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Arcademan:
TNA Sacrifice PPV Results: 5-15-11 (next three posts)

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

1 -- MEXICAN AMERICA (HERNANDEZ & ANARQUIA w/KO tag champs Sarita and Rosita) vs. INK, INC. (SHANNON MOORE & JESSE NEAL)

The women got involved early and often, but Moore and Neal were able to make comebacks following the heels gaining illegal advantages. Moore then hit a springboard moonsault on Hernandez ringside that drew a reaction. Sarita then took her interference a step forward by slipping into the ring to attack Moore from behind with the ref distracted. HernArquia took advantage of the third instance of interference to isolate Moore for an extended length of time. Moore then avoided a top rope attack and hit a moonsault on Anarquia. Neal hot-tagged into the match and clobbered the heels. The action broke down with some awkward spots ensuing. Rosita then interfered again and the action broke down even further. Eventually, Hernandez gave Neal a shoulderbreaker and scored the win.

WINNERS: Hernandez & Anarquia at 9:39. That was pretty laughable at times. Awkward spots, Anarquia continues to look like a bad independent wrestler with a deer-in-the-headlights look, there was enough blatant interference to fill an entire PPV, plenty of referee incompetence, and a decision that ultimately meant nothing. A flying start for the Impact Wrestling era with the same ol', same ol' in TNA. (*)

2 -- BRIAN KENDRICK vs. ROBBIE E. (w/Cookie)

Kendrick started the match seated in the ring covering himself with his karate gi. Robbie screamed at him to wake up, then Kendrick popped him with a clothesline. The announcers continued to talk about this X Division re-definition idea, when all it should be about is winning and losing matches. Kendrick continued to wrestle in his robe before finding himself on the floor face-to-face with a screaming Cookie. Back in the ring, Kendrick found a clothesline from Robbie that sent Kendrick back to the floor. Robbie waited for Kendrick to re-enter the ring and the camera picked up on Kendrick having a big cut across his lip.

Kendrick, still in his robe, was victimized by the robe when Robbie choked him with it before throwing him to the floor. Robbie executed a suplex on the floor, then Cookie put a boot in Kendrick's throat. Kendrick, crawling on the floor looking like a small child in his over-sized robe, then landed a standing kick when Robbie tried to follow out. Back in the ring, Kendrick came off the top with a missile dropkick, then he dramatically dropped the robe at 5:55.

They came to a standstill and appeared to call for the finish. Moments later, Robbie cut off Kendrick and wanted a neckbreaker, but Kendrick shoved him off and landed a leg whip for the pin. Post-match: Kendrick resumed a yoga position to re-enter his trance as blood covered his mouth. Kendrick grabbed ref Hebner's arm, then extended his hand to Robbie, who asked what's wrong with him. They eventually played tug-of-war with Cookie before Robbie rescued her to safety.

WINNER: Kendrick at 6:41. That was so bizarre. It came across like amateur hour out there. Kendrick does a great job with his character, but, like Eric Young, there's no context to the character since there's no foundation to what goes on in TNA. (*1/2)

3 -- Knockouts champion MICKIE JAMES vs. MADISON RAYNE -- Knockouts Title match -- if Mickie wins, Tara is free from Rayne

Moments after the bell sounded, Tara came to ringside, which drew a stern tongue-lashing from Madison. Mickie and Rayne went back and forth early on before the ref was bumped. Madison then tried to use an illegal object from the outside, but Tara yanked it away from her. Champ and challenger traded close nearfalls before Tara entered the ring with a loaded glove. She acted conflicted on which wrestler to pop, then she dropped Madison and Mickie made the cover for the win. Ringside, Tara celebrated her freedom while Mickie celebrated with the belt.

WINNER: James at 6:57 to retain the KO Title. Same ol' interference-filled booking continues tonight. The silver lining was a good payoff for viewers interested in seeing Tara finally drop Madison. (*1/2)

4 -- X Division champion KAZARIAN vs. MAX BUCK -- X Division Title match

Max continued to play up his cocky heel persona flashing a smirk to the camera after early offense against Kaz. The announcers continued to promote the ridiculous X Division vs. Bischoff storyline, with the wrestlers having to "prove they belong" or needing to "earn a spot." TNA should promote itself as such a premiere platform for pro wrestlers to compete that everyone on the roster has already earned a spot and deserves to be featured. That "you're not a star" rhetoric brings down the entire promotion.

At 7:30, Kaz went for his reverse piledriver finisher, but Max escaped and scored with a nearfall on a leg whip. Kaz then popped up and showed some fire, trying to wake up a sleepy crowd. Max then followed up with a running buckle bomb in the corner before executing a snap neckbreaker from the second rope for a two count. Max then went up top and landed a big 450 splash, but Kaz kicked out in time. Max then taunted Kaz, who slowly came to his feet, blocked a suplex, and hung Mux out to dry across the top rope. Kaz followed with a dangerous-looking sunset flip powerbomb that sent the back of Max's head directly into the floor. It wasn't good for a pin, though, as Kaz rolled Max back into the ring and scored a two count. Moments after that scary-looking bump, the crowd chanted, "This is wrestling."

Moments later, Kaz tried the reverse piledriver for a third time, but Max slipped out. Kaz then nailed a Shining Wizard for the pin and the win. Kaz retains. Afterward, the announcers talked up Kaz adjusting his gameplan to finish off Max with a new maneuver. They went to a replay of high points from the match before Tenay went back to asking how Bischoff could disrespect the X Division wrestlers after that match. Kaz was shown holding up the title belt as Tenay said that's what Impact Wrestling is about.

WINNER: Kazarian at 11:21 to retain the X Division Title. Stronger second-half than the first-half. Good nearfalls at the end that actually got a sleepy crowd involved in the action. (**1/2)

5 -- ABYSS vs. CRIMSON

The bell sounded and the two men stayed in their respective corners before meeting center-ring. The match quickly moved to the floor, where Abyss smashed Crimson into the guardrail and ring steps. Back in the ring, Abyss stalked Crimson while also taunting the ringside fans. Abyss landed a big corner splash before going to a neck vice. Crimson eventually broke free and made a comeback before applying his cravate into a neckbreaker for a two count. Crimson missed with a corner attack, then Abyss goozled him and delivered a chokeslam for a nearfall.

It wouldn't be a TNA PPV without Abyss going under the ring in search of a weapon. He rediscovered Janice, much to the crowd's horror. Abyss re-entered the ring with Janice in-hand, scared away ref Mike Posey, and stalked Crimson. Crimson ducked a Janice shot, though, and nailed a spear for a two count. Abyss then cut off Crimson with a boot to the head and wanted the Shock Treatment, but Crimson countered with a Cactus Jack-style double underhook DDT. It was only good for a two count, though.

Abyss stumbled out of the ring after the nearfall, then yanked a curious Crimson head-first across the top rope. Back in the ring, Abyss wanted a Vader Bomb, and he connected. Abyss made the cover, but Crimson kicked out. Crimson slowly made his way to his feet after taking the nearfall, then Abyss missed with a corner attack. Crimson followed with a sky-high bomb and it was good for the win.

WINNER: Crimson at 10:43. Serviceable big-man match. It's typically difficult to pull off a match with big men trading big moves and nearfalls for ten minutes, but it was above-expectations. (**)

Arcademan:
TNA Sacrifice PPV Results (continued)

6 -- TNA tag champions BEER MONEY (JAMES STORM & ROBERT ROODE) vs. MATT HARDY & CHRIS HARRIS -- TNA Tag Title match

Harris, who was sporting his old AMW trunks, wanted to start it off with his former tag partner, Storm, but immediately tagged out to Hardy. In the early going, the two teams traded control and the partners tagged in and out throughout. Harris then spewed beer in Storm's face to give the heels control. Harris took advantage by landing some punches on his former tag partner before quickly tagging out.

The action temporarily broke down at 6:00 before Roode scored a close nearfall on Harris with a fisherman suplex. Roode then tried to tag in Storm, but Hardy cut off Storm on the floor. Hardy then resumed control of the match in the ring, working on Roode's lower back. The heels traded tags working on Roode's lower back as Taz discussed Harris not appearing to be in ring shape. Hardy and Roode then bumped heads center-ring for a double knock down. Harris then tagged in and spit in Storm's face.

Roode broke free and tagged in Storm and Harris realized Hardy was nowhere to be found. Storm stalked Harris to finally get his hands on Harris, who took a series of clotheslines. Storm with ten punches from the mount position. Then, six more. Storm continued to wail away at Harris before landing a DDT for a nearfall when Hardy broke up a pin. Roode then tossed Hardy to the floor and put a boot in his chest.

In the ring, Storm landed a sort of twisting DDT from the second rope for a nearfall. Beer Money stalked Harris for the DWI, but Hardy broke it up. Hardy with the side effect on Roode. Storm countered Twist of Hate with a backstabber, then Harris dropped Storm with a spinebuster. Roode followed with a better spinebuster on Harris. Beer Money then did their chant before setting up Harris for the DWI. Storm had second thoughts and went up top for the old-school AMW guillotine leg drop. Storm with the cover on Harris for the win.

WINNERS: Beer Money at 13:51. Beer Money didn't exactly have good opponents to work with, so the match was below their standards. Harris looked very rusty, which is being nice, and the match didn't seem to have any flow leading to the finish. The crowd didn't really buy into the match story since Harris was randomly re-introduced on TV this week and most people probably had no idea who Harris is. The payoff for Storm would have been stronger with some foresight to re-introduce Harris ahead of time. (**)

7 -- A.J. STYLES vs. TOMMY DREAMER -- No DQ match

The bell sounded and the two men came face-to-face. Styles yelled in Dreamer's face, then Dreamer paced the ring before locking up. Dreamer sold reluctance to really give it to Styles, who screamed in his face. Styles then caught Dreamer in an armbar and Dreamer begged for a break, but ref Jackson James said it's No DQ. Dreamer continued to beg, then Styles dropped the hold and screamed at him to wrestle. Styles tried to follow with a corner attack, but Dreamer dropped him with a standing kick that folded up Styles on the mat. Dreamer then picked up an attack and scored a few nearfalls.

Styles shook off the attack and landed a dropsault before landing a plancha on the floor. Styles showed intensity shouting to the crowd, trying to wake them up. Still on the floor, Styles threw water in Dreamer's face. The announcers brought up EV2 and Taz said under his breath that ship has sailed...thankfully. Styles then crotched Dreamer across the guardrail before sliding underneath the guardrail to deliver a springboard elbow smash off the guardrail. "How do you get spring off a steel guardrail?" Tenay said.

The action moved up the steps up of the IWZ into the bleacher seats, clearing a few tourists. Styles clotheslined Dreamer over the bleacher railing and Dreamer landed on the floor with a thud. Styles tried to follow up, but Dreamer rammed him into the base of the bleachers. Dreamer dumped Styles back to ringside, then went looking for a trash can filled with weapons. Styles, who had a cut around his left eye, proceeded to dropkick the trash can into Dreamer's face. Styles then went looking for a table under the ring that he introduced into the ring. Some people in the crowd chanted for fire, apparently still stuck in 1998. Styles then went running off the table with a corner splash on Dreamer, which drew a reaction from the crowd. Styles tried a suplex onto the table, but Dreamer countered with a DDT.

Dreamer retrieved a fork, flashing back to when Styles used a fork on Dreamer. Dreamer taunted Styles with it, but Styles blocked Dreamer and cracked a trash can over Dreamer's head. Styles then wanted a Styles Clash into the table, but Bully Ray stormed the ring and popped Styles with a chain. Daniels then came running into the ring to chase off Ray. Back in the ring, Dreamer set up Styles for a piledriver through a table that seemed to take more out of Dreamer than Styles. Dreamer made a cover for the win. Tenay quickly noted the win was due to Ray's interference.

WINNER: Dreamer at 13:04. Did Dreamer just pin Styles in a close-to-the-main-event PPV match in the year 2011? As for the weapons and stunt bumps, it's long over-due for TNA - and pro wrestling in general - to move on from this type of match. (*1/2)

8 -- JEFF JARRETT & KAREN JARRETT vs. KURT ANGLE & CHYNA -- Mixed tag match

The bell sounded and the crowd was awake for Angle, who flashed a big smile to Jeff, who continued to sell concern with the proceedings here. The fans taunted Karen with a chant of, "Chyna's gonna kill you." Taz got confused on the chant and declared it's all fun & games at Sacrifice. The crowd then chanted for Chyna and Angle obliged. Karen opted not to enter the ring and dipped to the outside trying to avoid Chyna, who was patient in the ring waiting for Karen. Jeff sold concern as Karen slowly approached the ring apron.

Suddenly, Jeff was legal, making Kurt legal. Jeff put the boots to Kurt before hugging it out with Karen. Kurt then slapped on an anklelock and Karen entered the ring, which occupied Kurt's attention. Kurt tried to bring Karen to Chyna, but Jeff cut off Kurt at the knees from behind. The crowd chanted for Chyna again while Jeff continued to work on Kurt. The two men traded control of the match before Angle landed an Angle Slam for a two count. "Get up!" Karen screamed.

Kurt then dragged Jeff to the corner and Jeff used a mule kick behind the ref's back. Kurt crawled over to Chyna, though, and Chyna entered the match. Chyna nearly injured everyone on a scoop slam to Jeff, but followed with a better suplex on Jeff. Chyna then stalked Karen into the ring where Karen found Kurt as a roadblock. Kurt gave directions to Chyna, who landed a big corner splash on Karen. Next was a DDT of sorts before stereo anklelocks were applied. The Jarretts tapped out, giving Kurt and Chyna the win. Taz said ex-husbands are rejoicing around the world. More of that women-hating theme from TNA's writers. After a replay, Kurt and Chyna left the ring in celebratory mode. Meanwhile, Jeff checked on Karen, who remained face-down in the ring.

WINNERS: Angle & Chyna at 10:19. Solid payoff for people who paid to see the Jarretts get their comeuppance and/or see a bit of Chyna, who was clearly limited in what she was capable of doing. TNA smartly limited her exposure and saved her big spots for the end of the match. It was also a night-off for Angle, who needs to be protected in the ring considering his health. This was the first match on the card the audience truly invested in, and it featured someone (Chyna) who had never been in the company before last week's TV. (n/a)

Arcademan:
TNA Sacrifice PPV Results (concluded)

9 -- TNA World Hvt. champion STING vs. ROB VAN DAM -- TNA World Title match

Sting and Rob started with a feeling-out process before RVD acted cocky turning his back on Sting to pose in the corner. Sting then locked up and shoved him to the floor. RVD calmly paced the ringside area before returning to the ring to deliver a martial arts kick to Sting. RVD then posed some more and continued to play up a cocky demeanor. Anderson noted RVD is taking a different approach here. RVD resumed an attack with kicks and strikes in the corner. RVD missed with a corner attack in the opposite corner and spilled to the floor.

The action spilled into the stands where Sting did the same spot Dreamer did on Styles whipping him into the base of the grandstands. RVD reversed a second whip and both men collapsed to the floor. RVD was selling a right knee injury after missing with an earlier guillotine leg attempt. And the two men walked up the steps into the grandstands to continue their brawl. Did the agents who put together Dreamer-Styles and Sting-RVD not come together and make sure this walking-brawl style match was protected for the main event so Styles-Dreamer didn't take away the novelty of seeing this? The two men continued to brawl in the stands before eventually making it back to ringside. Ref Hebner was letting it all go since there typically would have been a count-out by now.

Back in the ring, RVD climbed up top and nailed a martial arts kick that floored Sting. Rob wanted Rolling Thunder, but Sting got his knees up to block. Sting then came to his feet and pounded his chest to fire up the crowd. Sting made his comeback and tried a Stinger Splash, but RVD countered with a roundhouse kick to intercept Sting. Sting and RVD traded control, then they slipped on a Scorpion Death drop spot. It hit the crowd with a thud. Sting then picked up RVD and re-executed the Death drop. Sting made a cover and it was good for a win, which seemed anticlimactic coming right after the botched spot.

WINNER: Sting at 12:43 to retain the TNA World Title. Obviously better than PPV title defense #1 vs. Hardy and better than PPV title defense #2 last month vs. RVD and Anderson. But, the walking-brawl mid-way through the match took away from what could have been an opportunity for Sting and RVD to prove something in a singles main event spotlight. Instead, it came across like a cheap way to get through a main event going longer than ten minutes. (**)

Post-match: They went to a replay of the big spots in the match as Anderson noted he has something special for Sting this Thursday on Impact. Sting and RVD then shook hands and embraced in the ring as Anderson decided to go ahead and congratulate the champ. Anderson left the broadcast position and made his way to the ring. The trademarks flashed on the screen as Anderson entered the ring. Anderson and Sting then came face-to-face. The PPV signed off with Sting leery of Anderson, who just flashed a mild smile toward him.

Arcademan:
WWE RAW Results: 5-16-11

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

1 -- U.S. champion KOFI KINGSTON vs. C.M. PUNK -- non-title match

Kofi knocked Punk to the floor 35 seconds into the match, then Nexus started walking toward the ring, but Punk told them to back up and stay put. Kofi waited for Punk to turn around and delivered a dropkick through the ropes. Punk then cut off Kofi back in the ring and started working on Kofi's upper body with mat holds and strikes. Cole re-visited the "faith" talking about Punk's Nexus leadership, then Kofi dropkicked Punk off the top rope. Kofi followed with a high cross-body splash on Punk for a two count before hitting the Boom Drop. Kofi then set up for Trouble in Paradise, but Punk ducked. Kofi then got himself hung up in the top turnbuckle, allowing Punk to set up for the G2S and connect. Punk made the cover and scored the win.

Post-match: Nexus celebrated on-stage as Punk had his hand raised. Cole continued to uncomfortably equate Punk to Jesus, complete with a Doubting Thomas reference about the other Nexus members not showing faith. Punk was then shown sitting on the stage. He took the mic and said that was an example of leadership by example. Punk said he's heard all the rumors about Nexus not being formidable. He said he's doing things his way from now on. Punk said he won't stop until each member of Nexus is the most dominant force the WWE Universe has ever seen.

WINNER: Punk at 3:53. A typical WWE television match using a wrestling match as the means to advance or reinforce a storyline typically found in a drama series. The result could set up Kofi vs. Punk in a re-match for the U.S. Title at Over the Limit to help fill out the undercard. (*1/2)

2 -- KELLY KELLY vs. Divas champion BRIE BELLA (w/Nikki Bella) -- non-title match

After some basic back-and-forth, Kelly awkwardly trapped Brie with a leg scissors for a quick pin in under two minutes. Post-match: Kharma's music interrupted and she slowly entered the ring to evaluate her options. Kharma eventually selected Brie, causing Nikki to freak out and run away. Kharma delivered the implant buster while Nikki ran away. Kharma then stalked Kelly, who backed away in the corner. Kharma sized her up, flicked her forehead, and walked off doing her maniacal laugh, leaving Kelly breathless from fear.

WINNER: Kelly at 1:52. Basic Divas match as a means to the post-match, which continued Kharma's dual quest to apparently get the Divas Title and play mind games with the blonde Divas. (n/a)

3 -- ALBERTO DEL RIO vs. REY MYSTERIO

Rey scored with an early head scissors followed by a kick strike to the chest. Del Rio missed with a corner attack, but rebounded to catch Rey with a fallaway single arm DDT targeting the shoulder. Mathews sent the show to break, but they stayed with Del Rio scoring a dropkick to Rey's shoulder. Now the break squeezed in before the top of the hour.

Back from break, Del Rio was still working over Rey's shoulder. Rey built some steam looking for a comeback, but Del Rio cut him off with a boot to the head for a two count. Del Rio then reapplied a neck vice targeting the shoulder as they hit the top of the hour.

The crowd chanted, "619, 619," as Del Rio continued to wear down Rey. Mathews, who continues to play a spineless announcer drifting back and forth between heel and face, talked up Del Rio's wealth, which drew an annoyed, "What?" response from Lawler. Rey then popped Del Rio in the mouth, then Del Rio went flying through the ropes attempting a dropkick. Ricardo came flying around ringside to check on Del Rio, then R-Truth's voice suddenly interrupted. Truth was way up in the skyboxes accusing Rey of being a thief...a thief for stealing his spot. Truth told someone to call the cops. "Is he crazy?" Lawler asked under his breath.

Meanwhile, Del Rio slipped back into the ring and Rey landed a flying cross-body for a close two count. Rey then climbed up top and landed a seated sentaun into a head scissors. Rey had Del Rio set up for the 619, but Ricardo got in the way to intercept Rey, drawing a DQ. Post-match: Del Rio rammed Rey into the ringpost as Rey was announced as the winner. Del Rio then came off the top with a dive to Rey's injured shoulder. Del Rio flashed a big smile before leaving the ring.

As Rey recovered, the crowd then tried to warn Rey, who was attacked from behind by R-Truth. Truth verbally and physically beat down Rey before landing Paydirt center-ring. Truth was serenaded with boos before he leaned out for a mic. Truth asked Rey what he's doing. "Who do you think you are?" he asked. "Challenging me? No one challenges the Truth. I make the challenges, Rey. Just like I showed you tonight - look at me! - this Sunday, you gonna get got." Truth then popped Rey in the head with rapid-fire fist shots to send a message ahead of the PPV. Lawler noted he's not right in the head. Truth then slowly left the ring to boos while muttering under his breath about Rey taking his spot.

WINNER: Rey via DQ at 9:26. Basic match between Rey and Del Rio setting up the post-match with Truth, who is so great in his role. As for the pre-match discussion between Rey and Del Rio, WWE is clearly targeting the Hispanic audience, with WWE trying to heavily promote Mysterio as the babyface to rally behind. The promo dipped close to the lowest common denominator level typical with TNA's Mexican America faction, but the overall segment was effective setting up Rey for revenge against Truth on Sunday and Del Rio down the road. (*1/2)

4 -- WWE tag champions BIG SHOW & KANE vs. NEXUS (MICHAEL MCGILLICUTTY & DAVID OTUNGA w/Mason Ryan and C.M. Punk) -- non-title match

Kane blasted Mike with an early uppercut, followed by a scoop slam and running boot to the head for a nearfall. Show then tagged in and landed a big slap to Mike's chest. Mike then responded with a boot in the corner, followed by a chopblock to the back of the knee. Otunga tagged into the match to continue targeting Show's left knee. Otunga wasted a lot of movement dancing around Show before tagging Mike back in. Meanwhile, Cole continued to try to place nice with Lawler on commentary. Nexus's B-Team maintained control of Show's left knee, then Otunga decided he would try to target the right knee. Show fought him off, then executed a desperation belly-to-back side suplex.

Kane hot-tagged into the match and dropped Mike, who also tagged in, with a sidewalk slam for a nearfall. Kane then came off the top rope with a clothesline before giving Otunga a big boot. Nexus ran interference, which allowed Punk to smash Kane from behind. Mike followed with a blow to the head and it was good for the win. Post-match: Mike and Otunga celebrated in the ring as Punk tried to get everyone together to leave before Kane and Show woke up. Punk then taunted the tag champs from the entrance ramp ahead of their tag title match on Sunday.

WINNERS: Nexus at 4:48. Well, this week, WWE is trying to revive Nexus, but whether it's just a one-week gig to set up the Tag Title match remains to be seen. The whole faction just seems so last week after all the damage done to Nexus over the past six months since the TLC PPV in December.

5 -- WWE champion JOHN CENA vs. JACK SWAGGER -- non-title No Holds Barred match

As Swagger beat down Cena to start the match, Cole heeled on Swagger that he would be nothing without him. The crowd engaged in a loud dueling chant of "Let's go Cena" vs. "Cena sucks" from the usual groups of fans. Swagger landed a Vader Bomb as the broadcast randomly cut to a camera swinging through the crowd to a shot of Miz and Riley standing on-stage. They cut to break with Swagger in control.

Back live, Swagger was wearing down Cena in the ring as Miz looked-on confidently from the stage. They cut to footage from during the break of action on the floor. Swagger then introduced a chair into the proceedings, landing a shot across the back. Swagger measured Cena for another Vader Bomb, this time with the chair on Cena's chest. Swagger landed the bomb, which appeared to hurt him more than Cena, and it was only good for a two count.

Swagger then wedged a chair in-between the turnbuckles, giving Cena an opening. Cena started a comeback, but Swagger caught him in mid-air with a botched suplex that resulted in a two count. Swagger went for the Anklelock, looking to make Cena quit, but Cena flung him away. Cena hobbled to his feet and side-stepped a charging Swagger, who ate the chair in the corner. That was way too close to a self-inflicted chair shot to the head.

At the top of the hour, Cena made his full comeback and waved toward Miz before dropping the Shuffle on Swagger. Cena then dropped Swagger with the Attitude Adjustment while staring down Miz. Cena followed with the STF and Swagger was forced to tap out - or "quit," as Lawler put it.

WINNER: Cena via submission at 11:22. Cole continued to heel on Swagger during the match, suggesting Swagger could still help Lawler win, but WWE sent mixed signals with Swagger tonight. The match was effective showing Cena fighting against a perceived stacked deck to preview the PPV on Sunday. (**)

Arcademan:
WWE NXT Results: 5-17-11

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

1 -- TITUS O'NEIL vs. TITUS YOUNG

Regal wanted to know where Young's Pro, Chavo, is. Meanwhile, Titus demanded Young tell him where Hornswoggle is. Titus continued to beat down Young. Suddenly, Chavo appeared on the Titantron. Apparently Hornswoggle was trapped inside a crate. Or, a sound effect indicated he was inside. Chavo went looking for some bolt cutters . Meanwhile, Titus retrieved Young's key necklace and bolted to the ring. Of course, this resulted in him being counted out.

Post-match: Titus found Hornswoggle in the crate backstage. Titus checked on Hornswoggle, then Chavo ran Titus into the crate. Chavo then sized up Hornswoggle, grabbed him by the beard, and told him he hasn't forgotten everything he did to him. Chavo said he has something real special for him. They cut to Young in the ring as Regal said he actually believed for weeks and weeks that Chavo had found some respect for Hornswoggle. Chavo dragged Horny to the ring, then pulled him up the ring steps into the ring. Once in the ring, Young and Chavo set up Hornswoggle for the frogsplash after tormenting him. Titus finally stormed the ring to make the save, then Chavo and Young bailed from the ring. Titus checked on the fallen Hornswoggle as they cut to break.

WINNER: Young via count-out at 3:11. Interesting twist on NXT's long-running storyline, but ugh on re-visiting the Hornswoggle vs. Chavo feud. Young showed good intensity as the high point of the segment.

2 -- YOSHI TATSU vs. BYRON SAXTON

The bell sounded and the two men locked up. Regal said he doesn't think Saxton is in trouble tonight. He said he'll keep it to himself who he thinks will be cut tonight. Yoshi ripped off a knife-edge chop, then another. Saxton then begged off in an opposite corner and Yoshi stood his ground in the ring subtly telling Saxton to come on and fight. Yoshi absorbed a kick to the gut, then Saxton took control of the match with a hard whip to the corner.

Yoshi fired back with a roundhouse kick to the gut, then brushed Saxton with a flying knee strike to the face for a two count. Yoshi then went up top and nailed his top-rope finisher for the pin and the win. Regal said he hopes Saxton will review the tape and listen to his Pro to learn from his mistakes.

WINNER: Yoshi at 3:28. Nice showcase match for Yoshi being able to control a match and look like a star juxtaposed against his Rookie. Saxton showed good fire, which he's improved the past few weeks.

3 -- KOZLOV (w/Conor O'Brian) vs. JTG (w/Jacob Novak)

They returned from break with Kozlov and JTG in the ring. Apparently now they're having a wrestling match. JTG slapped Kozlov, drawing a return blow from Kozlov. Kozlov then knocked JTG to the floor right at the feet of Novak. Regal caused them a bunch of morons. JTG then shouted at Regal, who told him not to worry about him. Kozlov proceeded to throw JTG back into the ring, but Novak provided a distraction that allowed JTG to bump Kozlov off the ring apron into the announce table.

Back in the ring, JTG wore down Kozlov for a while. JTG then hit the Mug Shot and made a cover, but Kozlov kicked out. JTG continued to wear down Kozlov as Regal noted Novak has no redeeming qualities. Kozlov then no-sold JTG's attack, made a comeback, and landed multiple headbutts to the sternum. JTG slipped out of a shoulderbreaker, though, and landed a neckbreaker for a two count.

JTG went back to wearing down Kozlov before cockily going up top and playing to the crowd. He then came off the top and ate a flying headbutt from Kozlov. Kozlov followed with his Iron Curtain finisher for the pin and the win. Kozlov scores another victory over JTG tonight.

WINNER: Kozlov at 5:14. Fine action. Regal's commentary was the highlight of the night.

Ringside: The Rookies were assembled ringside. Maryse offered some non-thoughts, then Striker cued up the drumroll for this season's first elimination...Jacob Novak has been eliminated. Regal said he's very happy he's gone. Novak pounded the mat in mock anger, then Striker gave him some mic time.

Novak surveyed the arena and said that's twice now the people have shut him out. Novak said maybe NXT isn't the place he gets his redemption, but the bottom line is he will be in WWE and redemption will be he is. Novak said the day they don't flinch is the day he knocks them out. And that day is soon, he claimed.

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