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

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Arcademan:
ECW on SyFy Results: 2-2-10

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

1 - SHELTON BENJAMIN vs. VANCE ARCHER

Benjamin started his attack aggressively, catching Archer off guard with body shots in the corner. Shelton dove over the top rope (without touching the ropes) and landed on Archer on the outside. As Benjamin was coming back into the ring though, Archer caught him with a kick to the chest. Benjamin suplexed out of a chin-lock and then he clotheslined Archer from behind. Benjamin attempted another high-risk move on the outside, but Archer avoided it and Shelton went face-first into the padded guardrail. Archer tried to regain his bearings as they went to break about 2:00 in.

Benjamin was trying to work his way out of a rest-hold, but couldn't do so. Archer threw Benjamin into the corner, where Shelton collided with the turnbuckle chest-first. Standing suplex by Archer, as apparently they're trying to present him as the ECW's version of Mike Knox based on Mathews' commentary. Sidewalk slam for a near-fall. Archer missed a running knee in the corner, and Benjamin went after said knee. Archer came back, but Benjamin countered a suplex with a neck-breaker for two. Attempted roll-up in the corner by Shelton, but Archer sat down on it. He tried to get the pin, but either they were too close to the ropes or the ref saw Archer go for the rope for leverage, so he had to break it up. Archer followed with another roll-up, feet on the ropes, for the win. I'm assuming the previous pin was supposed to be the finish.

WINNER: Archer, at 9:48. Archer still isn't showing a ton in the in-ring or charisma department. He's lacking that something that prevents guys from moving up the card.

2 - YOSHI TATSU vs. TRENT BARRETA

Goldust came to the ring with Tatsu, and Caylen Croft with Barreta. The two men had some fast-paced exchanges to begin the match. Tatsu was thrown out just above the bottom rope, but held on and quickly came back in. Barreta found the ropes to avoid Tatsu and that break allowed him to take over on offense. Standing dropkick to the chin for a pin attempt. Chinlock by Barreta. Tatsu fired back with a back-body drop and a few kicks. Tatsu rolled through on the snap-mare and kicked Barreta in the chest. Barreta tried to suplex Tatsu off the top, but couldn't do it. Instead, Barreta landed a hurricanrana off the top for a near-fall. Barreta argued with the ref, a rookie mistake, as it allowed Tatsu to kick him in the head for the victory.

WINNER: Tatsu, at 3:59. Perfectly suitable match, though I don't know where this feud is really headed. It's early, but I hope it's not going to be the Cryme Tyme vs. Hart Dynasty of 2010.

3 - CHRISTIAN vs. ZACK RYDER

Christian was in the ring already to save time. I would've loved to have heard William Shatner doing a rendition of Ryder' theme song last night. A pair of-lockups led to a stalemate. Ryder was on offense and choked Christian in the middle rope. Spinning heel kick by Christian as Ryder went to the apron to recover. He stuck a shoulder into the rib of a charging Christian. Ryder got his face planted on the apron, then Christian dropkicked him through the ropes and almost into the announce table. Rosa distracted Christian while he was on the second rope, and Ryder capitalized by catching a dropkick attempt and doing more choking in the ropes. Christian fought out of a side headlock, but got caught in a rough-rider leg lariat by Ryder for two. Christian went to the top and hit a cross-body for two. Christian missed a corner charge, but face-planted Ryder. After working over Ryder with the middle rope, he dropkicked his opponent off the top for two. Sunset flip, but Ryder sat down and got a near-fall. European uppercut off the middle rope for two. Killswitch was effective, but Ezekiel Jackson ran out for the DQ.

WINNER: Christian, via DQ, at 5:25. Fun, high-energy match.

Jackson, with Regal in tow, continued his assault on Christian, throwing him into the steps outside the ring and standing over him as the show closed. Looks like that feud isn't over quite yet.

Arcademan:
WWE Superstars Results: 2-4-10

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

1 -- ALICIA FOX & KATIE LEA BURCHILL vs. EVE & KELLY KELLY

Eve had some early offense in the match, then the heels isolated her to build to Kelly taking a hot tag at 5:00. Kelly got in her trademark spots of a spinning head scissors and a running cartwheel into a handspring elbow in the corner on Alicia, who was legal. Kelly followed with a pin attempt out of the corner, but Burchill broke it up. Chaos ensued. Alicia then rolled through a top rope cross body splash attempt by Kelly and scored the pin for the heel win. Afterward, the heels gloated about the win as Eve tried to help Kelly collect herself in the ring.

WINNERS: Katie & Alicia in 6:00. Nice, long-form divas match. The Superstars format has given the divas a little breathing room to have some longer matches. The matches typically look the same and follow the same formula, but there are enough credible women on the roster to mix and match to create some interesting match-ups, especially when Gail Kim and Maryse are involved. (*1/4)

2 -- EVAN BOURNE vs. CARLITO

Hot start to the match with Bourne blasting Carlito with early kick strikes before Carlito came back with a standing dropkick for a two count. Carlito slowed things down before hitting a fallaway elbow drop for another nearfall. Bourne then came back with a dropkick that cleared Carlito to the floor. Bourne teased a high-flying move, but Carlito shoved him away. Bourne stayed on his feet and ducked a clothesline, then hit a high knee smash beneath the chin that Carlito sold nicely. Back in the ring, Bourne teased the Shooting Star Press, but Carlito rolled out of the ring to the floor. The camera then zoomed in tight on Bourne as he remained perched on the top turnbuckle in control going to break.

Back from break, Bourne landed a kick strike to the face, but Carlito responded right away with a big boot to the face that led to a nearfall. Nice exchange. Carlito then reset and proceeded to beat the crap out of Bourne in the corner with rapid-fire strikes before hitting a nice neck-snap slingshotting Bourne throat-first into the bottom rope. Carlito then stretched Bourne with mat holds targeting the neck and upper back. They fought back to their feet and Bourne nailed a double knee drop for a two count with Cole selling excitement on commentary.

Carlito then came back with a big running knee lift, but Bourne ducked a follow-up clothesline for a sweet wrap-around bridge pin for a nearfall. Carlito then came back with another powerful strike and scored another close two count. They fought to the ring apron where Bourne stunned Carlito with two knee strikes to the head before Carlito collapsed to the mat like a tree in the forest. Bourne tried to run up top for the Air Bourne, but Carlito crotched him to take the excitement out of the crowd. They fought up top and the audience rallied behind Bourne, who nailed a sunset flip powerbomb off the top rope. Bourne then picked himself up and went to the corner to nail Air Bourne perfectly in the corner for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Bourne in 13:00. That was an awesome match and both men came out looking better than when they came in. It's the best I've seen Carlito look in his current WWE run. He was the perfect heel to face Bourne, as Carlito's strikes and power offense looked impressive with Bourne bumping around for him. Meanwhile, Bourne was able to make good comebacks to build anticipation for that Air Bourne the audience wanted to see. This was easily one of the best Superstars matches I've seen since the show launched in April. (***)

3 -- JOHN MORRISON & MATT HARDY & GREAT KHALI (w/Ranjin Singh) vs. IC champion DREW MCINTYRE & HART DYNASTY (TYSON KIDD & D.H. SMITH w/Natalya)

Hardy and Kidd started off against each other before Morrison tagged in and executed double-team offense on Kidd with Hardy. The heels eventually got the best of Hardy momentarily and began working him over in their corner. They suddenly cut to commercial with Hardy "in trouble" with Smith working him over.

Back to the match, Hardy was still being worked over by Smith. Morrison then tagged in at 9:00 and Kidd flung him off the top rope to the floor below. Hardy walked over to check on his fallen tag partner before Natalya landed a sudden strike to the gut behind the ref's back. McIntyre then officially tagged in and followed up by ramming Morrison into the ring apron. Back in the ring, McIntyre went to work on Morrison before HD started tagging in and out to continue the attack. Morrison then kicked Smith in the head to break free and tag in Hardy, who hit the Side Effect on Smith for a two count when the heels broke up a pin.

All three heels were in the ring, but Khali yanked Kidd and Mac out of the ring. The whole deal broke down before Morrison hit a running clothesline off the guardrail on the heels. Back in the ring, Hardy tagged in Khali, who hit the Punjabi Plunge on Smith and kinda leaned over Smith for the pin and the win. And everyone celebrates and dances. Khali, Hardy, and Morrison got their curtain call in the ring as the camera picked up some unsuspecting younger audience members dancing in the ring. Apparently WWE is trying to create a new dance craze with Khali's awkwardness. After a replay of the finish, they cut back to the babyfaces dancing awkwardly in the ring.

WINNERS: Team Khali in 12:00. Fine, but not particularly memorable multiple-man match. Kidd was lost in the shuffle without getting in much offense and Smith just hasn't developed an identity or personality in the ring. The babyfaces having a common ground of Khali awkwardness is fine for reaching the target demo and connecting with the kiddos like R-Truth's weekly rapping. (*1/2)

Arcademan:
TNA Impact! Results: 2-4-10

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

(1)BRUTUS MAGNUS vs. MR. ANDERSON
Eight Card Stud Qualifying Match

Magnus looks for a lock up, but Anderson knees him in the gut. He punches Magnus in the corner, but Magnus blocks one and unloads with rights that back Anderson all the way across the ring. The ref pulls him off, and Anderson takes advantage with a lightning fast dropkick to the knee. Anderson pounds Magnus against the mat with stomps and an elbow drop. The crowd is cheering him now. He whips Magnus into the corner and stomps a mud hole in him. The ref tries to pull him off, but he continues stomping Magnus as he argues with the official. Anderson resumes the assault, but Magnus fights out of the corner and connects with a Big Boot. He whips Anderson into a shoulder block and hits a Union Jack for two. Magnus lifts up Anderson for the Tormentum, but Anderson is able to get his thumb into Magnus's eye. As soon as his feet hit the mat Anderson nails the Mic Check for the kill.

WINNER: Mr. Anderson in 3 minutes. I really want to like Brutus Magnus matches, but somehow they don't usually click with me.

(2)HERNADNEZ & MATT MORGAN (c) vs. TEAM 3D
Tag Team Championship Match

Hernandez and Ray lock up, as we're told that Hernandez and Morgan sought this match. Both men go for forearms, and they come out even. Hernandez shoulder blocks Ray across the ring, but whiffs on a charge in the corner. Ray whips him into the opposite corner and charges. Hernandez shoves back Ray and goes to the top rope, but Ray chops his chest and and tosses him to the mat. An elbow drop gets two. Devon tags in, and Hernandez overpowers him and makes the tag. He lets Devon recuperate, so Devon comes out firing with punches and a flying clothesline to Morgan. A leg drop gets one. Morgan hits a 360 Degree Clothesline as he gets up for two. Hernandez tags in and works a face lock. Devon powers out, but runs right into Hernandez and bounces off and to the mat. Hernandez powers Devon onto the corner, but when he looks for the Superplex Devon bites his head. Devon hits a Kamikazee Headbutt. Why is that move still legal? Both men tag out. Ray gets the early advantage with quick jabs. Morgan turns him around, Ray goes for a German Suplex, Morgan blocks it with his elbows, but then Ray catches Morgan's boot and connects with the German. Hernandez comes in and eats a Samoan Drop. A double team neck breaker on Morgan gets two. Hernandez comes back in, and Team 3D set up for Wazzup?. The Nasty Boys run down and shove Devon off the top rope. As Ray stares them down Hernandez recovers. Ray tries to take him back down with a Ura-Nage, but Hernandez blocks it and shoves him into a Carbon Footprint from Morgan. Morgan makes the cover for the win.

WINNERS: Hernandez and Matt Morgan in six minutes—that was pretty good.

(3)JESSE NEAL vs. SAMOA JOE

I was starting to worry about Joe. Neal tries to jumps the bell, but Joe fights him off with a Tazplex. He chops the hell out of Neal in the corner, charges him, then jump kicks his head off. Neal tries to fight back from his knees as the crowd decides that Joe is now face. Neal rakes Joe's eyes, but even with a running start he can't take Joe off his feet. Neal punks out the crowd, then goes to the top rope for a Cross Body Block, but Joe just walks away. Joe stomps the living daylights out him, charges him in the corner with a knee and Muscle Busters him. He yells out for AJ before getting the cover.

WINNER: Samoa Joe in two minutes.

(4)"THE POPE" D'ANGELO DINERO vs. AJ STYLES (w/RIC FLAIR)
Non-Title Match

Tenay talks about the "amazing transformation" we've seen in AJ Styles. Apparently that's the new euphemism for "inexplicable turn". Pope gets a quick wrist lock to start, so AJ backs him into the corner for a break. AJ hits a few chops, but the Pope comes back with a slap to the face and a Drop Toe Hold. AJ gets away for a second, but Pope explodes with a fast series of elbows, complete with his own lewd gesture. AJ rolls out of the ring.

AJ hits a shoulder block as we get back. Pope shoots him off, but he stops himself and hits a chop. He shoots Dinero off in turn, then nails his leap frog and high dropkick. He stomps Pope against the ropes, then catapults his throat into the bottom rope. AJ sets Pope up in the corner and starts chopping. Pope chops back, but doesn't have enough. AJ locks in a rear chin lock, but Dinero gets to the ropes. AJ chokes Dinero against the middle rope for the full four count. He hits a straight suplex, then makes a nonchalant cover for one. Dinero fights back from his knees; AJ shoots him off into the ropes but he flips over AJ and gets a Sunset Flip for two. AJ gets up and hits a Decapitator Clothesline for two. AJ cinches in another chin lock as the crowd comes alive for Dinero. Dinero tries to power out, but AJ whacks the back of his head. AJ stomps him around, as Dinero makes nice gestures that show he's still trying to defend himself. AJ stands Pope up, which might have been a mistake, since Pope suddenly blocks a punch and unloads with a rapid fire series of punches. A flying back elbow gets two. When AJ gets up he pokes Dinero's eyes and nails a Standing Ensuguri. AJ waits for Pope to get up in the corner, but Pope dodges. He chops AJ into the ropes for his leaping Guillotine Choke now called (according to Taz) the "The Coronation", but AJ blocks it. AJ looks for a suplex, which is reversed into a Small Package for...holy shit that's three!!!

WINNER: D'Angelo Dinero in 10 minutes. I did not see that coming. Could someone check when the last time AJ lost a match was? I don't remember him losing since August. ***1/4

(5)TOMKO vs. KURT ANGLE
Eight Card Stud Qualifying Match

Tenay asks who will be advancing—my wife points out that we don't need the match to answer that. Comically enough, Taz then basically says the same thing. Angle starts things off with a quick go behind and a German Suplex, but Tomko comes back with a kick to the head. They go toe to toe, and Angle hits his surprise head butt and then clotheslines Tomko out of the ring. He follows him to the outside and bashes his head against the stairs. He rolls Tomko into the ring, but when he follows him in Tomko connects with a nice Snap Power Slam to take control. Tomko whips Angle shoulder first into the ring post and then hits a Power Slam for two. Tomko cinches in a nerve hold; Angle powers out, but rights right into a Two-Handed Choke Slam. Tomko's looking pretty crisp. He goes to the top rope, but Angle runs up the ropes and hits a Belly-to-Belly Superplex. He gets up just before Tomko and hits a pair of German Suplexes. Tomko blocks the third with some elbows, but misses a charge in the corner and eats an Olympic Slam for a long two count. Tomko nails a Decapitator Clothesline as he gets up. Tomko looks for a Big Boot, but Angle ducks it and nails a lighting fast German Suplex. They almost blow the second, but then nail a third, a fourth, and a fifth. Kurt drops the straps and locks in the Angle Lock, complete with grape-vined legs. That's it.

WINNER: Kurt Angle in five minutes—another good match, and a good showing in defeat for Tomko.

(6)TARA (c) (w/POISON) vs. ANGELINA LOVE
Knockouts Championship Match

Angelina has new music but the same rope-straddling ring entrance. They jockey for position, with Tara eventually taking control with a side headlock takeover, continuing the side headlock against the mat. Love rolls her into a cover, but Tara rolls it back. Love reverses into a head scissors, which Tara later reverses into a bridge for two, which Love re-reverses with a Backslide for two of her own.

We come back for a Test of Strength, which Love somehow twists into a hammerlock on the mat. Tara gets to her feet, still in a wrist lock, but then reverses it into one of her own. Love picks a leg and sends Tara to the mat. She picks her up and slams her head first into the top turnbuckle, but when she goes to do it again in the opposite corner Tara reverses it. Love floats over in the corner and gets a School Girl for two. Tara hits a kick and a side slam for a long two count. Love gets up firing, but misses with the attempted Bicycle Kick. Tara goes for the Widow's Peak, Love reverses it into a Victory Roll for two, but Tara re-reverses and stacks Love up for three.

WINNER: Tara—I don't know why they didn't get more time, but it is a pretty packed show. At some point during that match there was a "spontaneous wardrobe malfunction" with Tara's top.


(7)KEVIN NASH vs. MICK FOLEY
No Disqualification Match

Nash tosses some weapons in to start, and grabs a trash can. He uses it as a shield to block Foley's bat, but it gets crushed. Nash has to switch to a chair, but that gets messed up two. Nash grabs a hockey stick and nails Foley's ankle. He grabs the barbed wire baseball bat and tries to shove it into Foley's face, but Foley grabs it long enough to nail a back kick for a low blow. Mick attacks with rights, so Nash rolls out of the ring. Mick follows him out and slams Nash's head into the apron. He hits a few more shots, then rolls back into the ring. He grabs something, but, as Nash comes into the ring, Mick suddenly double clutches and won't use it. Nash connects with a Big Boot for the win. Not surprisingly, the object was the caricature of Mick and Abyss.

WINNER: Kevin Nash in two minutes. Why did they even bother having this match?

Arcademan:
WWE Smackdown Results: 2-5-10

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

1 – DREW MCINTYRE vs. JOHN MORRISON vs. KANE – TRIPLE-THREAT ELIMINATION CHAMBER QUALIFYING MATCH

Morrison tried to fight off McIntyre and Kane once the bell rang, but soon, it was McIntyre and Kane going at it. Kane grabbed both men by the throat, but instead, the enemies teamed up to DDT Kane. Morrison cross-bodied McIntyre over the top rope and both men landed on the floor. They went to break about a minute into the match.

McIntyre was up in Kane’s grill out of break, but once he got the big man to a vertical base, he ceded the advantage. Morrison came back into the picture, but got a tilt-a-whirl back-breaker by McIntyre. Mac walked into a big boot. He went to the top rope, where he was kicked in the head by Morrison. Morrison was the disposed of over the top rope by McIntyre. McIntyre tried to go up to meet Kane, but was shoved down. He ended up getting McIntyre by the throat, but Morrison hit the Flying Chuck kick on Kane. Cover got two after a leg lariat on the Big Red Monster. Morrison countered McIntyre with a DDT, but a pin was broken up by Kane. Kane clotheslined Morrison and McIntyre in opposite corners, then sent McIntyre to the outside via a clothesline. Sidewalk slam for a two-count on Morrison. Kane went to the top again, this time, landing a flying clothesline. McIntyre nailed Kane with the IC Belt (no DQ’s in a triple-threat), then connected with the Future Shock, but a pin was broken up by Morrison with a knee to the face. Morrison took advantage of the opportunity and pinned Kane after Starship Pain.

WINNER: Morrison, at 8:24. Solid match, and I look forward to seeing Morrison in the Smackdown Chamber. He should be fun to watch in there.

2 – R-TRUTH vs. MIKE KNOX – ELIMINATION CHAMBER QUALIFYING MATCH

Truth used his speed to stay away from Knox, but Knox landed his patented cross-body. High knee-drop by the Phoenix native for two. Knox was sent to the outside, where Truth jumped over the top and onto him. Dropkick off the top back in the ring by Truth. He hit his spinning flying forearm and picked up a decisive win.

WINNER: Truth, at 1:35. The quick match doesn’t speak well for Knox. However, it does continue Truth’s sudden push.

3 – BATISTA vs. CM PUNK – ELIMINATION CHAMBER QUALIFYING MATCH

Luke Gallows and Serena did come to the ring with Punk. Once the bell rang, Batista just leaned back in the corner, looking very casual. Punk wanted to get things started, but Batista simply soaked in the jeers of the crowd. Then he stepped out of the ring, walked down the steps and stared at Gallows on the outside. Instead, he turned his back and started walking up the ramp. He got half-way up and stared at the ring while the ref counted. He didn’t move a muscle as the referee counted to ten.

WINNER: Punk, via count-out, at 1:47. Unique situation there. Answers the question of why we’d get a heel vs. heel match-up like that. I’m sure we’ll get a comment from Batista later on, but it kind of devalues the title when someone willingly gives up a shot in the Chamber like that.

4 – MATT HARDY vs. CHRIS JERICHO – ELIMINATION CHAMBER QUALIFYING MATCH

Jericho cowered in the corner as Hardy advanced toward him. Jericho shoved Hardy after a lock-up, then ran out of the ring. Hardy got the advantage with some right hands and a clothesline. Striker said that, in terms of Matt Hardy’s ring style, “you never know what you’re going to get.” Well, you can bet on a Side Effect. Jericho and Hardy both took their fight outside the ring, where Jericho kicked Hardy into the steel steps. Grisham brought up the fact that a torn Achilles tendon ended the career of NBA Hall-of-Famer Isaiah Thomas, yet Edge returned in only a few months. Striker surmised that Edge is a better athlete than Thomas ever was. “Or coach,” he said, taking a shot at Thomas’ record on the bench. Hardy got back into the ring at a nine-count and was bleeding from the nose or mouth once he got back in. Not sure if the fans bought that count-out tease after Punk just won in that fashion. Enziguiri got two for Jericho. Hardy fought back with a bulldog for two. Elbow to the back of the head off the second rope. Twist of Fate was unsuccessful, and a Lionsault from Jericho connected for a two-count. Crowd finally got into Hardy, who soon after landed a Side Effect for two. Jericho went face-first into the corner, but missed a charge. Jericho rolled Hardy up with his feet on the ropes for two. Walls of Jericho was attempted, and he was able to turn him over, but Hardy powered out and registered a pinning combination for two. Jericho held onto the ropes on a Twist of Fate attempt, then hit the Codebreaker for the win. “Vindication for Chris Jericho!” proclaimed Striker.

WINNER: Jericho, at 7:00. Perfectly serviceable match. Hardy had some real nice near-falls near the end to wake the crowd up.

5 – MICHELLE MCCOOL & LAYLA vs. MICKIE JAMES & BETH PHOENIX

The heels showed off their new hoodies that said “Simply Flawless” on the back. Phoenix dominated McCool until Michelle caught her with a boot to the gut. Splash in the corner by Beth as she stayed aggressive. McCool took out the knee of Beth and began to work it over with elbowdrops. She couldn’t fully lock in the heel hook, and Layla was knocked off the apron once Beth got to her feet. Tag to Mickie, who worked the arm of McCool. However, Beth gave a straight right hand to Mickie, her partner, soon after. Phoenix smiled at McCool, then nailed her as well. Both legal women were down in the ring as Beth walked to the back. Layla was able to tag in, but before she could do any damage, James small-packaged her for the win.

WINNERS: James and Phoenix, at 2:39. More about setting up or advancing the feuds than the match itself, but Phoenix showed good intensity and her segment with McCool was well done.

6 – REY MYSTERIO vs. DOLPH ZIGGLER – ELIMINATION CHAMBER QUALIFYING MATCH

Mysterio had a nice bright green/black ensemble working. Ziggler with a hard clothesline for two. Roll-up by Mysterio for two as well. Mysterio kicked away at the legs of Ziggler. Head-scissors take-down sent Ziggler to ringside. Mysterio flew onto Ziggler with a cross-body. Rey came up holding his ribs, and Striker believed it was effects from his match with Undertaker this past Sunday. Mysterio went to the top for another cross-body once Ziggler was in the ring, but Dolph countered with a dropkick as Mysterio was in mid-air. Mysterio came back to line Ziggler up for a 619. Match went to break a little over 3:00 in.

Back from break, Ziggler was pounding away at Mysterio. Rey was perched on the top rope and Ziggler tried a suplex off. He was successful in his attempt. Two-count only though. Ziggler began to stretch Rey a bit. The crowd was Rey’s bulwark at this point as he was able to fight out. The pace quickened somewhat as Rey rolled through a roll-up attempt by Ziggler, only to catch him with a kick to the face. Springboard by Rey, wheelbarrow into a bulldog for a near-fall. Mysterio tried a springboard about a minute later, but Ziggler caught him and slammed him in one fluid motion. Ziggler whipped Rey into the buckle, then gave him a back-breaker. Ziggler set up a back-breaker but Rey turned it into a roll-up for the win.

WINNER: Mysterio, at 10:37. Good finish out of nowhere that will give credibility in future matches to pin attempts out of nowhere.

Ziggler tried to get him some of Rey after the match, but Mysterio took him out with the 619. Striker said Mysterio may have just won the biggest match in his career. I’d say the one where he actually won the title would be bigger, but that’s just me.

Arcademan:
WWE RAW Results: 2-8-10

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

1 -- WWE champion SHEAMUS vs. ECW champion CHRISTIAN -- champion vs. champion

The bell sounded and Sheamus quickly took control before clotheslining Christian to the floor going to break after 45 seconds of action.

Back from break, Christian made a comeback as Cole hyped the new TV show on Tuesday nights. He pronounced it "N-X-T" rather than "NXT" without an "e." Christian hit a trademark running splash off the top rope on the floor, then Sheamus reversed a whip and sent Christian into the guardrail. Back in the ring, Sheamus went to work on Christian by driving his neck into the mat. Cole inserted a plug that WWE will announce the first official Hall of Fame inductee later in the show. Christian then made his comeback at 7:00 and nailed an open-hand slap. He followed with flying European uppercut from the second rope before landing right hand blows from a mount position. Christian then wanted a tornado DDT, but Sheamus blocked. Christian then ducked the bicycle kick, but Sheamus hit a clothesline. Christian came back with a pendulum kick out of the corner before hitting a Tornado DDT out of the corner for a two count only.

Christian then did his clap routine to get the crowd stomping as he set up the Killswitch, but Sheamus shoved him over the top rope. Christian landed on the apron, though, and tried a top rope move only to take a big corner clothesline. Sheamus then followed with his bicycle kick to the face. Sheamus tried to follow with the running Outsider's Edge and he connected. Sheamus then made the cover for the pin and the win. The crowd was like "what?" in shock that Christian would lose after "re-debuting" on Raw. Sheamus stood tall over Christian to close the segment.

WINNER: Sheamus at 9:37. Boy, I don't know about that booking. Sure, McMahon is of the belief that Christian is at a certain level and no more, but booking Christian to lose clean to Sheamus his "first night on Raw" was questionable. Sure, Sheamus needed the win to pick up some credibility, but that victory at Christian's expense clean in their first match-up is a little sketchy in my view. We'll see where it goes from here. The match itself was good in a way that it looked like a legit competition to win a match rather than a choreographed dance routine. They were off at times, but in a way that played into the legitimacy of the match. (*3/4)

2 -- Unified tag champions DX (SHAWN MICHAELS & TRIPLE H) vs. U.S. champion THE MIZ & BIG SHOW vs. C.M. PUNK & LUKE GALLOWS (w/Serena) -- Unified tag title match -- Elimination match

The action was joined in progress with Michaels and Punk battling. Punk nailed a high knee in the corner followed by a running bulldog. Show then entered and threw Punk into Michaels in the corner. Show then warmed up for a big charging corner splash, but Punk and Michaels moved. Hunter then tagged and entered. Apparently it's three men in the ring at one time. Show, Hunter, and Luke were in the ring for Hunter to knock down some big pins, which led to Hunter teasing the Pedigree on Show, but Show back dropped him over the top rope to the floor. 2:25 into the somewhat-awkward start with three men in at once, they cut to a break.

Leading back to the match, they plugged the end of ECW with more to come on tomorrow night's show. Back live, everyone was still in the match as Punk, Hunter, and Miz were three men in the ring. The action built to a hot tag for Michaels just at the top of the hour. Michaels came off the top with an elbow drop on Punk, then the action broke down as Michaels tuned up the band. After the action cleared out, Michaels escaped a G2S and dropped Punk with the superkick. Michaels then made the cover on Punk for the first elimination at 8:45. So, now it's Show & Miz vs. DX. After Hunter and Michaels came together to exchange glances, Show clotheslined both of them. Show then talked trash to Michaels that he's weak and he's nothing. Show proceeded to headbutt Michaels after Michaels tried to land a chop. Show then slowed things down slowly working over Michaels, who took repeated blows to the gut that drew maniacal chuckles from Show. Michaels fought back with a boot to the chin before Show landed a back drop for a two count.

Miz tagged in at 11:55 to get some TV focus. Miz taunted Michaels before coming off the ropes with a kick strike to the face for a two count only. Miz then hit a running knee off the ropes followed by a neckbreaker that put Michaels on the mat. Miz didn't make a cover and instead wanted the Skullcrushing Finale, but Michaels fought out of the hold and kicked Miz away. Show took a tag from Miz, then Show grabbed Michaels only to take a superkick. Show collapsed to the mat, then Hunter took a hot tag from Michaels. Hunter teed off on Miz with the classic moveset before knocking Show off the ring apron. Hunter hit the spinebuster, then Michaels blind-tagged in as Hunter was preparing for the Pedigree. Hunter and Michaels had a verbal exchange, then Miz shoved Michaels into Hunter in the corner. Miz then rolled up Michaels from behind and scored the pin for the win to capture the tag titles to the shock of the crowd.

Post-match: Hunter sold disbelief as Michaels tried to explain what happened. Big Show and Miz got their focus with the tag title belts with Show overshadowing Miz size-wise. Michaels told Hunter he didn't want to hear about his screw-up, then he threw off the wrist tape and stormed out of the ring. The camera focused on Michaels leaving up the entranceramp.

WINNERS: The Miz & Big Show at 14:20 to capture the Unified tag titles. Good tag match after they got away from that awkward three-men-in-the-ring tag format. The focus was on teasing more dissension between Hunter and Michaels, which will most-likely lead to them agreeing to go their own way going into WrestleMania rather than actually having a singles match against each other at WrestleMania. Show over-shadowed Miz a bit in most respects, so it will be interesting to see how their dynamic as tag champs plays out. I imagine there's a Taker vs. Show match and Miz vs. McIntyre match down the road with Show and Miz able to appear on Raw and Smackdown now. (**1/4)

3 -- GAIL KIM vs. JILLIAN HALL

The match went a minute with Gail hitting a fallaway boot smash beneath Jillian's chin for the win. Post-match: Maryse entered the ring and did her "I'm a normal person" promo continuing from last week. Gail was still equally confused. Maryse then asked for a handshake and Gail accepted. Maryse slowly walked away and left the ring to continue her mind games.

WINNER: Gail at 1:03. Well, they used about two minutes of TV time to tell a story to sell the Divas Title match. That's a positive to pull from this. (n/a)

4 -- RANDY ORTON vs. CODY RHODES

The bell sounded and they came face-to-face. Orton teased Cody by slapping him. Cody then slapped back and followed with a high dropkick. They proceeded to engage in a standard wrestling match after deciding to find out who the better man is in the ring. Cody then missed with a top rope splash and Orton teased the RKO by going into his snake-like crouch. Suddenly, WWE champ Sheamus teased entering the ring, only to back off. Cody then took advantage of the distraction by hitting Cross Rhodes on Orton. Cody made the pin for the win and shouted toward Orton that he won the match.

Post-match: Sheamus hit his big bicycle kick to the face on Orton. He then wanted another impact move, but Cody shooed Sheamus away with a chair. Cody stood over Orton to protect him, which seemed to be a tease for Cody to turn on Orton, but they didn't book that development. Sheamus then slowly walked away before they cut to the announcers. Lawler said the whole situation just has a weird smell.

WINNER: Cody Rhodes at 2:45. Fine match with focus on the story to set up Orton for revenge on Sheamus at the Chamber. More Legacy tension potential with Cody scoring a win, then allowing Sheamus to get in a shot on Orton before making the save. (*)

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