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Arcademan:
Ring of Honor TV Results: 11-22-10

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

1 -- COLT CABANA vs. ERICK STEVENS (w/Prince Nana and Ernesto Osiris) -- #1 contender match for TV Title

Mike Hogewood noted Nana's numerous unsuccessful attempts to find someone from the Embassy to win the TV Title. Cue the opening bell. Cabana controlled the action early on, seemingly toying with Stevens at times. The remarkably slimmed down Stevens then caught Cabana with a Samoan Drop off the ropes to take control of the action. Cabana then ducked a clothesline after being shot off the ropes and came back with a flying shoulder tackle. Cabana babyfaced up by reaching out to the crowd for extra strength before firing off a round of thrust chops and signature Boom Boom Boom right hand blows. A Dusty Rhodes elbow to the forehead resulted in a two count, which drew Nana's involvement on the outside. Cabana, distracted, walked into a big clothesline from Stevens, who scored a nearfall.

The crowd stomped and clapped as they picked up the pace nearing the finish. Stevens scored with a suplex, then wanted the Choo-Choo attack, but Cabana blocked with a flying butt bomb. Cabana then slapped on the Billy Goat's Curse. Stevens teased a tap out, but the Embassy became involved. Stevens tried to capitalize with the Dr. Bomb, but Cabana blocked and rolled up Stevens for the pin and the win. Nana's unsuccessful quest for the TV Title continues.

WINNER: Cabana in 10:00. A solid, workman-like effort from both men. ROH has an opportunity to deliver some strong build-up to Cabana vs. Eddie Edwards, when healthy, for the TV Title. (**)

2 -- DAIZEE HAZE vs. SARA DEL REY

Back from break, they went right to the ring for Women of Honor action. Daizee tried to knock Del Rey off her feet and was successful with a flying cross-body block for a two count. Haze knocked Del Rey to the outside, then went up top and missed with a dive before taking a hard knockdown clothesline. Back in the ring, Del Rey dominated the action as Prazak, the promoter of SHIMMER, put over the female wrestlers trying to prove themselves as athletes, not trying to advance their modeling careers.

Haze then came back with a huracanrana and a facebuster for a two count. Prazak stressed "competition" throughout the match as the women went back and forth. Del Rey then trapped Haze on the top rope and locked her in a Gory special submission hold. She flexed Haze on her back as if she were on a Bowflex commercial, then bent Haze in half over her shoulder. Sick submission attempt.

Haze escaped and applied a bow & arrow submission, which turned into a pin attempt for a nearfall. In the corner, Del Rey scored with a cannonball splash before a landing a big powerbomb that looked like the finish, but Haze kicked out. Del Rey wanted a second powerbomb, but the bell sounded. Ten minute time limit draw. Haze said she wanted more time while Del Rey caught her breath. The announcers said they didn't find out who's better tonight.

WINNER: Draw at 10:00. A classic Gail Kim vs. Awesome Kong type match-up with Del Rey playing the role of a bully setting up Haza's "fiery babyface comebacks. Overall, it was an very good back-and-forth match that continued the story after a clear draw. (**)

3 -- DAVEY RICHARDS vs. SHAWN DAIVARI (w/Nana and Osiris)

Prazak name-dropped Hulk Hogan and Shawn Michaels as men Daivari has gone through during his career. Richards dominated early on, but Daivari showed toughness absorbing multiple kick strikes and knocking Richards to the outside. Nice start selling two tough guys having a fight. Richards then ducked a clothesline and kicked Daivari to the outside. Richards tried a baseball slide kick, but Daivari blocked, only to take a running boot over the guardrail into the front row. Davey high-fived fans to excite the crowd before rolling Daivari back into the ring.

Osiris became involved trying to trip up Richards from the floor, which gave Daivari momentary advantage. Moments later, Richards smashed Osiris with a running kick strike that floored Osiris. Richards then applied an anklelock on Daivari, who escaped. Nana became involved, so Richards punched him to the floor before landing a missile dropkick on Daivari. The kids and women were screaming for Richards, who went up top and landed a diving headbutt. Pin attempt, but Daivari kicked out.

Daivari returned serve with multiple German Suplexes ala Kurt Angle. Richards escaped a fourth momentarily before Daivari hand-clapped Davey's face and executed a release German Suplex for a two count. The crowd loudly chanted, "U-S-A," despite Daivari being American, but that's neither here nor there. Daivari climbed up top for a frog splash, but Davey got his knees up to block.

The competitors came to their feet and traded bombs before Richards landed a step-up enziguiri, only to have Daivari come right back with the backstabber for a close two count. Richards then escaped Daivari's follow-up offense and rolled into an Anklelock submission. Daivari fought the hold, then Davey transitioned into the Texas Cloverleaf. Daivari tapped out, giving Richards the victory. Hogewood signed off with a plug for Richards challenging Roderick Strong for the ROH Title at Final Battle. "Is Richards the next ROH champion?"

WINNER: Richards via submission in 12:00. Another very good, competitive TV match. Daivari was very impressive in a role where he could showcase his in-ring ability. He also set a good tone for the match early on selling his toughness to break away from that cartoonish, comedy heel character he played on national TV. Richards was Richards coming out strong on the way to Final Battle. (***)

Arcademan:
WWE RAW Results: 11-22-10

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

1 -- R-TRUTH (w/Eve) vs. SHEAMUS -- KOTR qualifying match

The bell sounded and Punk gave an early prediction for Sheamus winning the whole tournament. Sheamus dominated early on and smashed Truth into the mat to wear him down. Punk dismissed the idea of Cena being allowed back on Raw to come have some farewell words after being fired. Truth suddenly made a come back and sort of did a non-PG pelvic thrust toward Sheamus. Truth then ducked a clothesline and cleared Sheamus to the outside where Sheamus angrily pounded the announce table. Truth and Eve had a chuckle as they cut to break.

Back from break, Sheamus was trying to wipe Truth's smile off his face driving him into the mat. Cole noted there will be four KOTR qualifying matches on Raw tonight. Truth broke free from Sheamus, but ran into a knee to the gut. Truth then made a comeback and scored with a hip toss for a two count. Truth then went up top and landed a big missile dropkick on Sheamus, who collapsed to the mat. Truth rolled over Sheamus and made a cover, but Sheamus escaped in time.

Sheamus suddenly came back with a big Brogue Kick that cut off Truth's momentum. Sheamus regrouped, caught his breath, and wanted the High Cross to finish off Truth. The crowd reacted to Sheamus setting up the move, which was a good sign. Sheamus showed off his strength lifting Truth up in the air, then executed the finisher by dropping Truth in the corner. Sheamus with the pin for the win.

WINNER: Sheamus at 11:05 to qualify for KOTR. Nice match. Good two-segment contest getting over Sheamus's aggression on his march back toward respectability. (**1/4)

2 -- ALEX RILEY vs. EZEKIEL JACKSON -- KOTR qualifying match

Cole said he wishes he knew in advance so he could send Miz flowers and a "get well" card. Zeke dominated early on before Riley avoided a corner attack and landed a big splash. Riley then floored Jackson and rolled him over for a two count. Jackson then powered out of Riley's reverse chinlock and landed multiple shoulder tackles followed by a big corner clothesline. Jackson followed with the dominator and that was it for Riley.

WINNER: Jackson at 1:54 to qualify for KOTR. Riley had a lot more offense than I expected here. The obvious goal was getting over Jackson on that Sheamus level of being a threat to run the table with his power offense in the KOTR tournament next week.

3 -- U.S. champion DANIEL BRYAN (w/Brie Bella) vs. TED DIBIASE (w/Maryse) -- non-title KOTR qualifying match

DiBiase dominated early on, with them apparently short on time and cutting right to DiBiase in control. DiBiase then missed with a corner splash and Bryan smashed him with a flying kick to the chest. Bryan tried another attack, but DiBiase busted out a spinebuster for the second straight night. DiBiase then tried a leverage pin on Bryan, but Bryan kicked out and immediately went to the LeBell Lock. DiBiase could not escape and was forced to tap out, giving Bryan the win.

Post-match: Brie slid into the ring to congratulate Bryan. Suddenly, Nikki Bella ran into the ring and grabbed Bryan's other arm to pet him. Bryan wanted nothing to do with a potential cat fight. So, he removed himself from the situation and pushed them close together to embrace. Bryan was smooth there.

WINNER: Bryan via submission at 1:52 to qualify for KOTR. They didn't have much time to stand out following their strong PPV match the night before. It made DiBiase look weak, but the audience is used to that by now. As for the Bellas bit, who knows. (*1/4)

4 -- Unified Divas champion NATALYA vs. ALICIA FOX -- non-title match

Interesting beginning with an exchange of catapults into the ropes. Natalya executed a delayed vertical suplex, then slapped on a bear hug. Alicia slipped out, but Natalya grabbed her by the foot and slapped on the Sharpshooter. Alicia was forced to tap out.

WINNER: Natalya at 2:13. Impressive win for Natalya, who is quickly being established as a dominant force. Good to see a potential revitalization of actual women's wrestling in WWE.

5 -- TYSON KIDD vs. JOHN MORRISON -- KOTR qualifying match

Punk said he doesn't understand what's going on with the Divas chasing around the male wrestlers tonight. Kidd aggressively attacked Morrison early on as Punk referenced his feud with Morrison on ECW. Kidd settled into a reverse chinlock before re-entering his heel persona screaming and shouting, "Ask him!" Morrison suddenly ducked a kick strike and blasted Kidd with a thrust kick to the chest. Morrison followed with a leg whip as Punk questioned Cole describing Morrison "molding his body."

Kidd came back with a cradle swinging neckbreaker for a two count. Punk put over the importance of the KOTR tournament while Kidd resumed control of the match. Morrison then executed a double springboard Flying Chuck before going to the corner and executing Starship Pain for the pin and the win, which drew big applause from the "Let's go Cena" crowd. After a replay of Morrison "molding his body" throughout the match, they showed Morrison clapping for the crowd to conclude the match segment.

WINNER: Morrison at 3:17 to qualify for KOTR. Morrison joins Bryan, Jackson, and Sheamus as the four Raw wrestlers in the KOTR tournament. Morrison is quickly moving up the babyface ladder in the absence of Cena for however long Cena is away from TV. On the other side, Kidd was able to show flashes of his trademark heel mannerisms that could really catch on. (*1/2)

6 -- WWE champion RANDY ORTON vs. WADE BARRETT -- WWE Title match

Chioda double-checked with Orton, who demanded he call for the bell, and the match was on. Barrett circled around Orton before attacking the knee. Barrett was aggressive wrenching Orton's knee around the corner ropes and into the ring apron. Barrett continued to work over Orton's knee as they plugged the three-hour Raw next week. Orton suddenly ducked a clothesline and hit the fallaway backbreaker to buy some time. Punk referenced Roddy Piper's promo last week about Barrett spitting on the WWE Title if Barrett wins and he agrees.

Barrett suddenly hit the Wasteland finisher and had the pin, but Cena stormed the ring through the crowd and yanked the referee out of the ring. The crowd was going nuts, then Nexus chased Cena through the crowd and into the arena where they disappeared. Back in the ring, Orton dropped Barrett with the RKO, Chioda came to life, and a three count was rendered for Orton to retain.

WINNER: Orton at 3:50 to retain the WWE Title. That was a heated match and Cena's interruption hinted at follow-up next week. It led to...

Suddenly, The Miz's music hit. Miz stormed the ring with the MITB briefcase in hand and Riley was with him. Punk said this looks really familiar to him. Miz cashed in, Chioda raised the WWE Title belt, and the bell sounded.

7 -- WWE champion RANDY ORTON vs. THE MIZ (w/Alex Riley) -- WWE Title match

Orton backed away to the corner forcing Miz to go after him. Miz finally scored with an attack on the knee and went to work on Orton's knee, just like Barrett. Miz teased the Skullcrushing Finale, but Orton blocked and caught Miz on the ring apron. He teased the spike DDT, but Miz blocked, only to come back with a powerslam. Orton then began slithering to tease the RKO. He grappled Miz around the neck, but Miz slipped out immediately into the Skullcrushing Finale. Miz made the cover and scored the three count. He's the new WWE champion.

WINNER: Miz at 2:42 to become WWE champion for the first time. Well, I was wrong on thinking Miz wouldn't cash in MITB in 2010. A bit of a crazy ending to the show to say the least. Miz follows the likes of heels Edge, C.M. Punk, and Jack Swagger to get their first major WWE Title via cashing in MITB. Overall, the two matches got a lot of heat on Orton and made him an important player again. It was needed after he was an afterthought during his brief title run. (n/a)

Arcademan:
WWE NXT Results: 11-23-10

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

1 -- NIKKI BELLA (w/Brie Bella) vs. KAITLYN (w/Vickie Guerrero)

Brie remained on the ring apron to encourage the more aggressive of the twins. Cole started a conversation on the Bellas randomly approaching Daniel Bryan last night on Raw and Bryan apparently rejecting their advances. Kaitlyn used her power offense early on as Cole noted the Pros are still evaluating the Rookies tonight ahead of the elimination. Nikki then came back with an emphatic move and played to the crowd, almost taunting the seemingly empty arena. She's developed a very marketable edge to her character. Mathews plugged the WWE App on his iPhone, which can be found along with the PWTorch App in the iTunes market. The announcers were surprisingly no-selling Vickie ringside.

Cole then talked about Miz becoming new WWE champion. Mathews noted Miz's title victory leading to a Trending Topic and TMZ covering it. Nikki picked up the win and Cole acknowledged Vickie telling her she needs a new Rookie. Vickie began screaming at Kaitlyn, who tried to brush Vickie aside. Mathews said Vickie is the worst Pro in the history of WWE.

WINNER: Nikki in 5:00. Fine showcase of Nikki's personality, which she has managed to get over on this show. (*)

2 -- A.J. (w/Primo) vs. NAOMI (w/Kelly Kelly)

Mathews dramatically tried to build up a talking point of the interesting relationship between A.J. and Primo lately. Cole just no-sold. Cole said he was informed by one of his producers that he talks way too much. He then started to cut a promo on his producer before plugging the King of the Ring tournament on Monday's three-hour episode. Naomi and A.J. were even-steven through the first two minutes, so they shook hands after a handshake. Mathews wondered aloud if there will be another season of NXT. Cole muttered he hopes not.

A.J. and Naomi exchanged nearfalls while Cole pouted on commentary. They came to their feet and traded blows before a double knock down following a Tornado DDT by A.J. Primo and Kelly encouraged their Rookies to get up. "Shut up, Primo," Kelly shouted across the ring to Primo. Cole finally came to life and said, "This is a great match-up!" A.J. built momentum, but ran into a spinning heel kick from Naomi. A.J. then slapped on her octopus submission and Cole shouted, "Octopus, octopus, octopus, octopus, octopus, tap out, tap out, tap out, tap out, go to sleep, go to sleep, go to sleep!" Naomi eventually tapped out, giving A.J. the win.

WINNER: A.J. via submission in 7:00. Cole was acting as he sold excitement over the match, but it was a strong match. Both A.J. and Naomi could provide a boost to the women's division and have strong matches with the top women's wrestlers on the roster. (**)

Ringside: Striker assembled the three remaining Rookies ringside to see which Diva Rookie is going home. Cue the drumroll and, yes, A.J. is eliminated.

The crowd booed and groaned. A.J. took the mic and thanked everyone who voted for her. She began to cry talking about the fans being ready for a Diva like her. A.J. wants to represent all of the girls watching and be a girl the guys want to hang out with. A.J. said this is not the last they have seen of her. She said she will be back and she will accomplish her dreams.

Striker gave it up for A.J., who hugged it out with Naomi and Kaitlyn. Primo just shook his head on the stage unhappy with the elimination. They replayed A.J.'s reaction as Mathews and Cole sold shock over the cut. They replayed Primo selling disbelief. Mathews said voting for next week's final elimination begins at noon EST on WWE's website tomorrow. They showed Kaitlyn and Naomi standing next to each other ringside as the final shot to wrap up the show.

Arcademan:
WWE Superstars Results: 11-25-10

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

1 -- TRENT BARRETA vs. CURT HAWKINS

Hawkins toyed with and taunted Barreta early on, so Barreta struck him with right hands to the mid-section. Hawkins regained control then asked Jacksonville who the man is. No one replied. Barreta then replied by knocking Hawkins to the outside before hitting a big flip dive. Barreta sold an injury, then slowly walked over to Hawkins, who sent him flying into the guardrail. The referee reached a six count...and they cut to commercial in the middle of a key situation with the mach hanging in the balance. That's sheer laziness from WWE only focusing on count-outs when the finish is a convenient excuse to get out of a clear winner and loser. It should be consistent across the board in every match on every show.

Back from break, both men apparently re-entered the ring before the ten count considering the match was still ongoing with Barreta locked in a headlock. The match moved to the ring apron where Barreta kicked Hawkins in the gut and nailed a sort of leaping leg scissors that knocked Hawkins to the floor. They worked the ten count again, then re-entered the ring where Barreta mounted some offense. Barreta scored with a high-impact springboard missile dropkick for a two count, then Hawkins escaped a roll-up attempt.

Hawkins followed up with a top rope elbow drop attempt, but Barreta moved out of the way and motivated himself to reach his feet. Barreta then hit a big flying knee smash, but Hawkins kicked out. Barretta tried to hit a springboard DDT for the finish, like last week, but Hawkins blocked and immediately hit a facebuster. It was good for a three count to even the recent series. Tye-Dye Guy stood up on the second row to express his approval.

WINNER: Hawkins at 12:00. It looks like we're in line for a rubber match after the two men split the first two matches. Barreta has stood out as a singles wrestler in these matches, which is good for him trying to avoid a pink slip, like his former tag partner, Caylen Croft. Hawkins has not done enough to distinguish himself yet, but that could come with more time and investment from WWE. (*3/4)

2 -- SANTINO & KOZLOV vs. ZACK RYDER & PRIMO

Also of note from the timing here was Primo's NXT Rookie, A.J., not accompanying Primo to the ring for the match taped Monday, which seemed to give away her elimination the next night on NXT. Kozlov and Ryder began the match. After a stalemate, Primo and Santino entered the ring. Santino tried to show a more serious in-ring arsenal before tagging in Kozlov, who rammed Primo with multiple shoulder blocks. Santino re-entered and took down Ryder, who also re-entered. Santino knocked Ryder to the outside before Lawler offered an interesting comment that stood out beyond the usual announcer fare. "Zack Ryder might want to get used to disappointment in his career if he stays around WWE much longer," Lawler said. On that note, they cut to break with the international duo in control.

Back from break, the crowd was rallying behind Santino, who broke free of a submission hold and attempted the Sailor's Salute fist drop, but Primo blocked with his knees. Ryder then entered the ring and pounded on Santino with right hands. Back to Primo, who taunted Kozlov. Santino eventually made the hot tag to Kozlov, who punted a man before the action broke down. Kozlov proceeded to clothesline Ryder over the top rope to the floor and also made a tag to Santino in the process. Santino entered the ring and dropped Primo with the Cobra, which was good for a three count.

WINNERS: Santino & Kozlov in 12:00. Fine tag match. Primo and Ryder just seem to be hanging onto roster spots at this point as enhancement talent for babyfaces. It's unfortunate when both could be better utilized, but their roles right now are to make others look better and seem as non-threatening as possible. (*1/4)

3 -- MARK HENRY vs. USOS (JIMMY & JEY w/Tamina)

This was a re-match from the Usos winning the same handicap match three weeks ago. Henry started by flinging Jey halfway across the ring. Henry smiled, then ran over Jey with a shoulder block. Henry went for a corner splash moments later, but Jimmy moved and took Henry out at the knee. The Usos worked him for a few minutes before Henry dragged both Usos into the ring. Henry wanted a big double splash, teased it to the crowd, and connected. Jimmy was left alone in the ring and Henry nailed the World's Strongest Slam for the win. After a replay of the finish, Henry smiled for the crowd and celebrated the win to close out the show.

WINNER: Henry in 6:00. Dominating victory for Henry, who evened the recent series to 1-1. More even-steven booking with an opportunity for another rubber match. (*)

Arcademan:
WWE Smackdown Results: 11-26-10

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

1 -- JACK SWAGGER (w/Eagle Mascot) vs. KOFI KINGSTON -- KOTR qualifying match

Matt Striker noted William Regal is the reigning King of the Ring dating back a few years. Swagger started with amateur wrestling as the crowd chanted for Kofi. Eagle was upset with this and turned to the audience to quiet them down. Swagger then slipped out of the ring and regrouped with Eagle, who flapped encouragement. Back in the ring, Swagger locked up with Kofi and tried to catapult him into the corner, but Kofi landed on his feet and hit a nice cross-body block for a two count. The PG crowd was hot for Kofi, who worked from underneath selling a knee injury as Swagger went to work on the left leg and knee area. Kofi eventually slid out of the ring to catch a breather and Swagger glared down at him as they cut to break five minutes in.

Back from break, the announcers plugged the King of the Ring on Monday's Raw while Eagle got involved grabbing Kofi's feet as he stood on the ring apron. Kofi kicked Eagle in the head, but Swagger knocked Kofi to the outside. Kofi and the bird sold on the floor, then Swagger rolled Kofi back into the ring for a two count. Swagger back in control here. Nice, aggressive spot where Swagger shoved Kofi so hard into the middle rope that it knocked the live ringside cameraman backwards, like a wide receiver crashing into a sideline camera during a football game.

Swagger continued to cut off any momentum Kofi started to build as the announcers bickered amongst themselves. Swagger then played with Kofi by using his boot to shove Kofi out of the ring to the floor. The bird was great pointing and giggling at Kofi. Swagger tried to follow on the outside, but Kofi blocked and bounced Swagger's head off the ring steps. Back in the ring, Swagger regained control as the bird waved instructions to "Swags." Kofi started firing off kick strikes, then an open-hand thrust to build some momentum. Kofi missed with a flying clothesline, but slipped out of a suplex and smashed Swagger into the bottom turnbuckle. Unique spot with Kofi hitting the Boom Drop as Swagger was draped across the bottom buckle, which resulted in a nearfall.

Kofi tried to hit a home run going up top, but Swagger caught Kofi in mid-air and delivered a big powerslam. Swagger then wanted the running Vader Bomb, but Kofi got his feet up to block. Swagger was dazed and Kofi tried a kick, but Swagger grabbed Kofi's ankle. Kofi blocked the lock, though, and sent Swagger head-first into the turnbuckle. Swagger, stunned, got to his feet and walked into the Trouble in Paradise. Swagger sold beautifully and tipped over to the mat in the corner. Kofi made the cover and hooked Swagger's body away from the corner ropes to score a clean win for the win.

WINNER: Kingston in 18:00 to qualify for KOTR. Another very good TV match between these two. The match had some unique counters and spots at the end of the match to make it really stand out. Swagger and Kofi have excellent chemistry with Swagger basing for Kofi's offense while also in a position to get over his power offense. The formula gets sympathy on Kofi, who is very good at working from behind to make his comebacks while rallying the PG audience. (***1/4)

2 -- BIG SHOW vs. ALBERTO DEL RIO -- KOTR qualifying match

The bell sounded and Del Rio pointed a finger at Show. Show then shoved Del Rio into the corner and tried a frying pan chop, but Del Rio ducked and landed a dropkick that shifted Show a bit. Del Rio randomly went up top, so Show grabbed him around the throat and dumped him on the floor. Show mockingly winked at Del Rio, who sold on the floor as they cut to break.

Back from break, Show was methodically working over Del Rio, who flopped around the ring before landing a jawbreaker on Show. Del Rio then tried the crossarm breaker, but Show flung him overhead to the mat. Big Show then teased the KO Punch, so Del Rio ran out of the ring to the outside. Show followed on the outside and smashed Del Rio into the announce table before rolling him back into ring. Rodriguez then grabbed Show's feet on the floor, prompting Show to pick up Ricardo and deliver the big KO Punch to the face. The ref was at a nine count, then Show caught the ref's count, which reached ten to give Del Rio the win. Show grimaced and covered his head in disgust as Del Rio celebrated.

WINNER: Del Rio via count-out in 8:00 to qualify for KOTR. Heelish win after a bearable match. I'm not quite sure it's the right match-up for Del Rio, who's still a fragile character trying to establish credibility to back his brash persona. (*)

3 -- MVP vs. DREW MCINTYRE -- KOTR qualifying match

McIntyre was aggressive from the start, getting in MVP's face to trash talk. MVP responded with open-hand slaps and a flying knee to the back of the head. MVP made a cover, but McIntyre kicked out. MVP followed with aggressive right hands before knocking McIntyre to the outside. On the floor, MVP rammed McIntyre face-first into the guardrail before eating the ring steps. Mac then stomped MVP's left arm into the ring steps. Back in the ring, Mac went to work on the left arm as Cole noted McIntyre typically becomes too casual when he usually takes control of a match, which has hurt his win/loss record. That was quite possibly the most insightful line Cole has delivered in months - if not years - selling the in-ring product.

McIntyre tried to resume the left-arm attack on the floor, but MVP rammed Mac into the ring steps. Back in the ring, MVP mounted a comeback with his good right arm. Mac took a facebuster across the knee before MVP landed a one-arm Ballin' elbow drop. MVP then wanted the Playmaker, but Mac blocked. MVP tried a corner move, but he couldn't push off his bad arm and McIntyre hit the Future Shock DDT. McIntyre with the pin and the win.

WINNER: McIntyre in 5:00 to qualify for KOTR. The commentary on this match was refreshingly focused on selling the action like a simulated competition. There are so many stories WWE can tell from this match, e.g. what does MVP need to do to get back on track, why is he losing matches, etc., to set up a "comeback story" the audience can get behind. (*1/2)

4 -- KELLY KELLY vs. MICHELLE McCOOL (w/Layla)

McCool dominated early on, taking out her frustration over dropping the Unified Divas Title to Natalya at Survivor Series. Out of nowhere, Kelly rolled up McCool and trapped her shoulders to the mat for the quick win. Post-match: McCool and Layla beat up Kelly until Beth Phoenix made the save, making her Smackdown TV return after her return at Survivor Series. McCool was left alone in the ring to take the Glam Slam from Phoenix. McCool sold like a dead body outline while Layla freaked out ringside. After a replay of the events, Phoenix and Kelly stood tall in the ring while Lay-Cool regrouped on the floor.

WINNER: Kelly in 1:30. Fine to set up Phoenix's reintroduction on TV. (n/a)

5 -- REY MYSTERIO vs. CODY RHODES -- KOTR qualifying match

Prior to the bell sounding for the main event, Del Rio's music hit for a closer look at Rey's match-up. Cody was as perturbed as Rey with Del Rio's presence ringside. Del Rio greeted Cole with a royal handshake, brushed off Grisham, and stood next to Striker ringside. Rey landed a strike near the face early on, so Cody bailed to the floor to check out his face in his jacket mirror. Rey proceeded to blast Cody from behind, but Cody came back with a kick strike to the face. In the ring, Cody nailed the Alabama Slam for a two count. Del Rio: "You know, I am one step to being the king." Cody maintained control and Rey rolled to the outside to regroup as they cut to a final break.

Back from break, Cody was working over Rey's left arm as Striker queried Del Rio on whether he can be his personal color commentator if he wins King of the Ring. Del Rio ran down Rey, then was asked what he thinks of Cody. Pause. "I am going to skip that question," he dryly said. Rey finally found some offense with a top rope seated sentaun before nailing a turnaround cross-body splash. Rey then walked into a Cross Rhodes attempt, but Rey countered into a quick bridge pin for a nearfall. Rey then smashed Cody in the face for a nearfall.

Rey set up Cody for the 619, but Cody dropped out of the ring as Del Rio dropped his headsets. Rey then tried to smash Cody with a seated sentaun, but Cody ducked and Del Rio ate the move, which popped the crowd. Back in the ring, Rey kicked Cody across the ring and Cody flew back into the referee. Del Rio then crotched Rey into the ringpost from behind. The ref was down, then Cody hit Cross Rhodes on Rey. Cody made the cover, the ref came to, and a three count was rendered in Cody's favor.

WINNER: Rhodes in 9:00 to qualify for KOTR.

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