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Arcademan:
ECW on SyFy Results: 1-5-10

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

1 -- SHELTON BENJAMIN vs. CHAVO GUERRERO -- ECW Homecoming qualifying match

Chavo took it to Shelton early on, then Shelton fired back with right hand blows. Ref Armstrong kept getting involved, which gave Chavo an opening for two out of three Amigos suplexes, but Shelton countered numero tres with a German Suplex (with bridge) for a two count. Chavo then took out Shelton's left knee and went to work with various holds targeting the knee. Shelton made a comeback with a spin kick to the face as the camera took us pretty close inside the ring. Shelton with a nearfall, then Chavo took Shelton down with a Half-Crab submission hold. They broke free and came to their feet with Chavo hitting a big multiple-revolutions head scissors. It's 1999 and we're re-living the WCW Cruiserweight division here. Chavo then went up top for a Frog Splash, but Shelton came to his feet and ducked the finisher. Shelton immediately followed up with Pay Dirt for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Shelton in 5:00 to qualify for ECW Homecoming. Solid five-minute TV match. I don't know if it's because Chavo has been limited to comedy matches with Hornswoggle for six months, but Chavo looked great being able to work a regular match. (*1/2)

2 -- EZEKIEL JACKSON (w/William Regal) vs. KOZLOV

The bell sounded and they went to a stand-still. Kozlov then knocked Jackson to the floor and Jackson regrouped with Regal's aid. Back in the ring, Jackson went after Kozlov's knee and continued to work over the body part. And he wrenched and wrenched on it trying to build sympathy for a Kozlov comeback. It's one of those things where the audience isn't buying into any of the action potentially leading to the finish because they've been trained to sit on their hands and wait for the finish. Kozlov then made a comeback and landed a clothesline. He shook out the knee, but Jackson mercifully put an end to this match with a uranage for the pin and the win. This here is domination, said the lyrics. Post-match, Regal pulled up Kozlov and told him he's a disgrace. Jackson shoved Kozlov down to the mat and sneered at the audience while Regal checked under his nails to ensure he didn't get any dirt. That was the most entertaining aspect of the entire segment.

WINNER: Jackson in 6:00. This wasn't interesting at all with zero character development, a lack of motivations explained for the wrestlers when wins and losses in non-title matches don't seem to have much value in WWE, and the audience being trained to sit on their hands and not buy into any the action taking place before the finish. (1/2*)

3 -- C.M. PUNK (w/Luke Gallows) vs. MARK HENRY -- ECW Homecoming qualifying match

Punk played heel early on by running to the corner to avoid Henry. Punk then tried to chop down the tree with kick strikes, but Henry lifted him up in the air to toss him over the top rope. Punk, flustered, circled around the ring huffing and puffing before Luke tried to calm him down going to break.

Back from break, Punk was knocked to the floor where Luke checked on him. Henry, frustrated, slowly approached Punk on the floor and Punk surprised him with a drop toehold into the ring steps. Punk tried to run into the ring for a count-out, but Henry rolled back into the ring and Punk quickly targeted his upper body with knee stomps. Punk then mounted Henry for right hand blows before Punk continued to keep Henry on the mat with a body scissors hold. Punk heelishly smiled and talked trash at Henry while keeping the hold locked in.

At the top of the hour, Punk kicked Henry in the head multiple times from a seated position before making a cover for a two count. Punk then landed a series of kick strikes to the chest, which Henry started to no-sell, but Punk cut him down to the mat with an emphatic kick strike for another two count. Punk then landed consecutive knee blows, but Henry no-sold. Henry then Hulked Up and headbutted Punk multiple times across the ring before landing a huge clothesline. Henry followed with a running corner splash before running clear across the ring for another splash, but Punk moved and hit a running knee strike. Luke then suddenly smashed Henry in the head from the apron behind the ref's back to stun Henry. Punk capitalized with a standing enziguiri kick to the head for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Punk in 12:00 to qualify for the ECW Homecoming. Fundamentally-sound, well-executed big man vs. dastardly heel match. It's not realistic in the context of a kayfabe fight for Punk to be taking it to Henry left and right, so he had to find ways to maneuver around Henry and use trickeration to win matches. They stretched out the formula well with Punk in control to set up Henry for a very strong comeback before ultimately pulling out the win. Solid finish to the show. (*3/4)

Post-match: They flash-carded individual graphics for Punk, Evan Bourne, Matt Hardy, "the undefeated" Vance Archer, Ezekiel Jackson, Yoshi Tatsu, Shelton Benjamin, and Kane to round out the field of eight in the #1 contender battle royal on next week's show. Winner faces Christian at the Rumble. They closed with a shot of Punk and Gallows celebrating the escapist victory ringside with Gallows rubbing Punk's shoulders to close the show.

Arcademan:
WWE Superstars Results: 1-7-10

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

1 - JILLIAN vs. GAIL KIM - DIVAS CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT FIRST-ROUND MATCH

Jillian has apparently lost her last name. She got some mic time before the match said she had a pretty good feeling about her chances tonight and started singing "I Got a Feeling" from the Black Eyed Peas. Kim worked a wrist-lock, but that didn't go anywhere. Jillian with a shoulder-tackle, but Kim tripped her up for a near-fall. Cross-body off the top by Kim for another two-count. Fan with an "NWO" shirt directly opposite the hard camera. I didn't know people still wore those. Jillian worked over Kim on the outside of the ring. Back in, she caught Kim with a sidewalk slam for two. Hard whip into the buckle followed that up. A small section of fans chanted for Gail. Jillian pulled Gail off the top rope and went for a pin, but Jillian's leg was under the bottom rope. Kim showed off her flexibility by taking out Jillian with a body-scissors and getting the pin thanks to good leverage.

WINNER: Kim, at 3:09. An OK match.

2 - TED DIBIASE vs. CHRIS MASTERS

Masters' new music sounds just as heelish as his last one. He was accompanied to the ring by his new on-screen fling, Eve Torres. DiBiase concentrated on the legs of Masters at the outset. Masters almost got the Masterlock locked on with both men on the mat, but DiBiase got to the ropes to break it. After DiBiase took a break on the outside, Masters almost turned a hammerlock into a Masterlock. These quick attempts seemed to unnerve DiBiase. DiBiase fought back with a clothesline and several right hands. Impressive dropkick from one-third of Legacy. Sounded like Jerry Lawler was making his case to be in the Royal Rumble match, saying, "what's a Royal Rumble without a King?" DiBiase began to wear Masters down. Belly-to-back suplex by DiBiase cut off Masters' attempt at a comeback, but Masters got it in full a few seconds later. Scoop slam, then Masters played to the crowd and set up for the Masterlock. Two attempts and Masters couldn't do it. After a counter by DiBiase, he leveled Masters with Dream Street for the win.

WINNER: DiBiase, at 5:54. A rather bland match: Nothing wrong with it per se, but ultimately forgettable.

3 - YOSHI TATSU vs. CAYLEN CROFT

This was billed as Croft's first singles match in WWE. Goldust was at ringside for Tatsu, and Trent Beretta was in Croft's corner. Couple arm-drags and a dropkick by Tatsu, but Croft suckered him in and threw him out of the ring, using the tights for leverage. They went to break about a minute into the match.

Croft was taking it to Tatsu out of break. Snap suplex garnered Croft a two-count. Croft worked a head-lock, and it looked nice and tight. Crowd wouldn't get into it to help Tatsu break the hold, so he had to do it himself. Yoshi fought back with chops and a rolling snap-mare out of the corner. To the top, Tatsu tried to get a hurricanrana on Croft, but Croft held on and Yoshi landed on his head. Cross-body off the top, but Yoshi rolled through for a near-fall. Neck-breaker by Croft for two. Yoshi finally hit the kick to the head of Croft for three.

WINNER: Tatsu, at 9:02. Good showing for Croft in his first singles match. They didn't ask him to do too much, but I did like the last few minutes.

4 - FINLAY vs. MIKE KNOX

A feeling-out process took place early in the contest. Finlay grabbed Knox's arm and tried to bend it, but the over-sized Knox got to the ropes. Pump kick by Knox sent Finlay to the arena floor. Also one of Sheamus' signature moves. Let's see how long it stays in Knox's arsenal. Both men traded blows on the outside until Knox powerslammed Finlay. Finlay made it back into the ring before the ten-count. Back-breaker by Knox after Finlay tried an open-hand punch. Finlay fought out of a rest-hold and Knox ran into a few boots. The Irishman came off the second rope, but Knox caught him in an impressive display of strength. Another miss from Knox, as he went shoulder-first into the ring-post. Finlay made his comeback and Rolling Thunder got two. Knox came out of a corner with a cross-body for a two-count. The big man took the middle turnbuckle pad off one of the corners. That's a new one. As the ref got rid of the pad from the ring, Finlay used the Shillelagh to the skull of Knox to pick up the victory. Grisham called it a dirty deed and without missing a beat, Striker added it was "done dirt cheap." I'm sure Vince approved.

WINNER: Finlay, at 6:46. Knox loses again. What else is new? I don't see why they don't put him over Finlay; he certainly has more upward mobility than Fit.

Arcademan:
WWE Smackdown Results: 1-8-10

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

1 – KANE vs. DOLPH ZIGGLER

This is a re-match from last week’s Beat-The-Clock challenge. Hard right hand from Kane after he picked Ziggler up off the mat. Striker tried to get across the idea that Ziggler may be a loose cannon. Hey, give him the old Brian Pillman gimmick. Low dropkick by Kane for a two-count. Ziggler came off the second rope with a dropkick for only one. He got a DDT on Kane with Kane on one knee. Still only got a one-count. Lots of quick, unsuccessful pin attempts. Sleeper by Ziggler, which didn’t really go anywhere. Kane made a comeback with a corner clothesline and a big boot. Only a two-count though. Sidewalk slam for only two. Top rope clothesline by the seven-footer. Ziggler avoided Kane’s chokeslam and landed the Zig-Zag, but Kane was able to kick out. He went for a sleeper again and got Kane off his feet. The Big Red Monster got back to a vertical base and Kane stumbled through the middle rope and to the outside, with Ziggler holding on the entire time. As referee John Cone’s count reached eight, Ziggler let go and scampered into the ring. Kane couldn’t make it back in before the ten.

WINNER: Ziggler, at 6:20. I feel like there’s been a lot of count-out decisions lately. Even so, good win for Ziggler that makes him look relatively smart.

2 – R-TRUTH & CRYME TYME vs. THE HART DYNASTY & CHRIS JERICHO

The first minute or two of the match consisted of quick tags and high-energy offense from the babyfaces. Pump kick by R-Truth on Jericho as he maintained control over the self-professed face of Smackdown. Another kick sent Jericho to the outside as they went to break 2:45 into the match.

The show returned with Jericho in peril once again. David Hart Smith low-bridged Shad on an attempt to run the ropes, and Nattie got in a cheap shot on the outside. Another heat segment started up with Shad Gaspard being worked over by the heels. At the 9:30 mark, Shad made the hot tag to JTG as Striker spazzed out on commentary. R-Truth dispatched Kidd from the ring and Shad booted him out for good measure. Jericho sent Gaspard to the outside and JTG rolled him up for a near-fall. JTG went off the top but got caught by Jericho and put into the Walls of Jericho – the REAL version of the move, not the wussy Boston Crab it has turned into. And hey, Jericho picked up the win with it!

WINNERS: Jericho and the Harts, at 10:41. Good work from all six men. Felt different than the numerous other Hart Dynasty vs. Cryme Tyme matches that I’ve had to sit through.

3 – LUKE GALLOWS vs. MATT HARDY

This is Gallows’ first singles match. The two men went back and forth, with Hardy failing to suplex Gallows, and Gallows dropping Hardy stomach-first over the top rope and gave him a punch to send him to the outside. After sending Matt into the ring, Gallows landed a back suplex for two. Sunset flip by Matt, but he couldn’t even get a one count. Gallows mounted Matt and punished him with rights. The former Festus missed a splash in the corner and Hardy capitalized with a moonsault off the top rope. That got him a two-count. Tornado DDT by Hardy for another two. Hardy to the second rope, but Punk provided a distraction and Gallows downed him with a big boot. That led to the Gallows’ Pole (or, the 12th step) for the pin.

WINNER: Gallows, at 5:46.

4 – BETH PHOENIX vs. LAYLA

Layla looked a bit hesitant coming to the ring, but Michelle McCool accompanied her down and tried to instill some confidence in her. Beth shoulder tackled her, then gave her a version of an airplane spin. Beth pointed at McCool at ringside. Layla, on the outside, was thrown back into the ring by McCool. Layla went after the knees of Beth and then kicked her in the head. A few more kicks, then she jumped on Beth’s back. Phoenix flipped her to the mat, stood Layla up and gave her the Glam Slam. Fin.

WINNER: Phoenix, at 1:44. Interesting four-person feud here; better than the usual storylines we get from the Divas.

5 – REY MYSTERIO vs. BATISTA – WINNER WILL FACE UNDERTAKER FOR THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHP AT THE ROYAL RUMBLE

Mysterio used his quickness out of the gate, but Batista caught him and slammed him back-first into the turnbuckle. Back-breaker by the Animal, as he taunted Rey. Rey got his feet up in the corner on a charge and he tried to springboard hurricanrana the big man, but Batista wouldn’t let him. Rey did manage to set Batista up for a 619, but Batista escaped to the outside. As Rey followed him, Batista managed to send him back-first into the ring post as they went to break.

Rey was seated on the top rope and he fought away from Batista. Frogsplash off the top by Rey, but he came up lame afterward as well. Grisham said Batista raised his shoulder, catching Rey’s ribs and perhaps knocking the wind out of him. Batista caught Rey on another springboard attempt and planted him on the mat. And another. Batista speared Mysterio, then flexed before doing his Warrior routine. As he set up for a Batista Bomb, the lights went out and the gongs went off. When they came back on, both Mysterio and Batista were down in the ring. Batista was holding his head. Mysterio got to his feet and pummeled Batista in the noggin. Wheelbarrow into a bulldog by Rey Rey. Batista, however picked up Rey, but Rey DDT’d him. Striker noted that Batista had “those Johnny Walker eyes.” Mysterio connected on the 619, but again the lights went out and the gong played. This time, Mysterio and Batista were both again down. Crowd booed this time. The lights went out a third time and this time, Taker’s full entrance played. However, he never came out….and the show ended?

WINNER: No Contest, at 10:45. Not only did they not announce the winner, a pet peeve of mine, they went off the air with the match not officially ending. I predicted a Triple-Threat match at Royal Rumble on the Pro Wrestling Torch Livecast yesterday, and it looks like that’s where they’re headed.

Arcademan:
WWE RAW Results: 1-11-10

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

1 -- KELLY KELLY vs. ALICIA FOX -- First Round Divas Title tournament match

Kelly held control initially, working over Alicia's neck. She then tried to win with her usual head scissors-like maneuver, but Alicia countered with a powerbomb for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Alicia Fox at 2:25. The match happened, but it was typically short. Now Alicia, Maryse, and Gail Kim have advanced. Need a second babyface to complete the four semi-finalists.

2 -- LEGACY (CODY RHODES & TED DIBIASE, JR.) vs. MARK HENRY & EVAN BOURNE

Legacy isolated Bourne early on as the announcers speculated whether the Rumble will drive a stake through Legacy. Cody then busted out a beautiful dropkick on Bourne before slowly taking him apart. Bourne eventually made the hot tag to Henry at 3:15, leading to Henry cleaning house. Henry then tagged in Bourne for the Air Bourne on Cody, but DiBiase yanked Cody out of harm's way. DiBiase followed by suckering Henry into a dive over the top rope. Bourne then smashed Rhodes with a knee strike, but Cody caught Bourne from behind with Cross Rhodes for the pin and the win.

WINNERS: Legacy at 4:15. Summary of this is that Legacy teased tension yet again, Bourne was a ragdoll, and if WWE wants to utilize Henry and Bourne, there is potential for a nice tag team here. Something about this power & size combo would work if Henry can soften up an opponent, then Bourne can hit his Air Bourne finisher. (*)

3 -- JACK SWAGGER vs. SANTINO MARELLA -- Over-the-top-rope challenge

Swagger rammed Santino across the turnbuckles before hitting his running Vader Bomb. Swagger then tried to run Santino over the top rope, but Santino pulled a trick out of the bag ducking down to eliminate Swagger over the top rope. Swagger sold anger ringside post-match, then he tried to chase Santino, who bolted up the entranceramp to the back.

WINNER: Santino at 0:52. Pretty darn pointless. The carnival wrestler is supposed to win the first few, but look vulnerable, to get the marks in the crowd to think they have a shot. Swagger wasn't supposed to lose the first challenge. The highlight of Swagger's night was cutting off Michael Cole. (n/a)

4 -- RANDY ORTON vs. KOFI KINGSTON vs. JOHN CENA -- #1 contender match

The bell sounded and Orton kicked Cena in the gut. Kofi and Cena then double-teamed Orton and some awkward in-ring wrestling occurred. Orton tried to bail, but Cena threw Orton into the ring. Worth noting Orton is the heel here, but he's getting double-teamed. Kofi then chucked Orton to the floor, leaving Cena and Kofi alone in the ring. Sheamus then came out on stage for a closer look. Cena told Sheamus to come on down, but then Orton caught both Cena and Kofi from behind to take control going to break. Poor first three minutes to start the match.

Back from break, Sheamus was still on the entranceramp and Orton was still in control. Orton then dropped Cena with his "vicious" horizontal DDT from the middle rope. Orton got up, but walked into a high cross-body splash from Kofi, who scored a two count. Orton came back with a fallaway backbreaker on Kofi, but Cena attacked Orton. Kofi then hit the SOS sweeping back drop on Orton for a two count. Kofi warmed up the Boom Drop on Orton, but Cena caught him with the STF in center ring. Kofi held on forever before Orton finally broke up the hold. Cena then fired up his usual routine on Orton before delivering the Five Knuckle Shuffle. Cena wanted to follow with the FU, but Kofi yanked Orton down and chopped Cena across the chest. Kofi followed with a dropkick and leaping clothesline before hitting the Boom Drop. Crowd seemed to die as Kofi took control here. Kofi then hit the Trouble in Paradise, but Cena rolled to the outside.

Kofi turned to Orton for ten punches in the corner, while, suddenly, Cody Rhodes showed up ringside to kick the ring steps into Cena. The ref reprimanded Cody while Kofi and Orton waited forever for DiBiase to show up and interfere on Orton's behalf behind the ref's back. Orton then stalked Kofi, who was on his feet at this point, and hit the RKO center ring. Orton sold frustration with the finish, then made the cover for the win. Post-match: Sheamus glared back at Orton, who stood tall in the ring with Legacy. Sheamus vs. Orton at the Rumble.

WINNER: Orton at 11:15. Clunky, disappointing match. Kofi was off, Kofi and Cena working together in the beginning was off, DiBiase was slow with the final interference, and the finish was off. Orton vs. Sheamus is an all right match-up. (3/4*)

5 -- EVE vs. KATIE LEA BURCHILL -- First Round Divas Title tournament match

Eve made a comeback at 1:25 after Katie held the early advantage. Katie became frustrated when she couldn't put Eve away, then Eve rolled her up for the pin and the win. There's your second babyface in the next round of the tournament. Post-match: Maryse threw down her headset and did a hand-motion telling Eve to get out of her immediate vantage point. Such great charisma.

WINNER: Eve at 1:52. Just there and expectedly short. The brackets were shown on the screen showing Maryse vs. Eve and Gail vs. Alicia in the semi-finals.

6 -- Unified tag champions DX (TRIPLE H & SHAWN MICHAELS) vs. MIKE TYSON & CHRIS JERICHO -- non-title match

Michaels and Tyson were in the ring to start. There should be a sense of anticipation in the arena, but there isn't just yet. Tyson took control early on by shoving Michaels down three times in a row. Michaels tried to surprise charge Tyson, but Tyson answered with a shoulder tackle. Hunter then entered the ring to stare down Tyson and try to intimidate him. They locked up and battled to the corner where things got intense with Tyson shoving Hunter after Hunter tried to shove him. Jericho then tagged in and DX worked him over. Michaels tried to roll up Jericho from behind, but Jericho kicked out and smashed Michaels. Jericho then tagged in Tyson and told him to KO Michaels. Suddenly, Hornswoggle's music hit and Horny danced to the ring in a green boxing outfit. Tyson laughed and tagged in Jericho.

All five men were in the ring together with Tyson standing behind Jericho. Tyson then took off his black t-shirt to reveal a DX t-shirt. Jericho heard the crowd roar, then he slowly turned around to see Tyson sporting the DX shirt. Jericho begged off, then Tyson landed a right hand blow. Jericho ducked too soon and Tyson grazed his chin. Multiple replays were shown, but they were all from angles not to reveal how much light there was between punch and chin. Michaels then covered Jericho for the win. Post-match: Tyson and DX celebrated in the ring. Hunter scooped up Tyson's son from ringside and he celebrated with Tyson. DX, Hornswoggle, and the Tysons then closed the show with the DX crotch chops and poses to close the show.

WINNERS: DX at 4:40. A "feel good moment" that captured everything that is wrong with WWE's top show in terms of being captivating episodic TV. There are no hot angles (which is why WWE is depending on 12 years ago for material). This was unbelievably predictable. There was no anticipation for next week at the end of the show. DX as a unit is the centerpiece of the show, but not involved in an actual feud. The guest hosts are involved in each week's self-contained storylines, but the hosts disappear next week after having a "feel good moment." WWE is left starting over the following week with a new guest host incorporated into storylines. It captures why there was no anticipation for this match at the beginning of the main event because WWE is now just presenting safe, basic TV fit for house shows and not for TV main events trying to compel viewers to tune in. (n/a)

Arcademan:
ECW on SyFy Results: 1-12-10

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

1 -- THE HURRICANE vs. ZACK RYDER (w/Rosa Mendes)

Suddenly, back from break, there was a match in the ring with Hurricane against Ryder. Looked like that would be end of it for this week pre-commercial. Josh Mathews said ECW GM Tiffany booked a match between the two during the break. Anyways, Ryder was in control working over Hurricane as the announcers provided motive for this: Hurricane wants to rid ECW of the self-centered Ryder. Ryder hit the Rough Ryder leg lariat at 3:00, but Hurricane kicked out. Ryder finally got some heat arrogantly flashing the LI to the crowd, then he went back to work on Hurricane.

The crowd eventually came to life as Hurricane teased a comeback before hitting a neckbreaker. Hurricane then hit a Hurri-Cut out of the corner before going up top, but Ryder cut him off with Rosa slapping the mat repeatedly to offer encouragement. Ryder then followed with the Zack Attack on Hurricane for the pin and the win. Afterward, Ryder and Rosa celebrated while Hurricane gritted his teeth in frustration.

WINNER: Ryder in 6:00. Okay match. Ryder dominated and picked up the win, which was a double whammy for Hurricane. WWE didn't even give Hurricane the benefit of Even-Steven booking where Ryder snuck out a win by the skin of his teeth. He was booked to pretty much dominate other than two or three signature moves from Hurricane. (*)

2 -- GOLDUST vs. TRENT BARRETA (w/Caylen Croft)

Goldust was sporting some scary-looking black facepaint beyond his usual facepaint look. I'm having really bad flashbacks to TNA storylines with Rellik. Goldust started with an aggressive attack and dominated Barreta before taking him over the top rope to the floor. Barreta then suckered Goldust into a neck drop across the top rope to take control. Barreta followed with a running clothesline on the floor after a high-pitched tribal scream. Apparently his trademark is screaming like a girl. Back in the ring, Barreta took control on "the maverick, the non-conformist Goldust," according to Mathews. Goldust then made a comeback and wanted the Curtain Call, but Barreta slipped out and ran to the corner. Barreta followed with a big elbow smash out of the corner before hitting a running knee to the face with another high-pitched scream for the pin and the win. I can almost picture John Cena making fun of this guy on a regular basis six months from now.

WINNER: Barreta in 6:00. Another just okay match. The crowd is dead or at least sounds dead, so it's difficult to gauge how well the wrestlers connected with the crowd. Barreta has potential, but that high-pitched scream needs some work if that's going to be his trademark. Meanwhile, Goldust continues to be under-utilized unless this is a start of a program similar to Goldust vs. Sheamus that was one of the better ECW programs in 2009. (*)

3 -- ECW HOMECOMING BATTLE ROYAL

The bell sounded ten minutes before the top of the hour and everyone fed Kane, who was presented as the monster and favorite. And there went Bourne over the top rope 15 seconds in the match. That explains why they didn't want to focus on Bourne at all on this show so no one watching would notice the early elimination or be disappointed. Down to seven, the men in the ring began teasing eliminations in standard battle royal form. To fill time, Christian berated the announcers for not asking his prepared questions. Christian said he came to ECW with a chip on his shoulder to prove he's the very best. Yoshi and Punk worked in the corner for a bit and the audience came to life as Punk teased eliminating Yoshi, then Yoshi teased eliminating Punk. But, everyone was safe (except for Bourne) going to break.

Back from break, everyone was safe (except for Bourne). Punk was again teased for an elimination, then Archer ended up on the apron to be eliminated by Shelton, who also eliminated himself with a cross-body splash taking both of them out. Afterward, their brawl continued on the floor as the action continued in the ring with five men left. Christian said he feels Yoshi is the biggest threat to his spot right now, but he's not going to roll over and hand it to him.

Jackson caught Hardy over the top rope and tried to eliminate him, but Hardy held onto the top rope before Jackson smashed him off the ropes to the floor. So, we're down to Zeke, Yoshi, Punk, and Kane. They had a four-way stare down before Punk smashed Kane with a high knee, only to eat a clothesline from Jackson. Zeke then chucked Punk clear over the top rope for a big pop. Suddenly, Kane chucked Yoshi over the top rope out of the corner. And now we're down to Kane and Jackson. Kane turned his shoulder to smirk in Jackson's direction anticipating a big man match-up. Christian said it's safe to say it won't be an easy night come the Rumble.

Jackson screamed and shouted in Kane's direction, saying, "You got nothing!" They locked up and battled near the ropes with the fans chanting for Kane. Jackson teased a bodyslam elimination, but Kane held onto the top rope to block before landing an uppercut. Kane then repeated the spot of teasing an elimination of Zeke, but Zeke fought off. Kane then tried the chokeslam, but Jackson elbowed out. Kane then followed with a big boot that popped the crowd. Kane tried to follow with a top rope move and he missed with the clothesline. Jackson then clotheslined Kane over the top rope to the floor, which drew shrieks from the crowd, and there is your winner and new #1 contender.

Post-match: Jackson screamed in victory while Christian dropped his headset and stared up at Jackson from the announce table. And old friend, William Regal, entered the ring and patted Jackson on the shoulder before staring down at Christian. After the announcers recapped a video package on the highlights from the match, the show closed with Jackson & Regal staring at Christian, who held up his ECW Title while selling a bit of concern.

WINNER: Jackson in 15:00 to become #1 contender. Good, formula battle royal. WWE virtually gave away the finish on the house shows this weekend when Christian and Jackson worked three straight shows to warm up for their Royal Rumble one-on-one match, but this was good drama, especially with the final four. It was nice to see Yoshi get some strong focus despite losing the match. (**1/4)

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