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Arcademan:
TNA Impact! Results: 4-30-09

Results courtesy of ProWrestling.net (direct link to Talon's complete report). Condensed here to in-ring results only.

1. Amazing Red and Suicide defeated The Motor City Machine Guns in 6:00. Red has a brand new look with new tights and a new hairdo. He looks more professional than he once did. Shelley and Red exchanged hold with Red getting the upperhand. Tenay and West mentioned “The British Invasion” which is being lead by Brutus Magnus. Illegal interference gave the Machine Guns the upperhand. They followed with a huge hiptoss on Red. A low drop kick followed by a Hesitation Dropkick on Red who was hanging in the corner. Red hit a cool modified reverse DDT on Sabin then got a hot tag to Suicide. A Suicide roll on Shelley took the Machine Guns out for a second but Sabin and Shelley fought back. Minutes later Red hit the Code Red followed by a plancha outside. Suicide hit the Suicide Solution to pick up the win for his team…

Talon’s Take: Red is a step slower but he was impressive here. TNA needs to sign this guy as fast as they can. He could reinvigorate the X Division.

2. Brutus Magnus and Doug Williams defeated Homicide in 4:15. This was the second Team 3D Invitational Match tonight. Homicide was on his own on this one. Williams and Magnus worked over Homicide for the majority of the match. They hit a nice necktie neckbreaker on Homicide. Magnus went for a top rope move but Homicide rolled out of the way. Homicide was a house of fire on Williams and Magnus. Homicide went for a top rope move on Williams but Rob Terry interfered. This allowed Williams and Magnus to hit an Elevated European Uppercut type move on Homicide to win the match…

Talon’s Take: TNA has a new talent initiative going on right now. I was impressed by The British Invasion as the TNA Tag Team Division gets deeper. I hope Homicide goes after the X Title while Hernandez recovers. It was cool to see Williams return to TNA.

3. Awesome Kong defeated Madison Rayne in a Stretcher Match in 3:15. Apparently you have to incapacitate your opponent on the stretcher for a 10-count. Rayne was accompanied by Sky and Love. Awesome Kong brought a picture of Love with her to give her motivation in beating up her opponent. Rudy Charles sent Raisha Saeed, Velvet Sky and Angelina Love to the back. Kong destroyed Rayne. Every time Kong was about to win, she picked Rayne and continued the onslaught. Kong hit an Awesome Bomb. The fans chanted “one more time.” Kong appeased them and gave Rayne another Awesome Bomb. She put Rayne on the Stretcher and easily got the win…[C]

Talon’s Take: The rules to the stretcher match were weird. Usually you wheel your opponent across a line on the ramp to get a win in a stretcher match.

4. Abyss defeated Cody Deaner in 3:00. In this match Abyss couldn’t use weapons while Deaner could. Deaner came out to some very annoying music that had that redneck feel to it. Deaner kept hitting Abyss with weapons but Abyss no-sold them. Deaner went to hit Abyss with a Kendo Stick but Abyss caught it. After spitting whiskey in the face of Abyss, Deaner hit Abyss with a series of weapon shots. Finally after a chair shot, Abyss went down. Deaner got serious and turned his hat backwards. Deaner pulled a wrench from his fanny pack. Abyss connected with a big Black Hole Slam on Deaner…

Talon’s Take: This was strictly a comedy match. It was okay for what it was. Again, you either love or hate Deaner.

5. Kevin Nash and Booker defeated AJ Styles and Samoa Joe in 10:00. Nash and Booker were accompanied by Morasca and Sharmell. Samoa Joe never came out so AJ fought the match by himself. AJ Styles hit a big dropkick early on. Nash tagged in and Big Sexy botched a few moves. The MEM tried to double team Styles but AJ fought out. In the back Bobby Lashley was shown walking. Samoa Joe headed to the ring as we went to break.

We are back from the break as the MEM is in control. During the break Samoa Joe argued with AJ Styles allowing Nash to gain the upperhand. After a distraction from Jenna Morasca, Sharmell slid the Legend’s Championship into Booker who used it on AJ Styles to pick up the win. After the match Samoa Joe and AJ Styles began to argue…

Arcademan:
WWE Smackdown Results: 5-1-09

Results courtesy of ProWrestling.net (direct link to Shore's complete report). Condensed here to in-ring results only.

1. John Morrison defeated Shelton Benjamin at 2:43. I had a weird synching problem during most of this match and the video froze several times. Morrison hit a springboard elbow followed by the Moonlight Drive for the win…The announce team hyped the fatal fourway match and Punk vs. Edge for later.

Shore’s Slant: Am I the only one getting a crappy feed? Every other channel is fine and the commercials are fine but Smackdown is terrible. Morrison seemed to be the face here which is cool. Smackdown is very heel heavy and he could be the arrogant face like The Rock was. This match needed more time so I could see part of it. I’m expecting big things from Morrison on Friday nights.

2. Jeff Hardy defeated Rey Mysterio, Kane, and Chris Jericho in a four-way elimination match to determine the Number One Contender to the World Heavyweight Title at Judgment Day at 17:31. Everybody attacked Kane to start, but he tossed Hardy and destroyed Jericho and Mysterio. He tossed Jericho to the floor beside Hardy who was selling the most destructive toss through the ropes in history. Kane picked up Rey in a gorilla press and tossed him onto Jericho and Hardy. He smiled in the ring as the three other men recovered into the break…

Back at 4:45, Kane came off the top rope and Hardy drop kicked him out of the air. Mysterio hit a leg drop off the top rope on Kane for two. Jericho reversed a Mysterio whip for a tilt a whirl back breaker for two. Hardy hit a flying clothesline of Jericho for two. Hardy tried a move and Jericho countered and tried a Walls of Jericho, but Kane broke it up. Jericho pulled Mysterio out of the ring and Hardy hit Whisper in the Wind and a Swanton on Kane. Jericho pulled Hardy out of the ring and covered Kane to eliminate him at 7:01.

Kane went nuts and tossed chairs into the ring. He tossed Rey in as well, who hit a dropkick on Jericho, setting him up for the 619. Rey hit the 619 and came off the top rope. But Jericho threw one of the chairs at him. The ref disqualified Jericho at 8:18 to eliminate him. Jericho argued and Jeff and Rey recovered into the break…

Back at 12:45, Rey and Jeff stared each other down. Rey hit a kick and whipped Hardy to the ropes and hit a drop kick for two. Rey whipped him again and Jeff grabbed the ropes to cause Rey to miss another dropkick. Jeff dropped both legs on the “mid-section” and hit a sitdown dropkick for two. Hardy hit a Sunset Flip, but Rey rolled through and kicked Jeff in the face. The two men ran the ropes and hit a flying cross body on each other. At 15:45 there were about 17 reversals in a row and ended with Jeff Hardy rolling up Rey for two.

Jeff dropped Rey in the corner and tried for his sitdown corner dropkick but Rey moved. The reversal of reversals happened again and Jeff got another near fall. Rey hit a drop toe hold and the 619 on Jeff. He came off the top rope with the springboard sitdown splash, but Jeff kicked hard on the pin attempt and rolled Rey over for the surprise win. Post match, Jeff and Rey hugged and then Jeff celebrated in the ring…

Shore’s Slant: If you think I didn’t get everything in this match, you’re right. I’m out of breath from watching it. Great, great match that was PPV worthy in my opinion. If we get something like this every week, Raw will quickly become the number two show. Jeff Hardy is requesting some time off, so I expect Edge to retain at Judgment Day (assuming he wins tonight), but still not a waste of time. I love when they go to MSG!

3. MVP w/Sherri Shepherd defeated Dolph Ziggler to retain the United States Championship at 3:55. MVP started out with three quick hip tosses. Ziggler tossed MVP to ringside in front of Shepherd. She checked on him but backed up when Ziggler came towards them. He kicked MVP a few times and then tried to introduce himself to Shepherd. MVP attacked him but Ziggler ducked and MVP ended up in Shepherd’s arms. Ziggler tried to turn MVP around but he elbowed him and went back to Shepherd. He told her to stay right there and went back in the ring. Ziggler took control and beat down MVP. Shepherd climbed up on the apron and Ziggler started harassing her. She slapped him and MVP hit the Playmaker for the win. Post match, the happy couple walked arm in arm up the ramp.

Shore’s Slant: The whole second hour has a surreal quality about it. That match was terrible and Shepherd was the best part about it. I’m glad MVP is on Raw after tonight so I don’t have to deal with her again. Punk/Edge better be awesome.

4. Edge defeated CM Punk in a non-title match 11:35. Punk picked up Edge immediately for GTS, but Edge grabbed the ropes. Punk went on the attack, kicking Edge a bunch of different ways. Punk went to the top and Edge climbed up as well. Punk dropped off and hit a hot shot on Edge on the top rope. He went back to the top and Edge swept the feet. He hung Punk upside down and speared his back. Punk fought back and tried a suplex, but his back wouldn’t let him. Edge picked him up and dropped him gut first on the top rope. He kicked Punk to the floor and fell down in the ring. Both men recovered into the break…[C]

Back at 6:27, Edge hit a knee lift on a running Punk. He continued to work on Punk’s back with strikes and kicks. Punk was in a 619 setup and Edge tried to splash him, but Punk moved. That looked like it hurt. Punk came back with a heel kick, followed by a number of kicks. He setup for GTS, but Edge slipped down and tried for a sunset flip. Punk dropped to his knees for two. Edge dropped Punk on his face for two. Edge setup for the spear. He charged, but Punk kicked him. Punk hit the kick in the corner and followed with a bulldog for two. Punk went to the top and jumped over Edge. Edge tried to spear again and Punk hit a powerslam for two.

Punk picked up Edge for GTS. Edge blocked the knee and locked in a Sharpshooter. Punk made it to the rope and Edge broke. He stood on the apron. Edge tried to suplex him back in, but Punk rolled out and hit GTS for the clean win. Punk went and got the briefcase. He talked to the ref who talked to Justin Roberts. Roberts announced that MITB was being cashed in and announced the title match. Punk turned around and Umaga ran in from the crowd and superkicked him before the bell rang. He picked up Punk and hit a spinning fall away slam. Umaga left and Edge picked up the briefcase. Jeff Hardy ran in and hit Twist of Fate and a Swanton on Edge. Jeff Hardy celebrated to end the show…

Shore’s Slant: Good match that had a surprising clean pin. The run in by Umaga was fine. I’m sure “Vickie set it up,” which is fine. This was the craziest show in a while. It was hot, then stupid, then hot again. Overall though, solid show that gets me excited to watch again next week. Storylines should clean themselves up next week, which will only make for a better show. Did I mention Morrison and Jericho are going to feud? I feel high just thinking about it.

Arcademan:
WWE RAW Results: 5-4-09

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

n/a -- WWE champion RANDY ORTON vs. SHANE MCMAHON -- non-title match

WWE champion Randy Orton came to the ring to start the show for the match against Shane McMahon. Orton came out alone and took his sweet time in the process. After Orton's music stopped, Shane's music hit. No sign of Shane, though. Shane then ambushed Orton from behind like a cowardly babyface. Fight went to the floor, then into the stands. A little girl sporting an HBK hat nearly got involved.

The brawl moved into the stands, then to the ringside area. Shane wanted a top rope splash through the announce table, but Ted DiBiase and Cody Rhodes jumped Shane in the ring. Orton helped triple team them, MVP stormed the ring to try to help out Shane. MVP was beaten down, though. Orton then dumped MVP over the top rope to the floor. Shane was left alone in the ring to take a beating, then Batista stormed the ring. (Parks: the arena came unglued for Batista.) Batista cleaned house on Legacy as Orton took off running from ringside.

Raw GM Vickie Guerrero then interrupted the proceedings. She declared herself the GM of Raw in case we forgot. Vickie said she won't let them ruin her main event. She booked two singles match of Cody vs. MVP and Batista vs. DiBiase. If you win, then you join either Orton or Shane in the TV main event tonight.

1 -- MATT HARDY vs. KOFI KINGSTON

Announcers talked about everything Hardy can't do since his right hand is messed up. Can't eat. Can't sleep. Can't write. Matt tried to beg off early on, then Kofi surprised him with a small package for a two count. Matt started using his feet to work over Kofi before he slingshot him across the top rope for a two count. Kofi then countered a suplex into a neckbreaker before landing a standing dropkick. Kofi landed a turnaround splash, then he came up holding his hand. Kofi went into his offensive attack, including a boom-boom leg drop for a two count. Kofi then ducked a clothesline using the cast and he blasted Matt with the Trouble in Paradise buzzsaw kick for the pin and the win. Post-match: Kofi was celebrating the victory, then Matt surprised him with a cheap shot with the cast to the face. Kofi was KO'ed and Matt angrily walked away from the ring.

WINNER: Kofi at 4:22. Okay match. Matt was quite limited in the ring with the cast on. Kofi incorporated some highspots to keep the crowd involved. Post-match was good for Matt to get his heat back after taking a clean loss. (*)

2 -- U.S. champion MVP vs. CODY RHODES -- non-title match -- winners gets main event slot

Regal continued to complain about there not being order to the Raw pecking order as the match started with a series of nearfalls. Good start with neither man able to take control. Cody then took out MVP's knee from behind as they cut to a shot of Shane watching on a monitor backstage. MVP came back with a series of clotheslines, then he knocked Cody to the outside. MVP followed on the floor, then Regal snuck away from the table and took MVP's knees out from under him behind the ref's back. MVP tried to make his way back into the ring, but he couldn't get off his leg and he was counted out. Regal then stared down MVP, who was quite upset and selling pain.

WINNER: Cody Rhodes at 4:08. Good match to set up the MVP vs. Regal program. In-ring, good intensity. Cody continues to grow as a performer, although I'm not sure if he's ever had a clean victory. Ever. (*1/2)

3 -- Divas champion MARYSE vs. MICKIE JAMES -- non-title match

Match action moved to the floor early on. Maryse took control, then she put Mickie in a Camel Clutch back in the ring. If I'm Maryse, I'm upset with Show for stealing my hold moments before my match. But, perhaps it's not a grievance worth airing, but keeping to herself. Mickie then made her comeback and nailed an emphatic DDT for the pin and the win. Jared the Subway Guy then announced her as the winner.

WINNER: Mickie James at 2:40. Good to see an actual singles match without Hornswoggle or any other craziness. Still only a three-minutes-and-under match, but a good match for Mickie and Maryse. (3/4*)

In-ring: Ted DiBiase, Jr. was already in the ring ready for Batista. Batista came out for a full in-ring entrance.

4 -- TED DIBIASE, JR. vs. BATISTA

DiBiase tried to play cat and mouse with Batista early on, and he wore down Batista to take control back in the ring. Batista then came back with trademark shoulder thrusts in the corner before DiBiase fired off a slap that caught the ref more than Batista. Batista was angered, so he blasted DiBiase. Batista blasted him too much out of anger and the ref reached a five count on the attack as Batista wasn't paying attention. Batista then snapped and chucked his elbow pad down to the mat as DiBiase snuck away with a grin on his face.

WINNER: DiBiase at 3:58. Basic match to set up Shane with the stacked deck of having to face Legacy by himself in a three-on-one handicap match. Batista as the hot-head who is costing Team McMahon matches is a good way to plant seeds for that inevitable heel turn.

5 -- Unified tag champion CARLITO vs. THE BRIAN KENDRICK

Kendrick had about a second of offense, then Carlito nailed a codebreaker out of the corner for the pin and the win. Afterward, Carlito put his two title belts over his shoulders and sold pain from the belts being sooo heavy.

WINNER: Carlito at 1:18. Just a filler match that didn't do anything for Kendrick. Carlito was fine, although this match just didn't have much time to mean anything. (n/a)

6 -- WWE champion RANDY ORTON & TED DIBIASE, JR. & CODY RHODES vs. SHANE MCMAHON

Bell sounded and Shane fought Cody to start things off. Shane landed a clothesline, but Cody rammed him back into Legacy's corner to tag in DiBiase. Here's a non-wrestler cutting off DiBiase from making a tag to one of his partners. Announcers reminded us that Shane isn't a wrestler, but he's "fueled by passion and emotion." Shane then went up top for an elbow drop and he connected on DiBiase. He made a cover, but Cody broke up the pin. Shane came up holding his elbow, then he threw a wild elbow at Cody. DiBiase knocked him to the outside, continuing this clunky match.

On the outside, Shane grabbed a chair to blast Cody, but Orton smashed him from behind and rolled Shane back into the ring. Orton then made an official tag to stalk Shane and begin assaulting him. Cody then tagged in and missed with a top rope moonsault on Shane. Shane then made his huge comeback with SuperShane punches and kicks and clotheslines and such. Action moved to the floor where Shane put Orton on the announce table. He then went back into the ring for his top rope elbow. After milking the moment for all it was worth, Shane flew off the top and ate the table when Orton moved in plenty of time. Shane was KO'ed as Orton realized the opportunity.

DiBiase and Rhodes dragged Shane over to the corner and put his leg next to the ring steps. Orton grabbed a chair and screamed down at Shane that this is punishment for not staying out of his business. Orton took a deep wind-up and smashed the ring steps near Shane's ankle for a dramatic moment. Shane cried out in pain, then Orton set up Shane for Round Two of Ankle Torture. Orton measured Shane for a second blow as some of the ringside "smart" fans cheered Orton on to take Shane off TV. Orton then lifted up the top set of steel steps and smashed Shane's right ankle a second time. Shane writhed in pain on the floor as Orton crouched down from a distance. He slithered over to Shane before more refs showed up to push Orton away from the scene.

Suddenly, Batista's music hit and Batista stormed ringside. Meanwhile, Legacy took off running as Batista pounded the mat in frustration that Shane was taken out. Medics checked on Shane and put his leg in an anklecast to help him out. Shane was put on a stretcher as Orton took the mic and addressed Batista. He said Batista's Judgment Day is coming. Orton stared coldly toward Batista, who shook the ropes in frustration. Shane was then wheeled down the entranceramp as Orton and Batista had a staredown from a distance to close the show.

WINNER: No official decision, but presumably Shane via DQ when Batista came out at 11:45. Another one of those Shane matches where WWE had to balance the idea of Shane being a non-wrestler, but not making this completely one-sided to where there's no drama. Another injury angle for the McMahons means more heat on Orton and Co. to build them up as a ruthless heels. Desired result was accomplished even if the match wasn't that great to hold the interest of the audience. (*1/4)

Arcademan:
ECW on SciFi Results: 5-5-09

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

1 -- EVAN BOURNE vs. TYSON KIDD (w/Natalya)

Match started with some mat work, then Bourne blocked a whip to the ropes and caught Kidd with a standing dropkick. Kidd then knocked Bourne to the outside and Bourne tried to intimidate Natalya to back up. Back in the ring, Bourne slingshot himself off the apron to the corner, then into a head scissors on Kidd. I can't even describe how innovative that looked. Kidd needed a breather as they cut to break.

They returned from break with Kidd in control. Bourne then hit Kidd with a spin kick to regain control of the match. Bourne missed with a corner attack, then Kidd kicked him hard in the back of the left leg to instantly take control by working the leg. Kidd very aggressive working over Bourne as he went to the mat and screamed at Bourne. Kidd very verbal: "Ask him ref, I'll break his neck!" Bourne tried to fight back with kick strikes, then he landed an innovative leaping knee lift beneath the chin to break free.

Both men recovered, then Bourne kicked Kidd in the chest. He ducked an attempted kick from Kidd before leaping to the second rope for a turnaround back-kick that took Kidd down for a two count. Bourne landed a leaping left arm elbow for another close call. Bourne landed on the apron following an exchange, then Natalya got involved by yanking Bourne down onto the edge of the ring apron. Back in the ring, Kidd wanted a top rope move, but Finlay came down to ringside and scared Natalya into the ring. Ref was distracted, then Finlay smashed Kidd in the leg behind the ref's back with the shillelagh. With Kidd down, Bourne went up top for the Shooting Star Press for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Bourne in 14:00. Flashes of brilliance in this one. We're due a clean match between the two down the road, but a very nice first match between the two. The Kidd-Finlay program will have tremendous long-term benefits for Kidd as he matures on WWE TV just like Swagger went through Finlay to become a star. (**3/4)

2 -- KOZLOV vs. POOR JESSE

Crowd tried to agitate Kozlov with a "USA" chant, but Kozlov shoved Jesse into the ropes and took him down with a leg sweep. Striker with the 1980s-era commentary that Kozlov is "programmed" for victory. Kozlov with the modified Rock Bottom - the Iron Curtain - for the pin and the win. Post-match: Kozlov slipped to the floor and took the mic. He's annoyed. He said like six words. Kozlov dropped the mic and walked off.

WINNER: Kozlov in 1:30. Your basic squash to reinforce Kozlov's dominance. It's actually kind of interesting and fun when Kozlov takes the mic. You never know what he'll say and that unpredictability makes him more interesting than your average big man of few words. (n/a)

3 -- ECW champion CHRISTIAN vs. MARK HENRY (w/Tony Atlas) -- non-title match

Christian knocked the sweat off Henry's brow early on with some palm thrusts, but Henry knocked him down with a boot to the face. Christian came back with his signature pendulum kick out of the corner, then he tried a sunset flip, but Henry blocked. Henry tried to sit down on Christian's face, but Christian moved. Jack Swagger suddenly stormed the ring to attack Christian. Dreamer then made the save and they clotheslined Swagger to the outside. On cue, ECW GM Tiffany came out and said there's been some extra involvement, so let's have a tag match. Both sides talked strategy going to break.

WINNER: Christian via DQ in 2:00. Short, painless, fine set-up for the tag match main event. (n/a)

4 -- ECW champion CHRISTIAN & TOMMY DREAMER vs. JACK SWAGGER & MARK HENRY (w/Tony Atlas)

Action was joined in progress with Christian working on Swagger. Dreamer then tagged in and worked on Swagger while Henry waited for a tag in a reversal of tag team wrestling 101. Swagger accepted a boot to the gut, but he blocked Dreamer and landed a belly-to-belly suplex to finally get Henry in the ring to put the boots to Dreamer. Swagger tagged in and Atlas told Swagger to hold Dreamer down from making that tag. Striker said he's going on record that he wants Swagger to win back the ECW Title at Judgment Day.

On cue, Swagger lost control of the match and Christian tagged in to tee off on Henry, who also tagged in. Striker equated Christian's strikes to Manny Pacquiao, but Christian chopped Henry down with a chopblock and rolling kick for a two count. Henry then clobbered Christian mid-ring and Swagger tagged back in. Swagger landed a running Vader Bomb then he put a knee in Christian's throat to inflict more punishment. Physical confrontation between Christian and Swagger led to Henry tagging in to punish Christian some more.

Well, make sure you note on the DVR for future weeks that ECW is going back to the over-run period they enjoyed during the ECW brand's initial run in the 10:00 p.m. EST timeslot. Henry and Swagger continued to exchange tags to work over Christian before Christian nailed a reverse DDT out of the corner. Swagger cut off Christian's hot tag attempt with a front facelock, but Christian countered into a backbreaker across his knee. Dreamer then reached out for a tag and Dreamer went after Swagger before knocking Henry off the apron.

Dreamer landed a neckbreaker, then he did the full-arm-extension ECW pose. Dreamer with a bulldog out of the corner for a two count, then Dreamer put Swagger up top before hanging him upside down. Henry tried to break it up, but Henry accidentally smashed Swagger in the corner. Christian then dropkicked Henry to the outside and he wanted a splash, but Henry caught him in mid-air. No matter for Dreamer, who nailed a cannonball dive onto Christian's back to knock down Henry. Sweet move. It took too long, though, as Dreamer missed with a corner splash on Swagger, who used the distraction to remove the turnbuckle pad and send Dreamer into the exposed steel. Swagger then scooped up Dreamer and gave him the gutwrench powerbomb for the pin and the win. Swagger posed in the corner to close the show five minutes past the top of the hour.

WINNERS: Swagger & Henry in 10:00. Nice little tag match main event. A bit slow at times, but Swagger kept it interesting weaving in some impressive-looking matholds. Dreamer's cannonball dive onto Henry was unique and fit the storyline well of Swagger having a one-up on Dreamer, and in this case, Christian as well to set up their ECW Title match at the PPV. (**1/4)

Arcademan:
Ring of Honor Results: 5-2-09

Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Caldwell's complete report). Condensed to in-ring results only (Note that this show marked the appearance of The Nature Boy Ric Flair)

1 -- CHRIS HERO (w/Shane Hagadorn and Sara Del Rey) vs. KENNY OMEGA

Hero was back in long trunks (with a Camo design) after experimenting with traditional black trunks. After a brief feeling-out process, Omega took Hero to the floor and nailed a dive to the outside. Back in the ring, Omega nailed a top rope cross-body splash for a two count. Hero then took the advantage and used a distraction from Sara Del Rey to smash Omega with the loaded elbow pad for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Hero in 5:00. Just a match to establish two characters since there wasn't an issue on the line. Focus was on Hero's heel tactics using the loaded elbow pad. Okay match, but not memorable since there wasn't an issue and they were only given five minutes. (*1/4)

2 -- BRODIE LEE (w/Jimmy Jacobs) vs. NECRO BUTCHER

Necro brought a chair to the ring. Obviously they went with the "no wrestling holds" pre-match discussion to differentiate the match from ROH's strict adherence to rules for regular matches. Match started on the floor with Necro blasting Brodie with repeat chair shots. Match eventually moved into the ring to officially start the match...with a wrestling hold. What gives?! Jacobs then hopped on the apron to run interference, but Necro bumped Lee into Jacobs on accident. Bell sounded early. Necro then rolled up Lee from behind for the pin and the win. Bell sounded again.

WINNER: Necro in 3:00 official minutes. They raised expectations too high by promising no wrestling holds. Instead, they tried to have a wrestling match. Ugh. (n/a)

3 -- ERICK STEVENS vs. SAL RINAURO

Prazak said in wrestle-speak that Stevens needs to stop facing jobbers and face tougher competition in ROH to prove himself. Stevens ran over Sal in the corner before he made Hogewood shout for joy with the Doctor Bomb for the win. So, I guess that's Aggressive, Unstoppable, and Runaway Train from the Buzz Words.

WINNER: Stevens in 1:00. Squash to establish Stevens's buzz words. Basic deal, but fine. (n/a)

4 -- AUSTIN ARIES vs. RODERICK STRONG

Neither man gained an advantage early on as they slowly built an even battle for the match. Aries had the first offensive flurry with a series of armdrags. Strong came back, then Aries offered a handshake truce, but Double-A slapped Strong across the chest when Strong nearly took the bait. Aries began his offensive attack with his heel mannerisms to keep the action interesting until Strong made his comeback with a dropkick for a two count. Strong ripped off a series of trademark chops before nailing a backbreaker for another nearfall. Action moved to the floor and Aries connected with a suicide dive on the floor to cut off Strong's momentum.

At 10:00, Aries went back on the offensive. Strong cut him right off, though, and landed an enziguiri kick in the corner for another close pin attempt. Aries blocked a clothesline attempt, then he slowly built his offensive advantage again. Strong caught Aries out of the corner for a gutbuster, though, and landed a trademark leaping kick before slapping on the Boston Crab. Aries reached the ropes for a break, then Strong slapped the hold on again. Aries broke again, then Strong wanted a butterfly suplex, but Aries countered into a clothesline. Strong tried to block a suplex attempt, but Aries executed his brainbuster suplex for the clean pin and the win to prove himself to Ric Flair.

WINNER: Aries in 15:00. Aries is such a great heel and he truly stands out in ROH for having a character that fans can relate to: either they like him for being a good character or can't stand him because he's a cocky, arrogant heel. The match itself was okay, but didn't move out of first gear. I've seen better Aries matches and I've seen better Strong matches. ROH still hasn't addressed the lack of crowd involvement on their TV broadcasts. The audience is so far removed from the action both vocally and visually inside the darkened arena that the action looks like it's occurring inside a studio box.(**3/4)

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