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Arcademan:
WWE RAW Results: 2-23-09

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

1 -- IC champion C.M. Punk vs. World tag team champion THE MIZ vs. World tag team champion JOHN MORRISON -- Qualifying match for Money in the Bank at WrestleMania

Briefcase was suspended above the ring to show what's on the line tonight. Punk retreated to his corner after the opening bell to anticipate a double-team attack in the three-way match, but the tag champs successfully double-teamed Punk. Eventually, Punk avoided a clothesline near the ropes and dumped Miz to the floor. Morrison was then out to the floor with Punk, and they cut to a break with all three men recovering.

They returned with Morrison working on Punk, then Punk made a comeback with a series of knee lifts. Suddenly, Miz smashed Punk in the corner and Morrison was knocked to the outside in the process. Miz worked on Punk at 7:30 while Lawler speculated that things could break down between the tag champs. Morrison re-entered the ring, but Punk pulled out some double-team moves on the champs.

Suddenly, Punk got caught in the electric chair on Miz's shoulders and Morrison hit a springboard kick on Punk. Miz and Morrison tried to pin Punk, then the champs got into a mid-ring brawl. The champs exploding allowed Punk to sneak in from behind and hoist Morrison up for the G2S after kicking Miz to the floor. After nailing the G2S, Punk covered Morrison for the win to qualify for the MITB ladder match. Punk's looking for a repeat from last year when he won MITB.

WINNER: Punk at 10:25. Nice match. Strange crowd reactions at the end, as the action seemed fine, but the crowd was silent or just not mic'ed well. Looks like we'll get Miz vs. Morrison or Miz & Morrison vs. the Colons at WrestleMania. Can't leave the tag champs off the PPV card. (*1/2)

as the opposition. Welcome back, Dolph.

2 -- SANTINO MARELLA & BETH PHOENIX & DOLPH ZIGGLER (w/Rosa Mendes) vs. Women's champion MELINA & CRYME TYME (JTG & SHAD GASPARD)

Melina and Beth started things off against each other. Very quiet tonight. Cole isn't helping on play-by-play. Dolph and JTG tagged in to battle in the ring. Dolph short-armed Santino on a tag, then Shad tagged in and took apart Dolph. Shad then powered up and missed with a money-money elbow drop. Santino finally tagged in, then he fired himself up and ran into a clothesline from Shad, who pinned him for the win. That was quick.

WINNERS: Cryme Tyme & Melina at 3:57. More of Santino's comedy act, which is wearing thin if he's going to be booked like this in the ring. Glamarella is going nowhere fast. Nice to see a re-focused effort from WWE to give Cryme Tyme decent TV exposure this week. (*)

3 -- SHAWN MICHAELS vs. JBL

Awkward spot early in the match, as JBL and Michaels kinda ran into each other mid-ring. Michaels appeared to lose a tooth, then JBL paused to look down at Michaels and they called an audible. JBL went on the offensive, but Michaels came back with forearm blows. JBL had a spot of blood on his forehead, then he took control. JBL smashed Michaels with a right hand and Michaels fell through the ropes to the floor. The action moved to the floor where Michaels rammed JBL head-first into the ringpost. Ref started a ten count and both men made it back in at eight-ish. Cut to break.

Back from break, JBL was in control smashing Michaels with right hands in the corner. They had an exchange up top, then JBL kicked him in the jaw to knock Michaels to the outside. Ref applied another ten count, but Michaels made it back into the ring at six. JBL then smashed him with a short-arm clothesline for a two count. Michaels made his comeback at 11:00 and nailed a top rope elbow smash square in the chest. He then tuned up the band anticipating WrestleMania 25, but JBL ducked. They had an exchange where JBL nailed a big boot to the face after Michaels skinned the cat back into the ring.

JBL started to talk trash leaning down toward Michaels, then he wanted the Clothesline from Hell, but JBL gave Michaels enough time to recover and catch JBL off the ropes with Sweet Chin Music for the pin and the win. Nice finishing spot.

WINNER: Michaels at 13:02. Solid TV match. Gotta love how WWE set up the audience to think Michaels vs. JBL was for a shot at Taker without telling them it was a virtual semi-final match to face Kozlov next week. Michaels was great at the end. (**)

4 -- MIKE KNOX vs. JAMIE NOBLE

They put a clock in the bottom left-hand corner of the screen. Thanks for that, as my stopwatch decided to freeze at bell time. Knox with a big boot, then the Knox Out in center ring for an easy pin and the win. He lasted 29 seconds, though.

WINNER: Knox at 0:29. Apparently Noble is going to WrestleMania?

5 -- JOHN CENA vs. CHAVO GUERRERO

Cena quickly landed a hard clothesline before brushing the dirt off his shoulder for the Five Knuckle Shuffle with eye contact to Vickie. Cena nailed the FU before slapping on the STFU while staring toward Vicke, who remained on stage. Chavo tapped out and Cena scored the win.

WINNER: Cena at 0:45. This whole angle just feels so lost. It started with a ridiculous opening segment for the first of two bait and switches on the show. WWE just needs to stop fooling around and book a WrestleMania match between Cena and Edge, so they can move on to hyping it. (n/a)

The opening 10+ minutes was all Vickie/Edge/Cena, the middle with Ricky Steamboat/Jericho confrontation and the final 13 minutes with Orton/Triple H. A whole lotta talking tonight.

Arcademan:
ECW on SciFi Results: 2-24-09

Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Keller's complete report).

1 -- D.J. GABRIEL (w/Alicia Fox) vs. MARK HENRY (w/Tony Atlas)

They joined Gabriel's ring intro routine near the end as he finished a dance mid-ring. Gabriel continues to remind me more of Adrian Street than anyone else. If he grew his hair out and softened up his physique, it'd be uncanny even on promos. Whatever legal supplement he takes should be handed out to pro wrestlers who can't get the look they want on WWE's Wellness Program, not to mention Major League Baseball players. He looks like he's right out of the pre-Wellness Program era, which when you look back at old tapes is remarkably different from top to bottom of the card (especially among mid-carders and lower). Gabriel dropkicked Henry early, but Henry brushed it off. Grisham referred to Gabriel's multi-colored trunks as "Rubix Cube-looking." I'd vote for "Tetris-looking" myself, moving the reference from the 1980s into the 1990s. A fan held up a sign: "I Love You Nash." Wrong taping. Henry won with a powerslam.

WINNER: Henry in 3:00.

STAR RATING: 3/4* -- Fine for a virtual squash.

2 -- TYSON KIDD (W/NATALYA) vs. MATT BOYCE

Any fans dating back to the 1980s has to love this format, a throwback to when wrestlers got to win squashes to establish their key moves and get decisive wins. Speaking of the 1980s, Striker referred to Boyce as the third Mulky. I'd say more so a cross between Crazy Jonny Fairplay and a rookie Jeff Jarrett. Kidd took over after a minute with a barrage of kicks and punches and stomps. He finished Boyce with a jump spin sidekick and a springboard elbowdrop to the chest.

WINNER: Kidd in 2:00.

STAR RATING: * -- Good squash. Kidd looked good with his signature style offense. It seems with the placement of the Bourne vignette that a Bourne-Kidd feud may be coming up soon. I'm all for that. Those could be great TV matches if given proper time.

3 -- TOMMY DREAMER vs. PAUL BURCHILL (w/Katie Lea)

Dreamer began aggressively and knocked Burchill over the top rope with a clothesline. At 2:00 Dreamer dominated, with Burchill hung upside down in the Tree of Woe. He went for a slidekick, but Katie Lea yanked Burchill out of the path. At that point she was yanked by her leg under the ring. Boogeyman's music played and he chased Vickie away. Dreamer then surprised a distracted Burchill with a DDT for the win. Grisham stressed that he gets to tout a Dreamer win for once.

WINNER: Dreamer in 3:00.

STAR RATING: * -- Good fast-pace with Dreamer showing good energy and aggression.

4 -- JACK SWAGGER vs. CHRISTIAN - ECW Hvt. Title match

Grisham said Christian said he wanted to come to ECW to test himself against top young talent in ECW, and Swagger is just that. Swagger is one of those heels who you can't watch for more than ten seconds without wanting to boo him for being so obnoxious and dorky as he makes his way to the ring. He just hams it up with nothing held back, and that wide white-toothed smile just begs to be punched. They did a formal ring introduction for the title match. Striker billed Swagger at 6-6 and Christian at 6-2. I don't see a four inch difference. I'd guess they're 6-0 and 6-2 out of boots. After some traditional wrestling exchanges, Christian took control. He settled into his signature standing side headlock. Swagger powered out and lifted Christian and threw him into the corner where he jabbed his abdomen with his shoulders. Swagger said every major championship has changed hands in Nashville: In 2002, Undertaker won the WWE Title, the World Title changed hands at Starrcade in 1995, and in 1999 Masato Tanaka vs. Mike Awesome led to an ECW Title change. "History is not on the champion Jack Swagger's side tonight," he said. Not sure I buy his relational logic, but nice historical references. Christian ducked a charging Swagger at 5:00, then dove over the top rope onto him at ringside. They cut to a break.

Swagger took control after the break with a forearm to the back of Christian's neck. Striker said Christian controlled the match during the break. Swagger shoulder tackled Christian off the ring apron to the floor. Christian charged at Swagger, but Swagger moved and Christian bashed into the ringside steps. Swagger settled into working on Christian's arm center-ring. He went into an arm stretch with his legs lodged against Christian's shoulder and armpit. Christian escaped and rolled into a side headlock. Swagger escaped into an elbow lock. Christian escaped with a headbutt. Swagger immediately spun Christian into a shoulder breaker. Nice chain sequence. Christian rolled to the edge of the ring and they cut to another break.

Back to the match, Swagger controlled the match with mat wrestling. Christian made a comeback at 18:00 and went for a top rope diving headbutt. Swagger moved. Swagger gave Christian a Northern Lights suplex, but Christian escaped before three. They countered each other, with Christian eventually scoring a near fall on Swagger at 20:00. Swagger went for a corner swing splash, but Christian lifted his knees and then hit a sunset flip for a near fall that popped the crowd at 21:00. Swagger met Christian on the top rope. Christian punched Swagger to the mat, then hit a frog splash for a very near fall. Christian followed up with a DDT, but Christian sold his arm being in great pain, delaying his cover. When he did make the cover, Swagger kicked out just before three at 21:00. Swagger threw Christian shoulder-first into the ringpost. Swagger escaped a backslide attempt, but Swagger turned it into a gut-wrench powerbomb and Swagger scored the clean pin.

WINNER: Swagger in 22:00.

STAR RATING: ***1/2 -- Really strong TV main event. The finish was a real endorsement of Swagger's star being on the rise as there was no interference or cheating, just a hard-fought win over a long-time established star. If Christian's not being punished for signing with TNA, I don't know what the story is. Christian will still probably end up utilized in a nice money-spot for a few years, but his early treatment indicates he's paying a price he wouldn't have paid if had instead been out of action for three years with an injury or semi-retirement on good terms with WWE. Swagger, though, deserves the win as he continues to evolve as a likely future main eventer. ECW continues to be a show you ought to be watching if you're not.

Arcademan:
TNA Impact! Results: 2-26-09

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

1 -- MADISON RAIN & TAYLOR WILDE vs. THE BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE (w/Cute Kip)

Taylor dominated early. Rain tagged in. Taylor got in Kip's face when he acted as a distraction to the advantage of the BPs. The BPs dominated from then out for several minutes until a hot tag to Taylor at 4:00. Taylor went on a flurry of offense against Love. The BPs double-teamed Taylor to take control. Rain jumped in to check on Taylor, but then slapped her. This is why people who hate TNA, hate TNA. The pace of booking in terms of turns has all the patience of a three year old. It'd be hilarious if it weren't so frustrating to watch. It happened so quickly with Madison that it means about as close to nothing as is possible, if not actually nothing at all. Rain walked out as Sky finished Wilde with the Beauty Mark finisher. You haven't lived until you've heard Tenay say "Biyatch-slap."

WINNERS: The Beautiful People in 5:00.

STAR RATING: *

2 -- BEER MONEY INC. (w/Miss Jacqueline) vs. ROCK 'N' RAVE CONNECTION -- Tag Titles vs. Loser Leaves Town

Rave got in some early offense against James Storm. RnR threw a double elbow drop on Roode next. Roode made a comeback against Rave, including dropping him neck-first over the top rope leading to a two count. Rave came back with a hard clothesline at 3:00. Rave hot-tagged Rock in. He punched away at both Roode and Storm. Rock gave Roode his overhead slam finisher. Jackie distracted the ref was Storm KO'd Rock with his belt for the win. Lance Rock must now leave TNA. The replay of the finish was sponsored by Popeye's Chicken. That's new.

WINNERS: Beer Money Inc. at 4:00.

STAR RATING: *

3 -- AWESOME KONG & RAISHA SAEED vs. SOUJOURNER BOLT & RHAKA KHAN

Tenay called the match solo. Khan took control on Saeed, but when Kong tagged in, she took control. She splashed Khan hard in the corner, then tagged Saeed back in. Saeed drew Bolt into the ring with a shove. Kong dropped Saeed onto Khan. Saeed hot-tagged Bolt into the ring and she went on an offensive run against Saeed. When Kong entered the ring, Bolt jumped on her. Saeed yanked her off. Khan went after Saeed. Four-way action broke out. Kong whipped Khan into Saeed. Kong threw Khan over the top rope to the floor. Bolt then finished Saeed with a sidekick to the chin as Kong and Khan fought at ringside. Bolt then pinned Saeed with a backslide. Afterward, Kong gave an Awesome Bomb to Bolt on top of Khan.

WINNERS: Bolt & Khan in 5:00.

STAR RATING: neg. * -- Really lousy match. Almost everything in the final two minutes was awful and awkward. The crowd didn't like this at all, either.

4 -- ALEX SHELLEY vs. "BLACK MACHISMO" JAY LETHAL vs. CONSEQUENCES CREED vs. CHRIS SABIN -- Ladder Match X Title match

The X Title was hanging above the ring. It's just absurd that the threw this on TV with zero build up or backstory. They could get so much more out of these matches than they do, it's so frustrating. A four-way match, a ladder match, and a title match each should be treated a very big deal on TV; to throw all three stips together and barely mention it ahead of time is a booking crime of inefficiency. Without hype, it just seems so much less important. Sabin and Shelley worked together early with success. As Creed and Lethal slid ladders into the ring, Sabin and Shelley slidekicked the ladders, k knocking Creed and Lethal to the mat. They went to a break at 2:00.

Back from the break, Creed and Lethal set Sabin on a ladder bridging the middle rope and an upright latter center-ring. Sabin came back by dropping Creed over that ladder and then throwing him to the floor. Sabin then climbed the ladder to reach for the belt, but Lethal cut him off. Lethal one-arm slammed Sabin off one ladder onto the other. Ouch. Shelley then gave Lethal a jawbreaker off of the ladder. Shelley gave Creed his Sliced Bread move off the ladder. He then grabbed the X belt to win.

WINNER: Shelley in 8:00 to retain the X Title.

STAR RATING: *3/4 -- Some cool spots, but it all felt rushed and the finish was anticlimactic as a result.

Arcademan:
WWE Smackdown Results: 2-27-09

Results courtesy of ProWrestling.net (direct link to Shore's complete report).

1. Primo and Carlito Colon defeated The Miz and John Morrison to retain the WWE Tag Team Championships at 12:14. Miz and Primo started out and did some quick mat wrestling. Carlito tagged in and hit a dropkick for two. Miz punched him and tagged in Morrison. Carlito pinned Morrison in the corner and tagged in Primo. He whipped Primo into Morrison, spearing him in the corner. Carlito tagged back in and cinched in a headlock.

The Bellas twins came to the ring distracting Carlito. Morrison whipped him to the corner, and the he was distracted by the twins. They weren’t doing anything but standing there, but they guys were checking them out. Carlito hit Morrison, who fell out of the ring. Miz charged in and got tossed over the top. Primo teased a plancha but landed on the apron and pulled the top rope down so Carlito could dive over the top on Miz and Morrison right in front of the Bellas…

Back from commercial at the 6:50 mark and Carlito hit a drop toe hold on Morrison and Primo followed with a diving headbutt. Morrison reversed a whip and sent Primo into the corner with Miz. Primo flipped over the top, punched Miz to the floor, and jumped back in over Morrison. Morrison hit his springboard kick, sending Primo to the floor. Miz beat on him, tossed him back in, and then tagged in and locked in a Camel Clutch type move. Primo fought out but Miz whipped him to the corner and hit his through the ropes clothesline for two. Another headlock followed. Primo tried to fight out, Miz pushed him back into Morrison, they bumped heads and then Primo and Miz bumped heads.

Carlito got the hot tag at 10:54 and he cleaned house. He tossed Miz to the floor and tried to suplex Morrison, but Morrison reversed into a small package for two. Morrison took a shot at Primo but missed. Primo tried to come in, distracting the ref. Morrison whipped Carltio to the ropes. Carlito tried to springboard, but Miz caught him and dropped his throat on the top rope. Primo dove through the ropes to take out Miz. Morrison went for his finisher, but Carltio reversed into the backstabber for the win. Post match, the Colons convinced the Bellas to leave with them…

Shore’s Slant: Fun match from these four. I assume we will see a World Tag Title match next week or the week after, and then a unification match at Mania. Just my guess. I’m tired of the Bellas angle though. They should wrestle or go away.

2. Vladimir Kozlov defeated The Undertaker at 11:59. JR asked what would happen if Taker locked in the Devil’s Gate. How many times are they going call this by a different name? Kozlov hit a shoulder tackle and celebrated. He hit a second one and celebrated again. Kozlov tried to charge in for another collar and elbow and ate a boot. He rolled out of a elbow drop and clotheslined Taker over the ropes. Taker landed on his feet and stared at Kozlov who celebrated in the ring. Kozlov turned around and their eyes met as JR said, “Something has to give.”…

Back from commercial at 5:50, Taker hit his leg drop on the apron. A replay video showed Taker and Kozlov both hit the security rail during the break. Taker tried to lock in the aforementioned Devil’s Gate, but Kozlov pulled free and hit three headbutts. Kozlov continued to assault Taker. Taker managed to whip Kozlov into the corner once, but Kozlov bounced out for a clothesline and then locked in a chin lock rest hold. Taker fought to his feet and reversed out using a belly to back suplex.

Both men back to their feet and started trading blows. Taker reversed a back drop into a DDT for two. Taker hit Snake Eyes and Kozlov almost undersold. Taker followed up with a sidewalk slam for two. He grabbed Kozlov’s throat, but he pushed Taker away to the ropes. Taker bounced and hit a big boot for another two. Taker stood Kozlov up and locked hands. He climbed the rope to Old School, but Kozlov pulled him off into a powerslam for the win. Post match Kozlov backed up the ramp smiling/rubbing his mouth. Taker looked on surprised.

Shore’s Slant: Well color me surprised. I understand why Kozlov wins. Now he looks strong heading into the match with HBK. But I never thought they would do it. As far as the match goes, it was pretty good, especially for TV. The problem with the match is it shows Kozlovs limitations right now, because I don’t know how they could make it better for Mania. IT almost foreshadowed Shawn’s win on Monday.

3. Chavo Guerrero defeated Shelton Benjamin at 2:52. JR said he found it interesting Aunt Vickie didn’t make this a title match. Benjamin beat down Chavo and tossed him to the corner. He stared down MVP and then missed a Stinger Splash. Chavo hit two of Three Amigos. On the last, Benjamin flipped over Chavo and pushed him into the ropes. Chavo came off and hit a Tilt-a-Whirl Hurricanrana. He went to the top, but Benjamin jumped up and Superplexed him. Chavo rolled out and Benjamin followed right in front of the announce table.

Benjamin and MVP stared each other down. Benjamin picked up Chavo is a powerbomb setup, and then tossed him onto MVP. That was cool. Benjamin rolled Chavo back in the ring. He got in and looked back at MVP. He said, “MVP, your time’s coming.” He went to pick up Chavo, but Chavo rolled him up for the win. Chavo backed up the ramp and Benjamin watched. MVP slipped into the ring and hit the Drive-By on Benjamin…

Shore’s Slant: I just hope this US Title match happens before Mania so MVP can be in MITB.

4. The Big Show defeated John Cena at 20:00. The bell rang with Twenty-two minutes left in the show. Cena got one shot in on Show before Show backed him in a corner and started his methodical beat down. Edge and Vickie were shown backstage watching on a monitor. The announce team went on and on wondering what was in it for Show to be in this match. Cena managed to fight out of his beat down but got shoulder/body tackled by Show. And the beat down continued. Punches, followed by headbutts, followed by chops. You’ve all seen a Big Show match, yeah?

Cena tried to fight out again, but Show hit a sidewalk slam. Cena tried to stand but somehow got tied up in the ropes. Show hit three big right hands to the body. Cena rolled out and tried to pick up Show for the Attitude Adjustment, but Show just looked at him. He went back to the beat down as the announce team continued to speculate about what was in it for Show.

Show kept hard whipping Cena from corner to corner. On the third, he charged in and Cena kicked him in the face. He jumped onto Show’s back and locked in a sleeper. After being in the sleeper for 42 seconds, Show finally went to a knee. After another seven, he quick dropped Cena into a sidewalks slam to break the hold. Both men were down going into commercial...

Back at 11:59 and Show hit a suplex on Cena. Cena rolled to the apron and stood up. Show knocked off the apron onto the announce table. He picked up Cena on his shoulder, but Cena slid off his back, pushing Show into the post. Both men rolled back in and Cena tried to hit a bulldog, but Show pushed him off with one hand. Cena actually bounced out of the ring. He got back in and Show continued the power assault. He locked in a nerve pinch at 15:32.

Cena powered out and attacked. He tried to pick up Show, but fell back for a two count. Show drug him to the corner and missed his elbow off the second rope. Cena climbed the turnbuckle and hit the Fameasser and Five Knuckle Shuffle. He again tried to pick up Show for the Attitude Adjuster, but Show countered into a powerbomb onto Cena’s face. Show setup for the chokeslam, but Cena slipped out and finally hit the Attitude Adjuster. He was crawling to make the cover when Edge slid into the ring and immediately back out without touching Cena. He stood there and looked at Cena who stopped crawling and stared at Edge. Show recovered and hit the knock out punch on Cena. He picked him up and chokeslammed him for the win. Post match, Edge climbed in the ring and stood over Cena talking crap…

Shore’s Slant: I like Show for about seven to ten minutes, but after that it becomes the same set of moves. Just boring, that’s all. Decent match and I once again commend WWE for doing a double taping well. The crowd was hot through both shows and both were enjoyable. A 3 ½ star outing tonight that progressed several storylines and entertained. Thanks for reading and I’ll see you next week.

Arcademan:
WWE RAW Results: 3-2-09

Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Caldwell's complete report).

1 -- REY MYSTERIO vs. MIKE KNOX vs. KANE -- MITB qualifying match

Rey was ragdolled to the outside early on, then Knox and Kane kicked each other in the head. Cut to commercial.

Back from break, Knox and Kane were battling in the ring. Rey then fought his way back into the ring and kinda executed a huracanrana on Knox, who did a tumble to sell it. Rey made a cover on Knox, but Knox thought Kane was going to break it up, so he kicked out at like 3 1/2 when the ref took a really nice long pause before three. On the next pin attempt, Kane broke it up before a one count. Rey with some more acrobatics running circles around the big men, then Rey put Knox in position for the 619, only Kane intercepted with a chokeslam attempt that Rey countered into the 619. Rey with a seated sentaun, but Knox kicked Rey in the head. Jamie Noble part two almost. Knox with the Knox Out on Rey, then Kane grabbed Knox and gave him a chokeslam for the pin and the win. Post-match: Kane scooped up Rey and gave him a chokeslam before leaving, satisfied with himself.

WINNER: Kane at 8:50 to qualify for MITB. Decent match with a good finish. Surprising result, but Kane's been in a few MITB matches to have those big man vs. small man sequences. (*1/2)

2 -- JILLIAN HALL & BETH PHOENIX (w/Rosa Mendes) vs. KELLY KELLY & MICKIE JAMES

Divas champion Maryse and Women's champion Melina were on commentary for this one. Not much was said. Kelly scored a sunset flip on Jillian for the pin and the win. Afterward, Rosa jumped Kelly, then the diva champions tried to intervene, but Maryse suddenly took out Melina ringside. Maryse then did her little posing and apparently we have a Women's champion vs. Divas champion match for WrestleMania.

WINNERS: Kelly & Mickie at 2:50. Just a set-up for the apparent champion vs. champion match at WrestleMania. (1/2*)

3 -- SHAWN MICHAELS vs. KOZLOZ

Heavy focus from the announcers on Kozlov having never been pinned in Double Double E. Michaels escaped an early attack from Koz and put him on his back for an early figure four attempt. Kozlov reversed pressure, though, and wanted the big slam, but Michaels took a breather on the floor.

Kozlov was in control out of the break working on Michaels's back. Kozlov took his sweet time waiting for Michaels to get back to his feet to take the torture rack. Not quite Lex Luger quality here. Michaels finally fought out, but he walked into a back elbow smash to the mouth. Kozlov with a cover for a two count. Michaels tried to come back with the "vintage" flying forearm before a kip up, but Kozlov met him in mid-air with a headbutt smash for a two count.

They battled up top and Michaels threw some forearm smashes, but Kozlov didn't budge. Michaels finally threw Kozlov down to the mat before slowly making his way to his feet up top for a flying elbow at 10:00. Michaels started to tune up the band, then he smashed Kozlov square in the jaw with Sweet Chin Music for the pin and the win. Clean. Kozlov takes his first loss.

WINNER: Michaels at 10:40. I expected some form of outside interference, so it was surprising to see Michaels nail the superkick clean in the middle for the win. Good finish after Kozlov had offense throughout the match. (*1/2)

4 -- World Hvt. champion EDGE vs. JOHN CENA -- World Heavyweight Title match

Champ and challenger went through the feeling out process early on, then Edge knocked down Cena early on. Cena hooked the top rope after taking a whip to the ropes, then Edge charged and flew over the top rope to the floor. Time for a break.

Back from break, Edge was in control working on Cena's injured head and jaw from Big Show's work on Smackdown. Cena was backed into a corner, then Edge ran him over with a clothesline. Something went flying from Cena's person before Edge made a cover for a two count.

Cena ducked a clothesline and nailed a series of flying shoulder tackles. Goodness, Cole with the over-use of "vintage" again. Cena with a sit-out slam, then he told Edge You Can't See Me. Cena missed with the Five Knuckle shuffle, though, and Edge rolled him for a two count. Cena wanted the Attitude Adjustment, but Edge slipped out into the Edge-o-matic slam for a two count. They battled up top and Cena took a fall into the ringpost to the floor. Ref started his ten count as the fans screamed in sheer horror that Cena could be counted out. Cena suddenly jumped into the ring just before ten, then he made a comeback with a top rope guillotine leg smash.

Cena wanted the Shuffle one more time and this time he connected after brushing the dirt off his shoulder. Cena wanted the Adjustment, but Edge blocked into a Sharpshooter. Ugly *** Shooter, but Cena sold pain near the ropes. Cena played to the top row of the arena before reaching out to the bottom rope for a rope break. Great sequence. Edge then readied himself for the spear, but Cena wasn't moving. Cena finally made his way to his feet, Edge charged, and Cena slapped on the STFU in center ring. Edge cried out in pain as the camera focused on the WM banner hanging above the arena. Edge then reached out with one last gasp and grabbed the bottom rope for a break.

Cena caught his breath after releasing the hold, then Edge took advantage with the spear out of nowhere. He didn't make an immediate cover, though, and Cena kicked out just before three. Edge, frustrated, grabbed the World Title belt. Cena blocked a belt shot, though, and wanted the Adjustment. Edge grabbed the belt from the ref while up on Cena's shoulders, then he smashed Cena in the face with the belt to earn a DQ. Cena was declared the winner, but Edge kept the World Title belt.

Post-match: Cena caught his breath in the ring while Edge recovered on the stage. Big Show then walked out on stage and stared down at Edge before staring into the ring. Suddenly, Vickie Guerrero came out on stage and stood to the left of Edge, who was still seated on stage. Vickie introduced the #1 contender to the World Title at WrestleMania, Big Show. In the ring, John Cena could only look down in disbelief. Edge was in a state of disbelief. Show and Vickie walked off. Edge and Cena were collectively dumbfounded. Cena held his head in his hands, currently without a WrestleMania match. End show.

WINNER: Cena via DQ at 12:22; Edge retains World Title. Ah, a classic Edge vs. Cena match on free TV. So great. You could see the finish coming either via run-in or Edge DQ'ing himself. Now, we have an issue of where Cena goes from here. I don't see Edge vs. Show as a marquee title match for WrestleMania, so I imagine they will turn this into a triple threat at some point based on Cena not losing the match, but not winning the title. (***1/4)

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