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Arcademan:
WWE RAW Results: 4-11-11

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

1 -- Divas champion EVE vs. BRIE BELLA (w/Nikki Bella) -- Divas Title match
Back from break, the Bellas were already in the ring for a random match. It was announced as a Divas Title match. Eve pulled out a marker and demanded the legal Bella Twin be marked so they couldn't do the switcheroo. The Bellas still tried it, which served as a distraction to give Brie an opening to smash Eve with a facebuster for the pin. And there's a new Divas champion.
WINNER: Brie at 2:15 to capture the Divas Title. The title change came out of nowhere, but WWE has been featuring the Bellas for a while now, so it makes sense.

2 -- SIN CARA vs. PRIMO
Cole noted Sin Cara has a huge international following. Mathews offered the eighth pronunciation of his name before Sin Cara knocked Primo to the ring apron. The crowd responded with a "Sin Cara" chant before Primo ate a monkey flip into the ring ropes. Sin Cara knocked Primo to the floor, then came flying over the top rope with a huracanrana to the floor. The crowd popped as Cole wondered how he does that. Sin Cara threw Primo into the ring, but Primo responded with a dropkick to take control of the match. Primo then ripped off a hard chop to the chest before missing with a corner splash. Sin Cara answered with a series of chops to the chest that drew Ric Flair "whoos." Sin Cara then snapped off a flying head scissors followed by another one. Primo cut him off, though, and went for a powerbomb, but Sin Cara countered with a sunset flip powerbomb for a two count. Nice. Primo tried a top-rope response, but Sin Cara smashed him with an enziguiri. Sin Cara tried a top-rope move, but Primo slipped and Sin Cara fell to the floor. Oops. Primo re-sold on the top turnbuckle and Sin Cara re-entered the ring to smash him with an enziguiri. Sin Cara reset the finishing move: a backflip facebuster suplex. Cara with the pin for the win as the announcers sold the "wow" factor. A few replays were shown before Sin Cara was shown celebrating on the stage.
WINNER: Sin Cara at 4:31. WWE certainly tapped into Sin Cara's strengths with this offering working with a lesser opponent to get over his high-flying moves. The top-rope slip wasn't good, but they recovered fine. Thumbs up in-ring debut as WWE introduces him to the audience before he starts an actual storyline/feud. (*1/2)

3 -- THE APPLE (SANTINO & DANIEL BRYAN & EVAN BOURNE & MARK HENRY) vs. THE CORRE (IC champion WADE BARRETT & EZEKIEL JACKSON & WWE tag champions HEATH SLATER & JUSTIN GABRIEL) -- eight-man tag match
The match was joined in progress with Corre working over Bryan as the announcers made eight-year-old comments about the apple facing the core. The heels continued to work over Bryan with frequent tags as Cole continued to crack jokes. Bryan finally broke free with a running kick strike on the weakest link, Slater. Bryan then made the tag to Santino, who entered with left hand jabs for Slater. Santino knocked Gabriel off the apron, ducked a clothesline, hip-tossed Slater, and delivered the sailor's salute fist drop. The action suddenly broke down, then Bryan went flying through the ropes with a suicide dive on Barrett. Santino wanted the Cobra on Slater, but Gabriel smashed Santino from behind from the floor. Slater then dropped a stunned Santino for the pin and the win. Corre regrouped in the ring following the victory, but then continued to argue. Zeke just stood off to the side.
WINNERS: Corre at 3:32. Weird. Just weird. At least Corre didn't look pathetic like they usually do when they have a cameo on Raw. APPLE seemed like a one-week team, but we'll see if they continue another week. (*)

3 -- JERRY LAWLER (w/Jim Ross) vs. JACK SWAGGER (w/Michael Cole)
Cole could be heard bickering at Ross and encouraging Swagger while Ross gave instructions to Lawler. Lawler punched Swagger in the face before doing a mock version of Swagger and Cole's victory lap. The ringside participants were heavily mic'ed for this one. No Josh Mathews on the call. Cole kept shouting at Ross while Swagger put Lawler in a headlock. Lawler powered out, but Swagger grabbed his ankle. Lawler grabbed the bottom rope to avoid tapping out to the anklelock, then Swagger resumed his work on the ankle. Cole continued to rant and rave ringside as Swagger went back to work on Lawler with a wristlock. Swagger taunted Lawler, who started to no-sell a bit. Then again. Lawler felt the power and turned around to face Swagger. Right hand. Then another. Then another. Swagger stumbled around the ring, then took a dropkick to the back. Lawler caught his breath as Cole teased getting involved. "Jerry, Jerry" chant as Cole got on the ring apron to distract Lawler. Lawler took the bait and teased hitting Cole, then Swagger popped Lawler from behind. Cole continued to stand on the ring apron, so Ross came around to yank Cole off the apron. Cole collapsed to the ground, then Lawler rolled up Swagger from behind. Small package led to a three count, shocking Swagger. Lawler gets his re-match with Cole, who held his head selling disbelief.
WINNER: Lawler at 5:13. Lawler does so much with his facial expressions and mannerisms to tell a story. This was good raising the anticipation for Cole finally getting his comeuppance.

Continued in next post...

Arcademan:

4a -- RANDY ORTON vs. DOLPH ZIGGLER (w/Vickie Guerrero) -- #1 Contender Five-man Gauntlet match
Miz had plenty of talking time on the four-man commentary booth while Mathews mainly handled play-by-play. Orton absorbed Ziggler's early offense, then spiked Ziggler with his trademark DDT from the second rope. Orton pounded the mat looking for the RKO, but New Nexus members Davie Otunga and McGillicutty stormed the ring apron to distract Orton. Ziggler then rolled up Orton from behind to score a pin. Post-match: Mason Ryan joined Otunga and Mike in the ring. Ryan blasted Orton with an emphatic powerbomb before Nexus stood over Orton. Miz smiled. They faded to commercial with Nexus standing tall over Ziggler.
WINNER: Ziggler at 2:37. Too short to be a full-fledged match before Nexus resurfaced. Apparently it's Refocus On Factions Night.

4b -- DOLPH ZIGGLER (w/Vickie Guerrero) vs. R-TRUTH -- #1 Contender Five-man Gauntlet match
Back from break, R-Truth was in the ring to face Ziggler in the next phase of this match. Miz wanted to know which R-Truth they would get: the kids-friendly wrestler or someone to be reckoned with. Ziggler worked over Truth as Miz continued to talk non-stop. Ziggler and Truth were moving in slow-motion here. Lawler then stopped Miz in his tracks when Miz said he's not a talker. Ross was sitting in-between Miz and Lawler otherwise they teased coming to blows. Truth finally showed some life with a faceplant suplex on Ziggler for a nearfall. Vickie had to catch her breath as Ziggler rebounded with a neckbreaker on Truth. Truth then suddenly pulled out a finishing move and eliminated Ziggler.
WINNER: Truth at 3:58 (11:12 total). Bland, boring, drab match. Truth showed hardly any life here. (1/2*)

4c -- R-TRUTH vs. JOHN MORRISON -- #1 Contender Five-man Gauntlet match
Truth finally showed some life exchanging rapid-fire nearfalls with Morrison coming back from break. Miz mock applauded their effort. Morrison then pancaked Truth and played to the crowd before making a cover for a nearfall. Miz said the fancy, high-flying always gets Morrison in trouble. Morrison grounded Truth as Miz mocked Cena always having the advantage being Super Cena, like being the last man in this gauntlet match. Ross stressed the importance of the WWE Title as Truth went back to sleep in the ring. Morrison clotheslined Truth to the floor, then both men knocked each other down with a double clothesline. The ref applied a ten count, but both men made it back in at nine. In the ring, Morrison built momentum with rapid-fire clotheslines that couldn't put Truth away. Five kids in the crowd randomly shouted, "We love you, John," over the silent crowd. Truth then hit a jawbreaker on Morrison for a nearfall. Morrison came back with the flying chuck, but didn't make a cover, which Miz noted. Morrison wanted the Starship Pain, but Truth moved and Morrison ate the mat. Truth then hit the Lie Detector and scored a pinfall to no reaction. Truth advances to the finals.
WINNER: Truth at 4:48 of what aired (19:56 total). Truth appeared to be prepared to run one-fourth of a 10k tonight. (*)

4d -- R-TRUTH vs. JOHN CENA -- #1 Contender Five-man Gauntlet match
Back live, the crowd was alive with a dueling chant of "Let's Go Cena" vs. "Cena sucks." Miz talked about the "people with brains" chanting Cena sucks. Cena scored an early nearfall before landing a suplex for another two count. Cena shot Truth a look, selling what Ross has been playing up that it could be Truth's night. Cena continued to score nearfalls before scratching his chin to survey his next move. It's so rare to see Cena on sustained offense prior to his comeback routine. Cena then lifted Truth in the air for a big overhead suplex for another two count. Ross noted Cena is tapping into his trademark brute power. Truth then pounded the mat, selling some life. Cena smirked and stalked Truth for another suplex. And another two count. At the top of the hour, Cena decided to take his offense up top. Cena wanted the guillotine leg smash and he glanced Truth with it. Truth sold like he took it in full and Cena made a cover for a close nearfall. Cena smiled again before throwing out his arms asking what he has to do win this. Suddenly, Truth smashed Cena with a right hand and Cena fell over like a tree in the woods. Both men sold on the mat as the crowd resumed a very loud dueling chant. Cena and Truth came to their feet and Truth showed some life with a hip toss followed by the Lie Detector. Truth made the cover, but Cena kicked out. Ross said it's anyone's ballgame at this point. Truth stalked Cena for Pay Dirt, but Cena moved and entered Comeback Routine. Cena then posed for the hard camera and called for the Five Knuckle Shuffle, but not before indicating to Miz he can't see him. Cena then lifted up Truth for the Attitude Adjustment, but Miz and Riley stormed the ring to attack Cena. The ref threw out the match and Roberts announced a double DQ. Lawler said he doesn't agree with that decision.
WINNER: Double DQ at 5:32 of what aired (30:47 total). Fine final portion of the match with a little different take on a Cena singles match with Cena in control for the majority of the match. Truth at least showed more life in match #3. WWE has to be happy with a rejuvenated crowd response for a Cena match after a few dead-crowd responses recently. (*1/2)

Arcademan:
Also on WWE RAW tonight...Edge retires!!! (PWTorch.com: Caldwell's WWE RAW Report).

In-ring: Justin Roberts announced the World Hvt. champion, Edge, who bounced out on-stage sporting sunglasses and wearing the World Title belt over his shoulder. Edge took a deep breath and slowly made his way to the ring as Lawler talked him up as one of the most popular WWE Superstar in history. Lawler said he hopes the rumors of his retirement isn't true. Lawler, Mathews, and Ross were on commentary now.

Edge's music stopped and he smiled to the crowd before slowly pacing around. Edge said he's probably going to ramble a bit here. He said a lot of people think what they do in WWE doesn't hurt, but anyone in the locker room or has ever wrestled knows what they do hurts. Edge said eight years ago, he broke his neck, prompting spinal surgery. Because of that, he knew he was wrestling on borrowed time. Edge said for the last while, he's been in a lot of pain and losing feeling in his arms. He passed strength tests and made it through Mania, but WWE wanted him to get more tests. He said the MRI showed he has to retire. The crowd shrieked. Edge said the doctors told him he has no choice, but it's a good thing since he won't end up in a wheelchair now.

Edge teared up as the crowd applauded. The cheers grew louder as Edge paced the ring. Edge stroked his hair before pausing for a "Thank you, Edge," chant. Edge laughed and said this has been an emotional rollercoaster of a week for him. He said that until he talked to Christian, his best friend for 27 years, he was angry at himself and his body. Edge said he felt like he was letting everyone down and he wasn't ending this on his terms. But, he wrestled his entire career on his terms. Edge said he is a huge fan of WWE. Every month, Christian and he would watch their favorites at Maple Leaf Gardens. He name-dropped LOD, Demolition, and Hulk Hogan. Then, he watched Hogan vs. Warrior at WrestleMania 6. Fast-forward to facing Undertaker at WrestleMania. Edge said he's won more titles than anyone in the history of WWE. Edge said that retiring as World Hvt. champion after having his final match at WrestleMania couldn't be better.

Edge said he's been doing this for 19 years and 14 years with WWE. He said he grew up and made mistakes in front of the audience. He became a man in front of the audience. Edge said he went from a guy running around in a trench coat to a member of The Brood, then Edge & Christian, then one of the most despised guys in WWE, then a Live Sex celebration with Lita and thankfully not Vickie Guerrero, and hopefully he's earned the respect of everyone in the locker room.

Edge said that no matter what, he tried to give the audience as much of what he had every single night. And, in turn, the fans gave it right back. Edge said he's going to miss all of this, like the reaction when his music hits. He said he doesn't have to wear tights tomorrow and he's going to eat a whole lot of ice cream tonight. Whether he would do this all over again - starting with getting hired by JR - he would do it in a heartbeat. "So, thank you. Thank you very much," Edge said before dropping the mic. The crowd was shown standing on their feet applauding Edge, who looked into the crowd to soak in the moment. Edge slipped out of the ring, then high-fived some fans ringside. Edge eventually made it up the rampway and posed one more time as his music played. They faded to commercial.

Arcademan:
WWE NXT Results: 4-12-11

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

1 -- DARREN YOUNG (w/Chavo Guerrero) vs. TITUS O'NEIL (w/Hornswoggle)

Young quickly took control as Hornswoggle tried to rally the crowd behind Titus. Titus made a big comeback with knock-down clotheslines before measuring Young for a flying clothesline. Young then allowed himself to be distracted by Hornswoggle, allowing Titus to roll up Young from behind for the win.

Post-match: the heel-turned Young attacked Titus from behind and put him on his stomach with a gutbuster. The announcers noted it's too late. Young got a crazy look in his eye as he grabbed Hornswoggle, putting him in harm's way. Chavo then stepped in and tried to calm down Young, telling him to focus on him. Chavo told Young not to worry about Hornswoggle because the problem was the match, not Horny. The crowd became very concerned for Hornswoggle's well-being, with Young milking it until the crowd's maximum interest before releasing Hornswoggle.

WINNER: Titus at 2:28. Nice character development for Young showing some renewed aggression from his Nexus days.

2 -- JACOB NOVAK (w/JTG) vs. BYRON SAXTON (w/Yoshi Tatsu)

Novak, looking like Slam Master J, was quickly knocked to the floor via a clothesline from Saxton. On the floor, Novak dropped Saxton across the apron. Grisham noted Novak has yet to pick up a Redemption Point this season. "I'll give him some redemption," Regal said under his breath. Grisham noted Regal's respect for the ring, prompting Regal to endorse the ring as his mecca, his temple to apply his trade. Since the match slowed to a virtual standstill, the focus turned to Regal talking about his career and trying to learn a new trade announcing. Grisham noted Regal is trying to get out of the ring, but Novak is trying to pull him back in. Novak then used the Timbalands to smash Saxton in the torso multiple times. This was good enough for a pin, giving Novak a surprise win. Grisham asked Regal if he was impressed. Regal added a great pause before giving Novak a mild endorsement.

WINNER: Novak at 3:43. If anyone is going to get something out of Novak on this season, it's Regal, who excelled on commentary during this segment.

3 -- YOSHI TATSU vs. LUCKY CANNON

Cannon quickly took it to Yoshi, grounding him on the mat. Maryse said this show should be called MXT - Maryse Xtreme TV since everyone is fighting over her. The camera went back and forth between Maryse ringside and the back-and-forth action in the ring. Grisham had to loosen his tie as Maryse inched closer to him trying to engage Regal in a conversation. Lucky then slipped out of the ring and said this show is about him. Maryse laughed in his face. Back in the ring, Yoshi blasted Cannon with chops followed by rapid-fire kicks. Maryse said Yoshi is like a five-year-old who needs to grew up, but she likes his innocence. Up top, Yoshi nailed a big roundhouse kick to the face. Cannon slumped to the mat and Yoshi made the cover for the win.

WINNER: Yoshi at 3:18. There was a match? Lucky is showing something new each week, but it's not in the ring at this point.

Post-match: Maryse slipped into the ring and laughed in Lucky's face. She then approached Yoshi to plant a big kiss on his lips. Yoshi stood straight up in the ring as Cannon sold disgust with this development. Grisham noted Yoshi did it - he won the match and the girl. Yoshi jumped up and down as Cannon held his head in disdain. Maryse marched away before they replayed the kiss. Grisham closed the show with a voice-over on a still shot of Yoshi standing straight up in the ring post-kiss.

Titus has 13 points, Young with 7, and Saxton with 4.

Arcademan:
WWE Superstars Results: 4-14-11

Note: You can catch WWE Superstars every Thursday night online at WWE.com/shows/wwesuperstars

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

1 -- CHRIS MASTERS vs. CURT HAWKINS

Korpela noted a recent conversation with Masters, who said he may have risen too fast too soon during his first run in 2005 and he's more appreciative of his current WWE run. Hawkins stalled early on, trying to avoid Masters's attempts at power offense to frustrate him. Striker and Korpela then discussed Edge's retirement. Striker said WWE is losing a locker room leader more than anything else. Masters came up bleeding from the mouth, then Hawkins took control leading to a designated break.

Back from break, Masters fought back and nailed a shoulder tackle from the second rope. Masters then called for the Masterlock, but Hawkins rolled through into an arm drag before Masters could fully clasp the hold, executing a nifty counter for a close nearfall. Masters then ducked a clothesline while standing on the ring apron and slapped on the Masterlock. The crowd popped with Hawkins in jeopardy, then Masters lifted Hawkins over the top rope to mid-ring and clenched the hold tight for the submission victory

WINNER: Masters via submission at 5:48. If WWE is looking for a babyface to ascend up the ladder a bit with roster depth issues and Edge's absence, Masters is always there as a potential candidate. Whether he could take the ball and run with it remains to be seen.

2 -- GAIL KIM & NATALYA vs. MARYSE & MELINA

Raw announcer Scott Stanford dropped an old-school MNM reference with Maryse and Melina teaming up. The "N" would be provided by Natalya if they were on the same team. Gail displayed athleticism early on with a high cross-body block on Melina, then Maryse provided a distraction to give the heels control on Gail. Natalya eventually tagged in and went on the attack with power offense on the heels. The action broke down at 5:00, then Natalya grappled Maryse to slap on the Sharpshooter. Maryse was caught center-ring and she tapped out, giving the faces the win.

WINNERS: Gail & Natalya via submission at 5:32. Fine showcase match for the Divas division after some actual focus on Monday's Raw. It will be interesting to see how Kong's eventual debut is incorporated into the picture.

Speaking of which, the vignette on Kong from Monday's Raw aired before going to break.

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

Stanford noted Khali's lumberjack match victory before WrestleMania as Josh Mathews questioned whether Ryder is actually believing his own hype and press. Ryder repeatedly backed off in the corner to slow down Khali. Mathews dropped a Rory Mcilroy reference on whether Ryder's star will implode on the biggest stage (e.g. the Masters), which popped Stanford. Khali seemed confused by Ryder's antics and tactics, which led to Ryder arguing with Singh ringside. Khali capitalized with a clothesline and big open-hand chop to the chest to take control. Khali with another one on the other side of the ring.

Khali, with a big smile on his face, warmed up for a third, but Ryder landed a dropkick to the knees. "Whoo Whoo Whoo!" Ryder shouted at Khali before applying a front facelock. Khali easily escaped, then nailed a clothesline and chop to the head. "How is Ryder still standing in this match?" Stanford asked, oblivious to Ryder lying on the mat, which Mathews called him on. The lovable Stanford laughed off his error, then Khali finished off Ryder with the Punjabi Plunge. Khali with the pin for the quick house show-quality victory followed. This was followed by some dancing for the enjoyment of the kids in attendance.

WINNER: Khali at 3:25. Fine. Ryder got some mic time and was able to shine his heel personality a bit before the inevitable loss to Khali.

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