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

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Arcademan:
WWE Smackdown Results: 12-31-10

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

1 -- BIG SHOW vs. CODY RHODES

Show quickly forced Rhodes into the corner to deliver a frying pan-like chop to the chest. Show then flung Rhodes across the ring and landed another big chop to the chest. Show then sat on Rhodes's face with his butt crack and waited out a five count from the referee. Rhodes quickly scampered to the outside and asked for his ring jacket to check on his face. Show then palmed Rhodes's head to bring him over the top rope back into the ring. Show continued to ragdoll Rhodes around the ring before measuring him for a big running butt bomb that Rhodes avoided. Rhodes then nailed a springboard kick to the head and flailed away with stomps, kicks, and punches. Show came back with another back body drop before calling for the KO Punch. Rhodes saw it coming and just left the ring. The camera zoomed in on Rhodes having a significant cut across his chest. Rhodes never looked back to the ring and just disappeared to the back as Show scored the count out victory.

WINNER: Show in 3:00. Rhodes is such a great heel. Just stay in the game, continue to get over, and eventually break out of the mid-card gimmick. Fine booking to get Show a measure of revenge on Rhodes, but not the ultimate prize. (*)

2 -- DREW MCINTYRE vs. TRENT BARRETA

After 30 seconds, Mathews noted Barreta lasted longer than McIntyre's "opponent" last week. Mac dominated the action early on before landing a flying buckle bomb that crunched Barreta in the corner. Mac followed with multiple forearm blows to the upper chest and cut off Barreta's attempted comeback. Cole and Mathews undersold Barreta, who then made a comeback with a top-rope missile dropkick that cleared Mac to the floor. Barreta tried to follow with a flying splash over the top rope, but Mac moved and Barreta ate the floor. Barreta landed clean, but sold a serious injury. The referee immediately stopped the match and ran over to the timekeeper to declare Mac the winner. Mac smiled and mockingly applauded Barreta before scooping him up for the Future Shock DDT on the floor. Mac waved good-bye to Barreta as the announcers moved along to plugging the big tag match and IC Title match still to come.

WINNER: McIntyre via referee stoppage in 4:00. Apparently the "rebuilding effort of Drew McIntyre" will feature him hurting undersized mic-card babyfaces to look dominant. (*)

3 -- World Hvt. champion EDGE & REY MYSTERIO vs. KANE & ALBERTO DEL RIO

Rey teased an early 619 on Del Rio before Edge tagged in and went to work on Del Rio. Kane and Edge briefly battled before Edge and Rey cleared Kane to the outside. Edge then teamed up with Rey to flip him over the top rope for a splash on both heels. With the faces in control and the heels recovering on the floor, they cut to break.

Back from break, Mathews sounded like Vince McMahon introducing an episode of Monday Night Raw in '94. Kane and Del Rio worked over Edge and the crowd, on cue, started a slow clap trying to get Edge back in the ring while the announcers focused on the basic heel characteristics of Kane and Del Rio. Rey eventually tagged in and was knocked to the outside. Kane flung Rey into the ringside barrier, drawing shouts from the fans sympathetic to Rey. As the heels worked over Rey back in the ring, Cole noted it's all about becoming World champion and said the wrestlers are doing whatever they can to get there.

Edge took a hot tag at 11:00 and fought off Del Rio before dropping him with an elevated DDT. Edge got that look in his eyes and wanted the spear, but Kane cut him off with a chokeslam attempt. Edge blocked, then shoved Kane over the top rope to the floor. Rey then quickly set up Del Rio for the 619, Rey hit the 619, Del Rio spun back to center ring, and Edge dropped him with the spear center-ring for the pin and the win. Rey and Edge hugged it out and celebrated to conclude the match.

WINNERS: Edge & Rey in 13:00. One of those house show main event tag matches to give Smackdown viewers a happy ending to 2010. Since WWE doesn't emphasize wins and losses, Del Rio didn't lose anything taking the fall, as no one will remember the outcome by this time next week. (**)

4 -- Divas champion NATALYA & BETH PHOENIX vs. LAY-COOL (MICHELLE MCCOOL & LAYLA)

They came back from break with Lay-Cool already in the ring before Phoenix and Natalya came to the ring for a re-match from TLC, which Beth and Natalya won. After a minute of action, they cut to break with the heels in control on Natalya and Beth selling concern from ringside.

Phoenix took a tag, but Lay-Cool quickly cut her off and began working on Phoenix. The action went back-and-forth with each team scoring close nearfalls. Eventually, Natalya cleared Layla out of the ring and Phoenix trapped McCool for a Glam Slam. McCool sold like she was about to take a big drop on a rollercoaster. Phoenix with the pin for the win. Afterward, Lay-Cool tried to put the pieces back together while Natalya and Phoenix celebrated in the ring.

WINNERS: Natalya & Phoenix in 10:00. Nice, full-length Divas match with six minutes of action presented on the other side of the break. It sets up Lay-Cool to enlist the services of a third person who can match up against Natalya and Phoenix if this feud is going to continue. (**)

5 -- IC champion DOLPH ZIGGLER (w/Vickie Guerrero) vs. KOFI KINGSTON vs. JACK SWAGGER -- Intercontinental Title match

Swagger and Ziggler quickly took down Kofi and began taking turns working him over. Very methodical pace with the heels taking advantage of a numbers advantage and not allowing Kofi to build any momentum. Ziggler stood over Kofi to taunt him, then Kofi finally scored offense to pop the crowd. Kofi cleared Swagger to the outside, then cleared Ziggler on the other side. Swagger tried to sneak up on Kofi, but Kofi saw him coming and dumped Swagger to the floor. Kofi followed with a suicide dive on both men as Mathews sold excitement over Kofi's comeback. Kofi with the advantage going to break.

Back from break, the action was still on the outside where Swagger and Ziggler's alliance dissolved. Eventually, Ziggler and Kofi went one-on-one in the ring with Ziggler scoring a neckbreaker for a nearfall. Ziggler followed with a leaping elbow drop for a nearfall as Vickie screamed at Ziggler to finish him off. Ziggler bumped Swagger off the apron as Swagger tried to re-enter, then Ziggler went back to work on Kofi with a headlock. And Vickie went back to screaming. Kofi made a big comeback, which brought more concerned screams from Vickie.

Kofi hit a Boom Drop, then Swagger interjected himself into the match to suplex Ziggler for a nearfall. The pace quickened and Swagger tried a pin on Kofi, who had bumped heads with Ziggler, but Kofi kicked out. Moments later, all three found themselves in the corner and Swagger dropped Ziggler with a powerbomb. Swagger then turned around and took a high cross-body splash from Kofi, who scored a super close nearfall that had the crowd buzzing. The announcers paused to let the moment breathe. Swagger then tackled Kofi and went for the Anklelock, but Ziggler snuck in the back door and dropped Swagger with the Zig-Zag. Ziggler made a cover on Swagger and Kofi broke up the pin. "What's wrong you with?!" Vickie screamed at the ref.

All three men collected themselves on the mat as Vickie paced ringside. The crowd tried rallying behind Kofi, who battled Swagger as he sold the leg work. Kofi blocked a suplex attempt with a DDT and made a cover, but Vickie put Swagger's foot on the bottom rope. Cole tried to defend Vickie by suddenly saying it's No DQ in a triple threat match. Okay, so Vickie should have blasted everyone with a steel chair 15 minutes ago. One of those inane, illogical moments on WWE TV.

For the finish, Kingston dropped Swagger with Trouble in Paradise and the crowd popped thinking he had the match, but Ziggler snuck in the back door with a roll-up on Kingston with a handful of tights for the win. Cole sold excitement as the crowd came down from their high. After a video recapping the high points of the match, they went to a final slow-motion shot of Ziggler clutching the IC Title and celebrating with Vickie to conclude 2010.

WINNER: Ziggler in 16:00 to retain the Intercontinental Title. Very good TV match in spite of the three-way format. They certainly continued the issue between Ziggler and Kingston, with Kingston having two close calls during the match. It was a nice touch giving this match the main event spotlight trying to elevate the IC Title. What are the chances of U.S. champion Daniel Bryan main-eventing an episode of Raw? (***)

Arcademan:
WWE RAW Results: 1-3-11

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

1 -- WWE champion THE MIZ (w/Alex Riley) vs. JOHN MORRISON -- WWE Title match -- Falls Count Anywhere match

Riley tried ot get involved, but Miz accidentally bumped Riley when Morrison ducked. The fight moved up to the stage and Morrison rammed Miz into the Raw logo on the Titantron. Riley got involved again and Morrison rammed him into the WWE logo on the platform. Morrison then climbed on top of the big WWE logo and splashed both men. Morrison made a cover on the stage, but Miz kicked out. Morrison sold a left knee injury and punched Miz down the ramp toward the ringside area.

Miz and Morrison made it back into the ring where Miz attempted a superplex, but Morrison delivered forearm strikes to knock Miz to the mat before landing a missile dropkick for a nearfall. Cole recapped Miz and Morrison's story dating back to their tag team days as Morrison scored another nearfall with a roll-up. Morrison followed with a springboard kick to the face, then a running knee strike. He had the pin, but Riley yanked Morrison out of the ring. On the floor, Morrison ran Riley into the guardrail as Cole noted Miz is getting recovery time in the ring. Morrison decked Riley with a flying knee before screaming down at him to go away. Back in the ring, Miz sold that he was scared of what he was seeing from an intense Morrison, who paced the ring like a wild tiger as the referee called for medics for Riley. They cut to break.

Back from break, Miz and Morrison were on the floor below the stage. Miz was looking for a suplex onto a loose guardrail, but Morrison blocked, only to take a back body drop onto the guardrail for a nearfall. Cole and Mathews continued to talk about having a feel "it's John Morrison's night," which means he's not winning. Miz resumed his attack on Morrison with a running knee strike on the stage for a nearfall. Miz followed with a hip toss sending Morrison back-first onto the metal entrance ramp for another two count. Closer to ringside, Miz grabbed a strobe light and smashed Morrison with it to score another nearfall.

At 12:00, the action returned to the ring. Miz toyed with Morrison and taunted him while screaming, "You're not better than me! You're nothing, John!" Morrison fired back with right hands before they started trading punches and kicks. Morrison landed a series of knock down clotheslines for another nearfall, then wanted Starship Pain, Miz moved. Morrison landed on his feet, though, and Miz followed with the Reality Check for a close two count. Miz then crouched behind Morrison and got that look in his eyes wanting the Skullcrushing Finale, but Morrison reversed and went for SSP again. This time, he connected. Morrison made a cover, but Miz kicked out. Morrison sold he couldn't believe it, Cole poped for Miz, and the crowd chanted for a table.

Morrison landed a roundhouse kick that took Miz to the floor at the base of the table. Morrison placed Miz on the table, then went to the ring apron. Morrison wanted a super Starship Pain on the table, but Miz moved and Morrison ate the table. Morrison writhed in pain as Miz made a cover, but Morrison kicked out, shocking Miz. Cole complained about the officiating while both men recovered on the floor. Miz then slowly crouched behind Morrison and dramatically dropped him with the Skullcrushing Finale. Miz made the cover...and it was good for the win. Miz retains the WWE Title. Cole said Morrison was game, but Miz proved he's the rightful WWE champion. Cole claimed there was no Alex Riley involvement to excuse Miz's win. Oh boy, another year of delusional Cole Commentary.

Post-match: Miz slowly made his way up the entrance ramp as Morrison was checked on by medics. Morrison was shown crawling on his belly toward Miz, who just looked back at him with a half-turn. Morrison sold intensity that he'll get Miz eventually.

WINNER: Miz at 17:26 to retain the WWE Title. The winner was never in doubt when the announcers did that "it's Morrison's night!" commentary that gives away the opposite outcome, but the match was very strong and helped get over both men as potential top stars all throughout 2011. The FCA stipulation was superfluous for this level of the feud, but they effectively used the arena to enhance the match and nearfalls. (***1/2)

2 -- MELINA & MARYSE & ALICIA FOX vs. Divas champion NATALYA & BRIE BELLA & EVE

They came back from break with the babyface trio of Divas already in the ring to start the match. Brie started the match and was knocked to the outside. She rolled under the ring and Nikki rolled back out. In the ring, they had the switcheroo for a pin on Maryse, but Alicia broke it up. Natalya then tagged in and wanted the Sharpshooter, but Melina distracted her. Melina then gave Natalya a neck snap across the top rope and tagged in. Melina thought she had a clean angle on Natalya, but Natalya landed a discus clothesline. Eve then tagged in and dropped Melina with a spinning facebuster for the pin and the win. Afterward, Melina sold on the outside while the babyface trio stood tall in the ring to continue building to Natalya vs. Melina.

WINNERS: Team Eve at 3:03. Eve scoring the pin on Melina was an interesting finish. Fine match, but three minutes isn't enough to stand out on the show. (*)

3 -- WWE tag champions SANTINO MARELLA (w/Tamina) & KOZLOV vs. USOS (JIMMY & JEY USO) -- non-title match

Kozlov started things off against Jimmy, then Santino tagged in to a strong reaction. Cole said the match could give the Usos a future title shot and noted the wrestlers on the roster are auditioning for a Rumble slot. Mathews said it's the "most exciting 60 minutes" WWE delivers on the year. Kozlov tagged back in, but the Usos cut him off and tried wearing him down. Kozlov eventually tagged out to Santino, who did his routine. Santino wanted to raise the roof and delivered the Sailor's Salute drop for a two count. Kozlov suddenly got caught up on the ropes and time stood still as he tried to throw himself over the top rope to complete the spot. Santino tried the Cobra on Jimmy, but Jimmy ducked and hit a Samoan Drop for the pin on Santino.

Post-match: Tamina checked on Santino and Jimmy wanted to know what's up with her. Kozlov then dropped Jimmy before Santino and Tamina hit him with a Double Cobra to officially break away Tamina from the Usos. Santino, Kozlov, and Tamina stood tall as the Usos regrouped on the outside.

WINNERS: Usos at 3:55. Santino is supposed to deliver the comedy, but Kozlov delivered the comedy this week getting tied up in the ropes and still trying to throw himself over the top rope. Classic Koz. It looks like a Tag Title match is in the works after the Usos scored the win here. (*)

Continued in next post...

Arcademan:
4 -- ALBERTO DEL RIO (w/Ricardo Rodriguez) vs. R-TRUTH

Truth took control early on taking advantage of Del Rio being "disoriented" from the pre-match slap. Truth knocked Del Rio to the floor and nailed a plancha that took both men to the ground. Ricardo checked on Del Rio as they cut to break.

Back live, Truth continued to hammer on Del Rio in the ring. Truth landed ten punches to the head followed by a snap powerslam for a nearfall. Del Rio came back with a fallaway arm drop dropping Truth's left arm across his knees. Del Rio continued to focus on the left arm/shoulder looking to set up Truth for the cross armbreaker. Del Rio aggressively kicked Truth in the gut, but missed with an attack on the ropes and flew to the outside.

Ricardo tried to wake up Del Rio, who sold the effects before storming back into the ring, only to take a series of clotheslines from Truth. Truth executed a hip toss for a two count, but Del Rio rolled to the apron and yanked Truth's left arm into the ringpost. Del Rio then locked on the cross armbreaker center ring. Mathews said no one gets out of Del Rio's finisher. Truth held on for a good ten seconds before tapping out to give Del Rio the win. The announcers recapped the finish and said Del Rio sent a clear message to everyone in WWE that his goal is to win the Rumble.

WINNER: Del Rio via submission at 9:53. They clearly wanted to get over Del Rio as one of the favorites in the Rumble match and continue using Raw to expose him to a wider audience. (*3/4)

5 -- RANDY ORTON vs. KING SHEAMUS vs. WADE BARRETT -- #1 contender steel cage match -- only way to win via escaping -- Barrett out of Nexus with a loss

Barrett immediately tried to climb out, but Orton and Sheamus cut him off. Orton and Sheamus formed a temporary alliance, then Sheamus tried to escape by climbing out (rather than going through the door), and Orton cut him off. Barrett then blindsided Orton with a boot to the head, but Orton recovered and tried to climb the cage to escape as the crowd screamed in excitement, but the heels yanked him back into the ring. The crowd chanted for Orton, who tried to fight off both men. Sheamus knocked down Barrett, then tried to escape, but Orton cut him off. Orton finally tried to escape through the door, but then turned back to both men and teased the RKO. He remained perched on the mat staring at the heels as they cut to break.

Back live, Orton was sitting on top of the cage trying to escape as Sheamus tried to pull him back in. Orton's body dangled over the side of the cage as Sheamus tried to pull him back in. Barrett then joined the effort to drag Orton back inside the cage. Sheamus ended up standing right next to the door, which he could have escaped through, but opted to go back on the offensive against Orton, who made a full comeback. Orton wanted the spike DDT, but the crowd shouted at him to get Barrett, who was trying to escape on the other side of the cage. Orton cut off Barrett, then threw him into the side of the cage. The crowd popped as Orton positioned both men on the ropes for the spike DDT, but Barrett blocked and Sheamus back dropped Orton into the side of the cage.

At 9:00, Sheamus began stomping on Orton before teasing an escape. Orton cut him off, then Barrett attacked Orton from behind. The heels double suplexed Orton, trying to take out their biggest threat. Sheamus and Barrett then traded blows, their alliance not lasting very long. Barrett got the best of Sheamus and started climbing, but Orton grabbed him and pulled him back into the cage to deliver a superplex from the top turnbuckle.

Cole and Mathews reset the show as all three men collected themselves. Sheamus delivered power offense on Barrett, then tried to escape through the cage door, but Orton yanked him back in. Barrett recovered and dropped Sheamus with a pumphandle slam as Orton came to life again. Barrett landed a belly-to-belly suplex, saw everyone was down, and began climbing the cage again. Barrett fought off Sheamus, then opted for a top rope elbow drop, but Sheamus blocked with his knees. Sheamus then measured Barrett, but Orton surprised him with a series of clotheslines and a powerslam. Barrett also took a powerslam. Sheamus then took the Angle Slam from Orton before Barrett took a spike DDT off the second rope.

Sheamus suddenly blocked an attack and tried to climb out, but Orton cut him off. They traded headbutts before Barrett crotched both men. Barrett was alone and he slowly began climbing, but C.M. Punk suddenly came to ringside. Punk climbed the cage and extended a hand for Barrett. Punk then ripped off Barrett's Nexus armband and kicked Barrett off the cage. Barrett took a dramatic flatback bump and Punk left the ringside area with Barrett's N armband.

In the cage, Sheamus called for the cage door trying to leave. Sheamus gave Barrett the Brogue Kick, then Orton sprung out of nowhere with the RKO on Sheamus. Orton stared at the open door as the crowd roared. Orton slowly approached the cage door, stared back at his opponents, and escaped the cage to win and become #1 contender. The crowd applauded and cheered as Orton stared inside the cage. Cole gave a quick wrap-up eight minutes past the top of the hour and they signed off with the visual of Orton confidently staring back inside the cage.

WINNER: Orton at 18:45 to become #1 contender, Barrett is out of Nexus. Exciting cage match if you can get past the logic hole of why the wrestlers opt for the difficult path of escaping over the top of the cage rather than trying to escape through the door until the very end. It's similar to the suspension of disbelief required for a ladder match when the wrestlers take forever to climb a ladder. (***)

Arcademan:
WWE RAW Results: 1-17-11

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

1 -- WWE tag champions SANTINO & KOZLOV (w/Tamina) vs. THE USOS (JIMMY & JEY USO) -- WWE Tag Title match

Cole noted the Usos earned the tag title shot by winning a non-title bout against Santino and Kozlov a few weeks ago. A basic tag match ensued setting up Santino dropping Jey with the Cobra for the pin and the win. Post-match: Tamina celebrated with the tag champs while the Usos backed away selling frustration with the loss.

WINNERS: Santino & Kozlov at 2:32 to retain the WWE Tag Titles. Expectedly short match. Back to square one with the tag division. (*)

2 -- U.S. champion DANIEL BRYAN (w/Bella Twins) vs. JOHN MORRISON -- non-title match

Bryan and Morrison locked up as Cole plugged the "biggest Royal Rumble match in history" with 40 men in the match this year. Bryan scored with a dropkick that sent Morrison to the floor, then Bryan and Morrison had a stand-off on the floor. They quickly rolled back into the ring simultaneously and had a stare-down to sell the idea of two eventually matched babyfaces having a competitive bout. Cole robotically fed to a break.

Back from break at 4:30, Morrison had Bryan in a side headlock as they cut to a shot of the Bellas encouraging Bryan from ringside. Morrison knocked down Bryan, then wanted Starship Pain, but took too long, and Bryan rolled out of the way. Bryan followed with a kick to the head for a nearfall. The crowd was clearly behind Morrison in this match. Bryan and Morrison suddenly ran the ropes ducking clotheslines before running into each other with a double cross-body block. After a six count, they came to their feet and traded bombs. Morrison then countered a suplex into a head scissors that Bryan countered into a pin for a nearfall. More counters and reversals. Bryan teased the LeBell Lock, but Morrison came to his feet and catapulted Bryan into the top turnbuckle. Bryan set up too early to accept the springboard flying chuck and Morrison connected with a glancing blow. Morrison then hit a running knee smash and scored the pin for the win.

WINNER: Morrison at 7:22. Good match, but it could have meant more if given more time and a chance to anticipate the match. The emphasis, though, was on Morrison, the character, and they used the match to get to the larger point of the Sheamus vs. Morrison feud in the post-match... (*3/4)

3 -- DOLPH ZIGGLER (w/Vickie Guerrero) vs. RANDY ORTON

Back from break, the bell sounded to begin the top-of-the-second hour main event. Cole claimed it's the first they've met in a singles match. Orton landed early punches, followed by a knock-down clothesline. Cole talked up Orton's quest for the WWE Title at the Rumble while Orton continued to dominate. Orton slapped on a reverse chinlock that he sold convincingly before Ziggler hit a jawbreaker to escape the hold. Ziggler followed with a dropkick to the left knee and began working on Orton's leg.

As Cole reset the show at the top of the hour, Ziggler wrapped Orton's left leg around the ringpost. Orton teased a comeback that popped the crowd, then Ziggler cut him off with a dropkick to the chest that floored Orton. Ziggler missed with a wild clothesline and missed with a desperation corner splash that gave Orton an opening to make his signature comeback starting with a snap powerslam. Orton wanted the trademark DDT off the second rope, but Ziggler slipped out and took out Orton at the left knee.

Ziggler hit the Fameasser for a close two count. He followed with his finishing sleeperhold as Orton sold he was fading. Orton reached the ropes for a break, though, and the ref forcibly removed Ziggler from the hold. Ziggler then tried the Zig-Zag (which the crowd didn't quite recognize), but Orton grabbed the top rope to avoid Ziggler's finisher. Orton then sprung with the RKO out of nowhere (the crowd didn't quite recognize the sudden RKO counter). Orton scored the pin for the win.

WINNER: Orton at 8:26. Good showing by Ziggler in defeat. The match was designed to eventually get over Orton as the triumphant face, then transfer that heat to Miz in the post-match. (**)

4 -- Divas champion NATALYA vs. MARYSE -- non-title match

Maryse controlled the action early on as they cut to a shot of Melina studying Natalya from the announce position since she is the #1 contender to the Divas Title. Natalya made short work of Maryse, forcing her to submit to the Sharpshooter in under two minutes. Natalya then posed in the ring as Melina shot her a dirty look and Eve smiled.

WINNER: Natalya via submission at 1:40. More emphasis on Natalya as a dominant champion and set-up for more post-match activity...

5 -- MARK HENRY vs. TED DIBIASE

After a brief back-and-forth, Henry dumped DiBiase over the top rope to win the challenge in less than 30 seconds. DiBiase acted stunned ringside.

WINNER: Henry at 0:26. More of the same with DiBiase and set-up for more post-match activity...

6 -- JOHN CENA vs. C.M. PUNK

The bell sounded and they slowly walked toward center ring to stand nose-to-nose. Punk told Cena to bring in, then Punk fired the first strike and the fight was on. Cena whipped Punk hard into the corner turnbuckle, then saluted the crowd. A few more moves by Cena, with the crowd not popping for Cena's offense since they hadn't built up a comeback for Cena and there was no way the finish was coming. Punk and Cena came to a standstill trying to figure out the next spot, so Cena audibly said, "Kick me." Cena shot Punk off the ropes, then Punk kicked him in the shoulder to send Cena to the outside. They cut to break with Punk temporarily on the offensive.

Back from break, Cole recapped that Nexus was banned from ringside and if they interfered in the match, they would be removed from the Rumble. Punk was in control of the action as Cole and Lawler debated the merits of Punk's leadership. Lawler suddenly blurted out, "It's a cult," which was the heaviest verbiage WWE has used thus far to describe New Nexus under Punk. Moments later, Lawler said it's "cult-like."

Cena started to make his trademark comeback, but Punk cut him off. Punk then wanted the Go 2 Sleep, but Cena grabbed Punk's knee in mid-air and transitioned into the STF. Cole called Cena a "submission specialist" before Punk reached the bottom rope for a rope break. After a pause, they came to their feet and hit a double knock-down clothesline to put both men back on the mat. Back on their feet, Punk landed a knee to the side of the head before executing a springboard flying clothesline for a nearfall.

At the top of the hour, Punk sold frustration with Cena and started landing right hand blows. Cena suddenly teased the Attitude Adjustment, but Punk countered with an STO into the Anaconda Vice. The camera zoomed in tight on Cena's face as he sold the effects of the submission hold. Cena tried to power his way to the bottom rope, then sold fading out. "Give up!" Punk screamed. Cena eventually reached the bottom rope to break the hold. Cena tried to recover on the ring apron, but Punk kicked him in the head and Cena fell to the floor. Punk wanted a plancha, but Cena caught him in mid-air and rammed Punk into the ring apron.

Back in the ring, Cena teased a top-rope move, but Punk cut off Cena and landed an enziguiri kick. Punk then teased a superplex, but Cena blocked and headbutted Punk to the mat. Cena measured Punk for a leaping guillotine leg drop and connected for a close two count. Cole exclaimed Punk was setting a great example for the rest of the Nexus members. Suddenly, Mason Ryan from FCW showed up on the ring apron. The Batista-lookalike scared Cena, then entered the ring and smiled at Punk. Punk extended his arms and Mason creamed Punk with a kick to the head, resulting in Cena being DQ'ed since Ryan interfered against Punk. Technically, that's how it would go. The crowd didn't know how to react, but Cole said Punk was offering himself as a sacrifice.

WINNER: Punk via DQ at 15:44. They delivered more of a match than I expected, but the non-finish was expected. Ryan is an impressive figure, not just with the obvious Batista-like muscularity he brings to the table, but in the way he handled himself with his presence and not over-selling his intensity. He looks national TV-ready. (**1/2)

Arcademan:
ROH on HDNet Live Results: 1-17-11

Results courtesy of ProWrestling.net (direct link to Shore's complete report). Condensed here to in-ring results only.

1. The Briscoes defeated The Elite at 4:04. Jay and Adam Revolver started. Jay hit a running boot and tagged in Mark. Ted McNailer tagged in and they hit a double team move on Mark. Jay tagged in and the Elite worked double team moves on him. Mark got the hot tag and hit redneck kung-fu and a running knee. They hit the Doomsday Device for the "Slap the Porpoise" win…

Shore's Slant: Good squash match. The other guys got in a little offense, but it was a Briscoe clinic. When those guys lock it up with Shelton Benjamin and Haas next month it could be the best tag team match of the year already in February.

2. MisChief defeated Daizee Haze at 7:12. Daizee started with a waist lock, but MisChief quickly recovered and Matrix ducked a clothesline. The women worked stomps and chops back and forth. They climbed to the top and battled. Daizee knocked her off and hit a missile drop kick for two.

They worked a very weak reversal chain and then Daizee hit the German Suplex for two. Daizee setup for the Heart Punch, but MisChief hit an elbow and the desecrator for the win. Post-match, MisChief still wouldn't shake hands. Daizee grabbed her and spun her around. MisChief spit green mist in her face and Daizee oversold it…

Shore's Slant: A pretty good match except for that one chain. And boy was it slow and bad. Daizee went a little over the top there, but I appreciate a story for the women.

3. Christopher Daniels defeated Chris Hero (w/Shane Hagadorn and Sara Del Ray) at 15:53. They did shake hands before the match and went right into some mat wrestling. They worked around again and Daniels hit a knee drop to the wrapped elbow to take control. Daniels continued to work the elbow on the rope. Hero shoved Daniels to the floor. He was distracted by Del Ray and Hagadorn. Hero hit a dropkick through the ropes on Daniels.

Hero stomped Daniels on the floor and then rolled him in the ring. Hero hit several strikes, but Daniels hit a German suplex for two. Hero hit the rolling elbow to send Daniels to the floor. Daniels reversed a whip to the barricade, but Hero jumped on the top and spun and hit a flying elbow. Daniels made it in at 19 and Hero hit a stiff kick for two.

At 10:13, Daniels reversed a whip to a stomp to the chest and went to work. He hit a STO for two and then a springboard moonsault for two. Hero came right back and hit a running powerbomb for two. Hero lifted Daniels, but Daniels reversed into a serious looking submission hold with his legs around Hero's head.

Daniels setup for Angel's wings, but Hero escaped. Daniels hit a powerbomb and covered, but Hagadorn distracted the ref. Daniels knocked Hagadorn down, and Hero hit an elbow. Del Ray distracted the ref and Hagadorn tossed the loaded elbow pad in. Hero put it on, but Daniels ducked and hit a slam. He followed with the BME for the win…

Shore's Slant: Fantastic match that I thought was better than the Hero vs. Richards match I saw in Charlotte. The roster in ROH is so talented when you figure you have great tag teams that can also hold their own as singles wrestlers. I think these matches ought to help them get a new TV contract.

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