General Discussions > General Media
The Official Wrestling Thread (now with more news and stuff)
Arcademan:
WWE RAW Results: 4-23-12
Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Caldwell's complete report). Condensed here to in-ring results only.
1 -- CHRIS JERICHO vs. KOFI KINGSTON
Once the bell sounded, the announcers noted Lesnar and Cena's contract signing will occur on Lesnar's time. The match started with a back-and-forth before Jericho slipped to the outside for a breather. Back in the ring, Kofi maintained control before the ref got caught up in the action, giving Jericho an opening to take control of the action. Meanwhile, the announcers focused on the Jericho-Punk title match at Extreme Rules in Chicago, noting Punk had one of the most memorable moments of last year winning the WWE Title in his hometown. Kofi avoided a corner splash and knocked Jericho to the outside, then landed a big flip splash on the floor. Kofi in control heading to break.
Back live, Jericho was in control with a headlock center-ring. Jericho maintained control with an enziguiri, then went to work on Kofi's upper back with a standing surfboard stretch with a knee to Kofi's back. Jericho followed with a bulldog, but missed with a Lionsault, and Kofi followed with a head scissors into a pinning combination for a two count. Jericho cut off Kofi with a clothesline, though, and resumed control. Of note, Jericho was forming a big knot on his forehead from a Kofi elbow strike at this point.
The two men traded nearfalls before Kofi climbed up-top for a big splash to Jericho's back, which he followed up with a Boom Drop. Kofi wanted Trouble in Paradise, but Jericho blocked. Kofi then tried another high-impact move off the top rope, but Jericho intercepted with a Codebreaker. Jericho collected himself, then applied the Walls of Jericho, which Cole called a Lionsault. Kofi had no choice but to tap out as Cole corrected himself.
WINNER: Jericho via submission at 11:57. Strong win & promo for Jericho leading into Extreme Rules, but the problem with a three-hour show combined with a depleted roster reared its head in the opening match - a top star in an unannounced match against an upper-mid-carder on free TV waters down the value of seeing a top star compete in the ring.
2 -- LORD TENSAI vs. R-TRUTH
Once the bell sounded, some of the vocal males tried to taunt Tensai with "Albert, Albert" chants. Tensai shook off some early attacks from Truth, then headbutted Truth in the corner. The vocal males picked up some "Yes! Yes!" chants for a few moments before Tensai called for the end. Tensai landed a big running butt splash before delivering a sit-down powerbomb. Tensai rolled over Truth, who sold helplessness. Tensai then spewed his green mist into the air before slapping on The Claw. Some grunts later, Tensai clawed Truth to the mat and scored a three count for the win as the crowd groaned. Lawler claimed this is what he did for eight years in Japan.
WINNER: Tensai at 2:01. The slow burn continues.
3 -- IC champion BIG SHOW & GREAT KHALI vs. ALBERTO DEL RIO & CODY RHODES
Khali started the match and demanded Rhodes start the match with him. Rhodes tried to dance around Khali, then intercepted his leg before chopping Rhodes's leg/knee area. Rhodes then slipped out of the ring and tried to shake it off by limping around ringside as Ricardo Rodriguez tried to talk strategy. Rhodes eventually re-entered and tagged in Del Rio, who tried kicking away at Khali, but Khali shoved him off and landed a kick strike. Khali then chopped Del Rio hard across the chest, sending Del Rio to the outside. Ricardo waved the heat off Del Rio's chest before they cut to break two minutes in.
Back live, they went to a wide-shot of the arena before slowly fading to the ring, where Khali tagged in Big Show, who cleaned house. Rhodes then pulled down the top rope and Show went spilling to the outside. Rhodes quickly targeted Show's knee, trying to take apart the big man. The ref then started a ten count as Show sold on the floor. Show made it back in the ring right at nine, then Del Rio resumed the attack. "Let's Go Big Show" chant as Del Rio continued to attack Show before the heels started exchanging tags to wear down Show.
Rhodes then slapped on the figure-four center-ring as the crowd whoo'ed. Show sold the effects, then reached back and slapped Rhodes across the face to break the hold. Show then fought off Del Rio, who decided he had enough of the match and bailed on Rhodes. Back in the ring, Show built momentum and began dismantling Rhodes as Lawler made border jokes about Del Rio. Show then finished off Rhodes with a chokeslam for the pin and the win. On-stage, Del Rio and Rodriguez sold they didn't care about the outcome. Back in the ring, Show and Khali embraced as Show sold the effects of the heels's attack.
WINNERS: Khali & Show at 10:28. So, booking would indicate Rhodes gets back his IC Title on Sunday, but it sure doesn't feel like it unless Rhodes gets a cheap win using the TBD stipulation.
4 -- Divas champion BETH PHOENIX vs. NIKKI BELLA (w/Brie Bella) -- Divas Title match -- Lumberjill match
The Bellas were shown warming up in the ring post-Mathews injury angle. Justin Roberts then announced Nikki Bella challenging for the Divas Title, and Beth Phoenix came out to defend the title for the first time on TV or PPV since February. Before the bell sounded, Cole noted Phoenix is closing in on the record for longest Divas Title reign. Also before the bell sounded, Eve walked out on-stage and said there are too many Divas sitting around here doing nothing, so this will now be a Lumberjills match. So, all of the Divas from backstage poured out to the ringside area. The match turned into a back-and-forth before the action spilled to the outside. Phoenix then sold a major ankle injury when she reached the floor, prompting the Divas to start brawling ringside to distract. Phoenix could barely make it back into the ring, then they went to a finish with Bella pinning Phoenix to capture the title. Post-match, a doctor checked on Phoenix as the Bellas celebrated.
WINNER: Bella at 4:02 to capture the Divas Title. Anti-climatic end to Phoenix's title reign, whether a legit injury or injury angle.
5 -- World Hvt. champion SHEAMUS vs. MARK HENRY -- non-title match -- Daniel Bryan special referee
Bryan tried to instigate Sheamus early on, then Sheamus told Bryan to hit him, which would draw all sorts of punishments since Bryan is a ref tonight. Bryan tried again, but Sheamus refused to take the bait. Meanwhile, Henry prepared to run over Sheamus with a big clothesline once Sheamus turned around. Henry then made a cover and Bryan did a super fast count.
Post-match: Bryan threw off his ref t-shirt and tossed it in Sheamus's face, so Sheamus attacked Bryan ringside and chased him back into the ring. But, in the ring, Henry provided a distraction - taking a Brogue Kick from Sheamus - before Bryan kick-striked Sheamus, then he slapped on the "Yes! Lock" center-ring. The vocal males cheered along before the general audience booed Bryan for his actions. Bryan then left the ring doing his chant before declaring the title is coming back to him.
WINNER: Henry at 1:35. Finally, finally, finally, a biased, heel referee did a fast count in the first pin attempt of the match. That's driven me crazy for years - why would a biased, heel referee ever try to make an objective, dramatic nearfall count when trying to screw over the face? Throw in Bryan getting the advantage here to set up Sheamus for revenge at the PPV and this may have been the best-booked segment of the show.
6 -- WWE tag champions PRIMO & EPICO (w/Rosa Mendes) vs. U.S. champion SANTINO & ZACK RYDER -- non-title match
The crowd was into Ryder early on as he picked apart Epico. Ryder with the Broski Boot, then he measured Epico for the Rough Ryder, but Rosa provided a distraction. Ryder then found himself on the outside, where Ryder ate the ringpost via sneak attack. Back in the ring, Epico covered Ryder for a one count. The crowd rallied with a "Let's Go Ryder / Woo Woo Woo" chant as Cole wondered aloud why the crowd is into Ryder.
Santino then hot-tagged into the match at 2:30 and set up for the Cobra. Chaos ensued, though, then Primo tried a dropkick on Santino, but Santino popped up to his feet, no-sold, and dropped Primo with the Cobra for the pin and the win. Santino and Ryder then celebrated as Rosa sold anger ringside. Post-match, the faces celebrated as Cole called Santino a lucky charm.
WINNERS: Ryder & Santino at 3:15.
7 -- BRODUS CLAY & HORNSWOGGLE vs. DOLPH ZIGGLER & JACK SWAGGER -- Doritos Taco Bell match
Once the bell sounded, Swoggle demanded he enter the match. Clay obliged, going after Ziggler. Off the ropes, Ziggler went for a back-kick that missed Swoggle by about a foot, taking the crowd out of the match because it looked so fake. Ziggler followed up with an attack, but Clay tagged into the match and headbutted Ziggler across the ring before suplexing Swagger. Vickie had enough and entered the ring before slapping Clay, causing a DQ.
WINNERS: Clay & Swoggle via DQ at 1:55. They give Vickie the worst stuff to do, but she handles it like a pro. And, yes, this was the main event match of the show, following Raw's recent pattern of buffer/comedy/mid-card stuff as the actual main event match before a non-match segment closes the show in the TV main event slot.
Arcademan:
FCW TV Results: 4-15-12
Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to complete report).
3 man announce team: Chris Russo, William Regal, and Jim Ross.
1 -- C.J. PARKER & XAVIER WOODS (Consequences Creed in TNA) & JASON JORDAN vs. BRAD MADDOX & COREY GRAVES & JAKE CARTER
Wasn’t C.J. Parker Pamela Anderson’s character in Baywatch? Before the match starts, Abraham Washington comes out in a suit and sporting a cane. Washington trash-talks Woods & Co. before addressing the crowd. He refers to himself as the kingpin of Florida Championship Wrestling. He says he represents the best talent the organization has to offer before introducing Brad Maddox and the new tag champs Corey Graves (Sterling James Keenan) and Jake Carter.
Woods and Maddox start. Woods gains control and there are a few quick tags in the first minute for both sides as control shifts quickly between the teams. Ross notes how Graves and Carter are talented and have potential, but their lifestyle may be a problem as they like to live life in the fast line. Parker and Jordan hit a double suplex on Carter, then Jordan follows up with some offense on Maddox. As Jordan is distracted, Carter throws him out of the ring.
Maddox is tagged in and applies a Camel Clutch on Jordan. As Jordan gets to his feet, Maddox charges at him, but a low bridge sends Maddox out of the ring. Jordan hits another low bridge, this time sending out Graves. He then follows up with an elbow on Carter, but Maddox intervenes before he can make a tag.
Jordan eventually frees himself and gets the tag to Woods (Consequences Creed), who hits the ring with some fast offense including a nice roundhouse/duck/sweep combo followed up by an Honor Roll (a forward roll spring into a clothesline) on Carter. Teams from both sides enter the ring, but everyone except Carter and Woods end up on the outside. Woods hits Carter with the Lost in the Woods (a sliding reverse STO), which is good for the three.
WINNERS: Parker & Woods & Jordan (Woods over Carter).
MATCH REAX: Standard six-man affair with the finish seeming a bit rushed. Parker didn’t get much ring time, Jordan’s still quite green, and Woods is still fun to watch albeit not really having much time to shine. Maddox, Carter, and Graves are all pretty solid and played their roles well, though it wasn’t a great advert for the new tag champs with one of its members being dispatched quite easily. However, I like the look and attitude of Graves & Carter and hope they get a good run with the belts.
2 - MIKE DALTON vs. SAKAMOTO
Mike Dalton was FCW champ for a week in what was a bit of an underdog story last month. Now, he gets to face Lord Tensai’s handler, Sakamoto. Last time I saw Sakamoto, he was kicking John Cena. I presume this taping was before Tensai debuted, as there was no mention of him during Sakamoto’s entrance.
Dalton starts on top with a grounded hammerlock on Sakamoto. The pace steps up as Dalton hits a spinning elbow. Sakamoto turns the tables by hitting some pretty loud chops on Dalton before grounding him with the headlock. Dalton briefly fights back before running into one of Sakamoto’s kicks, followed by a headbutt. Dalton again fights back, but Sakamoto responds with an inverted atomic drop and a neckbreaker for a two count. Sakamoto hits some more kicks before going to the top rope. Dalton gets his knees up and throws some shots to Sakamoto’s sternum and finally gets to his feet.
Dalton gains a bit of momentum by hitting a clothesline and a spinning heel kick. Dalton hits a running elbow to the corner, but Sakamoto blocks an implant DDT, then responds with shots to Dalton’s throat. Dalton manages to finally block a shot and hits another spinning heel kick, which is followed up by an implant DDT. This time he’s successful and picks up the three count.
WINNER: Dalton via pinfall.
MATCH REAX: This match is the default for Mike Dalton now. He takes a beating, but manages to fight back and win. When you combine this with his long blonde hair and shiny trousers he’s essentially an old-school babyface. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. It will be interesting to see if he can get back into the FCW title picture, as Tyler Black name-checked him last week when discussing challengers, and this week he got a clean win over a guy who was just called up to the main roster (albeit as a sidekick).
3 -- FCW Divas champion RAQUEL DIAZ (Shaul Guerrero) vs. AUDREY MARIE -- FCW Divas Title match
Audrey Marie apparently used to be an accountant. I’m an accountant! Maybe I could be a future FCW Diva. Anyways, Marie takes Diaz down with a headlock to start, but Diaz reverses it into a head scissors. Diaz throws Marie into the corner and then pulls her head down to the mat. After a two count, she hits Marie with a baseball slide, which knocks her to the outside. The Divas trade slaps before Marie pushes Diaz into the steps.
As the Divas return to the ring, Diaz regains control and applies the second Camel Clutch of the evening. Diaz likes to scream a lot. Marie reverses and gets to her feet and attempts a scoop slam, which Diaz reverses into a cradle for a two count. Diaz hits some nice forearm shots and follows it up with a shoulder block. Diaz goes for what may have turned into a Gory Bomb, which Audrey Marie blocks. Diaz manages to execute a roll-up and grabs the tights for the 1-2-3.
WINNER: Diaz via pinfall to retain the FCW Divas Championship.
MATCH REAX: Okay Divas match. I think Diaz has potential, especially with her family links. She hit some good-looking forearm shots, too.
4 -- JIRO vs. BIG. E. LANGSTON
WWE stereotypes are ridiculous - Jiro comes out with a fan and a karate kid bandana. Unbelievable. Big E. is billed at “over 300 lbs.," and Ross duly asks what that means. Do they not have scales in Florida? They talk up Langston’s weightlifting background. Langston was the guy in the Raw segment where Cena visited a gym and cheered on Langston during a bench press.
Langston is wearing a very fetching purple singlet. Regal says he’d love to see Mark Henry mentor Langston. Ross agrees. Langston pushes Jiro about and then hits some knees to the mid-section. He charges Jiro in the corner and puts him on his shoulder before drooping out into a cutter style move (or the Big Ending as he calls it). Pin. 1-2-3. Langston wins. Very short match.
WINNER: Langston via pinfall.
MATCH REAX: Good squash for Langston. I disliked Jiro’s stereotypical character, but what else can you expect from WWE.
5 -- KASSIUS OHNO (Chris Hero) vs. BENICIO SALAZAR
Benicio Salazar comes out wearing white boots, white pants, a white mask, and a white cape. I love capes. WWE loves stereotypes. Everyone wins! Ohno is out wearing a black zip-up jacket, in similar attire to his Chris Hero gimmick. Regal notes that he used to be “a fat lad,” but he’s got into shape. He certainly looks different to the guy who feuded with Punk in IWA: Mid South all those years ago.
Ohno opens up with a trip and some stomps. He then hits a jawbreaker and puts Salazar in the corner, where he throws some kicks and chops. Salazar fights back and hits a huricanrana followed by a corner monkey flip and a dropkick. Ohno blocks a second monkey flip and then hits the Rolling Elbow! That’s the best finisher in wrestling. And, it’s good for the pin.
WINNER: Ohno via pinfall.
MATCH REAX: Short match, but really fun while it lasted. Salazar looked like he knows what he’s doing and Ohno definitely knows what he’s doing.
6 -- DEAN AMBROSE (Jon Moxley) vs. JAMES BRONSON -- Tapout match
Bronson out first in his sleeveless hoodie. He looks like a cross between Bully Ray and C.W. Anderson. Russo says this is one for the MMA fans. Regal notes how he is a former member of Xtreme Couture.
Ambrose comes straight into the ring and unloads on Bronson, but Bronson slams down Ambrose and transitions into full mount before ground-and-pounding, Ambrose which he then transitions into a reverse armbar. They are both back on their feet as Bronson throws kicks in the corner. Ambrose reverses a suplex attempt into an armbar, which Bronson in turn reverses into an inverted cross arm-breaker. I don’t think I’ve ever seen that move before.
Ambrose escapes and briefly gets into full mount himself. As they get to their feet, Ambrose signals for a Regal Knee, but misses (a recent element of the Ambrose Regal feud has been Ambrose using Regal’s arsenal) and Bronson hits an exploder suplex.
Bronson misses a spinning clothesline and Ambrose hits the Regal Knee, then applies the Regal Stretch. Regal gets up and leaves the arena while the hold is applied. Bronson can’t hold out any longer and taps out, giving Ambrose the win.
WINNER: Ambrose via "tapout" submission.
Post-match: Ambrose seems angry that Regal left and follows him out of the arena. Ambrose is shouting, “You broke my heart,” in the back. Ambrose faces the camera and says, “I thought you were like me but you’re not. You’re just like everybody else.” He says Regal took away his re-match like the drugs that took away his mom, the cops that took his dad, and the social services that took away his little cousin.
While pointing around him, he says this is all he has and how Regal broke his heart today, so he will rip out Regal’s heart and throw it against the wall. Show closes.
MATCH REAX: This was great while it lasted, but it was too short. FCW managed to fit six matches into an hour-show, which is great, but the downside is that this match didn’t reach its full potential. Bronson has talent and I really like his MMA style.
Arcademan:
WWE NXT Results: 4-25-12
Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to James's complete report).
1 - DERRICK BATEMAN vs. JTG
Bateman starts off with tons of fire, with hard-hitting offense out of the gate. JTG struggles to get traction as Bateman continues to overpower him. JTG dodges the missile dropkick off the apron giving JTG control. JTG with a chinlock, and a "Master Bateman" chant breaks out. Striker actually corrects Hornswoggle's grammar.
Bateman with a jawbreaker to regain control. JTG's funky suplex/faceplant gets a nearfall. After a struggle, Bateman with an odd bulldog or reverse STO thing for the win.
WINNER: Derrick Bateman in 7:00. This match never really got out first gear, which is a common complaint for matches with JTG.
2 - TAMINA SNUKA & KAITLYN vs. NATALYA & MAXINE (w/Johnny Curtis) - Tag Team Match
At the bell, Snuka and Kaitlyn hit dropkicks to send the heel pair out of the ring. Curtis says he hates being stuck with Maxine. Natalya puts power on Kaitlyn, and plays up being jealous. She carries Kaitlyn to the corner and tags in Maxine as Striker brings up his recent history with Curtis. Natalya with a sweet abdominal stretch. Striker comments on Curtis's "Let's Get Weird" shirt, and says, "That's not a WWE t-shirt, is that a Barber Shop Window t-shirt?" Odd that they mentioned that site.
Kaitlyn flattens Natalya with a low crossbody, but Natalya recovers and tags Maxine in. Maxine jumps off the top rope, lands on Kaitlyn, and locks in a front facelock with scissors. Kaitlyn tries to get a rope break, but Natalya tags in. Maxine gets mad, but Natalya continues the offense on Kaitlyn.
Double tag and Snuka comes in like white lightning. Snuka with a leg lariat to the arm, then a leg drop to put Maxine down. Snuka to the top rope, and lands the Superfly Splash for the win.
WINNERS: Snuka & Kaitlyn at 4:45. Good match that I was hoping to see another five minutes of. But, since when did Natalya have feelings for Tyson Kidd in a storyline context?
3 - TYSON KIDD vs. JOHNNY CURTIS (w/Maxine and Michael McGillicutty) - Tag Team Match
Crowd chants for Kidd right out of the bell, and Kidd dominates Curtis with his speed and technical skills. Curtis surprises Kidd and uses his size to control the match. Kidd resets the match with his speed, and Curtis heads outside for a breather. Kidd runs out to meet him, and they brawl ringside. Kidd lands a running, jumping huracanrana from the apron and sends Curtis further away fromt he ring.
Curtis is dominating with an armbar out of the break. McGillicutty talks up Johnny Curtis very well. In fact, McGillicutty is doing a great job on commentary, developing his own character in the process and reminding viewers of his recent feud with Kidd. It looks like Curtis almost bit Kidd's hand, and he continues to control Kidd with both holds and strikes. Curtis keeps drawing the ref's ire with corner work. Striker says Johnny Curtis trained with Killer Kowalski, which is a nice piece of history there.
Kidd gets some space, which allows him go on the attack. McGillicutty puts some moves on Maxine in the interim. Curtis meets Kidd on the turnbuckle and lands a big superplex, but he's slow to cover and only gets a nearfall. Kidd rallies from the apron and heads up top again, and lands a blockbuster from the top rope for a nearfall. Very innovative.
Kidd looks for a Sharpshooter or his new submission, but Curtis counters with an inside cradle for two. Curtis with a quick suplex sending Kidd flying, and covers for another close two count. Curtis goes to the top turnbuckle and tries a big double leg drop, but Kidd dodges. Kidd slaps on his new submission hold, kicking Curtis in the head when he tries to get out. Curtis taps after a few seconds.
WINNER: Tyson Kidd in 10:30. Top-notch match. Curtis had a period of sustained offense that didn't get boring, the "combustible elements" on commentary didn't distract from the match, and Tyson Kidd should be playing ball with Chris Jericho, C.M. Punk, and Daniel Bryan. I love Kidd's new submission hold, it's like a Sharpshooter plus Hell's Gate.
Arcademan:
WWE Superstars Results: 4-26-12
Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to James's complete report).
It sounds like Michael Cole is replacing an "injured" Josh Mathews. The pairing of Cole and Matt Striker does not excite me, but the pairing of Striker and Scott Stanford would be delightful.
1 - THE USOS vs. HUNICO & CAMACHO - Tag Team Match
This is, as far as I can tell, Camacho's on-camera in-ring debut. Pre-match, Hunico cuts a promo, and The Usos mock them by having one get onto top of the other's back to satirize their bike entrance, then they cut a promo of their own.
Hunico and Jey Uso to start. Hunico puts Jey off early, but Jey quickly comes back and brings Jimmy in. Cole says that on Friday's Smackdown, John Laurinaitis will have a decision about Brock Lesnar's assault on Josh Mathews. Hunico brings in Camacho. Camaco with basic power, but Jimmy is able to bring Jey in. A double-team move gets two for the Usos. The action breaks down a bit and Jimmy is the active man on the apron.
False commercial break, and Jimmy is being beaten down by Camacho. Either Camacho has a very unique moveset, or he needs a lot of work to tighten things up - it's hard to tell, which is not good. Hunico with a leg lock of sorts, and even Striker can't identify it. The heels continue to isolate Jimmy. Cole also says Brock Lesnar's UFC background gives him the advantage in an Extreme Rules match. I'm not sure why.
Double tag and Jey runs Hunico down. Cole delivers the full Josh Mathews experience: "Shades of his father, Rikishi!" The action breaks down once more, and Camacho gets a cheap shot in while the ref is distracted. Hunico grabs tights and gets the win.
WINNERS: Hunico and Camacho at 9:30. Okay match. I've seen a lot better from both the Usos and Hunico. Camacho didn't get too much ring time, so I don't think he was the issue, though he is clearly quite green.
2 - KELLY KELLY vs. MAXINE
In a stroke of good luck, Striker and Stanford are in the booth, as I had hoped for. Maxine is without Johnny Curtis; isn't that a violation of William Regal's instructions? Stanford even references the NXT kidnapping angle.
Kelly gets things going with a Thesz Press, then an armdrag, sending Maxine to the corner. Maxine dodges the handspring splash, then settles into a chinlock and looks like she means it. The crowd rallies behind Kelly Kelly, as there's a lengthy hold sequence. Kelly fights out, and Maxine gets the reverse Dragon Sleeper on, but Kelly finally gets to the ropes and rams Maxine into the turnbuckle. Kelly with a choke in the ropes (Stanford calls it the "barbed wire"), then she trips Maxine. Maxine gets the Booty Call in the face, then the handspring splash. Kelly sets up the K2 and lands it mid-ring.
WINNER: Kelly Kelly in 5:00. Maxine has a lot of talent, both potential and realized. I love her in-ring mannerisms, she even carried and lengthy hold convincingly. What a shame to throw her under the Kelly Kelly bus.
3 - ALEX RILEY vs. THE MIZ
Wow, has Miz's stock dropped or what? This is a re-match from a feud from nearly a year ago, and it is insanely rare to see anyone even close to Miz's level on Superstars.
Miz with an armdrag and acts like he's done something impressive. Riley welcomes a lock-up, and tosses Riley again after a brief struggle. Mix dumps Riley with a third armdrag. Riley makes a comeback with power, then Miz takes advantage of a telegraphed back body drop.
Riley makes a comeback that makes me think of Percy Watson, with his big dropkicks and speed. Miz puts boots to Riley in the corner, then Riley comes out of the corner strong. Riley with a strange hip toss suplex combo that looks pretty nasty. Miz suckers Riley and dumps him through the ropes. Miz surprises Riley on the top turnbuckle and slams his arm on the ropes heading to break.
Miz is controlling Riley with mat holds out of the break. Miz plays to the crowd as he dominates Riley. Miz with a very long armbar and wristlock submission, and lectures Riley, who finally fights out, but Miz DDTs the arm for a two count. Miz with the corner-to-corner clothesline, and he goes up top, but Riley counters a double axe handle. Riley is too injured to cover, and rolls to the ropes to pull himself up. Riley lands some heavy rights, then speeds things up even more. Big spinebuster from Riley, and he wants the Final Score, but Miz escapes. Riley with a schoolboy for two.
Miz with the Reality Check for a nearfall. Stanford calls it by name, which is the first time it's been mentioned by name in years. Riley ducks Miz's boot to the head, but Miz sends Riley into the turnbuckle and catches him with the Skull Crushing Finale for the win.
WINNER: The Miz in 13:15. Very good match. Miz may be in the doghouse, but he's working hard to get out. He's been working hard in the gym, and his physique looks fantastic compared to where it was a few months ago. He put on a good match with the quite competent Alex Riley. It's nice to see The Miz in a long-form match and be able to keep it interesting.
Arcademan:
TNA Impact Wrestling Results: 4-26-12
Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Turner's complete report).
1-- TNA Television champion DEVON vs. BULLY RAY -- Television Title match
Ray and Devon started the match battling at ringside where Devon slammed a drink into Ray’s head. Back in the ring Ray tried to plea with Devon, but he wasn’t having it and continued to beat on Ray. Devon went to the top, but Ray hit the ropes sending Devon, groin first, onto the turnbuckle as the show cut to commercials.
As the show came back from the break, Ray was in control of the match, stomping on a floored Devon. He hit a big splash for a close two count. They exchanged punches accompanied with the audience chanting “yes” for Devon, and “boo” for Ray. Ray nailed Devon with a big boot and a clothesline, and a Bullybomb for a pair of believable nearfalls. Devon hit a spinebuster out of nowhere for the win.
WINNER: Devon via pinfall at 10:22. Ray wasn’t bluffing earlier when he said he didn’t want to be in the ring with Devon because he would make him a star, well, kind of. Good effort for what was probably the most meaningful title defense for Television Title in the history of its existence. In no way do I want to see Ray and Devon feuding for an extended period of time, so I was okay with TNA just throwing the match out there.
Jeremy Borash came out to the ring, and thanked Hogan for the opportunity to air a grievance and call someone out. He singled out Eric Bischoff and called him out for getting liquored up and calling out employees on his Facebook page. He said if it was Bischoff’s last night that he wanted him to put down his Blackberry to come out and fight him as part of Open Fight Night. Bischoff came out as Borash called him out for drunk tweeting and asked him if there was a breathalyzer App on his iPhone. As Bischoff began to retort, Ray came out of nowhere and low-blowed Borash.
2 -- ERIC BISCHOFF vs JEREMY BORASH
Bischoff called for referee and pinned Borash for a three count as Ray filmed the whole thing on Bischoff’s iPhone.
WINNER: Eric Bischoff via pinfall at 0:03.
3 -- KURT ANGLE vs. ANARQUIA
Anarquia got a little bit of offense in, but Angle made quick work of him with a German suplex followed by the Anklelock for the submission win.
WINNER: Kurt Angle via submission at 0:55. So, is Angle a babyface now? I would have liked to have seen Angle in real action, but at this stage of the game, Angle deserves an easy night here and there and it would have made no sense to give Anarquia any viable offense against the Olympian.
4 -- ROBBIE E (w/Robbie T.) vs. ALEX SILVA -- Gut Check match
Robbie E. started by slapping Silva in the face, but Silva served him with a slap of his own. Robbie got the better of Silva until he missed a move off the top rope. Silva came back with a powerslam, but missed a move off the top rope. Robbie E. caught him with a DDT for the win.
WINNER: Robbie E via pinfall at 2:16. I like that they didn’t have Silva win on the first Gut Check challenge. I don’t know if it was by design, but if they are going to be doing this on a regular basis, it was smart to not have a “rookie” beat someone on the actual roster.
5 -- TNA KNOCKOUTS champion GAIL KIM vs. BROOKE TESSMACHER-- non-title match
Kim blindsided Tessmachaer as the bell rang and got a two count. Tessmacher dodged a forearm in the corner, but before she could mount any offense she was taken down by a clothesline from Kim. Kim picked her up on her shoulders and dropped her with a front slam, but Brooke came back with a pair of clotheslines and a dropkick. Tessmacher’s offense was put to stop by Kim as she called Tessmacher a joke. Kim missed a dropkick off the top rope, allowing Tessmacher to capitalize with a facebuster for the win.
WINNER: Brooke Tessmacher via pinfall at 3:54. Well, it looks like Kim is going to carry another talent-deficient Knockout to a title match on a TNA pay-per-view. I’m hoping Tessmacher’s win is foreshadowings Kim’s victory for their PPV match.
6 -- TNA World Tag Team champions SAMOA JOE & MAGNUS vs. JEFF HARDY & MR. ANDERSON -- Tag Title match
Joe and Anderson started the match off for their teams before Joe tagged Magnus, which prompted Anderson to tag Hardy in with a bit of force behind the tag. Anderson and Hardy tried to double team Magnus, but he caught on and put a stop it and tagged Joe in. Anderson put the brakes on Joe as he and Hardy seemed to be at ends before the show cut to commercials.
The show came back to Anderson and Hardy having the offensive edge after Tenay said that Joe and Magnus had been in control of the match over the course of the break. Joe a got a nearfall after a series of double-team movies followed by a senton splash by Joe. Hardy caught Joe with a Whisper in the Wind followed by both Joe and Hardy getting the hot tag for their teams.
Anderson and Magnus were thrown to the outside, which allowed Joe and Hardy to continue to duke it out in the ring. Hardy hit the Twist of Fate on Joe, and then focused on Magnus on the outside as he beat on Anderson. Anderson tried to take advantage of a downed Joe, but ended up in a rear naked chokehold for the submission win for Joe and Magnus.
WINNERS: Samoa Joe and Magnus via submission at 10:56. Good match, and it was nice to see Joe and Magnus keep their momentum going with a big win over Hardy and Anderson.
As the champs made their way up the ramp, they were attacked by Kazarian and Daniels.
Navigation
[0] Message Index
[#] Next page
[*] Previous page
Go to full version