General Discussions > General Media

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

<< < (146/235) > >>

Arcademan:
Okay...behind since I had some personal issues going on (mom in hospital!) so let's get caught up already ;)

WWE RAW Results: 5-9-11

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

1 -- BELLA TWINS (Divas champion BRIE BELLA & NIKKI BELLA) vs. EVE & KELLY KELLY

The Bella Twins were already in the ring back from break. Eve then came out, followed by Kelly Kelly, for tag action. Mathews plugged Kelly in Maxim magazine before the opening bell. The Bellas quickly isolated Kelly, who fought back before the action broke down. In the confusion, Kelly scored a small package win.

Post-match: Kharma's music played and the Divas freaked out. The Bellas hid ringside, then ran away once Kharma made her way to the ring. Kelly then ran out of the ring, so Eve was alone. Eve tried to charge Kharma, who clotheslined her. After chasing off Kelly, Kharma re-entered the ring to give Eve the implant buster. Cue up maniacal laughter. Refs eventually slid into the ring to check on Eve.

WINNER: Kelly & Eve at 1:21. On the house shows over the weekend, Kharma attacked Eve, so they carried this over to TV. Perhaps it was a test run so Kharma wouldn't injure Eve. There's no sense yet where this is all going. (n/a)

2 -- WWE tag champion KANE (w/WWE tag champion Big Show) vs. MASON RYAN (w/C.M. Punk)

The announcers heavily, heavily promoted Ryan as he displayed his limited moveset. Ryan lifted Kane in the air to deliver a big powerslam in the corner turnbuckle for a two count. Show sold concern ringside, then Kane made a comeback with various kicks to the upper body. The ref had to guide Mason away from the ropes so Punk could run interference behind the ref's back. Big Show then smashed Punk with a KO Punch ringside. Suddenly, Nexus hit the ring to attack the tag champs and cause a DQ, but Show and Kane easily discarded of the scrubs.

Post-match: Ryan entered the ring and ate a double chokeslam. Kane hit the pyro as Nexus tried to check on Punk, who sold he was KO'ed. Meanwhile, Ryan was attended to by a ref. The tag champs left the ring as the carnage was evident ringside.

WINNER: Kane via DQ at 2:16. This was all over the place. No one takes Nexus seriously anymore, and this didn't help. If the goal is to build up foes for Kane and Show, WWE is failing. Ryan looked pretty lost in the ring. He's not ready, so WWE is having the announcers heavily push him as a monster to try to distract from how green he is. (1/4*)

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

One minute into the match, Mathews said Ziggler had been in control "throughout the match." Santino then warmed up the Cobra, but Ziggler met him with a dropkick to the mush. Ziggler followed with the Zig-Zag for the pin and the win. Vickie clapped it up for Ziggler as Cole talked up Ziggler as the future of WWE. Ziggler then sternly walked out of the ring, ignoring Vickie's encouragements.

WINNER: Ziggler at 1:42. Fine squash using equity built up in Santino's finisher to transfer fan excitement to anger toward Ziggler. They need to do more with Ziggler, though, and they need new announcers. There isn't a credible lead announcer with a true compass on the show, disallowing WWE from being able to set up their stories to effectively build heat on the heels or rally fan support for the faces. (n/a)

4 -- WWE champion JOHN CENA vs. ALEX RILEY -- non-title match

Cena toyed with Riley early on, then Riley cut him off and worked a headlock. Cena easily made his comeback and delivered the Five Knuckle Shuffle. Cena then teased the Attitude Adjustment as Miz walked out half-way down the ramp. Cena, while staring down Miz, delivered the AA center ring. Miz came a little closer to the ring and Cena lifted up Riley for another AA. Next, Cena slapped on the STF center ring. Riley immediately tapped out and Miz remained standing on the ramp. Cena eventually released the hold and posed in front of Miz, who maintained his position on the ramp. Cena posed in the ring as Miz slowly backed up the ramp. More back-and-forth shots of Cena and Miz before Cena posed in the ring with the title belt.

WINNER: Cena via submission at 3:12. Decisive squash for Cena to build him up as invincible. It makes long-term sense to build up Cena as strong as possible these next 11 months leading to WM28 vs. The Rock.

5 -- U.S. champion KOFI KINGSTON vs. JACK SWAGGER -- U.S. Title match

Swagger teased the anklelock, then Kofi teased Trouble in Paradise early on. Cole suddenly made some beeping noises to introduce a special news bulletin that Jerry "The King" Lawler is in pain. In the ring, Kofi mounted some offense with a dropkick that sent Swagger to the floor. Kofi teased a plancha, but Swagger slipped into the ring and landed a forearm smash. Kofi recovered on the floor, Cole clapped it up for Swagger, and they cut to break.

Back from break, they went back-and-forth for a bit before Kofi delivered a signature high cross-body splash from the top rope for a close two count. Swagger then tried to chuck Kofi over the top rope, but Kofi skinned the cat, only to have Swagger grab his ankle. Swagger teased the anklelock, but Kofi grabbed the ropes to avoid. Swagger, with a cut lip, took too long to follow up, giving Kofi an opening. Kofi lost control, then Swagger stood on his ankle. Swagger looked to the back and saw Lawler standing on-stage with a crazy look in his eyes. Lawler started walking to the ring as Kofi took advantage of the distraction to nail Trouble in Paradise for the pin.

WINNER: Kingston at 8:24 to retain the U.S. Title. Okay match, but ultimately a set-up for the post-match. (*1/2)

Post-match: Lawler yanked Swagger out of the ring and threw him over the guardrail. Lawler then threw his announcer chair over the Cole Mine into the box. Lawler then grabbed Cole's tie through a peephole and rammed Cole face-first into the panel over and over and over and over again. It was rhythmic. Lawler then hold Cole's face against the panel to give the fans a laugh with a close-up of Cole's face smushed against the panel.

Refs eventually pulled Lawler away and Cole slumped to the floor. Swagger recovered and checked on Lawler, then grabbed the mic and told Lawler he's fired for touching Cole. Lawler, who was being held back by ref Guido, noted he only grabbed Cole's tie. Swagger then spoke on behalf of Cole that he accepts Lawler's match proposal and he'll be a first-ballot Hall of Famer. Cole came to his senses and flipped out on Swagger, wanting to know why he accepted the match. They went to a replay of Lawler yanking Cole by the tie into the glass panel, with his eyes and face smushed like a cartoon. Apparently Lawler vs. Cole is booked for Over the Limit, but they didn't make the date/time/location official.

6 -- ALBERTO DEL RIO vs. REY MYSTERIO vs. THE MIZ -- #1 contender match to WWE Title

Rey escaped the two heels early on, then teased a double 619, but Del Rio cut him off and rolled Rey out of the ring to the floor. Miz tried to roll up Del Rio from behind, but Del Rio escaped at two. Del Rio and Miz traded counters, then Rey entered the ring and flipped around Del Rio for a two count. Lawler noted he feels pretty good about himself getting a match with Cole. Still no official word on whether this is set for Over the Limit. With Del Rio on the outside, Rey and Miz battled in the ring before Del Rio re-entered and threw Rey over the top rope. Del Rio and Miz then battled before a double head-knock put both men on the mat. They cut to break with everyone down & out and the crowd sitting on their hands.

Back from break, Del Rio was working over Rey in the ring while Miz tried to re-enter. Del Rio then knocked Miz off the apron and went back to work on Rey. Del Rio then slipped to the outside and rammed Miz into the ringpost before re-entering the ring to wear down Rey some more. Del Rio then tried a move off the ropes, but Miz pulled down the top rope to bring Del Rio to the floor. In the ring, Miz accepted a kick to the face from Rey, who scored a nearfall. Suddenly, bodies started flying on the outside and all three men recovered on the floor.

Back in the ring, Rey delivered high-flying offense on Del Rio, but it was only good for another two count. Del Rio then shoved Rey away, but Rey responded with a head scissors. Suddenly, Miz snuck into the ring via the top turnbuckle, but Rey sent Del Rio into the turnbuckle to crotch Miz. Lawler then noted Miz can't be happy about the ref in the match being the same ref as last week's WWE Title match. Del Rio then knocked Miz to the floor and followed with the cross arm-breaker on Rey. Miz broke up the submission, though, and popped Del Rio in the face for a two count. Miz stalked Rey for the Skullcrushing Finale, but Rey knocked Miz to the floor. Suddenly, Riley came hobbling down to ringside. Riley checked on Miz on the floor while Del Rio and Rey battled in the ring. Riley got on the apron and Rey flung Del Rio into Riley. Rey then hit 619 on Del Rio, took out Miz on the apron, and climbed up top. Rey hit a splash on Del Rio and made a cover, but Riley yanked Del Rio out of the ring. Miz then snuck in the back door to roll up Rey from behind for the win.

WINNER: Miz at 13:43 to become #1 contender. It was pretty clear where they were going with the story of Riley helping out Miz to make up for his earlier errors. Not a great three-way match with over-use of the "one man out and two men in" format. I'd be happy to see three-way matches go away for a very long time. As for the men in the ring, it was a chance for the wrestlers and WWE to feel out who had good chemistry each other. Miz and Del Rio seemed to work well together stylistically, but the heel vs. heel match-up won't work with a live crowd. (**)

Arcademan:
WWE NXT Results: 5-10-11

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

1 -- TITUS O'NEIL vs. DARREN YOUNG

Young's Pro, Chavo, was on commentary for this match. Chavo said he might have been a culprit of kidnapping Hornswoggle six months ago, but he's grown fond of him. The bell sounded and Titus tried to beat some answers out of Young with clubbing forearms to the chest. Titus then shoved Young to the floor and Young acted like he was heading home, but Titus grabbed him and rolled him back into the ring. Titus approached Young and demanded to know where Hornswoggle is, then landed a big clothesline. Titus continued to bully Young before delivering another big clothesline.

Young eventually cut off Titus as Regal and Chavo reminisced about their WCW days when Regal was Lord Steven. Young continued to work over Titus until Titus caught him in an electric chair. Both men sold on the mat as the ref applied a ten count. Titus then tried to fire up the crowd for his comeback before Young scored with a quick roll-up for a three count, giving O'Neil his first loss on NXT5. Young smiled as he left the ring, where Titus continued to act frustrated.

WINNER: Young at 5:23. Above-average NXT match, mainly due to Titus showing some range performing in the ring. The Hornswoggle storyline was a bit silly, but it gave them something to compete over.

2 -- BYRON SAXTON (w/Yoshi Tatsu) vs. CONOR O'BRIAN (w/Kozlov)

Before the match, they flashed back to last week when Saxton told Yoshi he doesn't want his help anymore. Grisham said he was surprised that Yoshi came out with Saxton this week. Saxton completely ignored Yoshi before the bell sounded to start this one off. At 1:30, they cut to a shot of JTG, Chavo, and Kidd on-stage scribbling notes on their clipboards. Meanwhile, Regal, who was celebrating a birthday, dryly thanked the WWE staff for buying him a timeshare in Iraq. At 3:00, Regal gave a wink & a nod to this being a snoozefest by saying the Rookies weren't showing any fire or sense of urgency with an elimination coming next week.

Saxton showed some fire with a comeback at 4:15, but he couldn't put away Conor with a pin attempt. Saxton then came off the top with a clothesline and it was good for the win. Yoshi excitedly entered the ring to celebrate with Saxton, who wanted nothing to do with Yoshi. Nice intensity from Saxton in the post-match.

Saxton then grabbed a mic and reminded Yoshi he's doing this on his own because Yoshi is too distracted with Maryse. Yoshi looked confused. He said it's either the language barrier or Yoshi is just too stupid. Yoshi understood that and got in Saxton's face. Saxton then told him he doesn't want or need him. Regal said that's not smart. Saxton then walked out of the ring selling he was upset.

WINNER: Saxton at 4:50. O'Brian should be gone next week. Just a vacuous character taking up space. Saxton stepped up this week conveying emotion and on the mic.

3 -- WILLIAM REGAL vs. JACOB NOVAK (w/JTG)

Novak danced around the ring, trying to avoid locking up with Regal, who eventually used his veteran skills to knock Novak to the floor. JTG tried to get Novak's head back in the game before re-entering the ring. Novak landed an elbow to the face to take control as they cut to break.

Back from break, Novak scored a two count and settled into a headlock. Well, it was barely a headlock. Regal then escaped and rammed Novak in the shoulder blades to knock him into the corner. JTG shouted at Novak to get back on him and he did so. Regal then made a comeback and raked Novak's forehead across the top rope. Regal got a reaction playing to the crowd, then wanted a t-bone suplex, but Novak blocked and rammed Regal back into the corner. Novak landed an ugly forearm, then Regal stumbled out of the corner. Novak found himself in a bad position, though, and Regal capitalized with the Regal Stretch center-ring. Novak was forced to tap out, drawing frustration from JTG. Afterward, Regal paraded around the ring, fired up after the win, as Novak tried to talk down a frustrated JTG, claiming this isn't over yet.

WINNER: Regal via submission at 6:15. Novak's offense was pretty close to awful, while Regal did his best to cover for Novak's limited abilities in the ring. Novak continues to stand out doing his Slam Master J gimmick, but he isn't anywhere close to ready for the main roster. Regal continues to be a bright spot on a weekly basis.

Arcademan:
TNA Impact! Results: 5-12-11

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

1 -- MADISON RAYNE & TARA vs. Knockouts champion MICKIE JAMES & MISS TESSMACHER

Earl Hebner had the referee assignment for this one. The story early on was tension between Mickie and Tara after Mickie set up a "Free Tara" stipulation last week for the KO Title match against Madison at the PPV. Mickie and Tara then shook hands, much to Rayne's dismay. Rayne's anger got the best of her, as Tess scored a quick pin out of nowhere for the win. Rayne flipped out on Tara, who ignored her and left the ring.

WINNERS: Mickie & T at 2:16. Basic set up for Mickie vs. Rayne at the PPV.

2 -- SANGRIENTO vs. SUICIDE

Time for the filler portion of the show, based on the way TNA presented this segment compared to the rest of the show. The announcers reinforced this as filler by focusing on the other big storylines going on in TNA. Sang and Suicide traded offense in and out of the ring early on. Sangriento looked like Waltman with a roundhouse kick in the corner for a two count. The two masked men then traded big moves before Sangriento hit a springboard cutter for the three count and the win.

WINNER: Sangriento at 3:40. Filler highspot match continuing to introduce the Sangriento character.

Interjection: Mick Foley is the rep for 'The Network' and Chyna is Kurt Angle's partner at this Sunday's PPV against Jeff Jarrett and Karen Jarrett.

3 -- ABYSS vs. CRIMSON vs. SAMOA JOE

The bell sounded and Joe started throwing bombs on the other two opponents. Crimson eventually cut him off, then went to work on Abyss. Abyss was knocked down, then Crimson and Joe came face-to-face trading blows. Crimson continued to use a cravate to neutralize Joe, who escaped, only to take the Black Hole Slam from Abyss. Crimson then popped up and speared Abyss before covering Joe for the win.

Post-match: Crimson played to the crowd for seemingly hours as Joe stalked him from behind a la Kurt Angle's TNA debut years ago. Abyss suddenly blindsided Crimson, taking care of Joe's dirty work for the night. Joe gave Abyss the okay, then slipped out of the ring and left. Meanwhile, Abyss dropped Crimson with the Black Hole Slam. The camera zoomed in on Abyss's mouth, where there was a huge gap due to his lost teeth. Wolfman stood tall ahead of the singles match vs. Crimson at the PPV.

WINNER: Crimson at 2:29.

4 -- 25-MAN BATTLE ROYAL -- #1 contender to TNA World Title

The bell sounded and Tenay noted he doesn't think Eric Young realizes he's in the battle royal. Morgan quickly eliminated British Invasion, then chucked out Orlando Jordan after he tried to rub up against Morgan. Morgan then took out Anarquia. Tenay recapped the program's name change to Impact Wrestling and said "massive changes are coming" and they can only wonder what's next starting next week. Young finally decided to enter the match after running the ropes a la Ultimate Warrior. Morgan was just towering over everyone here. Meanwhile, Young kept doing ten punches in the corner on anyone he could find.

Neal went flying out. Hernandez then press-slammed Moore on to Neal. Moments later, Morgan emphatically disposed of Robbie E. Young, after skinning the cat, eliminated TV champ Gunner. Young then flipped in and out of the ring a la the Tough Enough Skills Challenge before eliminating himself. Young grabbed the TV Title from Val and left, with Gunner giving chase. More of the battle royal up next.

Tenay welcomed viewers back to "Impact Wrestling" with about the same number of wrestlers still in the ring. Karen made a save for Jeff from ringside as bodies continued to move around in the ring. Suddenly, Kaz went flying over the top rope and he quickly grabbed his left knee to sell an injury. Hardy and Storm then eliminated each other and referees had to separate them. Hardy then snuck back into the ring to eliminate Roode, who chased Hardy away.

Suddenly, Mick Foley was on commentary. Foley said wrestling does matter and he's looking forward to what goes on in the ring. Morgan then clotheslined Hernandez over the top. Meanwhile, Scott Steiner dumped Morgan. Ray then eliminated Steiner from behind. They were down to about eight men. Meanwhile, Morgan rammed Steiner into the base of the announce table. The camera focused on Ray, who held up Anderson for Dreamer to deliver right hands to the gut. Foley said he wants to settle things inside the ring now. With a battle royal? The battle royal continued with Pope eliminating Devon. Pope had a good laugh, then Angle stalked Pope and eliminated him over the top rope. The commercial break music played as the camera zoomed in on Dreamer slowly walking around the ring sporting his over-sized t-shirt. Yes, Impact Wrestling is back after the break.

Back from break, Tenay said Ray almost eliminated Angle during the break. Taz added there was not an elimination during the break. Dreamer focused on Styles while the other wrestlers took a breather. Moments later, Dreamer eliminated Styles per Ray's instructions. Ray then eliminated Dreamer to screw him over. So, it was Angle, Jarrett, Anderson, and Ray in the final four. Styles and Dreamer fought ringside while Angle and Jarrett paired off and Anderson and Ray paired off in the ring.

Karen got involved trying to prevent Jarrett from being thrown over the top. Jarrett then shoved Anderson through the middle ropes, so Anderson was safe. Ray was also shoved through the ropes. In the ring, Angle and Jarrett battled as the last two unofficially in the ring. Karen got involved again from the outside, so Angle was distracted. Jarrett then eliminated Angle. Cue up the Jarretts with a pre-mature celebration. Chyna eventually slid into the ring and dumped Jarrett over the top rope. Apparently that counted as an elimination. Chyna then grabbed Karen, but Jeff pulled Karen to safety. The Jarretts went running for the hills, then Chyna and Angle headed to the back.

So, it was down to Anderson and Ray, who crawled into the ring together. They traded blows as Tenay said "someone is leaving Impact Wrestling" with a future title shot. Ray eventually knocked down Anderson before trying to eliminate him, but Anderson saved himself and landed a right hand blow. Anderson then wanted a top rope dive, but Ray got his knees up. Anderson saved himself from elimination standing on the ring apron, then Anderson slowly pulled Ray over the top rope and Ray hit the ground to give Anderson the win.

WINNER: Anderson at 28:05 to become #1 contender to the TNA World Title after Sacrifice. The show might have a different name, but it's the same illogical booking. Chyna, who was not in the match, eliminates Jarrett and the announcers don't blink an eye? Overall, an awful start to the abrupt "Impact Wrestling" initiative with a three-way and battle royal following the announcement. One audience (people who knew about the change from the TV taping last week) were sent mixed signals about what exactly was changing for two weeks. The other audience (casual viewers who don't follow the product online) were taken off-guard by a random announcement that really didn't mean anything at the end of the day. TNA will have to do a better job explaining this to their entire audience in the weeks to come.

Arcademan:
WWE Superstars Results: 5-12-11

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

1 -- TRENT BARRETA vs. TYSON KIDD (w/Michael P.S. Hayes)

Basic mat wrestling to start as Hayes leaned against the apron surveying the start of the match. Kidd then rolled out of the ring and received some instructions from Hayes. Matt Striker noted Hayes's background as a heel before Korpela broke down Hayes's wrestling background. Barreta scored with a dropkick, then a double clothesline put both men on the mat. Ref Nunzio administered a ten count, then Kidd landed a corner attack drawing a smile from Hayes.

Back from break, Kidd maintained control on Barreta as Hayes continued to look on. Kidd then hung Barreta upside down in the corner and they went to a unique camera shot right behind Barreta to show him hung upside down. Barreta escaped, then flipped up top and scored with a moonsault splash for a two count. Hayes shook his head, then Barreta followed with a corner elbow smash on Kidd. Barreta then found himself in the ropes, where Kidd executed an overhead release suplex for another nearfall.

Barreta escaped the Sharpshooter and rolled up Kidd for a close two count. Kidd came right back with a leg whip, then wanted a springboard elbow smash, but Barreta got his knees up. Barreta with a flying leg kick, and it was good for a two count only. Barreta tried to follow with his Dudebuster DDT, but Kidd countered into the Sharpshooter for the submission win.

Post-match: Hayes smirked and walked into the ring to congratulate Kidd on the hard-fought win. After a replay of the high points in the match, Hayes gave Kidd some post-match wisdom before they called it a night.

WINNER: Kidd via submission at 9:44. Very good nearfalls at the end of this one. Hayes didn't look comfortable in his role at times and the chemistry between Kidd and Hayes needs some time to develop, assuming this lasts longer than one week as McMahon's Flavor of the Week idea. (**1/2)

2 -- KOZLOV vs. ZACK RYDER

After the opening bell, Kozlov stalked his prey, prompting Ryder to back away to the corner. Mathews plugged Ryder's YouTube show, but said he doesn't like that Stanford is on the show. Stanford said Mathews should come up with a hidden talent to be featured on the program. Ryder started getting frustrated with Kozlov's attack and shouted in his face, "You serious?!" Kozlov responded with serious head butts to the chest, followed by a clothesline over the top rope to the floor.

On the floor, Kozlov tried to run Ryder into the ringpost, but Ryder slipped out and rammed Kozlov forehead-first into the post. Back in the ring, Ryder quickly seized an opening to inflict more pain on Kozlov. After some stomps and kicks, Ryder scored with a neckbreaker for a nearfall before locking in a rear naked choke. Kozlov escaped, but fought some knees to the face in the corner. Ryder tried ten punches, but Kozlov shoved him away, then flipped him over the top rope to the floor.

On the floor, Kozlov quickly threw Ryder back inside the ring. Suddenly, Curt Hawkins ran down to ringside and grabbed Kozlov's foot. Kozlov threw him away, but turned his back to Ryder. Ryder took advantage with the Rough Ryder and it was good for the win. Post-match: Hawkins and Ryder celebrated ringside as Stanford quickly revisited their tag team background. Ryder taunted Kozlov from the floor, saying the "Broskis are back."

WINNER: Ryder at 5:00. Better-than-expected for a potentially awkward match-up. It will be interesting to see if the Broskis can get some TV time on Raw or if they'll simply do tag work on Superstars going forward. It's definitely a step forward for Hawkins, but it could be a step back for Ryder if WWE doesn't do something with the reunited tandem. (*)

3 -- CHRIS MASTERS vs. DREW MCINTYRE

Stanford noted both men were drafted over from Smackdown and are looking to make a mark on Raw. Stanford also revisited the time when McIntyre was relevant as the "chosen one." He also relayed a storyline from McIntyre's view that he felt he was ruined on Smackdown by the blue brand's politics. Masters teased the Masterlock early on, and McIntyre quickly scampered to the corner to avoid the hold. Masters then followed with a big atomic drop that could have ended McIntyre's family line for a nearfall.

Mac rolled to the outside for a breather. Back in the ring, Mac took out Masters's left knee and began working the joints. McIntyre then wrapped Masters's leg around the ringpost with a figure-four leglock. McIntyre flashed his new evil smile toward the crowd as they cut to break.

Back from break, Stanford said this is a main event compared to Saturday's boxing fight. Let's not push it, Scott. Mac continued to focus his attack on Masters's left knee, but he couldn't put him away. Masters then tried a scoop slam, but he couldn't get any lift on the bad wheel and Mac slammed him to the mat. More damage to the left knee and Mac flashed a smile to the less-than-appreciative crowd.

Mac teased a figure-four, but Masters booted him to the floor. Mac, upset, ran back into the ring to take a spinebuster from Masters. Masters followed with chops, then a sky-high bomb on one leg for a two count. Masters nearly found himself in the Future Shock DDT moments later, but Masters escaped. The two big men then traded backslide attempts, Mac teased the Future Shock again, and Mac eventually ran shoulder-first into the ringpost. Masters slowly followed up with the Masterlock and Mac was forced to give it up. Masters with the win.

Post-match: Stanford claimed Masters got himself noticed with the win here. They replayed Mac's big mistake at the end that allowed Masters to lock in the Masterlock for the win. Back in the ring, Masters admired his work and played to the crowd as Mac recovered on the floor to conclude the show.

WINNER: Masters via submission at 10:36. Exactly what you would expect from Masters and McIntyre. Masters has certainly put in the time on Superstars lately to get a look on the main Raw show, while McIntyre is just filling a slot right now until WWE figures out what to do with him. Good main event, overall. (*3/4)

Arcademan:
WWE Smackdown Results: 5-13-11

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

1 -- SIN CARA vs. DANIEL BRYAN

The bell sounded and the arena remained bathed in the dark blue mood lighting. It looks amateurish. Bryan and Cara exchanged holds early on before Cara executed a handspring elbow smash that sent Bryan to the floor. Cara then came flying over the top rope with a flip dive that dropped Bryan on the floor. Chavo said that was impressive. They cut to break two minutes in.

They returned from break four minutes later with Cara landing a series of head butts to the mid-section in the corner. Bryan then came off the top with a big missile dropkick for a nearfall. Bryan continued to play the aggressor landing multiple kick strikes in the corner. The crowd tried to rally behind Cara, who took a corner strike from Bryan for a nearfall. Bryan then applied a surfboard stretch center-ring as Chavo noted that's one of his moves. From the stretch position, Bryan then threw Sin Cara into the air into a bridge suplex pin for a nearfall. That was quite unique. Chavo continued to make notes on what he'll share with Sin Cara after the match.

Bryan wore down Cara some more before re-applying a submission hold targeting the left shoulder. Sin Cara then built some momentum with a comeback before Bryan landed a European uppercut. Sin Cara came back with an enziguiri kick from the apron before nailing a springboard cross-body for a close two count. Sin Cara then went for another handspring elbow, but Bryan blocked with a submission attempt. Sin Cara fought the hold, flung Bryan to the outside, then slid to the floor, but Bryan popped him with a kick strike.

Back in the ring, Bryan went for a springboard move, but Chavo grabbed his foot. Bryan flung Chavo away, but the distraction gave Sin Cara an opening to deliver a step-up enziguiri kick on Bryan. Sin Cara then approached Bryan up top, waited for the crowd to rise to their feet, and Sin Cara executed his back flip press slam from the top rope for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Sin Cara at 11:48. Very nice TV match that really could have made a difference for Bryan if promoted ahead of time. It was interesting seeing Bryan in the aggressor role being able to show off his offensive arsenal building toward Sin Cara's comeback in the underdog role. Chavo and Sin Cara have an interesting little story going with Chavo trying to hitch his wagon to a hot new star, which will lead to Chavo turning on Sin Cara for not accepting his counsel. (**1/2)

2 -- Intercontinental champion WADE BARRETT (w/The Corre) vs. WWE tag champion KANE -- non-title match

Kane went to work on Barrett early on as the announcers continued to debate Jackson's cut. Booker then demanded Slater and Gabriel be removed from ringside since they don't have a manager's license. Cole of course jumped on that with a sarcastic laugh and said it's not 1985. Some of the follow-up commentary was disjointed, apparently from post-production edits, and the show cut to break with Barrett recovering on the floor.

Back from break, Barrett was working on Kane's left shoulder, trying to wear him down. Cole continued to rant & rave that Corre does not need Ezekiel Jackson. Kane fought back from his knees against Barrett, who then caught him with a sidewalk slam for a two count. Kane then came back with clotheslines in the corner followed by his own sidewalk slam.

Corre provided a distraction, though, and Barrett teased Wasteland, but Kane slipped out and landed a boot to the face. Kane then bailed to the floor and smashed the former tag champs. Kane climbed back into the ring, climbed up top, and landed a flying clothesline. Kane called for the end, but Corre hit the ring for an attack, drawing a DQ.

Post-match: Corre went after Kane like a pack of wolves for a few moments. The crowd was looking for a save here. Barrett then lifted up Kane and delivered Wasteland center ring. Next, Slater positioned Kane in the corner and Gabriel made his way up top. Before Gabriel could set up, Ezekiel Jackson's music hit and Zeke stormed the ring to attack Slater and Gabriel. Jackson and Heath had a bit of an awkward tussle before Jackson cleared both of them from the ring. Barrett attacked Jackson, though, to cut him off. Barrett turned his back and Jackson attacked him before Slater and Gabriel saved Barrett.

Corre beat down Jackson like a pack of wolves. Ref Armstrong tried to get Corre out of the ring, but Slater delivered his finisher on Jackson. Gabriel then went up top and measured Jackson before delivering his 450 splash. Slater screamed down that Zeke's not so big now. Barrett, Slater, and Gabriel then stood tall in the ring before their music played.

WINNER: Kane via DQ at 8:57. Corre had a better week than Nexus, that's for sure. The match itself was above-expectations, although Kane remains physically limited in the ring. (*1/2)

3 -- CODY RHODES vs. TED DIBIASE

The two men locked up as Cole recapped their Legacy background. Meanwhile, ringside fans were shown wearing the bags. In the ring, Rhodes and DiBiase traded pin attempts before Rhodes took time to scream out to the fans to put the paper bags on. Rhodes then blasted DiBiase with a step-up enziguiri kick out of the corner. Rhodes followed up with Cross Rhodes and it was good for the win.

WINNER: Rhodes at 3:15. Pretty much a squash win for Rhodes, who continues to carry himself like a future top heel on Smackdown. Meanwhile, DiBiase is stuck in no-man's land as neither face nor heel, nor relevant. (*)

4 - World Hvt. champion RANDY ORTON & CHRISTIAN vs. SHEAMUS & MARK HENRY

Sheamus and Christian started things off in the ring feeling each other out. Meanwhile, Booker picked up a discussion disagreeing with Teddy Long booking the World Title match last week. Cole pulled a TNA defending Long that it's about business, TV ratings, and "the product." That unproductive "insider talk" on a wrestling show is made even more eye-rolling coming from Heel Cole. Orton tagged in and confidently decked Henry on the mat. Orton flashed a smile toward Sheamus, but then found himself on the floor. Booker halted the conversation to stress Orton was in peril as they cut to break.

Back from break, Henry was dominating Orton center-ring. Henry missed with a big splash, though, and Orton made a tag to Christian. Henry wouldn't go down after some clotheslines, so Christian went to the second rope to deliver a big dropkick. The heels then cut off Christian and began working him over in their corner. Nice work from Henry and Sheamus keeping things interesting as they tagged in and out. Christian then escaped Sheamus and made a tag to Orton, who came in hot on Sheamus.

Orton knocked Henry off the ring apron, then caught Sheamus with the snap powerslam. Sheamus found himself on the apron, where Orton tried the spike DDT, but Sheamus slipped out and hit the Irish Curse backbreaker for a two count. Sheamus then stalked Orton for the Brogue Kick, but Orton ducked and Sheamus spilled over the top rope. Orton then capitalized with a spike DDT from the middle rope. Orton wanted the RKO, but Sheamus shoved him away and Christian blind-tagged in. Christian snuck up behind Sheamus and dropped him with the Unprettier as Orton simultaneously (off by a second or two) dropped a charging Henry with the RKO. Christian with the cover on Sheamus for the win.

Post-match: Christian and Orton had their hands raised before they came together for a friendly stare down. Orton extended his hand and Christian accepted. Orton then put the World Title belt out there for Christian to get a good look at. Christian smirked as the show closed with the two men standing tall center-ring.

WINNER: Christian & Orton at 15:02. Fine tag match continuing to build tension between Christian and Orton ahead of their face vs. face title encounter in nine days. The interesting story beneath the surface is Christian being too calm and respectable of Orton for someone who had his title dream shattered last week, as Booker pointed out. It makes Christian a subtly dangerous title contender capable of exploding at any moment, which is a nice touch. If Cole were removed from the equation distracting from the TV stories, the announcers could actually reinforce that intriguing plotline. Meanwhile, Sheamus could use a few credible wins to re-establish his dominance and finishing moves on Smackdown before he becomes a difference-maker on the show. (**)

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[#] Next page

[*] Previous page