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Arcademan:
WWE Night of Champions PPV Results: 9-19-10

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

1 -- IC champion DOLPH ZIGGLER (w/Vickie Guerrero and Kaitlyn) vs. KOFI KINGSTON -- Intercontinental Title match

Nice feeling-out process to begin things with both men coming to a standstill. Kingston then clotheslined Ziggler over the top rope to the floor. Kaitlyn was the first one to check on Ziggler, then Vickie stepped in to check on her man. Meanwhile, the ref reached a six count, and Ziggler ran back into the ring. Vickie sent Kaitlyn to the back during this. They reset in the ring and Ziggler cut off Kingston in the corner to establish offensive control. The announcers tried to create witty banter as Ziggler continued to cut off Kingston. Ziggler then landed a Fameasser and Striker noted he was "trying to make him famous." Ziggler re-established control as Striker tried to hit the talking point on Ziggler being the "college-educated, 21st Century wrestler."

At 7:00, Ziggler fought back from his knees to escape a reverse chinlock. They started trading bombs, then Kingston had to be pulled away by the ref when Ziggler reached the corner. Kingston came back with a top rope cross-body attempt and Ziggler jumped into the air to make it look good, but not real. Kingston scored a nearfall, then went to work with high-flying offense. Kingston followed with the Boom Drop before going to the corner to do the hand-clap. Ziggler ducked the Trouble in Paradise, but Kingston escaped a sleeperhold and hit his swinging SOS maneuver. Kofi had the pin, but Dolph put his foot on the bottom rope to break the count just in time. Very good nearfall.

The match moved to the floor where Kingston scoop slammed Ziggler on the floor. He then sent Dolph back into the ring and made a cover for a two count. Cole noted Kofi should have left Dolph on the outside to get him counted out. After a replay, Kofi teased the swinging SOS again, but Dolph sprung to life with a sleeperhold. Kofi dropped down to one knee and tried to break free, but Dolph maintained control. Kofi eventually broke free to a pop and slapped on a sleeperhold of his own. Dolph ran Kofi into the ropes to escape, though. Vickie then warmed up a slap, but Dolph yelled at her that he's got this. Dolph then turned around and managed to duck Trouble in Paradise just in time. Ziggler followed right up with the Zig-Zag and scored the pin for the win.

Post-match: Vickie entered the ring to ruin Ziggler's parade by selling she was upset with him for the scolding. Ziggler then raised her arm in the air and she smiled. They replayed the finish of the match before showing Dolph and Vickie hug it out in the ring. Meanwhile, Cole's infatuation with Vickie continued.

WINNER: Dolph Ziggler at 12:45. Nice story and some strong nearfalls throughout the match. They took a while to kick it into second gear, then delivered a strong finish. It will be interesting to see who's next for Ziggler. (**3/4)
 
2 -- C.M. PUNK vs. BIG SHOW

Early on, Show landed a big overhand chop that flipped Punk over the top rope to the floor. Show then rolled him back in, but Punk booted Show in the face to cut him off. Punk tried to win via count-out, but Show slipped back in the ring at nine. Punk then landed kick strikes, but Show shoved him away, so Punk went for a double axe handle from the second rope. Punk tried to stay on Show to keep him on the mat, then went for a springboard move from the top rope, but Show smashed him with a mid-air football tackle. Show got his second wind, then roared like a bear, waited for Punk to turn around, and smashed him with the KO Punch to the face. Show made the cover for the win. Post-match: Show sold the ribs selling Punk's offense on the way out of the ring. Show clutched his mid-section on the way out as Punk remained out cold.

WINNER: Show at 4:40. They tried to give Punk enough offense to remain credibility before the inevitable finish. Time to move on from the program. (*1/2)
 
3 -- U.S. champion THE MIZ (w/Alex Riley) vs. DANIEL BRYAN -- United States Title match

Bryan teased the LeBell Lock early on, so Miz ducked to the outside for a break. Striker put over Bryan's background and training as Bryan landed a running kick strike in the ring. Miz then slingshot Bryan's arm across the top rope and began working on the left arm. Miz followed with a seated full nelson lock to wear down Bryan, who countered into a back slide for a two count. Miz suddenly came back with a boot to the upper body and followed with elbow strikes to the shoulder to re-establish the advantage. Bryan tried to fight back, but Miz cut him off and executed a nice shoulder breaker for a two count. Miz then knocked Bryan to the outside and rolled him back in for a cover resulting in a nearfall.

At 6:00, Miz re-applied a shoulder submission as the crowd rallied behind Bryan. Miz kicked Bryan in the shoulder, but Bryan fired back by flinging Miz to the outside. Bryan then nailed a suicide dive ala Week 1 of NXT on Chris Jericho, which Cole noted. Back in the ring, Bryan landed a top rope missile dropkick for a two count. Bryan continued to sell the left shoulder, then he tried a submission, but Miz kicked him in the shoulder. Bryan came right back with another flying kick strike for a two count.

Miz and Bryan started trading bombs center ring, then Miz landed multiple kick strikes in the corner. The ref pulled Bryan away, then Bryan came running into the corner with a flying kick strike. Bryan measured Miz and landed a KO kick to the face. He made the cover, but Miz kicked out. Bryan then took Miz up top and they started trading bombs before Miz crotched Bryan across the top rope. Miz then came flying off the top turnbuckle with a nice inside-out clothesline. He made a cover, but Bryan kicked out.

At 9:30, Miz sat down on an innovative submission hold. The camera focused in on a big red bump on Bryan's head from leading on his forehead via the inside-out clothesline. Bryan refused to tap out, then Miz released the hold, got the big eyes, stalked Bryan, and measured him for the Skullcrushing Finale. Bryan blocked, though, and rolled through into a close two count. Bryan then teased the LeBell Lock, but Riley got on the apron to distract. Miz then accidentally smashed Riley and Bryan teased a three count on a roll up, but Miz escaped just before three. Miz suddenly snapped and landed multiple left hand blows on Bryan before the ref broke it up. Miz then walked over to Bryan to follow up, but Bryan slapped on the LeBell Lock. Miz fought the hold and reached out looking for a rope, but eventually tapped out.

The crowd popped as Bryan took the title and held it up for the crowd while still selling the shoulder. After a replay of the finish, they showed Miz selling deep despair as Cole made excuses for Miz's loss. Bryan was shown holding up the title on the stage to conclude the segment.

WINNER: Bryan at 12:28. That was an excellent match. Some great nearfalls throughout leading to the satisfying finish for the audience that has bought into Bryan as a babyface to rally behind. It was the type of match Miz needs on his resume to be a top star and it was the type of match to confirm Bryan as a future star in WWE. (***3/4)
 
Continued in next post...

Arcademan:
4 -- Women's champion MICHELLE McCOOL vs. Divas champion MELINA -- Unification Title match -- lumberjills ringside

The match moved to the floor early and often to give the lumberjills camera time. The match settled down with McCool on the offensive cutting off Melina's comeback teases. Melina eventually had a pinfall, but the ref was distracted by the lumberjills ringside. McCool then kicked out in time. Again, chaos broke out, the ref lost control, and Layla snuck in the back door to give the assist to McCool on winning the unification title match. McCool and Layla then took the titles and walked up the ramp to celebrate as the babyface lumberjills consoled Melina in the ring.

WINNER: McCool at 6:36 to become new Unified champion. It will be interesting to see what the future of women's wrestling on the Raw brand will be. Not that WWE has given them any quality focus over the last few years to have a bright future to begin with. (*)
 
5 -- World Hvt. champion KANE vs. THE UNDERTAKER -- World Hvt. Title match

Taker sent Kane reeling into the stage and rammed him into one of the Night of Champions pillars on the stage. Kane came back with a kick to the knees to cut off Taker. They fought on the floor below the stage as Lawler noted they have "seen how hideous their father is." Another subtle Paul Bearer reference. The match moved to the red-carpeted entrance ramp, then to the floor up against the guardrail. Kane dominated as they moved to the ringside area. Kane eventually retrieved the World Title belt and jabbed it into Taker's gut. Striker said it's no holds barred. Since when is using a belt as a weapon a wrestling hold? They eventually entered the ring and Kane landed a flying fist off the top rope for a two count.

At 6:00, Kane continued to dominate with methodical corner offense taking it to Taker before making another cover for a nearfall. Kane took the fight back to the outside and ripped off the cover of the announce table. Kane then chucked it into Taker's face to knock him down again. Kane tried to follow with a whip into the ring steps, but Taker countered to finally get an opening in the match. Taker followed by placing Kane across the apron and landing the big leg drop. Kane was the first one up, though, so Taker got up and clotheslined him over the guardrail nearly into Justin Roberts's lap. Suddenly, Taker got a running start and went flying over the guardrail with a big dive on Kane. Nice. Taker didn't see Kane grab a chair, though, then took the chair to the gut.

Kane and Taker then took their fight deeper into the arena near the production/sound table. Taker knocked down Kane, but Kane came back with an uppercut that floored Taker. They took the fight back toward the ringside area with Taker being uppercut again, this time over the guardrail to the ringside floor. Kane then perched himself on the guardrail and flew off with a fist smash. And they made it back into the ring where Taker stumbled across the ring as Kane sold confidence. Kane landed right hand blows as Taker sold not being able to cover up. Cole said if it were a boxing match, it would have to be called off. That also applies to a wrestling match since it's presented as a simulated fight. Kane eventually landed a succession of right hands that Taker sold terrifically.

Taker asked for more and Kane landed more uppercuts. Taker started firing back with rights and we had our third "trading of right hand bombs" on the PPV tonight. Taker found some offense, but Kane kneed him in the gut. Taker then came flying off the ropes with a clothesline that floored Kane. Taker followed with a corner splash and right hand jabs to the head. Taker then delivered Snake Eyes and the big boot. He dropped a Hogan leg, but Kane kicked out. Taker then teased a chokeslam and delivered it center ring. Taker sold the move as it taking everything out of him, as he backed up to the corner to catch his breath. Taker then went for the Tombstone Piledriver, but Kane countered into the Tombstone. Kane delivered it near the ropes, dragged him back to the middle, and made the cover for a clean pin and the win.

Post-match: The announcers sold that they and the crowd were stunned by this turn of events. Striker said Kane has finally emerged from his brother's shadow. Cole said he's in absolute shock. Kane took the title belt and walked away with a big smile on his face. Cole said Taker might not have been 100 percent, but Kane was dominant tonight. They showed Kane clutching the World Title belt as the announcers continued to put over Kane. Cole asked what's next as they showed Taker pulling himself to the ropes. The lights came back on as they focused on Taker trying to pull himself together. "Is this the end of an era?" Lawler asked. Taker was shown limping down the ramp selling various injuries. He then stopped before reaching the stage and took a knee. He pulled himself up again, then hobbled to the stage as the crowd cheered. They stayed with this all the way until Taker disappeared. Lawler said his powers might be completely sapped.

WINNER: Kane at 18:26 to retain the World Hvt. Title. Another excellent match, this time due to the very strong back-story and WWE really getting over Kane as a dominant force as the champion. It sets up a very intriguing "next chapter" in the story, especially with the Hell in a Cell PPV two weeks away. (***1/2)

6 -- WWE tag champions HART DYNASTY run the gauntlet -- WWE Tag Title match

Lawler noted that whoever came up with the title match concept had it in for Hart Dynasty. Chaos broke out and Tamina helped the Usos score a pin on Kidd. So, there will be new tag champions.

FIRST DECISION: Usos at 2:13. It will be interesting to see where WWE takes the Hart Dynasty from here after the sudden tag title loss basically out of nowhere.

Santino and Kozlov were out next, setting up the intrigue of Tamina being split on who to cheer for. The crowd was hot for Santino, who nearly scored an early fall. Santino then teased the Cobra, but Tamina stepped up on the ring apron to imitate the move. Santino lost his focus and took a Samoan Drop for the next pinfall. The crowd was quite upset at Santino losing.

SECOND DECISION: Usos at 3:18.

Out next were Mark Henry and Evan Bourne. Bourne scored some flashy offense, then Henry tagged in and dominated with power offense. Bourne eventually tagged back in and nailed Air Bourne much to the crowd's delight for the next decision.

THIRD DECISION: Bourne & Henry at 5:11.

Out last were Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes and they quickly went on the offensive working on Bourne. So, one of two unnatural tag teams will be tag champs at the end of this. Rhodes and Mac continued to work over Bourne, who sold and sold and sold until finally landing a double knee strike to the face on Mac. Bourne crawled across the ring to his corner and brought in a fresh Henry. Rhodes bumped for Henry, who then headbutted McIntyre off the apron. Henry followed with a charging corner splash before press-slamming Rhodes down to the mat. Henry then tagged in Bourne, who climbed up top to Henry's shoulders. It took too much time, allowing McIntyre to cut off the move. Rhodes then smashed Bourne with Cross Rhodes and scored the pin for the win. And Rhodes is saddled with the tag titles again. Striker gave a positive spin that Rhodes and McIntyre can appear on Raw now that they have the tag titles.

WINNERS: Rhodes & McIntyre at 11:43. The formula match got the crowd wrapped up in the quick falls, so that was a positive aspect. The tag champs being put in an unfair position wasn't focused on that much by the announcers when they could have hammered home the point about the Raw GM having it in for HD. We'll see where this leads on Raw. I'm not thrilled about Rhodes and McIntyre as tag champs when Rhodes is ready for a singles push, but with a heel IC champion, it's understandable they're holding off on the start of his singles push. (**)
 
Concluded in next post...

Arcademan:
7 -- WWE champion SHEAMUS vs. JOHN CENA vs. RANDY ORTON vs. CHRIS JERICHO vs. EDGE vs. WADE BARRETT -- Six-Pack Challenge for the WWE Title -- Elimination match

Chaos broke out and Jericho scored an early nearfall on Orton. Cole noted the history of the WWE Title and got over the legacy of the belt. There was a Bruno Sammartino reference in there. Jericho and Cena then came face-to-face and teed off on each other. Orton then smashed Jericho with an RKO. Suddenly, a three count and Jericho is gone.

FIRST ELIMINATION: Jericho at 1:30 via Orton. After the pinfall, Jericho knelt down on the mat and sold that he was stunned. Orton simply backed up to the corner and stared at Jericho, who slowly ducked under the ring ropes. Edge sold that he was stunned as the crowd chanted, "Y2J." Lawler said Edge and Jericho were probably planning some sort of alliance in the match. All eyes were on Jericho as he slowly made his way up the entrance ramp to the stage. Jericho finally disappeared as the announcers sold shock over the elimination.

They reset with Wade Barrett suddenly in the middle of a big circle. The other four ganged up on Barrett before Edge and Sheamus clotheslined Barrett over the top rope. Cena and Orton then cleared the ring, bringing the match back to the TV main event Monday night on Raw. Barrett then "spoiled the party" attacking Cena to interrupt the heated stare down. Cena and Orton suddenly delivered simultaneous dropkicks to clear the ring again. Yes, Cena with a dropkick.

Again, Orton and Cena circled around each other before coming face-to-face. Orton teased the RKO, but Cena blocked. Orton then set up Cena for the spike DDT, but Cena teased the AA. Barrett canceled everything out before Sheamus clotheslined Barrett and tried to pin Cena in the ring, but Cena kicked out. Sheamus then went to work on Cena in the ring as the other three men were on the outside. Sheamus teased the High Cross Outsider's Edge from the top turnbuckle, but Cena blocked. Cole slipped in a note that Sheamus has "for all intents and purposes" ended Triple H's career. Edge then entered the ring and cut off Cena at the knee. Cena sold the knee as Sheamus and Edge began to work him over. They wanted a double superplex and executed it. Edge made the cover, but Cena kicked out and rolled to the outside.

Edge and Sheamus then went to the floor and attacked Barrett. They sent him flying into the guardrail, with Barrett making a loud thud crashing into the rail. The next target was Orton, who the heels rolled into the ring and tried to isolate. Orton suddenly came firing out of the corner and went nuts on the heels until Sheamus blind-sided him with a big double axe handle. Edge then went to work on Sheamus, with their alliance out the window. Edge suddenly had eyes for a spear, but Sheamus moved and hit the Irish Curse backbreaker. The intensity suddenly picked up with more men in the ring and some finishing move teases. Cena then smashed Edge with the Attitude Adjustment and made a quick pinfall to eliminate Edge.

SECOND ELIMINATION: Edge at 15:02 via Cena. Barrett finally re-entered the picture, cleared the ring, and went to work on Cena. Barrett wanted the Wasteland overhead backbreaker, but Cena shifted into the AA. Barrett countered with a DDT and made a cover, but Cena kicked out. And now Barrett is in control of the match. Check that, Cena fired back on the offensive and delivered the sit-out slam to set up the Five Knuckle Shuffle. Cena teased the AA, then dropped it when Sheamus re-entered. Cena then slapped on the STF on Sheamus. The champ's in trouble. Sheamus teased a tap out, but eventually grabbed the bottom rope for a break. Great nearfall tease.

Suddenly, Nexus members came storming down to ringside. In the confusion, Barrett caught Cena from behind and nailed the Wasteland Slam. Barrett with the cover and Cena is gone, which drew a reaction. THIRD ELIMINATION: Cena via Barrett at 18:32. Nexus then beat down Orton and rolled him into the ring at the feet of Barrett. The crowd came to life rallying behind Orton, then Nexus suddenly got on the ring apron. Out of nowhere, Cena blasted the Nexus members with chair shots. Orton then wildly cleared the ring. Barrett tried to hit Orton with Wasteland, but Orton slipped out and hit a backbreaker. Orton pounded the mat, then waited for Barrett and smashed him with the RKO center ring. FOURTH ELIMINATION: Barrett via Orton at 20:33.

Sheamus snuck back into the ring and waited for Orton to get up, then he absolutely smashed Orton with the Brogue Kick. Sheamus had the pin, but Orton kicked out just before three. Huge pop for the nearfall. Sheamus flipped out, then went for the High Cross, but Orton slipped out and nailed the RKO. Orton with the cover and there's a new WWE champion. The crowd exploded for Orton winning the title. Orton took the belt and posed in the ring as Striker wondered aloud what this means for Hell in a Cell in two weeks. They replayed the highspots of the match, including Nexus costing Cena. (Set up for a match going down at Hell in a Cell.) After the replays, they cut to Orton celebrating the WWE Title victory in the ring. Orton paraded around the ring and soaked in the moment as they stayed with the celebration for a while. No sign of Miz with the MITB cash-in. They replayed the finish again to keep stretching this out with the match ending pretty early. Cole signed off at 9:47 p.m. CST with one more Orton celebration.

WINNER: Orton at 21:27 to capture the WWE Title. Another satisfying match for the audience that bought the PPV to see Orton win the WWE Title. The match had plenty of intriguing developments and the crowd was hot throughout. Very good WWE-style PPV main event. Looking ahead to Hell in a Cell, the match set up a likely Orton vs. Sheamus re-match and perhaps Cena vs. Barrett in the Cell to keep Nexus out. (***1/2)

Arcademan:
WWE RAW Results: 9-27-10

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

1 -- U.S. champion DANIEL BRYAN & JOHN MORRISON vs. THE MIZ & ALEX RILEY

Cole noted the "personal services contract" for Riley as Morrison started things off against Riley. Cole also teased a potential Money in the Bank contract cash-in at Hell in a Cell for Miz as the heels cornered Morrison and began working him over. The crowd then reminded Miz of the Night of Champions finish with a "you tapped out" chant to taunt Miz as he continued to work over Morrison. Bryan finally took a tag at 4:30 and cleaned house on the heels, including a snap German Suplex on Miz. Bryan followed with a flying dropkick in the corner for a two count. He teased the LeBell Lock, but Miz threw Bryan away to the apron and Bryan bumped heads with Morrison. Miz capitalized with the Skullcrushing Finale to score the pin for the win.

Post-match: Miz teased leaving the ring, but he walked back over to Bryan and measured him for a punt to the gut. Morrison then made the save and cleared former tag partner to the outside. Suddenly, Bryan came flying through the ropes with a suicide dive on both men. Bryan just snapped and attacked everyone, setting up a fight between Bryan and Morrison. Bryan chucked Morrison over the guardrail, then Miz tackled Bryan. Scrap! Morrison suddenly flew over the guardrail with a splash onto both men. And the GM buzzed to settle them down. Cole walked to the podium and read that Bryan will defend the U.S. Title against Morrison and Miz at the Hell in a Cell PPV. Cole said it will be defended in a match the GM just invented: a triple-threat, submissions count anywhere match. The wrestlers no-sold as they caught their breath following their scrap.

WINNERS: Miz & Riley at 5:12. Rushed set-up for a triple threat match suddenly involving John Morrison. It's a unique match stipulation for the PPV, but the Miz-Bryan feud is strong enough on its own not to require a superfluous stipulation. The match itself felt thrown-together with Bryan suddenly enlisting Morrison's services for a tag match. It was like WWE wanted to arrive at a destination, but had no idea how to get there. (*)

2 -- DIVAS BATTLE ROYAL -- #1 contender match to the Unified Divas Title

The involved participants were Melina, Natalya, Maryse, Gail Kim, Eve, Tamina, Alicia Fox, Jillian Hall, and the Bellas. No wagering, please. Melina was out first, ending her title chase after an unsuccessful double TV taping. After some rapid-fire eliminations, it came down to Natalya, Alicia, and Jillian. After a typical battle royal tease for Jillian possibly winning, Alicia eliminated her. Natalya then knocked out Alicia and there's a new #1 contender. On commentary, Layla and Michelle McCool seemed nonplussed by Natalya's victory. Natalya then celebrated in the ring while staring down at them.

WINNER: Natalya at 4:23 to become #1 contender. On the surface, it just looks like something for Natalya to do for now. It will be interesting to see if WWE actually gets behind her, though, with a women's division run. (n/a)

3 -- SHEAMUS vs. GREAT KHALI (w/Runjin Singh)

The match spilled to the outside early on with Sheamus getting himself DQ'ed attacking Sheamus with various weapons ringside. Khali had a giant red hand planted on his chest from a Khali chop, which Sheamus used as motivation to destroy Khali ringside. Cole had plenty of adjectives to describe Sheamus's destruction ahead of Hell in a Cell vs. Orton.

WINNER: Khali via DQ at 1:06. It's obvious what they were trying to do making Sheamus seem like a monster and a threat to Orton ahead of the PPV by taking out the giant Khali, but this came across rushed and abrupt. Raw's taped shows typically lack the same pacing to get the stories over, especially trying to hype pay matches. (n/a)

4 -- JOHN CENA vs. EDGE

Back from break, the bell sounded as they cut to a shot of Nexus watching intently on a backstage monitor. The announcers recapped Cena having to join Nexus if he loses to Wade Barrett, or Nexus disbands "forever" if Cena wins. Edge quickly took the advantage and flung Cena to the outside when Cena teased an STF out of nowhere. On the outside, Edge rammed Cena into the ring steps as Cole plugged the potential landscape-changing event at Hell in a Cell if Cena loses to Barrett. Back in the ring, Cena teased the Attitude Adjustment, but Edge escaped and dropped Cena for a nearfall. Cole read some "anonymous quotes" from wrestlers in the locker room knocking Nexus and hoping Cena wins at the PPV. He posed a follow-up question on who would step up to challenge Nexus if Cena is forced to join the group.

Cena teased a comeback with the usual routine, but Edge ducked a shoulder block and Edge went back on the offensive. Cole hit the pause button to note tonight's Raw could be Nexus's final Raw. Lawler noted it could be Cena's final night of freedom before wearing a Nexus t-shirt. Edge was selling a left knee injury as he methodically worked over Cena. He attempted a suplex, but Cena countered and both men rested on the mat. Edge regained control again, but couldn't put away Cena. Cole added another stipulation for Hell in a Cell that if Nexus interferes, Cena automatically wins. He said HIAC is a "pivotal PPV to set the stage for the rest of the year in WWE." Hard sell time.

Cena came back to his feet at 6:00 and flew over Edge with a bulldog. Cena then took Edge up top and teased a top rope Attitude Adjustment, but Edge elbowed out and knocked Cena off the turnbuckles. Edge suddenly nailed the spear out of nowhere. Edge made a cover, but Cena had his foot under the rope. The ref counted a three anyways, giving Edge the appearance of a big win.

As Edge celebrated the victory, the Raw GM suddenly buzzed. The modulated GM said Cena's foot was under the bottom rope. They cut to an Instant Replay showing Cena's foot under the rope. Therefore, the match will continue. Edge teased ripping his hair out before going after Cena with right hand blows. Cole noted the inconsistency of the Raw GM suddenly making decisions on matches. The ref then got Cena to his feet. A bell never sounded for the re-start, but, anyways, Cena countered a second spear attempt and slapped on the STF. Edge teased escaping, but Cena yanked him back to center ring. Edge submitted this time, giving Cena the tit-for-tat win.

Post-match: Edge slowly got to his feet and stared at the Raw GM laptop, which had been changed to the desktop screen with no emails up. It doesn't even look like a Mac. It looked like my 1997 Toshiba that I would have donated to be smashed. Edge slowly walked over to the podium as the GM modulated that Edge lost fair and square. Edge teased walking away, per the GM's encouragement. Edge then got that crazy look in his eyes and turned back around to face the podium. The GM noted the crazy eyes before Edge suddenly knocked over the laptop. Edge broke it over his knee before smashing the bits and pieces of the laptop with a chair and an elbow drop. Yes, Ric Flair style on a coat jacket. Edge even bashed the laptop against his forehead, opening up a cut on his forehead. Edge slowly walked away as the camera made sure not to zoom in on the cut. Cole and Lawler said Edge has lost it.

WINNER: Cena via submission at 7:50 total (roughly). Another development for the TV storyline of Edge vs. Raw GM, with Edge scoring a surprise visual pin on Cena right before the PPV. The GM's "modulated voice" development has officially worn out its welcome after one week, but Edge snapping helped provide a hook for next week's show. Of course, that won't sell any PPVs. (**)

Continued in next post...

Arcademan:
5 -- NEXUS (HEATH SLATER & JUSTIN GABRIEL w/Nexus) vs. EVAN BOURNE & MARK HENRY

Lawler, via voice-over, plugged his appearance at Madison Square Garden on Saturday for Bret Hart Appreciation night where he was special referee for Nexus vs. the Harts. Nexus worked over Bourne early on before Henry tagged in and cleaned house. Henry press-slammed Gabriel, then positioned him in the corner of the ring. Henry pointed for Bourne to go up top and he tagged him in. Suddenly, Slater entered the ring and took out Henry. Gabriel recovered and chopped down Bourne, then went up top and tried the 450 Splash, but Bourne moved. Bourne suddenly came to life and sprung back up top. Bourne wanted Air Bourne and connected on Gabriel. He made the cover, but Slater quietly pushed Gabriel on top of Bourne for a roll-up victory.

WINNERS: Nexus at 3:15. A set up for the post-match... (*1/4)

6 -- Unified WWE tag champions CODY RHODES & DREW MCINTYRE vs. HART DYNASTY (TYSON KIDD & D.H. SMITH w/Natalya) -- WWE Tag Title match

Cole said he was a bit hard on the Harts last week on Raw during their commentary stint. He apologized "for some of the things he said" before heeling on them that they were boring on commentary. Rhodes and Kidd started things off against each other as Cole confused Kidd and Smith's performances on commentary. Mac and Rhodes began tagging in and out working over Kidd as Lawler wanted to know who decided Rhodes should be called "dashing." Smith eventually tagged in as the announcers continued to focus on Rhodes's gimmick. Is anyone aware that titles are on the line here? Smith scored a nearfall as Lawler brought it back home that the tag titles are on the line. Suddenly, the Harts had a miscommunication on an attempted Hart Attack and Rhodes hit the Cross Rhodes on Kidd for the pin and the win.

Post-match: Kidd and Smith had an argument over the failed Hart Attack attempt. Natalya tried to calm down Smith, who pulled his hand away and stormed off. Kidd and Natalya acted stunned as Smith stomped off.

WINNERS: Rhodes & McIntyre at 3:11 to retain the WWE Tag Titles. It's so annoying, unproductive, and inefficient when a title match is occurring and the announcers fail to focus on the fact that titles are being competed for, especially when the match is reaching its climax and the announcers are still discussing grooming tips. It's like Cole slipped into calling a turn-your-brain-off Superstars match. This is one of many reasons why titles continue to be devalued in pro wrestling when it can easily be avoided. As for the Harts, does WWE really need to tease another tag team break-up storyline? (n/a; F- for production of this segment.)

7 -- WWE champion RANDY ORTON vs. CHRIS JERICHO -- non-title match -- Jericho with opportunity to become #1 contender

The bell sounded and Cole noted Jericho is trying to get his career back on track after being in a "downward spiral." Orton dominated early on before Jericho used the ref as a distraction to take control of the match. The match moved to the floor where Jericho continued to work over Orton before they cut to break.

Orton was in control back from break as #1 contender Sheamus walked out on stage to get a closer look at the action. Sheamus inched forward down the ramp, allowing Jericho to drop Orton with an enziguiri kick to regain control. Jericho then choked Orton across the bottom rope to wear down Orton. Orton then teased an RKO back on his feet, but Jericho countered into a backslide for a two count. Jericho settled back into a reverse chinlock before lowering his knee pad to drop a bare knee to the face. Meanwhile, another Mick Foley reference as Cole re-lived Hell in a Cell history with Taker throwing Foley off the top of the Cell to plug the PPV on Sunday.

Orton made a comeback at 10:00 and landed his trademark powerslam off the ropes. Orton started frothing at the mouth before whipping Jericho across the ring, only to have Jericho block and nail a bulldog. Jericho teased the Lionsault, Orton avoided, and hit his fallaway backbreaker. Orton suddenly tried the RKO, but Jericho shoved him off and hit the Lionsault (yes, he connected with the Lionsault) for a close nearfall.

Orton suddenly caught Jericho on the apron and teased the spike DDT, but Jericho blocked and teased the Walls of Jericho. Orton was center ring with nowhere to go as he grunted in the middle of the hold. Orton tried to break free, then turned onto his back and kicked Jericho out of the hold to the outside. Jericho tried to run back into the ring, but Orton caught him and nailed the big spike DDT. Orton then entered IED mode as the crowd came to life. They shrieked as Sheamus entered the ring. Orton knocked him away (the match was thrown out), then he gave Sheamus the spike DDT off the second rope.

Post-match: Orton measured Sheamus for the big Punt, but Jericho suddenly snuck in with a codebreaker on Orton. Jericho sneered down at Orton, then he retrieved a chair from ringside. The crowd cried for Orton to come alive as Jericho measured the babyface for the KO chair shot. Orton saw Jericho on the Titantron, then ducked a chair shot and delivered an RKO on Jericho. Orton lost control, then suddenly gathered his thoughts and stared at Jericho. The crowd chanted, "Punt, Punt, Punt," as Orton backed up. Orton then measured Jericho and delivered a KO Punt to the head, complete with added sound effect to sell the move. The crowd popped initially before going quiet. Sheamus was shown staring into the ring selling disbelief at what Orton just did.

After the dust settled, Orton stared down at Sheamus before Orton's music hit. Cole said it was a direct message sent to Sheamus. Orton slowly nodded his head as if to say Sheamus is next at the PPV. They went to a few replays of the Punt to show Jericho getting his head rocked. Medics eventually entered the ring to check on Jericho and bring out the stretcher. Cole said Orton is not an honorable man and every bit as ruthless and barbaric and lethal and remorseful as Sheamus is, if not more. Cole gave a final plug for Orton vs. Sheamus in "Orton's playground" at HIAC as they closed with a shot of...referee Charles Robinson selling concern over the not-pictured Jericho to close the show.

WINNER: Orton via DQ (or another Raw TV main event No Contest) at 13:15. A lot of elements in play here. Orton is acting more like a heel, which may or may not bode well trying to sell the PPV, Jericho was written off TV temporarily, so that story was given focus, and Sheamus isn't exactly being positioned as a threat to Orton right now. It was a good TV ending to lead into next week, but I didn't think it was a money-making ending. (**1/2)

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