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The Official Wrestling Thread (now with more news and stuff)

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Arcademan:
WWE Superstars results: 5-21-09

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

1 -- ECW champion CHRISTIAN vs. TOMMY DREAMER

Slow, but good opening with the wrestlers feeling each other out. Dreamer went after the injured knee from his ECW TV match, then Christian knocked Dreamer to the outside. Christian missed a dive, though, and gripped the knee. Dreamer took advantage with a cannonball dive off the apron leading to a commercial.

Back from break, Dreamer had Christian in a knee bar on the mat. Christian tried to counter with an inside cradle, but Dreamer escaped. Very quiet match call from Striker and Mathews again. Annoyingly quiet. Like I keep hearing the humming of the arena's fan insulation in the background during restholds. Dreamer wanted a bulldog at 9:00, but Christian ducked and slammed Dreamer for a two count. They went into a pinning exchange at 10:00 with Dreamer nearly scoring a three count that even got a reaction from Mathews. Christian then gingerly went up top, but Dreamer cut him off and landed a superplex.

Both men exchanged control, then Christian landed the pendulum kick out of the corner before going up top again. He wanted a diving headbutt, but Dreamer rolled out of the way in time. Jack Swagger then came down to ringside dressed to wrestle. Dreamer stared down Swagger, then Christian attacked Dreamer from behind. Christian turned his attention to Swagger, who jumped to the apron. Christian yanked him inside the ring and the ref called for the bell. No Contest was the official ruling, which pleased Swagger after he ruined the match. Christian and Dreamer shook, but Dreamer pulled the title belt back to show Christian he still wants the title.

WINNER: No Contest in 12:00. Looks like the set-up for a three-way title match at Extreme Rules. This was a very frustrating match on TV. Live, it was probably better. Announcers were asleep for most of the match, they acted like they didn't even care about the finish, and it was just like, "oh, well, Dreamer didn't win the match, no worries he only has three weeks left in WWE in the storyline." Announcers came across like they didn't care and they didn't build up the significance of the moment. (*1/2)

2 -- WILLIAM REGAL vs. KOFI KINGSTON

Kofi had a big smile, which Regal tried to wipe off his face. Announcers talked about Kofi trying to move up the ladder on Raw past Regal, which Regal has taken umbrage to. Apparently that's the only purpose to the match other than the basic idea of putting two stars on TV to give them in-ring exposure and focus for five-to-ten minutes. Would be nice to see an actual storyline "pecking order" rankings that WWE could point to on a weekly basis where a wrestler wins a feature TV match and moves up the storyline rankings to earn more title match or main event opportunities. Something tangible to give a basic singles match like this a purpose. Back to the action where Regal played to the crowd after a nice move, but he allowed Kofi to wake up. Regal then walked right into the Buzzsaw Kick and Kingston made the cover for the win.

WINNER: Kingston in 5:00. Fine singles match. Regal was aggressive and Kofi showed off his high-flying arsenal. Good mid-card showcase, but, like I said, no real purpose other than getting two guys on TV. (*1/4)

3 -- CHRIS JERICHO vs. C.M. PUNK

Loud chant for Punk after the opening bell. Punk fired off an elbow smash early on, then Jericho tried to roll to the floor, but Punk brought him back into the ring and kicked him square in the chest. Crowd from Louisville on Monday night was hot for the action. Jericho then hid behind the ref and he used the momentary distraction to thumb Punk in the eye to gain an advantage. Crowd hot trying to rally Punk, who came back with a modified tarantula in the corner. Paging Tajiri. Punk then landed a springboard clothesline for a two count. He teased the G2S, but Jericho elbowed out and kicked Punk in the leg to cut off Mr. MITB. Punk rolled to the apron to recover, then Jericho landed a springboard dropkick to clear Punk to the floor. Jericho smirked to the crowd leading to break.

Back from break, Jericho wrapped up Punk in the abdominal stretch. Almost miss the old ab stretch spot where the heel grabs the ropes once, ref doesn't see it, grabs it a second time, ref doesn't see it, then grabs it a third time, and the ref sees it. Always a great spot. I think D.H. Smith tried that on Tuesday, but he wasn't close enough to the ropes. Jericho then missed with a corner charge and Punk fired back with kick strikes all over the body. Punk landed a leaping leg whip, then a high knee in the corner, and running bulldog, but Jericho kicked out at two. Great sequence.

Punk then went up top in a hurry and nailed a crossbody block, but Jericho kicked out again. Punk went back to kick strikes, but Jericho landed a running enziguiri. Nice. He made a cover, but Punk kicked out. Punk came back with another G2S attempt, but Jericho slipped out. Jericho then tried to nail the Lionsault, but Punk had it scouted with the electric chair. He tried to transfer into G2S, but Jericho slipped down into a Walls of Jericho attempt. Punk countered it right into a small package for the three count and the win. Awesome.

WINNER: Punk in 14:00. What a match. Excellent work from both men and some great nearfalls, counters, and reversals that the audience was totally sold out for. Jericho has been a star in the ring his last two matches despite taking losses. Lesson in there about how to stand out as a top worker even if you're booked to lose. (***1/2)

Arcademan:
TNA Impact! Results: 5-21-09

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

1 -- X Division champion SUICIDE & DANIELS vs. MOTOR CITY MACHINEGUNS (ALEX SHELLEY & CHRIS SABIN) vs. LETHAL CONSEQUENCES (JAY LETHAL & CONSEQUENCES CREED)

Announcers argued about the Suicide vs. Daniels identity, then focused on the Main Event Mafia ongoing drama and storylines. Meanwhile, some spots happened in the ring as the Guns double-team dominated Daniels in their corner. More spots, then three-way action broke out in the ring. Suicide tagged in and cleaned house, then more action broke out in the ring. Shelley nailed a frog splash on Suicide, but Daniels broke up the pin. More spots. No one selling anything. Daniels took out Lethal on the floor with a springboard moonsault, and in the ring, Suicide nailed Shelley with a modified codebreaker for the pin and the win.

WINNERS: Suicide & Daniels in 6:00. A whole lot of fast-paced spots to get some athleticism and X Division action on the show. At times, seemed like the wrestlers were just doing stuff to do stuff without any purpose. Hey, let's do a double kick to the head. Why? I don't know, just do it. Okay! (*1/2)

2 -- STING vs. ERIC YOUNG

Funny how things change. Two months ago, Sting hand-picked Eric Young to represent him in the go-home show before a TNA PPV. Young came out first and clapped for Sting, who approached him and patted him on the shoulder. Bell sounded and they adhered to the Code of Honor. Sting clotheslined Young over the top rope to the floor early on and Young clutched his stomach in pain. Back in the ring, Sting whipped him back over the top rope to the floor. Young tried to fire himself up to get back in the ring, then he slid in underneath Sting and fired off a comeback. Sting cut him right off, though, and slapped on the Scorpion Deathlock. Young tried to reach the ropes, but Sting yanked him back to center ring for a tap out win. Announcers said it could be the last time for Sting on Impact if he retires. Announcers barely spent any time on that angle, so not a selling point for Sunday. Young was mad post-match.

WINNER: Sting in 4:00. Just a basic singles match to enhance Sting going into the PPV main event and continue to frustrate Young for his "Chris Harris" storyline on the undercard that is going absolutely nowhere. (*)

3 -- KURT ANGLE vs. MATT MORGAN

Morgan came out on stage sporting his wizard cape before dropping it on stage. After The Wizard came out, Angle made his way to the ring with a rose in hand. Thought he was giving Morgan a present, but Angle dropped the rose on the mat before locking horns with Morgan. Morgan knocked Angle to the floor and gloated about being in control before they cut to an early break.

Back from break, Morgan was in control working on Angle, who was apparently the default babyface in the match. Morgan scored a nearfall, then Angle countered a follow-up move with the anklelock in center ring. Morgan tried to fight the hold, then he kicked Angle away. Morgan came to his feet and landed an overhead slam with no sign of the anklelock effecting him. Morgan wanted the Hellevator suplex, but Angle countered with a small package for the pin and the win. Post-match: Angle shook Morgan's hand and pointed toward Morgan, apparently impressed with Morgan.

WINNER: Angle in 6:00 of TV time. Fine match. Had some good moments with Angle doing his best to elevate Morgan by giving him a close nearfall or two. (*1/2)

4 -- SAMOA JOE vs. JEFF JARRETT

Joe met Jarrett on the entrance ramp and took the brawl over the guardrail to the floor. Joe sent Jarrett into the customary PPV poster on the base of the grandstands before taking the brawl into the stands. Joe continued to blast Jarrett before whipping him over the guardrail back to ringside. Joe targeted the tape job with stiff-looking kicks that put Jarrett on the floor. Ref Slick Johnson tried to block Joe's offense, so Joe chucked him aside to continue beating down Jarrett. Joe slapped on a submission hold to tear the hamstring, then ref Hebner showed up to call for the match to be thrown out.

Joe picked up a chair and rammed it into Jarrett's injured leg. A.J. Styles then jogged down ringside and lightly pushed Joe away to check on Jeff. Joe shoved Styles, then they started to brawl ringside. Security eventually showed up to separate them as Jeff continued to sell the injury. Joe and Styles had a pullapart brawl to end the segment. Should be a good PPV match on Sunday. Probably will sell some buys... What? They're not facing each other?

WINNER: No Contest in 2:00. Wild brawl, then a pullapart brawl to apparently set up Joe vs. Styles at Slammiversary. Too bad TNA glossed right over Joe vs. Nash and Styles vs. Booker on Sunday. They apparently gave up on that. Meanwhile, Jarrett has his "out" for not winning on Sunday or he has the "epic overcoming the odds and stacked deck" card if he wins the TNA Title on Sunday. (n/a)

5 -- TNA World Hvt. champion MICK FOLEY vs. ROCKY BALBOA CUT-OUT

Foley had a stare down against the cut-out and the Security guy stood behind it to land some punches. Foley had enough and Hulked Up before landing successive right hand blows and a suplex. Old man was cheering Foley, apparently not sure of his role on the show. Or, perhaps, where he was. Foley with a piledriver, then he blew himself up running the ropes. Foley with an elbow drop, then a cover for the win. Old man apparently didn't get the point of the whole deal.

WINNER: Foley in 2:00. Good ol' fashioned promise-and-underdeliver, but that was expected. Whole program is built around the idea of getting heat on Foley for being a nutcase who promises the world in the opening, then delivers beachfront property in the Gulf of Mexico, but it makes TNA look bad in the process. Jarrett is positioned as the "voice of the fan" defending against these intentionally stupid storylines, but he comes across like such a Grumpy Gus that it might be difficult for some fans to buy into this.

Post-match: Foley thanked Rocky for his work. He thanked TNA and the fans. Greatest night of his life. Foley lifted up the TNA Title belt after his mock Rocky victory speech. Jeff Jarrett's music hit and SuperJarrett limped to the ring. Take that, Samoa Joe. Now lug Nash around on Sunday. He's done hearing Foley's crap. He's made a mockery of the promotion, then he punched Foley in the face and pounded the crap out of Foley. Angle then stormed the ring and gave Jarrett the Olympic Slam. He slapped on the anklelock before Sting walked to the ring. Foley had a chair in hand now. Angle and Sting talked, then Foley blasted Sting with a chair. Meanwhile, Jarrett got Angle with the Stroke. Foley then blasted Jarrett with a chair shot. Foley the last man standing in the ring going to the PPV on Sunday.

Arcademan:
WWE Smackdown Results: 5-22-09

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

1- RICKY ORTIZ & CHARLIE HAAS & SHELTON BENJAMIN vs. JOHN MORRISON & CRYME TYME

Not sure where Ricky’s heel turn came, but Todd Grisham did hint that his motivational techniques were wearing on other superstars. Remember when Miz & Morrison had their heated feud with Cryme Tyme? Grisham mentioned Ortiz’s football background, noting that he played in the NFL and NCAA, but not revealing that he also played in the XFL. Morrison and Ortiz were in there and once Morrison got the advantage, he tagged out to Shad. Eventually, Ortiz got the best of JTG and tagged out to Haas. JTG dropkicked Haas to the outside and the faces chased the heels off the apron. The heels had to regroup as the show went to break.

Back from break, Shelton was working over JTG after some double-teaming by the heels during the break. All three heels got time in the ring against JTG. Hammerlock slam on JTG by Ortiz for two. JTG tried to fight back against Shelton and was successful, but he couldn’t get by Benjamin to make it to his corner for a tag. Benjamin held onto the leg while trying to make a tag of his own. JTG mule kicked Shelton and Haas came in. JTG and Haas had a confusing spot where it wasn’t clear whether JTG made the hot tag or not. The ref ruled he did- not sure if that was by accident since he was so close or what, but it kind of took the luster off of the situation. Things broke down until it was back to Morrison vs. Haas. Morrison landed on his feet on a Haas suplex attempt, then he hit the Starship Pain for the win.

WINNERS: Cryme Tyme & Morrison, at 10:22. Solid enough match.

2- MICHELLE MCCOOL vs. GAIL KIM- DIVAS CHAMPIONSHIP #1 CONTENDER MATCH

As usual, Fox was at ringside with McCool. The women had a shoving match with Michelle getting the better of it. Kim tried a crucifix roll-up, but ended up arm-dragging McCool down. To the outside, where Michelle took Kim knee-first into the ring-post. Back in the ring, Michelle smelled blood and went right after that knee. Kim locked Michelle in a submission move, with Flying Dragon according to Grisham. The head of Michelle was scissored by Kim and her arm was locked. McCool got out of it and again went back to the knee, including pulling Kim out of the ring by it. Kim landed on the outside with a thud. Gail fought back with right hands, but Michelle dropkicked her in the knee. Heel kick by Kim, then a neck-breaker for a near-fall. As Kim planned to go to the top, Fox got involved without the referee’s knowledge. Kim shoved her into the ring-post face-first, but the pause allowed Michelle to recover and eventually hit the Faith-Breaker for the win.

WINNER: McCool, at 4:25. Another good match between these two ladies. McCool vs. Melina makes the most sense at this point.

3- CHRIS JERICHO vs. CM PUNK

Punk got an early bodyslam and stomp in on Y2J. Jericho missed a springboard dropkick and fell to the outside. Punk got Jericho on his shoulders for the GTS, but Jericho countered and struck with a forearm to the back of the head. Rear chinlock by Jericho but Punk came back with some spot-on kicks and a cover got two. Punk came off the top and Jericho kicked the rope, causing Punk to fall. Show went to break with both men down.

It was all Jericho upon return. He seemed to be getting cocky, though. JR did say that Punk got quite a bit of offense in during the break. Trash talking by Jericho, then a corner clothesline. Punk headbutted Jericho down as both men were on the top. Flying cross-body, but Jericho rolled through for two. Enziguiri missed and Punk rolled him up for two. Punk appeared to be going for his running knee in the corner, but Jericho fired out with a dropkick. Punk shoved Jericho off on a bulldog attempt, and Jericho ended up crotch-first into the middle rope. Knee to the back of the head by Punk. Jericho again got out of a GTS, but got him up a second time. Jericho rolled down Punk’s back and attempted to lock in a Walls of Jericho. Inside cradle by Punk, countered by Jericho back into a Walls. Punk reached the rope to break the count. He came back with a GTS, but Jericho rolled out of the ring. Umaga then came out with a strap in hand and attacked Punk, drawing the DQ.

WINNER: Punk via DQ, at 11:36. Another above-average TV match for these two.

4- DOLPH ZIGGLER vs. R-TRUTH

Big hip-toss from Truth, but Ziggler hung him out to dry throat-first over the top rope. Suplex by Ziggler for only one. Ziggler missed a charge in the corner and Truth came back with some rights and a heel kick. Facce-first into the canvas went Dolph. Scissors kick to Ziggler for two. Truth went to the top, but Ziggler pulled him down by his legs and hit his finisher for the win.

WINNER: Ziggler, at 2:29.

As Ziggler headed to the back, Great Khali came out, walking with a purpose. Ziggler was forced to go back into the ring, where Truth leveled Ziggler with a spinning flying forearm. Ziggler though, was able to high-tail it through the crowd before Khali could get his hands on him.

5- JEFF HARDY vs. EDGE- WINNER NAMES THE STIPULATION FOR THEIR MATCH AT EXTREME RULES

The two had a bit of a feeling-out process at the outset, with neither man getting a clear advantage. Edge took a breather when he felt like he was in trouble. He tripped Jeff up but Edge couldn’t capitalize. JR made it a point that Edge is trying to concuss Hardy. Jeff worked a head-lock on Edge as JR made a few basketball metaphors. Jeff bounced Edge’s head off the turnbuckle ten times. Dropkick in the corner, but it may have hurt Jeff on the landing. Kick to the head by Edge. He seemed to be the fresher man as the show went to break.

Edge concentrated his attack on Jeff’s skull, kicking him a number of times in the head in the corner of the ring. Jeff came back with an elbow in the corner, then a Whisper in the Wind. He nearly got a pinfall off of it. Flying forearm by Hardy, shades of Tito Santana. Face-first suplex and the shirt has come off, folks. Hardy went to the top, but Edge crawled a safe distance away. Edge with a neck-breaker on Hardy for two. Edge, to the top, but Hardy met him with a standing dropkick. He baseball slid Edge out of the ring. Flying crossbody over the top by Jeff. Back in the ring, Jeff landed a second-rope leg-drop for two. Edge shoved off a Twist of Fate attempt, but Hardy rolled Edge up after a spear miss for another near-fall. Backslide by Edge for two. Grisham compared this match to a game of chess. Finally a Twist of Fate for Hardy, who then crawled to the corner and up the turnbuckle. Edge caught him with a right hand though, crotching him on the top rope. Jeff fought out and knocked Edge to the canvas. Swanton hit and Jeff won it.

WINNER: Hardy, at 15:42. Great match, made more intriguing by the stipulation and the concussion storyline.

-After showing a replay of important moments in the match, Grisham met Jeff in the ring for the reveal of what Jeff has decided for a stipulation. Jeff said he’d be climbing a ladder to win the title, so it’ll be a Ladder Match.

Arcademan:
TNA Sacrifice PPV Results: 5-24-09

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

Pre-Show Report

A -- KIYOSHI vs. AMAZING RED

Red took the initial advantage by knocking Kiyoshi to the outside and landing a corkscrew twisting splash for the first highspot of the night. Red took his time getting back in the ring, allowing Kiyoshi to cut him off. Don West interjected that he spent a good amount of time talking to Kiyoshi pre-show in Japanese to calm him down. Mike Tenay was ready to strangle him. Red made a comeback at 5:00, then "fed off the crowd" for a leg lariat resulting in a two count. Kiyoshi then came back with a turnaround suplex for a two count, which Kiyoshi sold with frustration. He called for the end and went for a moonsault, but Red moved and Kiyoshi ate the mat. Red nearly botched a turnaround DDT, then followed with a standing moonsault for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Red in 7:00. Good pre-PPV opener to warm up the crowd. (**)

1 -- MOTOR CITY MACHINEGUNS (ALEX SHELEY & CHRIS SABIN) & SHEIK ABDUL BASHIR vs. LETHAL CONSEQUENCES (JAY LETHAL & CONSEQEUENCES CREED) & ERIC YOUNG

Savage...er...Lethal showed up in an old school silver cape that expanded across his wingspan. Lethal also sporting the 1980s Savage red trunks with white stars. Predictably, the odd-ball trio of Sheik & Guns broke down as they were working on Creed. He wanted a hot tag to Young, but Young no-sold a tag as West complained about Young "ruffling some feathers" backstage. Young eventually joined the action with a double suicide dive with Creed on the Guns. Back in the ring, Lethal gave Sheik a sit-out slam for a close two count. Nice nearfall. Lethal then wanted a top rope elbow drop, but Shelley cut him off and landed a brainbuster. Shelley went up top himself, but Creed cut him off. Action broke down into a six-way brawl as West complained about the ref losing control of the action. More highspots ensued. Young then clotheslined someone inside out. More spots. More people flying around the ring.

Bashir landed a top rope frogsplash at 11:45, but no one knew who was legal or what the heck was going on, so everyone stood around. More standing around before Guns landed a double-team kick combo on Creed. Young then set up a double Death Valley Driver on the Guns and connected, but Bashir knocked Young to the floor. Lethal then tried to sunset flip Bashir, but Bashir grabbed the ropes. Ref saw it and kicked Bashir's hands off the ropes, allowing Lethal to score a pin for the win. Afterward, West blew a gasket out of disdain for the ref assist. Young was confused and didn't know how to react. He didn't want to take part in the celebration.

WINNERS: Lethal & Young & Creed at 13:55. Opening highspot fest that was just a bunch of guys flipping around the ring like an independent show match where no one is selling anything. I'm sure they were instructed to be a bunch of highspot monkeys because that's what TNA pigeonholes them as, so I don't want to criticize the wrestlers for working hard, but this was just a bunch of spots. (**)

2 -- TAYLOR WILDE vs. DAFFNEY -- Monster's Ball match

Lots of weapons early on. Taylor went to her Canadian roots to smash Daffney with a hockey stick early on. Taylor finished her off rather quickly with a slam onto a trashcan for the win. Post-match: Daffney recovered as Dr. Stevie stormed the ring to spread out thumbtacks in the ring. Lauren and Abyss then ran to ringside and Abyss gave Stevie the Black Hole Slam into the tacks to end the segment.

WINNER: Taylor in 2:00. Short match promoting the undercard storyline that will assuredly continue on TV. (n/a)

3 -- X Division champion SUICIDE vs. CHRISTOPHER DANIELS -- X Division Title match

Before the match, they had a nice handshake before squaring off across the ring. Crowd quiet early on as Don West continued to talk and talk and talk about the Suicide/Daniels/Curry Man conspiracy theory. West covered for the quiet crowd by saying the audience is split on whether they want Fake Daniels or Real Daniels to win. Both men struggled to work around Suicide's limited peripheral vision, then Daniels knocked Suicide to the floor, only to take a knee to the gut on a springboard moonsault attempt.

Chris Sabin eventually came to ringside as West continued to complain about the conspiracy theories involved here. Meanwhile, Shelley blasted Suicide in the ring with a codebreaker. Daniels pretended like he wasn't paying attention, then he went into the ring and covered Suicide for the easy pin and the win.

WINNER: Daniels at 12:10 to capture the X Division Title. Just a basic filler undercard match. Very disappointing X Division Title match with Don West walking a fine line between an annoying "heel announcer" and trying to get a rise out of Internet fans who enjoy listening to conspiracy theories. (*1/2)

Post-match: Daniels took the mic after watching the replay and said he doesn't want to win the X Division Title like that. He asked Suicide for five more minutes. Seriously, they asked Suicide if he wanted five more minutes. Naw, he doesn't care about the belt. After milking it, Suicide accepted. So, is Daniels still champ or does it revert to Suicide?

3b -- CHRISTOPHER DANIELS vs. SUICIDE -- X Division Title match -- five-minute OT

West was also confused by this, as he asked Tenay what happens if no one wins in the five-minute OT. Tenay said it goes back to Suicide. He didn't sound very convincing. Perhaps they should have a shoot-out. West said they're getting close to the LeBron James last-second shot time. Too soon for Orlando fans. Daniels connected with the Best Moonsault Ever at 4:35, but Suicide rolled through into a pin attempt. Clock counted down to zero with Suicide scoring a nearfall on Daniels. Suicide retains the X Division Title apparently. Daniels handed over the title belt to Suicide as West complained about there being a double-cross.

WINNER: No Contest at 5:00. Five more filler minutes. This whole program is so far out there in outer space. Just give us two men with one issue and let them wrestle out the issue in the ring. I just don't care about these "conspiracy theories" that West talked about for...ev...er in this 17-minute segment. It was over-kill. (*)

4 -- KNOCKOUTS champion ANGELINA LOVE vs. AWESOME KONG

Kong out first, then Angelina slowly entered the ring not wanting to aggravate the monster to start the match. She tried to duck into the corner, but Kong pulled her out and rammed her into the turnbuckle. Angelina tried to run away to the floor, but Kong followed and rammed her into the guardrail. Angelina finally took control on the floor and tried to get a count-out, but Kong made it back into the ring where she took an aggressive pummeling from Kong. Angelina then tried to high-tail it out of the ring, but Raisha Saeed stopped her in her tracks and Kong brick-walled her onto the floor. Back in the ring, Kong had a pin, but she pulled up at one to inflict more damage. She missed with a top rope dive, then Angelina rolled to the outside and grabbed a gimmick. Raisha cut her off, though, and Kong accidentally rammed Raisha off the apron. Angelina used the pepper spray behind the ref's back, then she rolled up Kong from behind for the win. Kong isn't going to be too happy with Raisha. Post-match: Kong scooped up Angelina and gave her another brick-wall bump. She then finished off Angelina with the implant buster in center ring to get her back. Oops, not done yet. Kong dragged Angelina back into center ring and gave her another implant buster for two exclamation marks.

WINNER: Angelina at 5:57 to retain the Knockouts Title. Fine title match. Good storyline played out in the ring where there was an issue and the heel managed to keep the belt by hook or by crook. Fine pro wrestling match despite the outside interference. (*1/2)

5 -- SAMOA JOE vs. KEVIN NASH

Nash came out first and Don West said Nash has been in the gym getting prepared for this, based on his physique improvement. Samoa Joe then came out and Nash took his time re-entering the ring so Joe could work himself up. Nice "veteran heel" move in the storyline context. West referenced the consultant to Joe. Bell sounded as the announcers talked about Joe losing his edge, which made him take his violence to a whole 'nother level. Nash landed a big boot in the first minute. Match moved to the floor where Nash tried a chair shot, but Joe ducked and smashed Nash with a chair. Nash came up busted open and the action returned to the ring. Joe nailed an enziguiri kick, but Nash came right back with a sidewalk slam. Joe then came back with a sleeperhold and Nash grabbed the ropes for a break. In the interim, though, Nash landed a mule kick behind the ref's back and scored a nearfall. Joe came back with a running kick and running sentaun, but Nash kicked out. Joe then slapped on the rear naked choke and Nash tapped out in five seconds. Joe with a clean victory over Nash.

Post-match: Joe grabbed Nash and put him in the Bryan Danielson choke hold to land elbow strikes to the neck. Security and refs ate right hand punches, then Joe went back to Nash and landed forearm strikes. Crowd not sure how to respond. Security eventually sent Joe away and Joe grabbed his towel on the way out. Scott Steiner then rolled into the ring and checked on Nash, who sold the beating.

WINNER: Joe at 8:05. Nice singles match. Two men. One issue. No funny stuff, just a good, competitive wrestling match. Post-match continues to make Joe a "shades of gray" character when the audience has no reason to cheer him, but they're tentative to boo him because of his amazing run in the past. (**1/2)

Continued in next post...

Arcademan:
TNA Sacrifice PPV Results: 5-24-09

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

Continued from previous post...

6 -- BEER MONEY, INC. (ROBERT ROODE & JAMES STORM) vs. BRITISH INVASION (DOUG WILLIAMS & BRUTUS MAGNUS w/Rob Terry) -- Finals of Team 3D Tag Team Tournament #1 contendership

Ray with more talk of TNA offering the best tag team in wrestling. He said he likes what he sees from Doug Williams and expects him to help Brutus and Terry advance in TNA. Brutus tried to dump Storm over the top rope, but Storm held onto to the top rope, Roode poured him a brew, and Storm skinned the cat back into the ring to spew the brew into Magnus's face. Beer Money definitely popular with the crowd as babyfaces. British Invasion recovered on the floor, then Roode launched Storm over the top rope with a three-man splash. Don West kept agreeing with Team 3D on all of their commentary, which was pretty awesome. Ray called out West, but West shifted it back to trying to call a serious match here, fellas. One step ahead. Ray said they love tag tournaments like the Crockett Cup and it was a big deal for them to pull out $100,000 for this tournament. West chimed in that it's only like $50,000 after taxes.

Storm made a hot tag to Roode at 8:00 and Ray mixed up the Beer Money wrestlers. Action broke down, then Williams nailed a lift-up European Uppercut on Roode, but Roode kicked out. BI wanted to finish off Roode, but Storm broke it up. Roode dumped Brutus to the floor, then Storm nailed a top rope huracanrana leading to Roode hit a frogsplash. He had the pin, but Terry pulled ref Hebner out of the ring. West comically demanded he be tossed from ringside, chiming in with Team 3D. Beer Money was in jeopardy as Williams introduced the stolen LAX briefcase, but Roode yanked the case and clocked Williams. Hebner made the cover and scored a pin for the win. Post-match: Team 3D entered the ring and shook hands with Beer Money. In typical TNA fashion, trophy presentation is this Thursday on Impact. Don't even get the trophies tonight. Guess they need to make sure the giant check clears.

WINNERS: Beer Money at 10:43. Good tag match with a hot crowd. The usual TNA run-around, interference, etc., but the crowd made up for it by being very involved. This was West at his best as a heel announcer. It was great. (***)

7 -- Legends champion A.J. STYLES vs. BOOKER T (w/out Sharmell) -- Legends Title match -- I Quit match

Styles was in control early. West did his classic heel line about Booker letting Styles get his offense in to give him a false sense of security before making the comeback. Booker dropped Styles throat-first across the guardrail, then Styles breathed into the mic without saying I Quit. West said perhaps he was trying to, but he couldn't produce the air to say the two words. Nice from West. After Booker worked on Styles for a while, they went into a standing exchange of right hand blows, then Styles ducked a right and nailed the Pele kick. Nice sequence. West complemented Styles on the comeback and said he can't tell you how many times he's screamed that move out. Styles then gripped Booker and landed forearms. Booker was not quitting. "Hell naw, man," Booker said. Styles then knocked Booker to the floor and followed with a plancha on the ground. Nice spot. Booker didn't give up. Styles then rammed him into the ringpost and rolle him back in at 15:00. Booker wouldn't give.

Styles regrouped on the apron, then Sharmell came to ringside and shouted instructions to Booker. Styles landed a flying forearm smash as Sharmell encouraged him not to quit. Styles wanted the Clash, but Sharmell jumped on the apron. Booker tried to take advantage, but he accidentally bumped Sharmell off the apron. In the confusion, Styles grappled Booker and put him in a nice-looking MMA submission trying to separate the shoulder. Booker refused to give. Jenna then came down to ringside with a towel in hand. Jenna tossed the towel into the ring and the ref called for the bell. Jenna screamed at Sharmell that she was just trying to help, but Sharmell was having none of it. Styles took his belt and was initially upset with the finish since he didn't get Booker to quit, but he celebrated with the title. Crowd was disappointed with the finish, which hurt Styles's moment.

WINNER: Styles at 16:47 to retain the Legends Title. Best match of the PPV until the finish with Sharmell-Jenna continuing their feud on my PPV TV. Keep it on free TV, but don't put that dumb storyline on pay TV. As usual, TNA tries to find a way out of a stipulation. Sucks to rant on that, because the match was awesome and one of Booker's best performances in years. (***3/4)

8 -- TNA Hvt. champion MICK FOLEY vs. JEFF JARRETT vs. STING vs. KURT ANGLE -- TNA World Title match

Jarrett and Angle paired off against each other early on. Cactus and Sting battled through the crowd, up the stands, and to the entranceramp where Foley landed a piledriver on the ramp. Angle put Jarrett in the anklelock, then Foley tried to help Angle by putting Jarrett in the Mandible Claw to make Jarrett tap and lose his votes, but Angle jumped Foley and knocked him to the floor. Foley rolled to the outside, then decided to join commentary to say he's taking a little breather-oonie until absolutely necessary to sneak in there for the win. Jarrett took a double-team beating from the Mafia, then Sting and Angle accidentally bumped into each other. After the contact, Sting shoved Angle, who tried to apologize. Angle then eye-raked Sting and landed a series of German suplexes. Sting and Jarrett were down, then Angle slowly looked around for Foley. He walked over the announce table and landed a running flip dive clear over the announce table into Foley's lap. Angle dragged Foley into the ring, then four-way action broke out.

At 11:00, Foley came to life and pulled out Socko II and III. Jarrett ate II and Sting ate III, then tried to cover both men with their shoulders on the mat, but Angle snuck in behind him and slapped on the anklelock. Foley escaped and bumped the ref in the process. Sting had a visual pin on Angle. Jarrett then KO'ed Sting with the guitar and scored a visual three count. Foley then cracked a chair over Jarrett's head and scored a two count with the ref to life. Everyone took a break, then Angle put both Sting and Jarrett in the anklelock until Foley broke it up. Foley DDT'ed Angle, then made the cover, but Sting broke it up.

Again, Foley vs. Sting and Angle vs. Jarrett. Jarrett took Angle up top and nailed The Stroke off the top into the face of the chair. Sting then snuck in behind Jarrett and covered Angle for the pin and the win to become leader of the Mafia. Afterward, Jarrett sold deep thought pondering the new role for Sting. Foley, meanwhile, took the title belt and dragged himself up the entranceramp. Sting then leaned over Angle's fallen body and talked to him. Tenay asked what new changes will take place as Foley clutched his title belt like a lost teddy bear to close the show.

WINNER: Sting at 15:01. Good main event. They used props and the four-way format effectively to create movement and build drama for each nearfall leading to the finish. Nice to see a legit finish, although the overall problem with this match was the TNA Title belt being a secondary or fourth-most-important element of the match. Title belt should always be the most-important when the title is on the line in a match. That was an inherent flaw in the match, but that doesn't take away from strong PPV main event performances from all four. (***1/2)

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