General Discussions > General Media
The Official Wrestling Thread (now with more news and stuff)
Arcademan:
WWE Superstars Results: 6-7-12
Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to James's complete report).
1 - YOSHI TATSU vs. HUNICO
To start the match, Tatsu wants a quick trio of leverage pins, but none stick. Hunico gets some relief from the ropes. Tatsu continues the attack, but Hunico puts him into a turnbuckle and starts beating down Tatsu.
Tatsu is fighting out of hold and tries a crucifix pin back from break, but Hunico retains control of the match. Tatsu with a desperation suplex to get separation, then a big karate chop off the top rope for one. Chono Boot for a nearfall. Hard Shining Wizard for another nearfall. Hunico gets caught on the top rope, which allows Tatsu to land a huracarana from the top for a nearfall. Hunico with a butterfly suplex into a powerbomb for a nearfall, and the crowd goes nuts for the kick-out.
Tatsu with a rough sit-out powerslam. Tatsu gets the roundhouse to the head, but Camacho puts Hunico's boot on the rope. Tatsu misses the spinning heel kick from the top, and Hunico puts him down with a Samoan Drop and follows up with a Swanton Bomb for the win.
WINNER: Hunico in 9:20. This was an enjoyable match to watch live. I've always liked Hunico's work as well as Tatsu's. The crowd was really behind Tatsu, too. Hunico and Tatsu are great at getting a crowd warmed up, though I do wish that they could get more quality time.
2 - ALEX RILEY vs. JINDER MAHAL
Big "Riley" chant before the lock-up, which Mahal wins handily. Riley finally gets some traction using his speed, but Mahal crotches Riley four punches into Ten Punches in the corner, then he goes back to the attack. Riley kicks his way out of a corner, but eats a big boot to lose his steam again. Riley makes his full-blown comeback. Riley with a flying clothesline from the top for two. He looks for the Final Score, but Mahal grabs the ropes. Mahal counters with a jumping knee to the face and then locks in the Camel Clutch for the submission victory.
WINNER: Jinder Mahal in 5:00. Good work from both, and Riley knows how to involve the crowd. Mahal's character needs more than "foreigner" and his match formula needs some variety to it from match to match.
3 - ZACK RYDER vs. JACK SWAGGER
Ryder foolishly offers to lock up with the amateur wrestling champ, and Swagger shows him why it was a mistake. Swagger continues to use technical acumen to dominate, then Ryder with a pair of armdrags to turn it around. Swagger's size and power allows him to run Ryder down. Swagger has his trademark bloody mouth. Ryder comes back, but Swagger rolls out of the ring to avoid the Broski Boot. Ryder clears him from the ring and a springboard placha sends it to break.
Swagger fights out of an armbar coming out of the break. Swagger jumps up to meet Ryder up top and counters with a belly-to-belly. Ryder tries to build steam, but Swagger ducks under a running cross-body and Ryder bounces hard off the ropes. Swagger catches Ryder off the ropes, but Ryder transitions into a DDT and the ref starts a double count. Ryder controls after the reset. Broski Boot pulls a nearfall. Ryder escapes a gutwrench powerbomb, tries the Rough Ryder, but Swagger catches him and turns it into a powerbomb for the win.
WINNER: Jack Swagger in 12:15. Good match to re-establish Swagger and give fan-favorite Ryder some ring time. Ryder looked good for hanging in and taking a long beating. Swagger really needs to do something to reform his image, though, since he's had so many stop-and-start pushes, and he hasn't had any mic time to give his new hairdo any personality. Hey, isn't Zack Ryder owed a U.S. Championship re-match?
Arcademan:
WWE Smackdown Results: 6-8-12
Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Parks' complete report). Condensed here to in-ring results only.
1 – ALBERTO DEL RIO vs. THE GREAT KHALI
The bell rang as soon as they returned from break. Hard chop to the head greeted Del Rio after he came off the ropes. Hard chop to the chest by Khali in the corner Big boot attempt by Khali missed and Del Rio kicked away at the leg. After working the big limb of Khali, Del Rio came off the second rope, only to be cut down with a chop to the chest. Khali signaled for the tree slam, but Rodriguez got on the apron. That distraction led to Del Rio bringing the arm down across his knee. Cross arm-breaker applied, and Khali tapped.
WINNER: Del Rio, at 3:23. Disappointing that Del Rio had to win via distraction; when was the last time Khali was relevant? Shouldn’t the challenger for the World Title be able to beat him cleanly?
2 – “FUNKASAURUS” BRODUS CLAY vs. DERRICK BATEMAN
Clay pounded away on Bateman in the corner, then tossed him through the ropes. Clay gave Bateman a running headbutt to the chest on the outside, then sent him over the barricade and into the ring announcer/timekeeper area. Back in the ring, Clay splashed Bateman in the corner and followed-up with an overhead suplex. Big splash finished Bateman.
WINNER: Clay, at 1:06. I guess Clay being more aggressive is the change that we’ll be seeing from Clay after the attack by Big Show. Something had to change, but I don’t know if this is enough.
3 – SIN CARA vs. DREW MCINTYRE
Mathews plugged Cara’s Facebook page. Like Bateman, “Whatever Happened To” Drew McIntyre got no entrance. McIntyre tried to draw first blood (not literally of course), but Cara used his unorthodox style (and many arm-drags!) to neutralize McIntyre. On the apron, Cara was sent up into the air and kicked in the gut, sending him to ringside. Back in the ring, Cara fought out of a rest-hold and McIntyre stomped Cara. Cara with a headscissors that sent McIntyre into the post. Handspring back elbow for two. McIntyre followed up with a big boot that Cara sold nicely. Couldn’t get the pin, though. Cara dove off the second rope into a side slam, but Cara countered. McIntyre readjusted his grip, but Cara again countered and hit his single-arm face-plant for the finish.
WINNER: Cara, at 3:16. Nice little match there. Saw a few unique moves from both men.
4 – TONY ANDRIOTIS & KEVIN MAHONEY vs. RYBACK – 2-ON-1 HANDICAP MATCH
Both jobbers were billed from Clemson, just to rile up the fans in the arena. The jobbers predicted they’d be the start of Ryback’s downfall. One of their last names sounds like a disease I wouldn’t want to catch. Cole did his own “mirror mirror on the wall” rhyme (as the jobbers did) where he cleverly rhymed “wall” with “wall.” One jobber was sent hard into the buckle, the other was given a fall-away slam right into the other. Ryback stacked them up in the corner and ran into them with a shoulder to the gut. He clotheslined one over the other, who was bent down behind him on his hands and knees. Hard powerbomb, then both were put on his back for his finisher and pinfall.
WINNER: Ryback, at 1:44. As I’ve said before, Ryback’s squashes themselves are entertaining, but I love seeing the different jobbers they bring out too.
5 – CHRISTIAN vs. DOLPH ZIGGLER
Rhodes joined the announce team. He said he’s asking for his rematch at No Way Out. Leapfrog by Christian into a face-plant. Cody said his Fave Five is a list of hypocrites and Booker is number one (after Cole said Booker put Cody at the one spot in his Fave Five of the week). It was a combination of great delivery and a great line for Cody. The two men fought outside the ring as they went to break at 1:30 of the match.
They returned at about the 5:00 mark. Ziggler with a dropkick to the mid-section for a two-count. He torqued the neck and arm of Christian, then peppered him with punches and kicks. Monkey-flip into the corner by Ziggler, then he rammed Christian’s back shoulder-first. Flip kick by Christian. He made his comeback by grabbing Ziggler on a fameasser attempt and powerbombing him. Both m en were down at 7:30, but Christian bog up first. Springboard sunset flip, but Dolph fired back with a fameasser for two. Spear attempt countered by a dropkick by Ziggler for two. Christian shrugged off a Zig Zag and went to the top. He knocked Ziggler off when Dolph tried to meet him on the top, and finished him with a frogsplash.
WINNER: Christian, at 9:34. Fun match – I could watch these guys wrestle each other all day. Rhodes was fantastic on commentary.
6 – JIMMY USO vs. ANTONIO CESARO
Long came to ringside to watch his Laurinaitis-appointed new favorite wrestler. Uso with a kick to the gut of Cesaro, then a double chop to the chest and a diving headbutt. Quick cover for only one. Splash in the corner by Uso, but Cesaro grabbed his nose on a bodyslam attempt. He sent Jimmy into the air and caught him with a European Uppercut on the way down. His finisher was hit, and the pin was academic.
WINNER: Cesaro, at :58. Felt like this was a match that may have gotten cut down due to the show perhaps running long.
7 – SHEAMUS vs. KANE
A long lock-up led to a stalemate in the corner. Sheamus had his elbow taped but Cole said he refused medical attention after the incident with Del Rio on Raw. The two traded right hands and Sheamus was able to get a brief advantage. Kane followed it up with a corner clothesline and an uppercut. Kane ran into a back elbow and Sheamus attacked the knee. Kane grabbed the champ by the throat and knocked him to the apron. Sheamus tried to get back in, but Kane booted him to the floor. They went to break 2:36 into the match.
Back at 6:21 of the match. Kane continued his offensive onslaught. Side-slam for a two-count. Sheamus worked out of a rear chinlock with shoulders to the bread-basket. He got his boots up on a corner charge from Kane and pulled himself up to the top rope. Flying shoulder tackle found the mark, but he couldn’t capitalize. High knee-lift, then a running Irish Hammer from Sheamus. Lateral press, but only a one-count at 8:51. Both men looked winded at this point. Kane came down off the shoulders of Sheamus and got in his low dropkick. Sheamus turned things around with an Irish Curse back-breaker at 10:00 even. Forearms to the chest with Kane on the apron. Kane blocked a suplex back in and brought Sheamus down throat-first over the top rope. Kane climbed to the top rope, but Sheamus stopped him. He tried to suplex Kane off but Kane blocked it. Sheamus was headbutted off the top and Kane missed the flying clothesline. The announcers noted that Kane tweaked his knee, and Sheamus hit White Noise. Sheamus got a disturbed look in his eye as he called for the Brogue Kick. Kane caught the boot and went for the chokeslam. Sheamus snuck out and the men collided with a double clothesline. Ricardo Rodriguez and Alberto Del Rio ran down for the DQ. Only Rodriguez made it into the ring, and he was quickly halted by Sheamus.
WINNER: Sheamus, via disqualification, at 12:57.
Del Rio looked on from the apron and as Kane was about to take advantage, A.J. skipped to ringside. Kane was frozen, staring at A.J. That allowed Sheamus to come to and Brogue Kick Kane. Then he did the same to Rodriguez as Del Rio looked on from the aisle. Mathews got in one last plug for Vince McMahon appearing on Raw and the special start time before they faded out.
Arcademan:
TNA Slammiversary PPV Results: 6-10-12 (next two posts)
Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Caldwell's ongoing report).
1 -- X Division champion AUSTIN ARIES vs. SAMOA JOE -- X Division Title match
Once the bell sounded, both men acted fired up to open the PPV before locking up and exchanging holds. The two men felt each other out before Joe slapped Aries across the face, then Aries came back with strikes that Joe no-sold. Aries then dropped Joe to the outside with a head scissors, but Joe destroyed Aries, who attempted a suicide dive. Joe played to an appreciative crowd before chopping Aries back in the ring. Awesome first two minutes. Joe followed with a big corner kick before washing Aries's face with his boot. Joe followed with a corner boot that missed Aries, but Aries sold like it connected.
Aries and Joe went back and forth countering each other's offense before resetting at 4:00. Another counter sequence saw Aries roll out of the way of an attempted elbow suicide dive before flying back into the ring to deliver a suicide dive to Joe back on the outside. "Aust-in Aries / Let's Go Joe" dueling chants picked up as the two men re-entered the ring with Aries in control. But, Joe countered a corner attack with a running sideslam for a close two count. Joe followed with knee lifts, then a sit-out powerbomb for a two count that he turned into a modified Boston Crab. Aries refused to tap, so Joe flowed into an STF mid-ring. Then, into a modified Rings of Saturn, which Aries countered into a quick roll-up for a two count.
The two men reset at 7:15 with Joe collecting himself while Aries sold in the corner. Joe followed up with rapid-fire headbutts, then wanted a top-rope superplex, but Aries headbutted Joe down to the mat. Aries then executed a top-rope 450 splash, but Joe kicked out of a pin in-time. The crowd popped for the nearfall as Aries sold shock. The two men re-engaged by trading bombs from their knees as the crowd picked up a dueling chant. Joe then avoided a discus clothesline and slapped on a sleeperhold. Joe then fell down to the mat with a rear-naked choke, which Aries countered into a bridge pin for a close two count.
Joe came back with a power throw out of the corner, then fired himself up. He wanted a top-rope Musclebuster, but Aries slipped out and landed elbow strikes into a sick crucifix throw. Aries followed with a running strike into a discus forearm smash that rocked Joe. Aries followed with a corner kick into the brainbuster center-ring. The crowd popped for Aries's feat of strength executing the brainbuster, then Aries made a cover for the pin and the win. Post-match: Taz said you won't find anything else more physical than that match in pro wrestling on PPV. They replayed high points from the match, then returned live to show Aries celebrating his victory as Joe sold the effects of the finish. Aries and Joe then came together center-ring and they fist-bumped as a show of respect. On the way, Aries said that's why he's the greatest.
WINNER: Aries at 11:48 to retain the X Division Title. Excellent, excellent opening match. Just great from start to finish with a hot crowd behind the action. Aries was able to continue his quest of successfully defeating big-man wrestlers and Joe got some of his mojo back working with the perfect opponent. A little longer and the match easily would have been four stars. (***1/2)
2 -- HERNANDEZ vs. KID KASH
Hernandez over-powered Kash early on before knocking him to the floor. Hernandez wanted to fly, but Kash walked away, as Taz equated Hernandez to Randy White of Cowboys fame. After dodging Hernandez's flying attack, Kash took control of the action back in the ring. Kash landed big chops to the chest to annoy Hernandez before executing some surprising high-flying offense on Hernandez that were borderline botches. Kash got cocky, though, and walked into a slingshot shoulder block from Hernandez.
Hernandez made a comeback with power offense before flying over the top rope with a missile splash. Hernandez then brought Kash back into the ring for the finish. After avoiding some desperation offense from Kash, Hernandez set up Kash center-ring to deliver a big top-rope splash. (TNA cut to a great camera shot over Hernandez's head as he landed the splash.) Hernandez then scored the pin for the win.
WINNER: Hernandez at 5:52. The chemistry was hit or miss throughout, and there was no back-story for why this match occurred, but a fine return for Hernandez. (*1/2)
3 -- TV champion DEVON & GARETT BISCHOFF vs. ROBBIE E. & ROB TERRY
Robbie went after Garett early on, but Bischoff came back with some basic wrestling holds. Robbie then scampered over to his corner to tag in Terry. Bischoff ducked a clothesline, then tried some kicks and strikes, but Terry no-sold and shoved him away. Bischoff tried some offense, but Terry continued to fling him away. Suddenly, Madison Rayne emerged on-stage looking completely different. The heels then cornered Bischoff and worked him over as Devon waited for a tag. The crowd reacted when Devon broke up a pin attempt on Bischoff as Madison smiled on-stage.
Bischoff eventually escaped Robbie and made a hot tag to Devon, who entered the match fired-up for his team. Devon cleared Robbie before knocking Robbie off the apron. Eventually, the match broke down with all four men in the ring. Bischoff then took Terry out of the ring, leaving Devon and Robbie in the ring. Devon then hit a big shoulder tackle on Robbie for the pin and the win. Post-match, Devon and Bischoff did a dance number before celebrating in the ring.
WINNER: Devon & Robbie at 5:56. The crowd was into Devon, but not Bischoff. Okay tag match. (*1/4)
4 -- JEFF HARDY vs. MR. ANDERSON vs. ROB VAN DAM -- #1 contender match to TNA World Title
The match started on a random note with Hardy attacking Van Dam out of nowhere. Some three-way spots ensued, including Hardy running off Anderson's back as Anderson sold on the mat to land a corner leg smash on RVD. Next was a Tower of Doom tease, but Anderson broke it up by flinging RVD to the outside and super-plexing Hardy. Van Dam tried to follow with a Five-Star Frogsplash out of nowhere, but both men moved out of the way and RVD ate the mat.
After a reset, all three men started landing moves on each other almost in video-game fashion without any flow. Someone needed to take control of the match. Van Dam slowed things down momentarily by working on his opponents one-by-one before they set up a three-way pin spot with dual nearfalls. Anderson came up the aggressor following the nearfalls and cleared RVD from the ring before scoring a nearfall on Hardy. Anderson then took the action to the outside, so Hardy decided to come off the top rope with a big splash onto both opponents.
Hardy and RVD returned to the ring, where Hardy nailed Whisper in the Wind for a close two count. Hardy then hit Twist of Fate that appeared to cause some neck whiplash for RVD. Hardy wanted to end it with a top-rope Swanton Bomb, and he connected, but Anderson pulled the ref away from the pin count. Anderson then cleared Hardy from the ring, dropped RVD with the Mic Check, and pinned Van Dam for the win. Anderson gets a title shot against Roode-Sting on Impact in four days.
WINNER: Anderson at 11:24 to become #1 contender. Good finish after some hit or miss three-way action in the tired three-way match formula. Anderson scoring the win was surprising, but a match-up against Roode or Sting feels the freshest out of the three individuals in the match. (**3/4)
5 -- "COWBOY" JAMES STORM vs. CRIMSON -- Open Challenge
Crimson tried to run at Storm once he hit the ring, but Storm blocked his attack and cleared Crimson to the outside. Storm continued to fight in his long jacket before slapping Crimson across the chest. Crimson then blind-sided Storm, who turned his back for a moment. Crimson ripped off Storm's jacket and choked him with it as the crowd chanted, "Let's Go Cowboy(s)." Storm then made his comeback, fired up the crowd, warmed up for a Last Call superkick, and connected. Storm with the pin for the win. And, Crimson's "streak" is over. Post-match, Storm celebrated with a beer as he soaked in the moment returning from his brief absence.
WINNER: Storm at 2:10. Good return for Storm as he gets back in the title quest springboarding off this victory. (n/a)
6 -- Knockouts champion GAIL KIM vs. MISS TESSMACHER -- Knockouts Title match
Miss Tessmacher, introduced as hailing "from the great State of Texas," came out next to challenge for the Knockouts Title. KO champ Gail Kim then came out to make her latest title defense. Back-and-forth early on before Gail dropped Tessmacher hard on the ropes to begin a sustained attack. Gail then got cocky when she continued to cut off Tessmacher's comebacks, which ultimately led to her demise when Tessmacher suddenly rolled up Gail out of nowhere for a quick three count. Tessmacher sold the moment as her hand was raised, while Gail sold shock over the sudden loss. Ringside: Christy Hemme brought in Tessmacher for an instant reaction to the title win. She called her win "truly epic" and proclaimed, "God Bless Texas."
WINNER: Tessmacher at 7:01 to capture KO Title. As Tenay foreshadowed, the "homestate advantage" storyline played out to end Gail's lengthy title run.
Arcademan:
Continued from previous post...
7 -- BULLY RAY vs. JOSEPH PARK -- Anything Goes Match
Park, still sporting glasses, wiped his forehead with a towel before slowly approaching Ray, who offered the first shot. Park then took off his glasses and re-approached Ray. Park swung and missed Ray, who easily ducked out of the way before asking Park if he's serious. Ray then slapped Park across the face before offering his chin again. Ray ducked two punches, then slapped Park across the top of his head.
Next, Ray offered to put his hands behind his back. Park took a loogie in the eye, then slaps to the face as Ray called him a coward. "Joseph, Joseph" chant from the crowd. Park then slapped Ray across the face to a big reaction after Ray missed with a corner attack. But, Park made TNA Babyface Mistake #1 turning to the hard camera to celebrate, prompting Ray to blind-side him. Park sold on the mat before Ray went on the attack to boos. The crowd then tried to get at Ray with a "New York sucks" chant, prompting Taz to wonder what happened to Southern hospitality. Ray retrieved a chair, but fell on the mat when Park kicked the ropes (because of the vibrations ). Park slowly picked up the chair, Ray begged off, Park turned his back, and Ray attacked him again.
Ray went on a sustained attack, including a chair shot across the back. On the outside, Ray teed off on Park with right hand strikes while he taunted the crowd. Back in the ring, Ray went for a butt bomb from the second rope, but Park avoided, then Hulked Up. Park fired off lefts and rights before Ray covered up. Park blew himself up, which Taz noted, before the two men kind of collided center-ring in a weird spot. Park then turned around and ate a boot to the face from Ray.
Ray turned his attention to a table underneath the ring, which Ray slid into the ring. Ray then pulled out a Kendo Stick and threatened ref Earl Hebner before setting up the table in the ring. A light "ECW" chant started up as Ray set up shop center-ring. Ray went for a Kendo Stick shot, but Park hit him in the gut with a lucky punch. Park then caned Ray across the head and kind of dove on top of Ray for a close two count. Park spit up drool before surveying the table in the ring. Park charged Ray, who elbowed Park in the face to knock him to the outside.
Park then rolled underneath the ring, disappearing from sight. Suddenly, Abyss emerged. They didn't show his face, and just focused on his trademark get-up from behind. Ray turned around, sold shock, and Abyss landed a chokeslam through the table. Abyss slid back underneath the ring, then Joseph Park re-emerged, selling that he did not know what was going on. Park then stumbled into the ring and covered a KO'ed Ray for the pin and the win. After the win, Park continued to sell shock as the announcers talked about how weird that was.
WINNER: Park/Abyss at 10:23. Well, that was...something. Ray was solid in his heel role walking the crowd through this odd match. But, the crowd didn't exactly play along with TNA trying to pull a fast one with the Abyss/Park switcheroo at the end.
8 -- TNA tag champions CHRISTOPHER DANIELS & KAZARIAN vs. KURT ANGLE & A.J. STYLES -- TNA Tag Title match
Daniels and Kaz cut off Styles once the bell sounded, then Styles engaged in a wrestling exchange with Kaz to clear him from the ring. The action then moved to the floor, where Styles nailed a high-flying move on Kaz. Angle then smashed Daniels on the outside, but it was out of camera view. Back in the ring, Styles tagged in Angle to a pop. Angle then went to work on the heels before tagging in Styles, who went back-and-forth with Kaz before Daniels provided a distraction. Kaz and Daniels then went to work on Styles as Angle paced on the ring apron.
Angle eventually tagged in at 8:00 and went nuts on Kaz and Daniels with suplexes and throws. Angle then set up for successive German Suplexes on Kaz, and used an assist from Styles to deliver a double third German on Kaz and Daniels. Angle then slapped on the Anklelock to Daniels, but Kaz broke it up. Styles and Kaz then tagged into the match, and Styles cleaned house. Angle then re-entered and all four men were involved at this point.
A series of sequences customary for a four-way match occurred before Styles and Daniels came together center-ring to trade headbutts and strikes. Daniels then landed an STO and wanted the BME, but Styles moved and Angle dropped Daniels with a German Suplex. Angle then went up top and landed a frogsplash on Kaz. He had the pin, but Daniels yanked the ref out of the ring. Styles then nailed Daniels on the outside with a springboard gainer splash. Back in the ring, Angle grappled Kaz and slapped on the Anklelock. Angle grapevined it, Kaz reached for the ropes, and reached again, but he had to tap out, giving Angle and Styles the title win. Ringside, Styles sold that he was stunned to have won as Angle kissed the mat to celebrate victory. They replayed big moments from the match before returning live to show the new tag champs getting their hands raised in victory.
WINNERS: Angle & Styles at 14:23 to capture the TNA Tag Titles. This looks like the "feel good moment" before the main event, unless there's another surprise title change in the main event. Solid semi-main event match. Angle and Styles are better as singles wrestlers, but they were still good here. (**3/4)
9 -- TNA World Hvt. champion BOBBY ROODE vs. STING -- TNA World Title match
Once the bell sounded, Roode slipped to the outside again to continue stalling. Sting then trapped him on the floor and ran Roode into the guardrail. Back in the ring, Sting landed successive blows to the mid-section, then face before hip-tossing Roode across the ring. Sting tried a second Scorpion Deathlock, but Roode slipped to the outside again. Sting tracked down Roode again and ran him into the ring steps this time. Roode eventually trapped Sting playing his cat & mouse game, and went on the attack. The crowd tried to rally behind Sting, who escaped a sleeperhold before slapping on a sleeperhold of his own. Roode back-dropped out of the hold, though, and both men sold on the mat.
Roode and Sting reset at 7:00 before the match moved to the top turnbuckle. Sting blocked Roode, then delivered a superplex. He wanted the Scorpion again, applied the hold, and sat down on Roode's back. Roode teased tapping out a few times, but reached the bottom rope for a desperation break. Roode quickly slipped out of the ring to sell the back before Sting ran him into the guardrail on the floor. Roode tried to run away to the back, but Sting dragged Roode down the ramp and back into the ring.
Once in the ring, Roode rolled out of the ring, where Sting met him with a Stinger Splash into the guardrail. The action moved to the broadcast table and the announcers cleared out while So Cal Val crawled away out of harm's way. Sting then slapped on the Scorpion Deathlock on the announce table, and Roode tapped out, but the ref noted to Sting that it has to be inside the ring. Sting released the hold, thinking he won the match.
During the confusion, Roode retrieved James Storm's left-over six-pack of beer. No one thought to remove it from ringside? Roode teased a bottle shot, but Sting stole it. The ref then took it away from Sting, but Roode pulled out another beer bottle and popped Sting across the forehead with it. The bottle didn't shatter like a gimmicked bottle, but broke into a few pieces. Roode then made a cover, the ref re-entered the ring and ignored the broken bottle in standard TNA Incompetent Refereeing fashion, and counted a three count for Roode.
WINNER: Roode at 10:54 to retain the TNA World Title. A typical TNA PPV main event with a tricks and short-cuts to get through a serviceable main event. If TNA wants to take the next step, improving their PPV main events is a Top 5 item to address. (**)
Arcademan:
WWE RAW Results: 6-11-12 (next two posts)
Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Caldwell's complete report). In-ring results from the Torch...personal comments from the CLOW.
Show starts with Laurinaitis trying to kick things off but Vince McMahon comes out and asks whether Johnny should be fired (gee...guess wht he crowd said?). Sheamus joined them, agreed with the crowd and got booked in a match with Alb...er...a...Tensai. McMahon ends up driving Johnny's scooter off the stage.
1 -- World Hvt. champion SHEAMUS vs. TENSAI -- non-title match
The two big men locked up center-ring as the vocal males chanted, "Albert," toward Tensai. They went back and forth before Sheamus clotheslined Tensai and himself over the top rope. Cole posed a bunch of questions to the audience leading to break.
Back from break, the two men were locked up center-ring again. The camera focused on Tensai's belly, which appeared to be covered by BBQ sauce. No wait, some big handprints from Sheamus's attack during the commercial. Tensai landed a big Vader Bomb out of the corner, but Sheamus kicked out in-time. Sheamus then made a comeback with power offense before delivering ten big forearm smashes as Tensai hung on the ring apron.
Sheamus tried to follow with a top-rope move, but Tensai countered with a two-hand bomb for a two count. Tensai followed up with a kneelift, but walked right into a Brogue Kick off the ropes. Sheamus made the cover for the win. Post-match: The camera focused on some blood on the bridge of Sheamus's nose. After a replay of the high points and finish, Sheamus was shown celebrating the win as the announcers said they were impressed by the match.
WINNER: Sheamus at 9:20. Sheamus was solid in victory, and at least Tensai wasn't bad.
McMahon siting: Tells Johnny Strike one. Teddy Long suggests a 4-way match to fill Del Rio's spot against Sheamus in No Way Out. Johnny takes credit for the idea.
2 -- U.S. champion SANTINO & Divas champion LAYLA vs. BETH PHOENIX & RICARDO RODRIGUEZ
The Divas started the match, and Ricardo got involved for a comedy spot. Ricardo tagged in after Beth decked Layla, then Santino automatically entered, so Ricardo ran away and tagged in Beth again. Santino had to leave, then Beth and Layla engaged in a standard Divas match while Santino played games with Ricardo ringside. Beth then took out Layla at the knee before hitting the Glam Slam for the win.
Post-match: Santino checked on Layla while politely applauding his former squeeze, Beth. Ricardo started doing a victory dance, acting as if he won the match. Santino had enough and ripped off his tuxedo to reveal a Justin Bieber t-shirt. Santino had a big laugh, then Ricardo ran out of the ring selling embarrassment.
WINNERS: Beth & Ricardo at 2:55. Comedy mixed with a basic set-up for a probable Divas Title re-match since Beth and Layla seem to be the only women in the division these days.
McMahon siting: Otunga tries to kiss up to Vince. Kofi's irate that Big Show KO'ed Truth and wants him. Johnny says you got him...in a steel cage. Vince approves.
-Bryan, Punk and Kane get into a argument, A.J. tries to get into the middle ofthings, Johnny makes a tag team match: Bryan and Kane vs Punk and A.J.
3 -- IC champion CHRISTIAN vs. GREAT KHALI vs. JACK SWAGGER vs. DOLPH ZIGGLER -- #1 contender four-way elimination match to World Title
Khali teed off on Vickie's clients early on as Cole and Lawler debated whether this match was Laurinaitis's or Teddy Long's idea. After Khali awkwardly landed more offense, the other three wrestlers ganged up on Khali to score a simultaneous pinfall. Khali rolled out of the ring as Christian sold an ankle injury before they cut to break.
Back live, Cole was swift to falsely complement Laurinaitis on booking the match, prompting more debate over which non-wrestler booked this match while the remaining wrestlers competed in the ring. Vickie got involved from the outside by slapping Christian, drawing a reprimand from referee Mike Chioda. Christian then back-dropped Dolph over the top rope to the floor before landing a flying European Uppercut on Swagger. Suddenly, Ziggler snuck up behind Christian for a close two count on a roll-up. After Christian knocked Ziggler to the outside, Christian and Swagger engaged in a rapid-fire exchange with counters and reversals. Christian managed to avoid the anklelock before hitting the Killswitch. Ziggler then snuck back into the ring and pinned Swagger, which drew a mixed reaction from Vickie.
So, it's Ziggler vs. Christian. Ziggler tried to celebrate with Vickie, which allowed Christian to sneak in for a quick pin attempt, but only for a two count. Ziggler then went to work on Christian's injured ankle before Christian flung him away and landed a back-elbow smash. Ziggler suddenly came back with a sleeper, but Christian escaped and backed away to the corner looking for a Spear. But, Christian's ankle wouldn't allow him to run. Christian then slingshot Ziggler into the turnbuckle and nailed the Spear before making a cover for a close two count only that popped the crowd.
Christian called for the end, but Ziggler blocked and hit the Fameasser for a close two count. Lawler said it's a great match Long has come up with tonight. Ziggler wanted the Zig-Zag, but Christian slipped out and hit a reverse DDT for another nearfall. Christian then hobbled over to the corner, bantered with Vickie, and missed with a top-rope move. Christian sold his ankle going out, allowing Ziggler to drop Christian with the Zig-Zag for the pin and the win.
Post-match: Ziggler and Vickie celebrated, then headed up the entrance ramp where World Hvt. champion Sheamus was waiting. Ziggler turned around and didn't back down from Sheamus, who held up his title belt in the air to give Ziggler a good look at what's on the line Sunday.
WINNER: Ziggler at 12:20 to become #1 contender. Two excellent sequences involving Christian & Swagger, then Christian & Ziggler at the end. Ziggler looks ready for the big-time, and it was interesting not to see Cody Rhodes involved before his IC Title challenge against Christian on Sunday. (**1/2)
McMahon siting: Natalya chats with Vince, Brodus Clay's dancers get funky with Vinnie and Ryder is surprised. WOO-WOO-WOO! YOU KNOW IT!
4 -- RYBACK vs. WILLARD FILLMORE & RUTHERFORD HAYES
The vocal males chanted, "Goldberg," as Ryback dismantled the presidentially-inspired enhancement talent. Cole inserted a presidential pun, then noted P.S. Hayes won't be doing too much moon-walking. The "Goldberg" chants picked up a bit as Ryback set up for a double Samoan Drop on the jobbers for a pin and the win. WWE went to a replay nearly as long as the match before returning live to show Ryback on-stage demanding to be fed more.
WINNER: Ryback at 1:32.
McMahon siting: Vince and Hornswoggle mocking Jim Ross, John Cena enters the picture, a very brief cameo of William Regal.
5 -- BIG SHOW vs. WWE tag champion KOFI KINGSTON -- steel cage match
Big Show dismantled Kofi after Kofi's initial burst, then began toying with him. Show screamed at the fans through the cage, asking if he should entertain him. Show landed a move, then stared at the fans some more as they chanted, "You Suck." Show went back to staring at the fans as Kofi continued to sell in the corner. Show whipped Kofi across the ring to the corner before screaming at the audience that they can't stop him.
Show then tried a corner splash, but Kofi blocked, only to fly into a choke-throw into the cage. Kofi tried to run away climbing the cage, then suddenly jumped over Show to land Trouble in Paradise. Show chest-pressed out of a pin attempt at two, though, then Kofi tried to run out of the cage, but Show grabbed him by the legs to drag him back into the cage. Show then landed a big knockout blow and stood over Kofi.
Show stared into the crowd, which booed him loudly. Kofi continued to sell unconsciousness in the ring as Show just walked around the cage telling the audience that no one can stop him. Ref Armstrong waved his arms while checking on Kofi, indicating Kofi is out cold. Show then walked out of the cage and stood on the ring steps before doing a balancing act to taunt the fans. Show placed both feet on the floor to win, then casually kept on walking toward the back. Cole wondered if anyone can stop Big Show. He then stopped on-stage and did Cena's hand-wave before leaving. Backstage: Laurinaitis was all-smiles watching Big Show's domination as Kingston was tended to by medics.
WINNER: Show via escape at 7:22. More domination for Show, but it still feels like they haven't connected the Cena and Show stories together to offer that compelling reason to order the PPV on Sunday. When the announcers offer up so many empty phrases and hyperbole and noise throughout each show, Cole's words come across empty and hollow trying to sell a PPV main event.
Navigation
[0] Message Index
[#] Next page
[*] Previous page
Go to full version