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

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Arcademan:
WWE RAW Results: 5-30-11

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

1 -- U.S. champion KOFI KINGSTON vs. DOLPH ZIGGLER (w/Vickie Guerrero) -- non-title match

Exemplifying why WWE is so inefficient with these types of matches, the announcers split their attention four ways on Dolph, Kofi, Vickie, and themselves early in the match. Dolph took control as Cole acted like he was filling time talking about Dolph's college education and Lawler cracked fat jokes on Vickie. Kofi made a comeback as Cole turned to talking about Kofi's "rough upbringing." Dolph then knocked Kofi to the floor and they cut to break with Kofi in trouble.

Back live, Dolph was trying to choke the life out of Kofi on the mat. Cole noted a victory for Dolph could put him in the hunt for the U.S. Title. Cole talked up Ziggler's credentials as Cole said he sees both of them having futures on Raw. That's like a Week 3 discussion after a quiet debut, not something Year 4 or 5 into their careers, but because of WWE's typical inefficient booking, mid-carders can't sustain momentum.

Kofi made a comeback at 9:00 and warmed up the Trouble in Paradise, but Ziggler ducked and slapped on the sleeperhold. Kofi rolled through, though, and ate a kick to the face in the corner. Kofi then went up top as Vickie screamed & shouted at him. Kofi wanted a high cross-body, but Ziggler moved and followed with a Fameasser for a close two count. The two men regrouped and Kofi nearly scored a win with a small package, but Kofi came back with the Zig-Zag in the corner. Ziggler with the pin for the win.

WINNER: Ziggler at 10:49. It looks like WWE will be setting up Kofi vs. Ziggler for the U.S. Title on a future event. The problem is Kofi hasn't been established as champion to where the audience can get behind this program. (**)

2 -- BELLA TWINS (Divas champion Brie & Nikki Bella) vs. EVE & KELLY KELLY

The Bella twins were already in the ring back from break. After a quick video on Kelly part of Maxim's Top 100, the tag match started. The heels quickly isolated and double-teamed Eve, then Kelly hot-tagged in at 2:00. After the action broke down, Kelly scored with a Rocker Dropper for the pin and the win.

WINNERS: Kelly & Eve at 2:56. Kelly is positioned as the babyface Diva WWE is pushing this month, so they seem to be continuing Kelly's chase for the Divas Title. (*)

* Cole interviews Alex Riley, calls him names and gets knocked down by Riley. Miz attacks Riley from behind but Riley turns the tables on his former mentor.

3 -- REY MYSTERIO vs. C.M. PUNK (w/Mason Ryan)

The bell sounded and Cole noted American Idol contestant James Durbin wore a Punk t-shirt on Idol last week. One of those decisions WWE makes where pop culture reference > maintaining a heel as a heel. Mason got involved one minute in, ramming Rey into the ringpost. They cut to break at 1:25 with Punk in control.

Back from break, Punk worked over Rey as Cole explained he included Wayne Newton in his list of traitors with Riley because of Wayne's role in "National Lampoon Vacation: Las Vegas." Paging Mr. Papagiorgio. Rey then escaped a hold with pizzazz and Cole said it's "one of those magical moments Rey creates." More of that breaking-the-suspension-of-disbelief commentary from Cole instead of saying Rey uses it to win matches. The action spilled to the outside before returning to the ring. Rey and Punk traded dazzling counters before Punk landed a smashing backbreaker across his knee for a two count. More intense counters before Punk smashed Rey with an enziguiri kick that Rey sold by slumping to the mat like he was KO'ed. Punk made the cover for the win. Punk and Ryan then celebrated on the way out of the ring as Rey sold in the ring.

WINNER: Punk at 9:06. Good finish to the match. Rey is Teflon, so the loss didn't hurt. Punk is up-and-down from week-to-week, and this didn't seem like the first step to pushing him into the title picture, but solid follow-up on a quality win could get him there. (**1/4)

* Kharma makes it official...she's pregnant but she'll be back. Bellas come out and mock her, giving her more of an insentive to return next year.

4 -- EVAN BOURNE vs. JACK SWAGGER

Lawler asked Cole if Swagger should be on his traitor list and Cole said Swagger is right up there with Riley. Swagger and Bourne suddenly went flying over the top rope together, looking like something from a Tough Enough training session. Swagger then rolled Bourne back into the ring to make a cover for a nearfall. Swagger proceeded to do push-ups using Bourne's back as a base, which drew a reaction from the crowd. Swagger began toying with Bourne, who suddenly rolled up Swagger with a victory roll for a quick three and the win. Cole called it a "huge upset" for Bourne, showing WWE doesn't think much of Bourne despite Bourne being side-by-side with Cena just ten months ago. Post-match: Bourne quickly scurried out of the ring as Swagger threw a fit in the ring. His top was about to blow.

WINNER: Bourne at 3:16. Just another filler match between these two that could have meant much more. They're back to the same 'ol mid-card story with Swagger focusing on his temper and cockiness getting in the way of victories while Bourne is back to being a lower-carder who's only lucky if he gets a win. (*)

5 -- WWE champion JOHN CENA vs. R-TRUTH -- non-title match

Cena and Truth locked up, Cena scored some early offense, and Truth bailed to the outside complaining about an unfair advantage. Cena scored some more offense and Truth bailed again. Truth paused to stare into the crowd and point at a fan on the second row. Truth kept walking around the ring pointing at fans. Cue up a loud dueling chant that excited Truth. Cena then clotheslined Truth and dropped the Five Knuckle Shuffle. Truth broke up the usual Cena routine by bailing to the floor to taunt the fans some more. Truth again bailed to the floor when Cena teased the Attitude Adjustment. Truth said he's not taking this.

Truth hopped over the guardrail and walked into the stands. Cena had enough and chased down Truth, who then clotheslined Cena to the arena floor. Truth hopped back over the guardrail and climbed into the ring. The ref reached a ten count and Cena was counted out, giving Truth the win.

WINNER: Truth via count-out at 4:01. More of a match than an angle, with the "match" serving as a means to an end of apparently giving Truth some smarts to go with his craziness.

Arcademan:
WWE NXT Results: 5-31-11

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

1 -- TITUS YOUNG & HORNSWOGGLE vs. LUCKY CANNON (w/Maryse) & TYSON KIDD -- Tag Team Turmoil

Cole was confused on Maryse's relationships during NXT, trying to get caught up on the relationship issues on the show. Meanwhile, Titus dominated early on as Cole weirdly continued to hype up Hornswoggle as his favorite Pro in the history of NXT. Horny tagged in and did a bottle-opening head scissors on Kidd to dizzy both men. Titus tagged back in after Horny got his spot in, then Titus executed a shoulderbreaker for a two count. Suddenly, Horny walked up to Maryse with a flower, which drew Cannon's anger. Titus tried to defend Horny, but Kidd smashed him into the ropes. Kidd followed with a springboard elbow smash and it was good for the win. Immediately after the match, Yoshi Tatsu's music hit. Out came Yoshi and Saxton for the next match in the Turmoil.

WINNERS: Lucky & Kidd at 2:38.

2 -- LUCKY CANNON (w/Maryse) & TYSON KIDD vs. YOSHI TATSU & BYRON SAXTON -- Tag Team Turmoil

They returned from break with the next match already in progress. Cole noted a correction from Maryse that she was never with Yoshi and she is not with Cannon. Yoshi dominated Kidd early on, then Saxton tagged himself in and demanded Yoshi get out of his ring. Saxton, of course, lost control of the match, allowing the heels to work on Saxton. Saxton made a comeback and waved off Yoshi, not wanting to tag out to him. So, Lucky cut off Saxton and the heels went back to work on him. Meanwhile, the crowd chanted, "We want Yoshi."

No dice as the match continued with the heels working on Saxton. Saxton made a one-armed comeback and Lucky kind of fell down in the ring. He then kind of pulled himself up and intercepted Saxton's top-rope move with a boot to the chest. Cannon with the pin for the win.

WINNERS: Lucky & Kidd at 5:58. Cannon needs so much work in the ring.

3 -- LUCKY CANNON (w/Maryse) & TYSON KIDD vs. KOZLOV & CONOR O'BRIAN -- Tag Team Turmoil

Back from break, the match was in progress with Kozlov on the defensive against Cannon. Suddenly, JTG's music hit. JTG came out on-stage in street clothes trying to distract Kozlov and O'Brian. JTG then made his way to ringside and Cole noted he didn't think commentary could get any worse. Cole instantly turned into JTG's best buddy once JTG joined commentary. The match slowed down with the heels working over O'Brian. JTG then noted he's picking the Rookie, I Don't Care, to win this season. Cole cackled and said it was like talking to a piece of cardboard before JTG came out here. Cannon continued to slow this thing down to a sluggish pace working on O'Brian. O'Brian finally broke free and hot-tagged Kozlov, who ran over Cannon. Kozlov eventually finished off Cannon with the Iron Curtain for the win.

WINNERS: Kozlov & O'Brian at 5:08. The two worst Rookies in terms of wrestling ability - O'Brian and Cannon - having an exchange for three minutes was dreadful. They looked so lost. On-camera, it's the only thing holding Cannon back from being a future star.

4 -- KOZLOV & CONOR O'BRIAN vs. CHAVO GUERRERO & DARREN YOUNG

Back from break, Kozlov was working on Darren Young. Meanwhile, JTG continued to sell frustration that his Rookie, Jacob Novak, didn't take his advice and found himself eliminated. JTG also said he should be in the match right now. Meanwhile, Young and O'Brian had an exchange before Chavo tagged in for a few moments. Young re-entered and wore down O'Brian for a bit. O'Brian and Young then awkwardly butted heads in the corner and Kozlov begged for a tag.

Kozlov received a tag, as did Chavo. Kozlov landed multiple head butts before smashing Chavo in the sternum with a head butt. Kozlov wanted a powerslam finish, but Young pulled down Chavo in mid-air. Chavo then dropkicked Kozlov to the floor. Confusion over the legal man here. Chavo and Young eventually reset and began working over Kozlov. The crowd was hot with hate for Chavo, which was a good sign for this match. Chavo and Young tried a double-suplex, but Kozlov blocked and double-suplexed them, drawing a reaction from Cole.

Kozlov then made a hot tag to O'Brian, who tried to show fire making a comeback. The heels cut him off, though, and Kozlov went flying to the outside. Chavo also went flying to the outside. In the ring, O'Brian executed some sort of rolling suplex move and it was good for the win. O'Brian then fell down trying to celebrate, which only drew more anger from JTG. Kozlov and O'Brian celebrated in the ring as Grisham noted O'Brian picked up three Redemption Points by winning the turmoil.

WINNERS: Kozlov & O'Brian at 7:52. O'Brian has to go home. Awful. The match was decent and the focus on wrestling with Redemption Points on the line and four straight matches was good, but some of these Rookies seem like lost causes in the ring.

ingside: Maryse and Striker were with the five remaining Rookies ringside. Maryse awkwardly set up the elimination before Striker talked up all five of their efforts on NXT Redemption. Cue up the drumroll to find out who's going home...Byron Saxton.

Arcademan:
TNA Impact Wrestling Results: 6-2-11

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

1 -- MATT HARDY vs. CRIMSON

Crimson quickly knocked Hardy to the outside and Hardy grabbed his jaw while catching his breath. Back in the ring, Hardy took a beating as the announcers continued to talk up Crimson. Crimson landed a suplex and Hardy rolled to the outside again.

Crimson tried to drag Hardy back into the ring, but Hardy countered with a neckbreaker across the top rope. Hardy went to work on Crimson before climbing up top, where Crimson cut him off. Hardy knocked him to the mat, though, and went for a guillotine leg drop. Moments later, Crimson made a comeback and executed a double-arm DDT for a nearfall. The action came to a standstill with Crimson blown up, then Hardy started doing his airplane dance in the ring looking for Twist of Hate. Crimson avoided it, though, and landed the sky-high bomb for the pin and the win.

Post-match: Samoa Joe hit the ring and Crimson easily discarded him with a spear. Joe then rolled out of the ring and did his yelling & screaming deal.

WINNER: Crimson at 6:03. Pretty decent match, but Crimson lost his way near the end of the match. He's getting there, but he's not quite there. Cue up Matt Hardy patting himself on the back on Twitter. (*1/2)

2 -- MISS TESSMACHER vs. ANGELINA LOVE (w/Winter)

Angelina methodically worked over Tessmacher, maintaining a zombie-like pace. Tessmacher tried a comeback, but Angelina cut her off and landed a neckbreaker-like finisher for the decisive pinfall win. Afterward, Winter instructed Angelina to break her. After Angelina sufficiently choked out Tessmacher, Winter called her off and they stood tall to conclude the segment.

WINNER: Angelina at 3:32. Effective focus on Angelina leading to the Knockouts Title match at Slammiversary, although they were missing the actual champ, Mickie James, from the segment.

3 -- MR. ANDERSON vs. TV champion ERIC YOUNG a/k/a Not So Great Muta -- non-title match

Young stood off to the side of the ring as Anderson mockingly did Sting's Stinger Splashes. Young figured out Anderson wasn't really paying tribute, but mocking Sting. Meanwhile, Tenay prematurely celebrated Bischoff's TNA exit. Young tried to exit the match, but Anderson cut him off and continued to mock Sting while working over Young. Young then made a comeback, including a crucifix pin for a nearfall. Young followed with a top-rope moonsault, then Gunner showed up on the ring apron to distract Young. In the confusion, Young spewed Anderson with the mist. He then rolled up Anderson for the win.

Post-match: Gunner jumped Young to continue their feud. Anderson then joined in the beat-down on Young. Sting's music hit and out came the real Sting looking for a piece of action. Anderson ran out of the ring, then Sting clotheslined Gunner to the outside. Sting returned to the ring to check on Young while Anderson paced around ringside. Tenay plugged Sting vs. Anderson at Slammiversary in ten days.

WINNER: Young at 3:58. The bizarre build-up to Sting-Anderson continues.

4 -- BRIAN KENDRICK vs. KAZARIAN -- #1 contender match to X Division Title

Basic back-and-forth early on. Tenay plugged a confrontation between Bully Ray and A.J. Styles up next, plus Hulk Hogan arriving at the building later in the show. Tenay then plugged the new TNA fantasy game.

Kazarian worked over Kendrick for a while after Kendrick missed with a suicide dive on the floor. Meanwhile, Taz dropped this classic TNA line: "Abyss and the X Division is like an oxymoron." How is it an oxymoron when the X Division isn't even defined? Something can't contradict itself when it has no definition. Kaz and Kendrick began countering each other, then Kaz nailed a Shining Wizard that took Kendrick to the floor. Back in the ring, Kendrick tried a quick roll-up, but Kaz escaped. More pin counters, then Kendrick found himself on the floor.

Suddenly, the bell sounded at 8:00. Everyone was confused on this. Ref Hebner declared this match a draw. Apparently it's the Russo Rule if a match goes beyond eight minutes, they have to end it or else the audience will tune out in droves. Hebner then got on the headsets and relayed information from Bischoff that he's adding five minutes to the match.

The match re-started and Abyss came storming to the ring with possession of the X Title. Kendrick hopped on Abyss's back, but Abyss flung him away. Abyss KO'ed Kaz, then dropped Kendrick with the Shock Treatment. Hebner told him to get out, but Abyss went to work on Kaz, dropping him with the Black Hole Slam. Abyss then talked to the ringside camera about his latest Art of War philosophy. He declared the war over; the X Division is dead.

WINNER: ??? at 10:30 when they cut away from Abyss. Good TV match with some nice athleticism and counters before the non-finish.

5 -- KURT ANGLE & MATT MORGAN vs. JEFF JARRETT (w/Karen Jarrett) & SCOTT STEINER

Angle got his hands on Jarrett early on and went through a methodical wrestling sequence trying to wear down his most-hated rival. Morgan then tagged in and Jarrett wanted a tag, but Steiner wanted nothing to do with Morgan. Angle and Morgan then began working over Jarrett as they cut to a split-screen of Bischoff showing the just-now-arriving Hogan the paperwork he received at the top of the show. Hogan told him not to worry about. Suddenly, Taz said Hogan and Bischoff haven't even lasted a year, saying they came in to TNA in October 2010. What? There was January 4, 2010, a failed Monday Night Wars, a retreat back to Thursdays, etc. Tenay then plugged next week's just-signed main event of Sting & Eric Young vs. Anderson & Gunner.

As for the match, Jarrett tried to leave to run away from Angle, but Angle gave chase. Karen then interjected herself into the proceedings. Everyone disappeared behind a pillar on-stage and the announcers acted like something happened. They cut to Kurt staring down at the ground. Karen was apparently at the bottom of the steps, injured from a fall. Jeff was screaming and crying for help. Suddenly, back in the ring, Hebner made a slow three count for Steiner pinning Morgan. Back off-stage, Angle cut a promo on Jeff for being an idiot involving Karen in this. Jeff cried for help as paramedics showed up. Angle told Jeff it was his fault. Jeff said Angle pushed her down the stairs and told security to get Angle out of here. Angle continued to cuss out Jarrett before they cut to break.

WINNER: Steiner & Jarrett at 6:30.

Arcademan:
WWE Superstars Results: 6-2-11

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

1 -- TYSON KIDD (w/Matt Striker) vs. TRENT BARRETA

Barreta quickly knocked Kidd to the floor and aggressively attacked him on the outside before Kidd hip-tossed him hard into the guardrail. Striker kept punching numbers on his phones, disinterested in the match. Striker handed Korpela his business card, continuing to put on an agent's act. Korpela asked Booker if he's ever had one of those opponents he's been so evenly-matched against. Since The Crippler Who Shall Not Be Named does not exist in WWE history, Booker referred to Christian. Booker was asked about managers during his career and referenced Sherri Martel. Meanwhile, Striker handed a business card to Booker. Striker then became interested in the match and gave instructions to Kidd, who suddenly scored a pinfall by trapping Barreta to the mat as he tried a victory roll.

Post-match: Striker took the mic and said he's watched a bunch of people trot out here as advisors, but he's figured it out: you don't need an advisor because you're Tyson Kidd. Striker said he's even better than Bret Hart. The crowd booed. Striker said Kidd needs an agent, then heeled on Korpela. Striker said Kidd's face is going to be all over WWE.com by the end of the week. He suggested they grow together. Kidd cackled and Striker said he's going to get him on PPV. "Better than Bret Hart," Striker declared.

WINNER: Kidd at 4:23. Striker's act came across like such a put-on prior to the promo, which was better than anything during the match. Apparently this is the end of the Managerial Search and it gives Striker something to do. But, of course, now the *burning question* is whether there's a conflict of interest with Striker the host of NXT and Kidd one of the Pros. Not that anyone cares.

2 -- JIMMY & JEY USO vs. THE CORRE (JUSTIN GABRIEL & HEATH SLATER)

WWE piped in some cheers for the heel Usos on the way to the ring to face the former tag champions. Korpela asked Booker what the Usos need to do in order to move up the ladder and Booker said they need to put on weight. Jimmy did a Rikishi dance move in-between moves and clotheslined Gabriel. The Usos continued to work on Gabriel before bodies started flying on the outside. The Usos then stood tall in the ring as the heels recovered on the floor.

Back on Superstars, the Usos continued working on The Corre as more cheers were piped in. Jey then found himself on the wrong end of a clothesline on the floor, allowing Corre to isolate Jey back in the ring. Meanwhile, Booker interjected a random item that WWE wrestlers get paid more money if they win in the middle of the ring. That would change the whole complexion of WWE if that were actually played up on TV. "Razzle dazzle!" Booker declared a few times as the action broke down. Uso #1 then got hung out to dry on the top turnbuckle and slumped down to the mat. Gabriel followed right up with his trademark 450 Splash for the pin and the win. The announcers played up Gabriel & Slater's Tag Title quest after the match.

WINNERS: Corre at 7:23. A needed win for Corre just to pick up a win, even if hardly anyone sees it. Meanwhile, Booker's cliché-o-meter exploded during this match.

3 -- MELINA vs. GAIL KIM

The Raw portion of the show picked up with Divas singles action. Scott Stanford noted each Divas match is an opportunity to move up the contendership list for a shot at Brie Bella. Once the match started, Melina instantly began screaming and shouting at Gail. Melina continued to work over Gail's lower back, risking DQ with some work in the ropes. The crowd tried rallying behind Gail, who eventually mounted a comeback at 4:15 with a top-rope missile dropkick. Both Divas sold on the mat, then they went to the finish with Gail countering a sunset flip bomb with Eat Defeat for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Gail at 4:50. Formula TV singles match and a solid win for Gail, who is always available to be spotlighted with the Divas roster diminishing by the week.

4 -- WWE tag champions NEW NEXUS (MICHAEL MCGILLICUTTY & DAVID OTUNGA) vs. SANTINO & KOZLOV -- non-title match

Early feeling-out process involving all four men, then Santino taunted Otunga with the Cobra to pop the crowd, but Mike blindsided Santino and began working him over. Loud "Santino, Santino" chant as Nexus continued to have their way with Santino. Otunga and Santino then had a double-knockdown center-ring, allowing Santino to tag in Kozlov. The action broke down moments later and the ref didn't see Nexus double-team Kozlov, setting up Otunga for a uranage on Koz for the win. Stanford called it a "huge blow" to Santino & Kozlov's chances of rising up the tag ranks. After a replay of the finish, Nexus was shown celebrating on the way out of the ring. The faces were shown recovering in the ring as Stanford signed off with a final shot of Nexus standing tall on-stage.

WINNERS: New Nexus at 4:34. Fine match, albeit short for a "main event." The build to Tag Team Title Turmoil continues...

Arcademan:
WWE Smackdown Results: 6-3-11

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

1 – CHRISTIAN vs. MARK HENRY

Christian showed off his new t-shirt during his entrance. Mathews questioned why Christian was still smiling as they showed Mathews, Booker T and Michael Cole at the announce table. And it only took three minutes this week for me to be sick of Cole. Christian tried to attack Henry upstairs, never a good idea. Henry went to work on Christian, forcing Christian to slide out of the ring to recover. Henry followed him out, but Christian went back in and dropkicked Henry through the ropes. He tried to dive onto Henry, but Henry caught him and threw him to the apron. I’ve noticed the referees have been mic’d more than usual. First cover for Henry got a two-count at 1:38. Henry then just tossed Christian in the air, with the Canadian landing front-first onto the mat. Henry tried to finish things at 2:43, but he missed the big splash. Christian again tried to go high with clotheslines, to no avail. Middle-rope elbow by Christian, and he still couldn’t take the man off his feet. Henry clotheslined Christian over the top and to ringside. Drop toe-hold by Christian sent Henry face-first into the announce table. To the top went Christian, but again, he tried a cross-body and Henry caught him. Christian got out of the move though and connected on the Killswitch for the win.

WINNER: Christian, at 4:28. Nice bounce-back win for Christian, but the psychology didn’t make him look too bright.

2 – ALICIA FOX & TAMINA vs. AJ & KAITLYN

The heels were already in the ring, and Rosa Mendes was with them. Natalya was once again with the babyfaces, who also did an inset interview. Kaitlyn claimed last week’s match was a warm-up, and Nattie said she knows they can do it. Tamina shoved Kaitlyn to start, and Kaitlyn gave it right back. Kaitlyn was whipped into the corner, but avoided a Tamina splash. Headbutt to the gut by Kaitlyn, followed by a roll-up for two. Tamina tagged out as the announcers discussed Kharma’s situation. Fox, clad in pink (as a shot at Natalya, according to Mathews), was knocked down by Kaitlyn. AJ tagged in and gave Fox a hurricanrana. AJ sold better than probably any other Diva. Tamina tagged in and landed a nice bodyslam. Samoan Drop by Tamina for the win.

WINNERS: Fox & Tamina, at 2:03. I’ll be patient to see where they’re going with this, as far as introducing AJ, having her team with Kaitlyn, and being led by Natalya.

3 – JINDER MAHAL vs. YOSHI TATSU

This is Mahal’s in-ring debut in WWE. He was accompanied by Great Khali. I thought for sure Mahal would be squashing Trent Barreta here. Mahal had his name on the back of his white tights. Jumping knee to the face of Tatsu. Vertical suplex by Mahal for only two. Full-nelson slam by Mahal, shades of Tom Brandi’s House Quake! Anyway, it got the three-count.

WINNER: Mahal, at 1:10.

Mahal stood Tatsu up to shake his hand after the match, but it was just a ploy to distract Khali, who came from behind Tatsu and applied the vice grip. The two men stood with their arms raised after the match. They replayed the finish at the post-match attack.

4 – EZEKIEL JACKSON vs. WADE BARRETT – INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

They showed Jackson fighting off Corre last week. Referee Justin King asked for a clean break from both men in the corner. Jackson gave it to him, but Barrett did not. Body shots in the opposite corner by Jackson. Beal by Jackson that almost caused Barrett to land on his head. Booker even admitted Jackson was limited in his movement. Barrett kicked at Jackson while he was lying on the apron. Impressive Boss Man Slam by Barrett for two. Barrett stretched the neck of Jackson at 1:40. Inverted atomic drop by Barrett, but Jackson came back and tossed Wade over the top rope. Back in the ring, Jackson fought off his former teammate. Big splash in the corner, then three bodyslams. Torture Rack was next, but Barrett raked Jackson’s eyes and went to the apron. Jackson kicked him down to the arena floor. Justin Gabriel and Heath Slater came to ringside and surrounded Jackson. The referee continued to count, and Barrett, though he appeared as if he could make it to his feet and into the ring, was counted out.

WINNER: Jackson, at 4:07. About what you’d expect from these two.

After the match, Corre re-grouped and jumped Jackson. Well, actually it was just Gabriel and Slater; Barrett feigned going into the ring, but let his minions do his bidding instead. He just walked to the back as Jackson once again fought off Gabriel and Slater.

5 – DANIEL BRYAN vs. TED DIBIASE

Several standing switches between the two began the match. Nice dropkick by Bryan for a one-count. DiBiase countered a hip-toss and turned it into a pin for two. Right hand by DiBiase, but Bryan fired back with chops. Kick to the chest by Bryan for two at 1:33. Rhodes and his bag men came to the ring at about this time. They went to break at 1:52 of the contest.

They were back at 4:40, with DiBiase stretching Bryan. The offense by DiBiase continued for the next minute or more. Hard whip into the buckle by DiBiase. Bryan flipped out of the corner, barely avoiding knocking noggins with DiBiase. Both men were down at 6:55, and once on their feet, Bryan kicked DiBiase several times in the chest, showing some fire in the process. Hurricanrana off the top by Bryan, but DiBiase rolled through for a two-count. Clothesline by DiBiase (with a 360 sell by Bryan) for two. DiBiase was sent out of the ring and Bryan flew through the ropes and into DiBiase at 8:06. Off the top came Bryan, but DiBiase met him with a dropkick for two. DiBiase set up for Dream Street, but Bryan countered and into the LeBell Lock. He tapped.

WINNER: Bryan, at 9:27. Nice enough match. DiBiase was able to keep up with Bryan, though the segment of the match where he was on offense was nothing thrilling.

Rhodes and DiBiase attacked Bryan after the match, but Sin Cara’s music played and he ran out. He took out Rhodes with a springboard bodyscissors (that looked like it was supposed to be a hurricanrana), then a tilt-a-whirl headscissors on DiBiase. Now THIS is a tag team feud I can get behind.

6 – RANDY ORTON vs. SHEAMUS – WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH WITH CHRISTIAN AS SPECIAL GUEST REFEREE

Formal introductions were done by Tony Chimel. Sheamus worked a side headlock on the champion early on. Shoulder knock-down for a one-count. Orton flew out of the corner and nailed Sheamus with a clothesline. The fight went to the outside, where both men traded having the upper hand. In the end, Orton had it and rolled Sheamus into the ring. After a near-fall, Orton went outside the ring. Sheamus followed him out and drove Orton’s spine into the ring-post. Back in the ring went Orton and Sheamus got two on the cover. They went to break 3:42 into the title match.

Back with Orton working out of a rest-hold at 7:16. Orton brought the pain with right hands, then Sheamus with a knee-lift for two. Hard forearm shots onto the chest of Orton. Another cover, another two-count. Sheamus set up for a suplex, but Orton blocked and landed one of his own. Both men were down at the 9:00 mark, with Ortno leaning ont eh ropes to get back to his feet. Sheamus ran into a big boot and hit some of his signature moves. Vintage Orton backbreaker for two. Sheamus caught Orton charging into the corner, then pulled himself up to the top rope. Orton met him and hammered away with rights. Suplex off the middle rope by Orton. He made the cover at 10:34 for a near-fall. Sheamus propelled himself over the top and landed a shoulderblock for two. Impressive for a big guy, especially after enduring an 11:00 match to that point. Powerslam by Sheamus for two. Jackknife cover for two by Orton. Irish Curse back-breaker by Sheamus for two, as things began to go back-and-forth again. Sheamus missed a running kick, as Booker called Orton playing possum. Rope-assisted DDT by Orton. He set up for the RKO at about the 13:00 mark, but Sheamus shrugged off an attempt and put Orton down with a Polish Hammer. Sheamus signaled for the High Cross, but Orton slipped out the back. He was almost shoved into Christian, but Orton stopped short and Sheamus ran into Christian. Sheamus apologized and then took down Orton with the Brogue Kick. Christian made the count, but stopped short of the three-count. He feigned an arm injury, then Sheamus got pissed and shoved Christian. Christian punched him and Orton landed the RKO for the win.

WINNER: Orton, at 14:28. Sheamus accidentally hit Christian and Christian cost him the title in retaliation? And Sheamus is the heel and Christian the face? I liked the match.

As Orton celebrated the win, Christian nailed Orton with the belt, out of nowhere. “I can beat you Randy, I know it!” he shouted at Orton. Then he posed with the title as he stood over Orton. They replayed Christian knocking Orton out, even in slow motion! Christian walked to the back with the title as other refs checked on Orton. He got to the top of the ramp and raised the title over his head as the show faded out.

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