobs slipped out. Kelly said even though this is a No DQ match, Steen can’t use the piledriver. They ended up back on the outside and Steen powerbombed Jacobs onto the apron. Steen set up Jacobs again and hit him with another powerbomb on the apron. McGuinness said this could be the end of both men’s careers. The crowd chanted “Yes” as Steen set Jacobs up for a powerbomb through the table. Jacobs countered and ended up getting a running start before spearing Steen through the ropes, which sent both men through the table. The crowd popped for the spot.

Jacobs set up some chairs in the ring and went for the Contra code, but Steen countered it and slammed him through both chairs for a nearfall. McGuinness sold the dangers of participating in this king of match big time. Steen went up top and went for a senton, but Jacobs got his knees up. Jacobs got up selling his knee. Jacobs grabbed a spike out of his boot and went after Steen, but Steen got out of the way hit the F6 a short time later. Steen decided not to cover Jacobs and a small chant for Steen started. McGuinness called Steen mentally ill as he set up several chairs in the ring. The crowd chanted “Yes” again. Jacobs countered Steen and took the spike out of the turnbuckle. Jacobs stabbed Steen in the head with the spike and started at it manically. Steen sold pain and came up bleeding. Jacobs dropped the spike and looked upset. Steen crawled over to the spike and was absolutely gushing blood. Steen smiled at Jacobs and drove the spike into Jacobs’s mid-section. Steen then hit the F6 on two chairs back to back. Steen then covered Jacobs for the pin.

Winner: Kevin Steen

Star rating: (***1/2) – A little bit slow in spots, but they really played up the dynamic between Steen’s maniacal character and Jacobs’s inner conflict. The finish was fascinating to see Jacobs drive his spike into Steen’s head. Steen then came up bleeding while Jacobs dropped the spike and sold shock at what he had just done to Steen. The finish looked brutal with Jacobs taking Steen’s F6 finish on two chairs set up back to back.

7 - - EDDIE EDWARDS & ADAM COLE vs. ROH World Hvt. Champion DAVEY RICHARDS & KYLE O’REILLY

Cole and O’Reilly started the match. Kelly said Cole was an innocent bystander. O’Reilly tagged out quickly before doing anything with Cole. What’s up with Cole’s tights? Trees? Cole tagged out, but then blind-tagged himself back into the ring. Richards backed Cole into the corner and offered a clean break. A small boring chant broke out as Richards and Cole exchanged arm submissions. After a quick exchange, Richards and Cole came to a stalemate. Kelly highlighted Cole’s new variation of the German suplex. Kelly said it is called the Florida Keys. Both me exchanged pinning combinations. Cole went for a superkick, but Richards fell back and avoided it. A small “this is wrestling” chant broke out. McGuinness and Kelly highlighted the quality of wrestling in ROH.

Richards took Cole down to the mat and worked a headscissors. Cole tried to slip out but Richards applied the hold again. Edwards and O’Reilly tagged into the ring. A small amount of fans exchanged dueling chants for both men. Edwards and O’Reilly locked arms and jockeyed for position. Both men went back and forth. They then began exchanging headbutts. Edwards finally tossed O’Reilly to the ground and tried to leverage his arms down to the mat for a pin. O’Reilly bridged up on his neck. Edwards tried to drive him down, but O’Reilly flipped him over. They went back and forth. O’Reilly went for a kimura, but Edwards slipped out and got an STF. O’Reilly quickly escaped and they came to a stalemate. The crowd started a small “this is wrestling” chant.

Richards and Cole tagged in and went at it. Richards ended up taking down Cole with a nice dropkick. He then drove Cole into O’Reilly’s boot as Kelly put over the quality of wrestlers on the roster. Cole fired back on O’Reilly, but O’Reilly lifted him and nailed a side suplex. Richards tagged in and went after Cole’s leg with a submission. A small chant for Cole broke out. He struggled but got the ropes. Cole cut off Richards with a kick and covered him for a 2 count. Edwards tag in and went after Richards. They began exchanging forearms in the middle of the ring. Edwards won the exchange and covered Richards for a 2 count. Cole tagged back in and continued the work on Edwards. Cole hit a running knee on Richards and covered him for no reaction.

Richards fired back and the crowd woke up. He took out Cole and then Edwards with a backdrop driver. Richards tagged in O’Reilly, who ran wild. Richards took out Cole with a dive through the ropes. O’Reilly set up Edwards on the top rope and nailed him with a belly to back superplex for a 2 count. O’Reilly immediately applied a cross arm breaker when Edwards kicked out. Edwards clasped his hands and broke free. Edwards applied the Achilles lock, but O’Reilly countered it into the cross face. The fans chanted “Yes, Yes, Yes” as Edwards struggled, but escaped. Both men began exchanging big strikes in the middle of the ring. The crowd did not react much to this exchange. O’Reilly hit a Regal suplex out of nowhere for a 2 count. O’Reilly bounced off the ropes, but Edwards hit a nasty clothesline that left both men down.

Edwards tagged in Cole. Cole hit a clothesline on O’Reilly for a 2 count. Cole then lifted O’Reilly and drove him head-first down onto his knee for a 2 count. The crowd woke up and began clapping half-heartedly. Both men exchanged blows in the middle of the ring. O’Reilly got the better of the exchanged and Richards blind-tagged himself into the match and hit a running kick on O’Reilly for a nearfall. Richards locked in a leg submission on Cole to every little reaction. O’Reilly ran in and added leverage to the submission, but the ref forced him to break it. Richards and Cole began exchanging strikes in the middle of the ring. Richards took down Cole with a kick to the stomach and tagged in O’Reilly. O’Reilly went to work on Cole’s arm. O’Reilly hit a series of butterfly suplexes and locked in an arm bar, but Cole leveraged it into a pinfall for a nearfall. Richards ran right by Cole covering O’Reilly to hold back Edwards. That was funny.

Cole went at it alone against Richards and O’Reilly. Richards accidentally kicked O’Reilly. Cole then spun Richards into O’Reilly and hit a neckbreaker/DDT combination. That moves stretched the realm of believability. Edwards got the hot tag to very little reaction, but ran wild nonetheless. Richards and O’Reilly got sent to the outside. Edwards then elevated Cole over the top onto Richards and O’Reilly. The crowd woke up a little. Edwards followed up with a springboard moonsault to the outside. The crowd applauded with all four men down on the outside.

Edwards hit a kick on Richards and hit the backpack chinbreaker. Cole then came off the top with a splash and Edwards covered Richards for a nearfall. Is Nigel hearing a different crowd? Edwards went for a superkick on Richards with Cole holding him, but Richards blocked it. Richards countered an attempted German and grabbed an ankle lock on Cole. Edwards tried to break it up, but Richards wouldn’t let go. O’Reilly then caught Edwards in a guillotine. Cole finally fought free, but Richards applied a single leg crab. Edwards and Richards went face-to-face holding submissions. They let go of the submissions and began exchanging blows. O’Reilly took out Edwards. Cole and O’Reilly ended up going at it alone in the ring. They exchanged blows to very little reactions. Kelly called it a hockey fight. Cole ended up clotheslining himself and O’Reilly to the outside to very little reaction.

Richards and Edwards went at it and Richards took down Edwards with a suplex and both men were down. Cole and O’Reilly ended up alone in the ring. They kicked each other at the same time. They went face-to-face to no reaction. Edwards and O’Reilly ended up suplexing each other to the outside. Richards and Edwards did the same thing on the other side and a small “ROH, ROH” chant broke out. All four men crawled back into the ring. Richards squared off with Cole on one side and O’Reilly squared off with Edwards on the other side. Richards and Edwards glared at each other. Edwards hit a chop on O’Reilly. Richards then hit a kick on Cole. Edwards and Richards glared at each other as they continued to assault their man in the corner. They then went face-to-face, but it got very little reaction. Richards and Edwards began exchanging kicks and punches. Why is Kelly apologizing for the language of the fans when the wrestlers swear on the mic?

Richards and Edwards ended up down on the mat after their exchange. Cole and O’Reilly went face-to-face to no reaction. O’Reilly hit a German. Cole got up and hit a German on O’Reilly. O’Reilly got right up and exchanged forearms with Cole. O’Reilly hit a bunch of slaps on Cole. Cole fired back with a superkick as McGuinness screamed, but Cole only got a nearfall. Cole and O’Reilly went at it again. Cole lifted O’Reilly, but he slipped out and cut off Edwards up top. O’Reilly sent Cole to the mat and went up top. Edwards cut him off and slammed him down to the mat. Edwards and Cole hit a series of kicks on O’Reilly, but Richards broke up the pin.

O’Reilly backdropped Edwards to the outside. Richards went up top and hit a doublestomp on Cole. Richards went up top with Edwards removed from the equation. Richards hit a double stomp on Cole, but he kicked out. Richards hit a thousand kicks of doom on Cole. He then hit a German with a bridge, but Edwards made the save. The fans fired up as Cole blocked a kick from Richards. Cole told Richards to bring it. Cole hit an enzuguri, but Richards fired right back with the alarm clock. Richards got the ankle lock on Richards, but he fought out and sent Richards right into a kick form Edwards on the apron. Edwards hit a double stomp off the top and locked in the Achilles lock on Richards. Richards fought free, but Edwards tossed him right into a superkick from Edwards. Cole followed up with a German with a bridge and Edwards covered him, but Richards kicked out to a small reaction. A handful of fans started a “This is awesome” chant.

Edwards and Richards battled up top. Edwards got tossed to the floor, but he caught Richards with a jumping knee. Edwards took him down to the mat with a hurricanrana. Richards and Cole hit a powerbomb/double knees combination on Richards, but Cole didn’t get it all. O’Reilly came in to break up the pin. He went at it alone with Cole and Edwards. O’Reilly DDT’d Cole through a table off the top. The crowd popped for the spot. Richards caught Edwards with a cradle for a 2 count. Richards ended up getting the ankle lock again, but Edwards countered into a rollup for a nearfall. Edwards went for a code breaker off the second rope, but Richards countered it into the ankle lock. Cole ran back into the ring and nailed Richards with a splash off the top for the pin.

The crowd popped for the finish. Cole sold shock at pinning Edwards with a splash off the top. The crowd chanted for Cole. Kelly noticed the match ended at 39:33. The crowd didn’t really take to the chant for Cole that Edwards wanted. Richards got in Edwards’s face. He then grabbed a mic as some fans chanted for Cole. Richards got on the mic congratulated Cole. He extended his hand and shook hands with Cole. Richards also shook hands with Edwards. O’Reilly glared at Cole from the corner of the ring.

O’Reilly got on the mic. Richards encouraged him to shake hands. O’Reilly said he doesn’t shake hands with people he doesn’t respect. O’Reilly said he doesn’t respect Edwards or Cole. Richards got on the mic, but Steen’s voice interrupted him from the balcony. Steen said he doesn’t respect any of the people in the ring. He said he wouldn’t let the show end with them showing respect in the ring. The crowd chanted for Steen. Steen said he wished he had a gun to shoot Richards. He said Young Wolves Rising is the worst thing he’s ever heard in his life. He said this should have been called Steen Steals the Show.

Steen said Cole and O’Reilly were cute, but they weren’t the future of the company. Steen said he is the future. Steen said he should have been facing Richards for the ROH World Title tonight. The crowd cheered Steen. Steen said Richards isn’t scared, but Cornette is terrified of him. Steen told Richards he could change Cornette’s mind. A “F--- Cornette” chant started. Steen said until the match happens, he would be Richards’s personal nightmare. Steen wished Richards a happy anniversary and also wished the same to Richards’s Jiu Jitsu Jackoff. Steen’s new remixed music played. O’Reilly got out of the ring as Richards glared at the balcony. The show closed with Richards looking upset on the apron.

Winners: Davey Richards & Adam Cole

Star rating: (***) – The match just dragged throughout. Sure, all four guys busted their a—es, but this was hard to sit through for nearly 40 minutes with the crowd not into the match until the very end. Cole getting the win with a top rope splash of all things on Richards was a big surprise, but I don’t think he or O’Reilly ended up elevated after this match. The whole thing seemed to be undercut, as whatever happened in the match was forgotten quickly once Steen hit the scene and got the crowd’s attention by challenging Richards.

Kharma aka Awesome/Amazing Kong aka Kia Stevens' baby did not survive birth.

I legit teared up reading this. ;_;

Maury V. said:

Kharma aka Awesome/Amazing Kong aka Kia Stevens' baby did not survive birth.

I legit teared up reading this. ;_;

Click to expand...

Definitely sad news. The WWE dare not make any of this part of a future storyline!

My heart breaks for her. My kids are my everything.

Let's hope WWE keeps it classy. A miscarriage isn't something to be exploited. My heart goes out to Kharma

They should double her salary. Easy way to give any new heel instant heat.

My hope is they don't fire her because she lied. Now I know Vince is a dick but with him sometimes you just don't know, she lost her baby so clearly she wasn't in the right frame of mind and I can't blame her since there's no right or normal thing to do in that situation.

God speed Kia and I wish you all the best, we all can see you take on Beth for the belt when you're ready

WWE NXT Results: 3-7-12

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

1 - TAMINA SNUKA vs. MAXINE

Maxine pushes Snuka to challenge her, but Snuka pushes her down. Maxine runs in and twists around for a crucifix, but when Snuka doesn't go down, Maxine slides down and tries a schoolgirl, which gets one. Very fluid on Maxine's end of things. Maxine sends Snuka to the mat with a hair pull. Maxine eats a big chop after mocking Snuka, but slips out of the ring and jumps Snuka on the way back in. Mazine goes to work on Snuka in the corner, then locks in a tight chinlock. Maxine is looking really strong. Snuka tries to stand up, but Maxine puts her back down. Maxine to the top rope, but Snuka dodges a splash. Snuka with a Samoan Drop and up to the top rope for the Superfly Splash for the win.

WINNER: Tamina Snuka in 3:00. I am getting really tired of seeing booking just like this, where someone is doing great in a match, and one simple move knocks out that person long enough for the person losing the match to hit a finisher. This was a repeat from last week in a Justin Gabriel match, and I believe it hurts the loser. Maxine was looking like a #1 contender for two minutes and 50 seconds, and lost literally in ten seconds. That's silly and gets no one over.

2 - YOSHI TATSU vs. JOHNNY CURTIS

Curtis starts off this strong offense, but Tatsu comes out of the corner strong. Curtis to the outside and eats a slingshot splash.

Tatsu in control out of the break. A pair of Japanese armdrags and a dropkick from Tatsu gets two. Curtis yanks Tatsu onto the ropes, then tosses him into the ringpost. Curtis works the left wrist and settles into a nasty keylock. Regal praises Tatsu's skills. Tatsu tries to chop out, but Curtis chops back and nails a big suplex for two. Curtis with more vicious work on the arm. Regal promises not to abuse his power like he has in the past, and Matthews sounds doubtful. Tatsu finally gets a bit of separation.

Tatsu goes on the offensive, but is selling pain. Tatsu just lets loose and hits a high knee in the corner and follows up with a Shining Wizard for two. Tatsu calls for the end and whiffs the roundhouse, and Curtis shoves Tatsu in the corner. Curtis is selling heavy pain and hits a pair of headbutts, and puts Tatsu on the turnbuckle. Big slap and Curtis wants a superplex. Tatsu shoves him down, but Curtis dodges a spinning heel kick and follows him with his brutal dangerous buster for the win.

WINNER: Johnny Curtis in 6:30 Very good match; I really enjoyed it. Curtis has come so far with his ring work.

3 - JEY USO (w/Jimmy Uso) vs. DARREN YOUNG

Lock-up puts Jey in the corner after a struggle, but he uses speed to get out. Jey with some dance-like strikes, including a spinning heel kick for two. Big bodyslam from Jey for two. Young runs over Jey and lands a powerslam. Backbreaker from Young barely gets a count. Side suplex and Young gets a two count. Mathews asks Jimmy about training with Booker T before coming to WWE, which was a good way to give them talking points. Young mouths off to Jimmy, and Regal promises that Jimmy will get a chance for payback. Jimmy actually references redemption points.

Young with a catapult into the ropes and that's good for two. Young slows it down with body scissors, but Jey turns it around for a moment. Regal offers to hook The Usos up with his twin daughters. He references again that his daughters are conjoined. Jey hits a big uppercut from the corner to get back in control. Jey whiffs a stinkface, and Young capitalizes with a schoolboy for the win.

WINNER: Darren Young in 6:00. Basic match, but it didn't look bad. It gave Darren Young and The Usos something to do.

4 -PERCY WATSON vs. TITUS O'NEIL

O'Neil with Kicks and punches to start, but Watson fires right back with a corkscrew elbow. O'Neil kicks Watson in the gut on a corner leap, then methodically wears Watson down. Watson comes out of the corner, but O'Neil cuts him off. Mathews questions Regal's decisions around Reks and Hawkins. Backbreaker from O'Neil for two. Regal praises O'Neil for becoming more "deliberate" in his style. O'Neil fights hard for an abdominal stretch, which is the first time I've seen one that looks painful in a while. O'Neil says, "Come over here and count old man!" to ref Scott Armstrong, but he still can't get more than a two count despite multiple attempts. He asks the ref if he's incompetent.

Watson with a jawbreaker to reset the action, and he lands punches and a dropkick, followed by a big shoulder tackle. Watson with the Highsman to get two. O'Neil dodges a corner splash and tries the Clash of the Titus, but Watson double foot stomps out at the peak of elevation to escape. (He looked like M. Bison there.) Watson immediately responds with the Percycution for the win.

WWE Superstars Results: 3-8-12

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

1 - JUSTIN GABRIEL vs. HEATH SLATER

Slater lounges in the corner to demand some space, then celebrates after escaping a headlock. Slater's getting some great crowd involvement here. Gabriel with an armbar, but Slater uses a fireman's carry to escape. Gabriel uses a test of strength to draw Slater in for a wristlock. Gabriel turns up the speed a bit, and a powerslam gets two. Gabriel with more wrist and arm control. Slater gets some space, but Gabriel blocks an armdrag and transitions into a monkey flip. Armdrag into an armbar and Gabriel retails control. Slater on top for a moment, but Gabriel chops out of the corner and moves back to the attack. Crucifix-like roll-up for two, then a jackknife for two and more armbars. They trade suplex attempts and Slater eventually tosses Gabriel onto the ropes crotch-first.

Slater controls with a side chinlock out of the break, and Gabriel can't get traction. Gabriel with a series of kicks to get a two count. Slater spins Gabriel from a fireman's carry and drops him face-first for a close nearfall. Gabriel counters a sideslam attempt with a tornado neckbreaker of sorts and follows with a springboard moonsault for a nearfall of his own. Striker is digging the action and so am I.

After a rest, Gabriel is on the attack in the corner. Slater dodges a corner elbow and plants Gabriel on the turnbuckle, then rips him off into a viscous neckbreaker. Another very close nearfall. Slater is incredulous. Slater picks Gabriel up for a powerbomb, but Gabriel punches him in the head, rolls down and through, and sends Slater face-first into the turnbuckle. Gabriel with a side kick out of the corner, then he goes up top for the 450 splash, which is good for the win.

WINNER: Gabriel in 10:30. This was, by far, the best match I've ever seen from Heath Slater, and one of Justin Gabriel's best, too. Very good match. There was back-and-forth, unique spots, some high-flying and hard-hitting. Slater's put on a touch of weight, which makes it easier to take him seriously. I know I've ridden Slater hard in the past for his in-ring work, but he really brought it here and proved that he's got what it takes.

2 - TED DiBIASE vs. JINDER MAHAL

According to Matt Striker, Mahal's turban case is "sanitary." DiBiase starts a "USA!" chant. Wonderful.

Mahal with a shoulder tackle, but DiBiase responds with a dropkick and ten punches in the corner and a suplex. Striker mis-quotes "Happy Gilmore," which is surprising. Mahal kicks DiBiase's legs out and with some quick offense for two. Mahal with hard offense, including trademark knee drops, leveraging the ropes. Mahal keeps working on Ted's injured wrist. Mahal holds DiBiase's head and knees it repeatedly. Mahal to the second rope for an axe handle, but DiBiase counters with a dropkick. DiBiase makes a strong comeback. Big spinebuster for two. DiBiase looks for Dream Street, but Mahal reverses. DiBiase with the turnaround clothesline. DiBiase off the second rope, but Mahal counters with a jumping knee lift. Mahal slaps on the Camel Clutch and DiBiase taps after a struggle.

WINNER: Jinder Mahal in 7:00. Enjoyable match. If this is when DiBiase hurt his ankle, you wouldn't know it. I just don't get the booking of Mahal here. Some weeks he gets squashed, some weeks he gets a clean win mid-ring.

3 - KOFI KINGSTON vs. DOLPH ZIGGLER (w/Vickie Guerrero)

This match has gotten a ton of buzz for a match that didn't make it to Raw. The video has a solid 15 minutes left, so it should be a good match. Pre-match, Ziggler gives announcer Scott Stanford his bright pink shirt off his rear, and Stanford is ecstatic. Vickie makes cougar motions to Stanford too.

Ziggler outwits Kingston a few times, giving him a chance to show off. Kofi shows some sweet mat-based technique early on. Kingston slips out of an early sleeper attempt. Ziggler in control with mat skills of his own. They go back and forth with increasing intensity until Ziggler slows it down and shows off some more. They trade rights but Kingston puts Ziggler in the corner, and connects with a monkey flip sending Ziggler into a full 450 spin. That's good for a two count. That was a beautiful move. Kingston gets crotched in the middle of a springboard move, sending the show to break.

They interrupted a hot match for a "Bending the Rules" ad? The crowd is hotter than I've ever seen for a Superstars match. Ziggler and Kingston trade high-impact moves and two counts. Ziggler with some berserk elbows on the mat and a nasty armbar. Kingston with a pair of rollups for two counts. They trade boots-to-faces and Ziggler gets two for the work. There is a strong "Let's Go Ziggler!" chant. Kingston punches Ziggler when he does his sit-up routine. This angers Ziggler, who goes back to the attack. Kingston dodges the corner elbow (does Ziggler ever actually hit that?) and they are both down on the mat.

Kingston gets up first and takes Ziggler down, but Ziggler dodges the Superman Punch and gets out of the SOS. Brief flurry of offense and Kingston gets a very close nearfall with the SOS. Kingston preps the Boom Drop and sticks Ziggler. Kingston calls for the Trouble in Paradise, but Ziggler grabs him in mid-air and counters with the inside-out powerslam for a nearfall. Vickie is losing her mind with worry.

The ref starts a double count, but Ziggler walks into a pendulum kick. Kingston to the top, but Ziggler punches him and then meets him up top. Ziggler preps a superplex, but Kingston blocks and punches out. Kingston whiffs a huge top rope cross-body and Ziggler follows up with the "Namedropper" leg drop, another tight nearfall. The crowd is going nuts. Ziggler tries a sleeper, but Kingston slips out and immediately gets the Trouble in Paradise for the win.

Winner: Kofi Kingston in 15:00. If you are a wrestling fan, you need to watch this match. It is likely to be considered a Top 10 WWE match for 2012... and it was buried on Superstars so The Rock could give history lessons. Scott Stanford felt so organic in the booth and Josh Mathews held back his usual snarkiness and cynicism to let Stanford do his job. This was a PPV-quality match for sure, and it reminds me of when gems find their way onto Superstars.

TNA Impact Wrestling Results: 3-8-12

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

1 -- TNA Knockout Tag Team champions GAIL KIM & MADISON RAYNE vs. ODB & ERIC YOUNG -- Knockouts Tag Team Title match

Young and Kim started the match for their teams, but before anything could happen, ODB tagged herself in. ODB instantly got the Bronco Buster on Kim and then followed it up with a fallaway slam. Kim put the breaks on ODB’s offense and tagged Rayne in. Rayne choked ODB out in the corner as the crowd chanted her name. ODB made a comeback and slammed Rayne’s head into her crotch and followed up with a Thesz Press. Kim interfered on her team’s behalf, which cost ODB the offensive edge. The champions hit some double team offense on ODB for a two count. ODB hit a desperation move on Rayne, which was followed up with a hot tag to both team’s partners. Young got in and put Knockouts on the opposing team on his shoulders and spun around until he was dizzy for a one count on Kim. The champions tried to double team Young, but ODB quickly put a stop to it. Rayne was able to throw ODB into the ringside steps and followed up by hitting Young with a title belt from behind which planted him on top of Kim for the win.

WINNERS: Eric Young and ODB via pinfall to capture the KO Tag Titles at 5:46.

2 -- X Division champion AUSTIN ARIES vs. ZEMA ION -- X Division Title match

Ion went for a boot that was telegraphed by Aries, who took Ion down with a headlock. Aries showboated around the ring, bowing to the audience. Aries once again got the better of Ion with a senton over the ropes followed by an elbow for a two count. The wrestlers went to the outside, where Ion teased the same move that injured Jesse Sorenson, but Aries stopped him and tried a high-risk maneuver of his own that he missed. Ion tried to capitalize on the mistake with a pin attempt for a two count, and then went to the top rope for a missed 450 splash. Aries stopped Ion’s attempt at using his hair spray bottle on him and then proceeded to use it on him. The referee saw this and called for the disqualification. Afterward, Ion gloated about his victory, but Aries got in his face and raised the belt.

WINNER: Zema Ion via disqualification at 3:48.

3 -- TNA World Hvt champion BOBBY ROODE vs. BULLY RAY -- non-title match

The wrestlers stalled a bit until Roode got Ray into a headlock until Ray took Roode down with a few shoulder tackles. Roode slapped Ray across the face and quickly feigned regret as he kicked him in the gut and laid into him with chops, punches, and boots in the corner. Roode hit a flying neckbreaker off the second turnbuckle for a two count. Ray started “Hulking up” and laid some nasty sounding chops onto the chest of Roode. He started making an offensive comeback and got a close two count on Roode. Ray went for a big boot, but Roode dodged it and hit him with spear for another close two count. Roode grabbed Ray’s chain from ringside and charged at him with, but was met with a boot from Ray. Before Ray could capitalize on Roode, Storm chased him out of the ring and nailed a superkick on Roode as the crowed chanted “Cowboy.”

WINNER: The match ended in an apparent No Contest at 6:45.

4 -- TNA Television champion ROBBIE E. & ROBBIE T. vs. CRIMSON & MATT MORGAN -- #1 contenders match for the TNA Tag Team Titles

Robbie E. mouthed off to Crimson in the ring, which backfired, as Crimson hit him with t-bone suplex. Robbie E. tagged in Robbie T., who scoop slammed Crimson and nailed him with a shot to the back before Crimson fought back until Robbie E. hit him with a clip board from behind. Robbie T. tagged in Robbie E. and he hit Crimson with a knee off the second turnbuckle for a two count. As Crimson started to mount some offense, Robbie E. tagged Robbie T., and quickly put a halt to Crimson’s comeback. Crimson got a desperation maneuver in and a hot tag was made by both teams. Morgan came in and cleaned house. Morgan hit the Carbon Footprint on Robbie, and before he could go for the pin attempt, Crimson tagged himself to score the pin for his team.

WINNERS: Crimson & Morgan via pinfall at 4:03 to become number one contenders to the TNA Tag Team Titles.

5 -- GUNNER & KURT ANGLE vs. GARETT BISCHOFF & JEFF HARDY

The match began as Gunner and Angle double-teamed Hardy while the ref held Bischoff back in the corner. Angle and Hardy were left in the ring to fight for their respective teams. Angle and Gunner took some liberties choking Hardy before he made a comeback clotheslining Angle. As he went for the tag Gunner ran in and knocked Garett off the ropes and was tagged in by Angle to continue to put the boots to Hardy. Hardy’s offensive comeback was once against brought to a halt by Gunner.

Angle had Hardy in a sleeper hold as the crowd chanted “Angle sucks,” and “Hardy.” Hardy broke out of the hold and ran towards Angle only to be caught with an overhead belly-to-belly suplex. Angle tagged in Gunner, who got a close two count on Hardy after a clothesline. Angle was tagged back into the match and proceeded to throw Hardy to the outside where Gunner continued to do damage to Hardy by throwing him into the guard rail before throwing him back into the ring. Hardy tried to crawl through Angle’s legs to tag Garett, but Angle caught him in the anklelock. Angle eventually broke the hold, but the offensive dominance by Angle and Gunner on Hardy continued.

Hardy was able to get a small package on Angle, but the referee was distracted by Garett trying to get into the match. Hardy was finally able to make a substantial offensive comeback as he hit Gunner with the Whisper in the Wind, but Garett was to busy to receive a tag as he was busy with the referee. Hardy eventually was able to get the tag to Garett, who cleaned house and got a close two count on Angle that was broken up by Gunner. Garett his a double clothesline on Angle and Gunner which set up Hardy for a Swanton Bomb on Angle for the pin.

WINNERS: Garett Bischoff & Jeff Hardy via pinfall at 14:20

WWE Smackdown Results: 3-9-12

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

1 – SANTINO MARELLA vs. JACK SWAGGER – STEEL CAGE MATCH FOR THE UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP

During Santino’s entrance, they showed him winning the title on Monday night. During Swagger’s entrance, they showed the announcers at ringside, and Michael Cole had a picture of Laurinaitis’ face on a stick that he was waving around in front of his. It’s funny that Cole got on Booker for mispronouncing Laurinaitis as “Lare-an-itis” instead of “Lore-en-ite-is,” when Cole does that all the time. Swagger held the early advantage, and kept on trucking with a short-arm clothesline. Santino dodged a few clotheslines and tried to climb the cage. Top-rope cross-body, but Swagger caught him. He sent Santino face-first into the side of the cage. Santino was able to recover and set up for the Cobra. Dolph Ziggler tried to climb the cage, providing a distraction. Swagger tried a suplex, but Santino Cobra’d him on the way down. Ziggler tried to recover from Santino hitting his hand with the Cobra, and while doing so, was sent to the back by the ref. That left only Vickie Guerrero in Swagger’s corner as they cut to break at 3:58.

Back at 6:48 with Swagger once again in control. Swagger tossed Santino’s Cobra out of the ring. Santino tried a few desperation roll-ups, to no avail. Drop toe-hold by Swagger sent Santino into the corner. Swagger bomb found the mark for a two-count at 7:50. Swagger argued with the ref, then tried to climb the cage. Santino crotched Swagger and got a two-count. Santino then began to climb, getting to the top of the cage. Swagger grabbed his leg and tried to pull him back in. Swagger slapped Marella a few times as Santino sat on the top rope. He fired back with a Tornado DDT. He crawled to make the cover, but instead crawled over Swagger and to the door. Swagger pulled him back in but Santino kicked him off. Santino had most of his body out, but Swagger grabbed the ankle and applied the ankle-lock. Vickie tried to shut the door and argued with the ref. By the time she pried the door out of his hands, Santino had countered the ankle-lock and kicked Swagger into the doorway. Vickie didn’t see it and slammed the door on Swagger’s face. Santino then crawled out for the win.

WINNER: Santino, at 10:20. The cage match and extended time the match got makes the US Title seem a little more relevant.

2 – DREW MCINTYRE vs. HORNSWOGGLE

Bodyslam by McIntyre, but he pulled Horny’s head up at two. Another bodyslam, and again McIntyre pulled horny up at two. Back-breaker for Hornswoggle. The ref checked on Horny, then threw the match out.

WINNER: McIntyre, via ref stoppage, at 1:23. McIntyre didn’t exactly look smart pulling off the pin a few times – after all, he was fighting for his job. But it makes sense for Laurinaitis to basically give McIntyre his job back. Now how will he keep it once Long takes over again next week?

3 – EZEKIEL JACKSON vs. MARK HENRY

The announcers talked about Henry being inducted into the International Sports Hall of Fame this past week. They showed clips of him during his weightlifting days, then Henry accepting the award, all smiles. That really goes against how he’s been booked for the last several months. Takes you out of the moment of him being a killer heel. Jackson cornered Henry and pounded on him, but couldn’t get Henry up for the Rack. Henry, in a blue singlet, slammed Jackson after some trash talk. Jackson moved out of the way of an elbowdrop, then clotheslined Henry in the corner and delivered some body shots. Jackson charged the corner, but Henry charged at him, knocking Zeke down. World’s Strongest Slam for the pinfall.

WINNER: Henry, at 1:41. Beautiful. This is what they need to do if they want to rebuild him – start with some dominant wins over lower competition.

4 – JOHN LAURINAITIS vs. TEDDY LONG – IF LONG WINS, KANE FACES AKSANA TONIGHT

No music for Laurinaitis as he and Otunga walked to the ring. Laurinaitis wore spandex pants. Long wore a black WWE logo t-shirt. When the bell rang, Laurinaitis got the mic and asked if Long was really going to put Aksana in danger. Laurinaitis told Long to be a man and do the right thing. I feel like it wasn’t that long ago that we had a match where Long was forced to job. Laurinaitis told Long to lie down. Long refused. Laurinaitis called out Kane, whose fireworks went off. Long protected Aksana in the ring after Laurinaitis left. As Kane reached the apron, Randy Orton ran out and pulled him off, RKO’ing him. Laurinaitis was quite animated in his disdain for Orton’s actions. Long then rolled Laurinaitis up for the win.

WINNER: Long, at 2:27. Still an hour left on the show, plenty of time for Kane to recover and face Aksana…right?

Laurinaitis was still throwing a fit in the ring as the camera picked up Long and Aksana walked briskly through the backstage area, discussing dinner plans and likely leaving the arena. Back at ringside, Orton’s music played as he stood over Kane.

5 – KOFI KINGSTON & R-TRUTH vs. PRIMO & EPICO

Epico began the match against Kingston. Monkey flip by Kingston put Epico on his back. Quick tag to Truth and a double hip-toss by the faces. Truth did a lot of dancing before hitting a legdrop. More double-teaming, this time Epico leap-frogged Kofi only to get side-kicked by Truth. Kingston hit the ropes and while the ref was distracted by Truth, Primo pulled the ropes open, sending Kingston to the floor. Booker called it “a little underhanded,” but still complimented the heels for their illegal tactics. Double underhook slam by Epico for two. Booker talked about his tag team days, as part of one of the greatest teams ever. “Ebony and Ivory?” Cole asked, and Booker corrected him, saying, “The Ebody Experience.” False tag to Truth and the heels continued on Kofi. Kofi kicked away from Primo and finally made the tag at 4:25 of the match. Truth landed the corkscrew elbow on Primo, but Epico broke up the pin. Kingston got involved and Epico was backdropped to the floor. Rosa Mendes got on the apron but she couldn’t help her charges. Flip kick by Kofi, then Truth dropped Primo with a version of the Downward Spiral for the win.

WINNERS: Kingston and Truth, at 5:12. Basic tag-team booking and Primo and Epico still looked good by controlling the bulk of the match.

- Sheamus and Cole were in the ring as Cole introduced Daniel Bryan. He walked out with AJ in tow. Cole’s first question was to ask Bryan how much luck has come into play in still being champion. Bryan basically said luck had nothing to do with it. He discussed all of his major wins, saying luck had nothing to do with any of them. Bryan credited his in-ring work and his vegan lifestyle (and his “undeniable sex appeal”) for contributing to his success.

Cole turned his attention to Sheamus and said the luck of the Irish must be with him. Sheamus said he’s lucky to be in America, in WWE and standing in front of the fans. But he said you also make your own luck. Sheamus said he’s never hid behind a 99-pound little girl who should be in a Catholic school-girl’s outfit. Thank you, Sheamus, for that image. And I mean that. AJ lifted Bryan’s mic to speak but Bryan said, “AJ, shut up.” She just looked down at the mat. Bryan said AJ has nothing to do with his success, and if anything, she’s gotten in the way (don’t worry, he only meant that literally). Sheamus said Bryan should be the one wearing the skirt and that his luck will run out at Wrestlemania. Cody Rhodes’ music hit and he walked out. It’s time for entrances for the main event. Good mic work from both men, and a tease for AJ turning on Bryan down the line. Big Show came out as well, and the six-man match is next.

6 – SHEAMUS & BIG SHOW & RANDY ORTON vs. DANIEL BRYAN & CODY RHODES & THE MIZ

Sheamus and Rhodes began the match. Orton tagged in at 29 seconds of the match. He hammered away with rights in the corner on Rhodes. Clothesline by Orton as Cole bragged about how long Rhodes has held the Intercontinental Championship. Rhodes held Orton, allowing the newly-legal Bryan to kick Orton in the chest. Cole has become such a fan of Bryan that he even suggested he’s going vegan. Dropkick by Orton, then a tag to Show. Show headbutted Bryan to the mat. Miz tagged in and Miz stumbled backward when Show feigned a right hand. After a hard slap to the chest by Show, Miz retreated and tagged Rhodes. Rhodes stepped in and tagged Miz back in. Show brought Miz in the hard way as they cut to break at 3:36.

Back to the show at 6:33 of the match. Sheamus and Miz were in the ring, and Sheamus ran over Miz with a few Irish Hammers. Near-fall at 7:28 by Sheamus. Sheamus fought off Rhodes, then put Miz back down. Forearms to the chest of Rhodes, then an elbow to Bryan. Miz dropkicked Sheamus out of the ring, as the three-on-one was just too much. Bryan hit a flying knee to Sheamus off the apron. Bryan wanted the tag and got it. Sheamus fought back to his feet, but wasn’t there for long. Bryan dropped several knees across the chin and throat of Sheamus. Running boot by Miz after he tagged in. Rhodes also got a chance to work over Sheamus. Short DDT by Miz for a two-count. Side Russian leg sweep by Rhodes after he avoided a Celtic Cross. That got him a two-count at 11:33. Irish Curse backbreaker and the match reset at about 12:00. Both men made tags, with Orton showing a lot of energy against Miz. Show took care of Rhodes and chased him up the ramp. Orton gave Miz a rope-assisted DDT. He avoided a kick from Bryan and tried to give him the same DDT. Instead, Bryan brought Orton throat-first across the top rope. Sheamus knocked Bryan over the apron then over the barricade and into the timekeeper’s area. Orton avoided a Skull Crushing Finale and hit the RKO for the win.

WINNERS: Orton, Show, and Sheamus, at 13:33.

Out of nowhere, Kane attacked Orton after the match. The two men traded rights at ringside and fought in front of the commentators. Orton was sent shoulder-first into the ring post, and Orton tossed Kane into one too. Kane landed an uppercut that sent Orton into the crowd. Kane came after him and they continued their back-and-forth brawl into the crowd. They went up the stairs and continued throwing haymakers as the show ended.

My condolences to Kharma.

WWE RAW Results: 3-12-12

Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Caldwell's complete report). Condensed to in-ring results along with my own two bits thrown in on the non-ring sequences.

- Thuganomics version John Cena came out and did some rap including some non-PG stuff. Nice to see thug John but also shows you can't turn back the clock.

1 -- SHEAMUS vs. DOLPH ZIGGLER (w/Vickie Guerrero)

Basic feeling-out process as Cole hyped Sheamus vs. World Hvt. champion Daniel Bryan at WrestleMania. Sheamus then knocked Ziggler to the outside and Zigs recovered on the floor as they cut to break at 2:00.

The match was back in the ring following the break. And, again, Sheamus knocked Ziggler over the top rope to the outside. Sheamus tried to follow up, but Vickie provided a distraction for Sheamus to crawl under the ring to the other side and sneak-attack Sheamus. Ziggler then smashed Sheamus into the announce table, nearly prompting Cole to curse to sell it. The camera zoomed in on Sheamus's back, which was cut up from the announce table.

Sheamus beat a ten count back into the ring, where Ziggler went to work with a methodical attack. Cole then relayed information that Daniel Bryan and A.J. are watching the match from a skybox. Josh Mathews was up in the skybox with Bryan and A.J. to discuss recent events. Bryan accused Mathews of judging their relationship. Bryan asked A.J. for comment, and A.J. gave a response that was essentially saying what Bryan wanted to hear.

From the skybox back to the ring, Sheamus made a comeback as Vickie tried to encourage Ziggler. Sheamus then blocked a top-rope attempt from Ziggler, but Ziggler rolled through the Celtic Cross into a crucifix pin for a nearfall. Sheamus then tried the power move again, but sort of awkwardly dropped Ziggler. It was good for a nearfall and the wrestlers talked a bit in the ring to reset. Ziggler then hit a Rocker Dropper, but Sheamus kicked out in time. The crowd came back to life after the botched spot and rallied behind Sheamus, who nailed the Brogue Kick out of nowhere. Sheamus with the pin for the win. Up in the skybox, Bryan wasn't impressed as A.J. stared straight ahead. Afterward, Cole and Lawler recapped high points from the match before noting the three count is how quickly the World Title count change hands at WrestleMania.

WINNER: Sheamus at 11:53. Solid match other than the pre-finish botch. (**)

2 -- U.S. champion SANTINO (w/Aksana) vs. MARK HENRY & DAVID OTUNGA -- non-title handicap match

After the bell sounded, Smackdown GM Teddy Long stomped out to the ring as everyone paused to watch Long approached the announce position. Before that, he grabbed Askana to make sure she was okay. Long then began arguing with Laurinaitis as the director cut back and forth between the announce position and the ring. Long gave Laurinaitis a light shove and Laurinaitis over-sold by spilling himself over the announce position. Back in the ring, Henry blocked Santino's Cobra and gave him the World's Strongest Slam for the pin and the win.

Post-match: The ref sold concern over Santino before the heels picked up Santino and slapped him around a bit. Kofi Kingston then stormed the ring and went after Henry, but a World's Strongest Slam took out Kofi. R-Truth then stormed the ring and was beaten down by Henry and Otunga. What happened to babyfaces who know how to make a save? Henry wasn't done with Truth, as he gave him a giant splash mid-ring. Laurinaitis then entered the ring and introduced the newest member of Team Laurinaitis, Mark Henry. Ringside, Long and Aksana sold concern over these developments as the heels stood tall in the ring.

WINNERS: Henry & Otunga at 1:33. What a giant cluster during the match. If Laurinaitis was intentionally acting completely lost and clueless (more so than usual), then he's the greatest actor of all-time. The post-match was effective for finally getting Henry back on track and setting up Long to find some new babyfaces. Kofi and Truth sure looked ineffective, though.

- A couple of backstage things involving Zack Ryder, Eve and Beth Phoenix, another with The Miz trying to get into WM XXVIII.

In-ring: Back from break, Jinder Mahal was on his way to the ring. Mahal placed his headdress into the protective case before the Funkasauras's music played. This brought out Brodus Clay and his dancers for Clay's first TV appearance in nearly two months. After Clay and Co. danced in the ring, they cut to a shot of Mahal indignant over these developments. Mahal then tried to jump Clay from behind and the ref pulled a TNA by calling for the bell.

3 -- BRODUS CLAY vs. JINDER MAHAL

Clay quickly shook off Mahal's attack and delivered a slam followed by a big running splash for the pin and the win. Afterward, Clay danced it up with the Funkettes. The post-match celebration lasted longer than the match. After a video replay, they returned to the ring for more dancing to stretch out the segment.

WINNER: Clay at 0:28.

- Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker face - face in the next segment. Taker vows to continue the streak and if HBK gets in the way win or lose, there will be hell to pay:
"The Streak will continue. And, I will officially end an era. But, if you don't do the right thing, I will officially end you."
Nice!

4 -- WWE champion C.M. PUNK vs. THE MIZ -- non-title match -- Miz makes Team Laurinaitis if he wins

Early on, Punk and Miz collided and sold the effects leading to a break after 40 seconds.

Back live three minutes later, Miz was in control as the announcers discussed Miz's recent rough patch. Punk then made a comeback with a swinging neckbreaker before landing a corner knee followed by a bulldog. Punk teased the GTS, Miz escaped, and Punk answered with a flying leg to the face. Miz came back with a kneeling and leaning DDT for a two count. Cole said Miz needs to calm down as they showed Miz looking toward the WM28 logo and trying to keep himself under control. Miz then went for a corner move, but Punk countered and slapped on his submission finisher. Miz fought the hold, but had to tap out. Roday made it official as Cole wondered if Miz's Mania dream is gone.

WINNER: Punk via submission at 6:15.

- Jericho come out on the Titantron and says he's dug into Punk's past and found out why he's straight edge; his dad was an alcolohic. Jericho will win, take his belt and take his sobriety and make him drink. Now...it's personal.

5 -- RANDY ORTON vs. JACK SWAGGER (w/Vickie Guerrero)

Vickie's voice was the only noise heard in the arena early on as Orton and Swagger felt each other out in the "comedown match" position. Orton flung Swagger to the outside, then followed up on the floor with more offense. Orton threw Swagger back into the ring and they cut to break with Orton still in control.

Back live, Swagger was working on Orton as Vickie screamed at Swagger to focus. Orton teased a comeback and the two men began trading right hands. Swagger then clipped Orton at the left knee and Vickie cackled from ringside. Swagger went to work on Orton to set up for the Anklelock, but Orton escaped and kicked Swagger away. Orton hobbled on one leg before dragging Swagger to the top turnbuckle for a superplex clear across the ring. Orton then went to That Place to get the crowd involved for the first time in the match, leading to a powerslam and spike DDT from the second rope. Orton then teased the RKO and he connected center-ring. Orton with the cover for the win.

WINNER: Orton at 8:32. Orton wasn't presented as a big deal here, which is either a product of WWE not planning in advance or WWE losing confidence in Orton as a top star. The finish was fine to give Orton a solid win pre-Mania, but, then again, Swagger lost to Santino twice last week, so a victory over Swagger doesn't mean much.

- The Rock comes out and sings the same song over and over with different words except for the last line 'Cleveland Rocks!' which makes the crowd happy but Rock please...stay away from singing. Two weeks in a row is two times too many.

WWE NXT Results: 3-14-12

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

Matt Striker and William Regal start the show in the ring. This week, Regal is the "official match coordinator." Regal says that the theme of NXT is "tag teams." Regal explains why tag team wrestling is so special. Love it. He introduces "the most dynamic tag team I've seen in years, The Usos." That is high praise coming from Regal. Titus O'Neil and Darren Young then hit the ramp, mocking The Uso's entrance war dance.

1 - THE USOS vs. TITUS O'NEIL & DARREN YOUNG - Tag Team Match

Jimmy and O'Neil start the match, and Jimmy brings O'Neil to his corner and tags in Jey. Some boots in the corner and Jimmy tags back in. Quick cover for one. O'Neil turns the momentum with a knee lift, but Jimmy no sells two headbutts and responds with one of his own. Jey comes back in. O'Neil is able to tag out, but Young eats an elbow, then a headbutt. Jey whips Young right over the turnbuckle, then knocks O'Neil off the apron, tags in Jimmy, and Jimmy hits Young with a crossbody on the outside.

Out of the break, Jimmy and Young are trading blows with Young getting the upper hand. O'Neil tags in, but Jimmy is able to get Jey into the match and O'Neil in their corner. O'Neil powers up, and brings Young in again. Young settles into the first hold of the match - it may be a WWE record for time without a hold. O'Neil's back in and works Jey over in the corner, then Young comes back in as the crowd chants for The Usos. Young puts Jey on the turnbuckle, but Jey hits a side kick to the throat area to knock Young down. The ref starts a double count and hot tags are made. Jimmy goes wild on O'Neil. Cross-ring stinkface for a nearfall, but Young breaks up the pin. Jey gets involved and clears Young out. Jimmy lands a Samoan Drop on O'Neil, then tags in Jey, who gets the win with the Superfly Splash.

WINNERS: The Usos in 10:00. Decent match at the end. I was impressed that everyone stayed away from the rest hold formula for the match, despite it being relatively long for O'Neil and Young.

2 - ALEX RILEY & PERCY WATSON vs. CURTIS HAWKINS & TYLER REKS - Tag Team Match

Percy Watson and Curt Hawkins start things off. Hawkins hides in the corner to avoid an aggressive Watson. Hawkins runs to his corner and tags in Reks, who looks annoyed. Watson and Reks trade heavy blows and make it a power game. Big dropkick from Watson gets one. Reks sends Watson into the corner, but Reks can't tag out. Riley tries to get involved, but this allows Hawkins to get in some cheap shots. Reks goes wild on Watson with axe handles and the crowd cheers for Watson. Reks clears Riley from the ring, but when Riley reacts, the ref deals with him letting Hawkins get involved.

Hawkins tags in and slows it down with a side chinlock. Reks comes in again, but Watson uses an overhead throw to get a double tag out. Riley runs over Hawkins, then nails a spinebuster to take it up a notch. Riley heads to the turnbuckle, but Reks tries to get involved. Watson takes Reks out, but Hawkins is able to throw Riley to the floor and hit the Heatseeking Elbow for the three count.

WINNER: Hawkins & Reks in 5:30. Very enjoyable match with sound pacing and ring psychology.

3 - DERRICK BATEMAN & KAITLYN vs. JOHNNY CURTIS & MAXINE - Mixed Tag Team Match

Kaitlyn and Mazine to start things off. Kaitlyn takes Maxine's legs out from underneath her twice, then Maxine slaps Bateman. Bateman and Curtis come into the ring to calm down the Divas.

Bateman is dominating Curtis out of the break with power, but Curtis dodges a high knee in the corner, then works Bateman's knee. Kaitlyn encourages Bateman, but Curtis gives her a goofy look and sexual innuendo. He body slams Bateman, then gives more dirty looks to Kaitlyn. Bateman capitalizes with a schoolboy for a two count. Curtis puts him back down for two, then goes back to the leg work. As he does it, he tries to disgust Kaitlyn. Bateman kicks out of the leg hold, and lands the Sweet Meat Sizzler for the win.

WINNERS: Bateman & Kaitlyn in 3:45. This match needed more time to properly develop given that the folks involved are all pretty good wrestlers.

WWE Superstars Results: 3-16-12

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

1 - JUSTIN GABRIEL vs. HUNICO (w/Camacho)

Pre-match, Hunico cut a promo in Spanish.

Hunico with an arm drag and a kip-up to start, then they go through some back-and-forth chain wrestling. There's some nice work here. Gabriel with a backslide for two and Hunico rolls outside the ring in frustration. They pick up the pace a little and they trade some fancy moves. Gabriel ends up on the turnbuckle and jumps off with a snap huracarana, sending Hunico to the outside. Gabriel tries to dive through the ropes, but Hunico kicks him on the way through.

Hunico with a side chinlock out of the break. Hunico sends Gabriel to the outside and distracts the ref so Camacho can get in a cheap shot. Hunico rolls Gabriel in and puts boots to him. Hunico with a sit-out slam, but the ref sees that Gabriel's shoulders aren't down and won't count. Hunico continues to control.

Gabriel comes back with a jawbreaker and kicks. A dropkick sends Hunico outside the ring. Gabriel with a springboard splash on Hunico and Camacho outside. He rolls Hunico in and lands springboard double knees to the back of Hunico's head for a nearfall. Hunico comes back with a Saito suplex for two. Gabriel slips out of a second suplex and tries a Tornado DDT, but Hunico reverses into a German suplex with a bridge for two. Great sequence. Hunico gets a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker for two. Gabriel counters a carry position with a Tornado DDT. Gabriel wants to go to the top, but Camacho deliberately stands in the way. By the time Gabriel clears Camacho out of the way and gets up top, Hunico has recovered enough to crotch Gabriel. Hunico meets him up top for a suplerplex for the win.

WINNER: Hunico in 11:30. This was an excellent match. Great back-and-forth with a mix of technical wrestling, brawling, and high-flying. Catch the match if you get a chance.

2 - KOFI KINGSTON & R-TRUTH vs. CURT HAWKINS & TYLER REKS - Tag Team Match

Kingston and Hawkins start off. Hawkins tries to yank Kingston into the corner, but Kingston gets free and Hawkins bumps Reks from the apron, drawing Reks's ire. This is the second time this week WWE has teased dissension between Reks and Hawkins. Kingston with a drop toehold and Hawkins and Kingston trade holds. Kingston somehow with an axe handle from the mat for one. R-Truth tags in and goes to work. Hawkins is able to get to the corner, but Truth overpowers Reks for a bit and brings Kingston back in to the match. They continue to isolate Reks. Reks gets a boot up in the corner to get Hawkins in. Hawkins with a suplex for two. They isolate Truth for a moment, but Truth sends them both outside and Kingston leaps off Truth to land a big flip dive over the ropes.

Back from break, Reks is stuck in the corner with Truth and Kingston working him over. Reks makes a comeback against Kingston, but walks into a pendulum kick and eats a top-rope crossbody. Hawkins distracts Kingston, allowing Reks dump him out. Hawkins tags in and rolls Kingston in. More isolation work from Reks and Hawkins. Reks puts Kingston in the Tree of Woe and brings Hawkins in. Kingston almost tags out, but Hawkins stops him, then cheap shots Truth. Truth tries to come in, which distracts the ref, so Reks and Hawkins land a high/low on Kingston getting a very close nearfall. Reks comes back in and keeps Kingston away from Truth. Kingston counters a bodyslam with a DDT and they both tag out.

Truth quickly hits the Lie Detector, then a big front suplex, but Reks breaks up the pin. Kingston sends Reks to the outside and, while the ref is distracted, Kingston hits the Trouble in Paradise from the apron. Hawkins then stumbles into the Little Jimmy for the loss.

WINNERS: Kingston & Truth in 10:30. Good match, but too much of it was spent with Kingston at the losing end of a beat down. This feels too much like the old Air Boom formula, but this time with R-Truth being the closer and Kingston being the victim.

3 -- Divas champion BETH PHOENIX vs. KELLY KELLY -- non-title match

Phoenix and Kelly show off at each other and Phoenix sends Kelly to the mat to abuse her. Kelly shoves Phoenix into the corner, then lands the cheerleader backspring splash, then the stinkface. Kelly chokes Phoenix in the ropes, and lands a Thesz Press from the top rope. Phoenix recovers for a moment, but Kelly gets a huracarana-like moved to settle into a cover for two. Phoenix hotshots Kelly on the ropes to turn it around.

Phoenix with the power for a number of two counts. Kelly dodges a corner charge and schoolgirls Phoenix for two. Phoenix with a clothesline for two, and another cover for two. Dragon Sleeper on the mat from Phoenix, but Kelly doesn't tap. Kelly punches out and sends Phoenix into the corner with her head scissors move, then lands a bulldog for two. Phoenix sends Kelly into the ropes, then goes for the Glam Slam, but Kelly rolls through and leverages a two count. Phoenix comes out of the cover and puts Kelly down. Phoenix calls for the Glam Slam again, lands it, and the match is over.

WINNER: Phoenix at 5:45. Kelly is simply too limited to make her matches enjoyable to watch. What I don't get is the booking of the Divas Champion (who is also a very good wrestler) to be on Superstars two weeks in a row, while the Eve Torres mess dominates Raw and Natayla is stuck with a farting gimmick on Smackdown. Perhaps things will change with the announcement of Beth in a tag match at WrestleMania.