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Arcademan:
TNA Sacrifice PPV Results: 6-12-11 (next two posts...)

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

1 -- TNA tag champion JAMES STORM & ALEX SHELLEY (w/tag champion Robert Roode) vs. BRITISH INVASION (DOUG WILLIAMS & BRUTUS MAGNUS) -- TNA Tag Title match

Roode admitted he's a little nervous about Storm and Shelley teaming together for only the second time, but he thinks they'll get it done. Storm and Shelley had good chemistry early on to create that story of working as a cohesive unit. Magnus then pulled Shelley to the floor, which led to the numbers game catching up to Shelley back in the ring. British Invasion slowed down the pace working over Shelley as Roode noted it sucks not being able to contribute or help his team in a competition. Nice work from Roode early on treating this match as a sporting event. Shelley eventually broke free and hot-tagged Storm, who came in strong on Williams. Magnus got some, too. Storm then back-dropped Magnus onto Williams before Shelley came flying through Storm's legs with a suicide dive on the floor.

Back in the ring, Storm brought Shelley in for a double suplex causing Magnus to thud onto Williams. Storm then pointed to Roode, who said he thinks he's needed. Roode stood up and did his end of the "Beer...Money" routine. All of that extracurricular activity allowed the British Invasion to recover. All four men were knocked down at this point. Storm wanted Eye of the Storm on Williams, but Williams slipped out. All four men became involved at this point. Storm eventually made a cover, but it was only good for a two count. Shelley and Storm suddenly had a miscommunication. Roode thought the belts were leaving, but Storm kicked out of a double-team maneuver to save the titles for now. Gun Money then regrouped and Shelley hit Sliced Bread #2 for Storm to score the pin for the win. Roode took a deep breath and said he might need a few of Storm's drinks after that close call. Afterward, Shelley and Storm celebrated with the tag titles.

WINNERS: Gun Money at 10:57 to retain the Tag Titles. Good start to the PPV presenting the match as a sporting event, although this match was missing Roode, who typically guides Beer Money's matches and creates a nice flow. This one was missing some flow in the second-half after a nice start. There just seemed to be something off with the sequence of moves leading to the finish. (**1/4)

2 -- MATT MORGAN vs. SCOTT STEINER
 
The bell sounded and Steiner began talking trash to Morgan, who paced around the ring. Morgan eventually grabbed a headlock before running over Steiner. Morgan followed with a leaping smash as Steiner was draped across the top rope. On the floor, Morgan rammed Steiner back-first into the ring apron. Morgan called for a chokeslam, but Steiner grabbed the ref to be able to land a mule kick behind the ref's back. Steiner began working over Morgan after taking him off his feet and talked trash to the fans while executing his attack. Steiner then stood up Morgan in the corner and landed a series of chops before putting Morgan back on the mat.
 
Morgan made his comeback at 5:30 and landed a running clothesline, then a second. Morgan followed with a unique sit-out slam driving Steiner's head into the mat, but it was only good for a two count. Steiner then came back with a belly-to-belly suplex for a nearfall, but Morgan fired back with a discus clothesline for a close two count of his own. Steiner cut off Morgan again and applied the Steiner Recliner, but Morgan slipped underneath and lifted Steiner up in the air in an impressive electric chair, but Steiner fluidly countered into a victory roll for a nearfall. Morgan and Steiner then blocked and countered trademark moves before Morgan boxed Steiner's ears and landed the Carbon Footprint for the pin and the win. Post-match: they cut to a shot of Morgan's wife ringside as Morgan celebrated the win. Morgan then shared a hug & kiss with his wife on the way out of the ring.
 
WINNER: Morgan at 9:20. Good finish after an okay middle part of the match. When you get two heavyweights in there, you'd like to see more stand-up fighting rather than a sequence of moves looking like mid-sized wrestlers. It will be interesting to see where they go from here with Morgan after a likely blow-off victory over Steiner. (**)

3 -- X Division champion ABYSS vs. KAZARIAN vs. BRIAN KENDRICK -- three-way match for the X Division Title
 
Abyss toyed with the challengers early in the match, easily discarding them to the outside. Early on, the announcers sold this as a handicap match with the faux story of Kendrick and Kazarian fighting for the X Division. The challengers eventually turned the tables on Abyss and knocked him to the outside before double-teaming him back in the ring. Abyss then dropped Kendrick with a Black Hole Slam out of nowhere and Kazarian broke up a pin attempt. Abyss took control, though, and resumed toying with the challengers, who were positioned as very weak compared to the larger Abyss.
 
Kazarian spent a long time recovering on the outside, which allowed him to re-enter the ring with some energy to land some high-flying offense on Abyss. Kendrick capped off his attack with a Tornado DDT, but Abyss kicked out of a pin attempt. Abyss had enough and drove Kendrick into the mat with a super chokeslam, but Kazarian took down Abyss with a flying head scissors. For some reason, Kazarian and Kendrick tried to pin Abyss simultaneously, but Abyss shoved both men away.
 
Finally, Kendrick and Kazarian came to blows 10:30 into the match. With Abyss on the floor, they had a mid-ring exchange. Kazarian then played to the crowd and lost an opportunity to work on Kendrick, who recovered and landed a flying dropkick. Abyss yanked Kendrick to the floor, though, and re-entered the ring to pin Kazarian to retain the X Title.
 
WINNER: Abyss at 12:05 to retain the X Title. A slow-paced match mixing the wrong pieces together in the ring. The booking fell apart based on that faux "protect the X Division" storyline. Abyss became the sympathetic figure fighting two-on-one odds against two wrestlers who weren't even competing to win, but to "help each other" for the first 10:30 of the match. No one wants to root for so-called babyfaces who aren't even trying to win. The sooner they get away from this X Division storyline and re-focus on wrestlers competing against each other, the better. (*3/4)
 
4 -- SAMOA JOE vs. CRIMSON
 
Crimson took it to Joe early on before Joe came back with a Dragonscrew leg whip targeting the knee. The crowd tried a dueling chant, but the pro-Joe chants quickly won out despite Joe playing the default heel. Crimson then tried a comeback with some basic-looking right hands before Joe caught him in mid-air for a knee drop. Joe followed with a spinning toehold continuing to focus on Crimson's left knee. Crimson followed with a desperation t-bone suplex before easily recovering to his feet to execute a double-arm DDT for a two count.
 
Crimson appeared to be moving in slow-motion trying to follow up and Joe capitalized with a suplex. The announcers noted Crimson was "running on fumes" at this point 6:30 into the match. Joe then followed with a trademark powerbomb into a single-leg crab, which Crimson escaped by grabbing the bottom rope. Crimson recovered moments later and slapped Joe around before landing a desperation spear that put both men on the mat.
 
The two men recovered to their feet at an eight count and started trading blows. Crimson ducked Joe, who then opened him up to deliver a hard chop to the chest. Joe wanted the Musclebuster, but Crimson escaped. Joe followed with a sleeperhold attempt that Crimson escaped by ramming Joe into the corner. Joe tried to run out of the corner, but Crimson hit a sit-out slam and it was good for the win. Post-match: Crimson caught his breath as Joe conversed with the referee about his three count. After a replay, they came back to the ring showing Joe and Crimson face-to-face. Joe extended his hand and Crimson shook. Joe then pulled him back in and mouthed he'll get him next time.

WINNER: Crimson at 10:33. Okay at times having that stand-up fight Steiner and Morgan could have had, but Crimson seems to have regressed in the ring. Or, perhaps he wasn't prepared to wrestle more than a five-minute TV match with a big opponent like Joe. Overall, there were times when Crimson seemed to be having a recital or performance rather than selling a simulated fight. (**)

Arcademan:
5 -- Knockouts champion MICKIE JAMES vs. ANGELINA LOVE (w/Winter) -- Knockouts Title match
 
Angelina dominated the action early on and Winter became involved two minutes into the match helping Angelina retain control. Mickie made a spirited comeback at 4:00 and Winter continued to get involved by helping Angelina or trying to hurt Mickie. Old man Hebner eventually got wind of Winter's involvement and reprimanded her. With Winter neutralized, Mickie tried a swinging DDT that wasn't executed smoothly, but was good for the win. Post-match: Winter and Angelina tried to choke the life out of Mickie out of frustration.
 
WINNER: Mickie at 8:00 to retain the Knockouts Title. This was like the X Division match with the champion having to work against a two-on-one situation throughout the match. (*1/2)

6 -- A.J. STYLES vs. BULLY RAY -- Last Man Standing match
 
The bell sounded and the two men came face-to-face for a staredown. Ray talked some trash, so Styles popped him with a blast to the face. Styles lit up Ray, then declared this is his house. Styles tried a clothesline over the top rope, but Ray blocked and landed a big shoulder block to deck Styles. Styles and Ray began trading blows and control in each corner of the ring to establish the physicality of the match-up. The action moved to the floor at 5:00 with Ray in control. Ray smashed Styles across the ring steps before standing on the steps to try to trap Styles underneath.
 
Ray continued the methodical attack by dragging Styles into the ring to inflict more punishment. Styles did the Dreamer routine telling Ray he wants another one. Ray landed another open-hand chop that floored Styles. Styles then recovered in the opposite corner and demanded Ray's best shot. Ray followed with a right hand that decked Styles, who sold by bending underneath his body. Styles finally found some offense as Tenay said it was like Styles was growing up before their eyes. Styles then took Ray up-top and landed ten punches, but Ray came back with a top-rope sit-out powerbomb that put both men on the mat.
 
The match then moved to the floor, where Ray pulled out a chain, but Styles turned the tables and Ray came up bleeding from the forehead. Back in the ring, Styles landed a sick springboard 450 splash on a blood-soaked Ray. Ray sold being out of it and made it to his feet just in time at a nine count. Styles then dumped Ray over the top rope and took out the cameraman in the process. At 15:00, Styles tried to follow up, but Ray back-dropped Styles on the floor.
 
The match then moved up the ramp and Ray tossed Styles onto the stage. Ray surveyed the floor below and teased another powerbomb off the stage, but Styles slipped out and landed a Pele kick. Styles then punted Ray in the chest and Ray dropped down about two feet to the landing on the floor. For his next trick, Styles built some momentum and ran off the stage with a flying forearm smash that just did reach Ray to knock him to the floor. Ray avoided a ten count, so Styles set up a table on the floor.
 
Styles softened up Ray with a chair shot across the back, placed Ray across the table, climbed up the stage, surveyed another running dive, but then changed his mind. Styles climbed onto one of the Ultimate X-like trusses on the stage and kept climbing up the truss. Styles then looked down and dropped a super-elbow drop through Ray and the table that popped the crowd. After a pause, Styles made it to his feet at six, but Ray used his free leg to kick Styles in the back, which sent Styles crashing through the base of the stage. The ref reached nine, Ray pulled himself up, and the ref declared ten with Styles still stuck in the base of the stage.
 
Post-match: Ray instantly fell back down at what would have been eleven to sell the effects. Some people in the crowd chanted, "Bulls---," as Ray sold and Styles was tended to. Taz noted Ray was the last man standing for about a second. Officials and referees continued to check on both men as the announcers continued to talk about the physicality of the match. Ray had a faraway look in his eyes as he was tended to before they cut backstage.
 
WINNER: Bully Ray at 20:18. Strong, intense match based on the TV feud meant to elevate Styles. The even-steven finish was fine, as Ray winning seems to indicate the feud will continue until Styles gets the final victory. (***1/2)

7 -- TNA World Hvt. champion STING vs. MR. ANDERSON -- TNA World Title match
 
The match didn't last very long in the ring, as Sting knocked Anderson out of the ring and took him over the guardrail to the people. Sting moved a fan wearing a Texans jersey out of the way before ramming Anderson into the base of the grandstands. Anderson then reversed a whip and sent Sting flying into the base. Sting absorbed the attack, then dragged Anderson up the steps of the grandstands into the crowd. Some poor tourists were getting more than they bargained for. Tenay noted the same talking point from Sting vs. RVD last month that the ref was giving them some leeway with the TNA Title on the line.
 
Sting took Anderson to the top of the Impact Zone, then back down the steps and over the guardrail. Anderson slowly rolled into the ring and Sting fired up the crowd before returning to the ring. Anderson caught Sting with a ringpost shot, though, to cut off Sting's momentum. And back to ringside they went. Back in the ring, Anderson eventually settled into a focused attack on Sting's left arm and shoulder to wear down the champ. Very slow pace as Anderson scored a few nearfalls here and there.
 
At 11:11, Sting teased a comeback trying to get some momentum. Sting then landed a knock-down right hand and did his trademark chest-pounding and howling to indicate he was refreshed. Sting landed a Scorpion Splash in the corner, then wanted the Scorpion Deathlock, but Eric Bischoff marched down to the ring. Sting scared him away, then missed with a Stinger Splash. Anderson followed with a rolling sentaun, but only scored a two count. Anderson and Sting traded nearfalls as the crowd sat quietly with Bischoff watching intently. Anderson then hit the Mic Check and scored a close two count that frustrated Anderson.

Anderson went up top looking for a sentaun, but Sting crotched him. Sting followed with a Stinger Splash into the Scorpion Death drop. Sting made a cover, but there was some confusion with Bischoff involved ringside and ref Jackson James kind of halting his count. Awkward attempt at a "controversial" non-finish. Next on the bizarre list was Anderson hitting a low-blow right in front of the referee. Anderson then dropped Sting with the Mic Check and scored a slow three count for the pin for the win. Anderson is the new champ. Taz said the finish was a bit wacky. They replayed the awkward non-finish and finish as the announcers asked for multiple angles of Bischoff tricking ref Jackson during the non-finish.
 
WINNER: Anderson at 15:52 to become new TNA World Hvt. champion. A highly anticlimactic finish that landed with a thud. It was your standard two-star performance from Anderson, who continues to fall short of proving WWE wrong. Meanwhile, Sting's title reign will be remembered for over-complicated booking, first-gear & slow-paced action, and so many awkward moments, teased finishes, and finishes. Perhaps most problematic is the lack of reaction for Anderson and even less reaction for the title change. This wasn't good. (*1/2)

8 -- KURT ANGLE vs. JEFF JARRETT -- #1 contender match to TNA World Title -- Angle's Olympic gold medal on the line
 
Borash handled formal ring intros for the main event. Early on, Angle stalked Jarrett, who played a cowardly heel, before Jarrett avoided a clothesline and back-dropped Angle to the floor. Jarrett capitalized by landing offense, backing away, landing offense, and backing away again to keep Angle on the defensive. Jarrett continued to frustrate Angle during the first ten minutes of the match as the crowd waited for something to get excited for.
 
Ref Brian Hebner was then bumped and he sold a knee injury, which the announcers referenced earlier in the show. Hebner sold he was shot in the knee and rolled to the outside as Jarrett landed a low blow, which meant nothing since Anderson landed a low blow right in front of the referee in the previous match and it was as legal as a suplex. Jarrett then grabbed a guitar from under the ring and cracked it over Angle's head. Jarrett called for a referee and ref Earl Hebner slowly made his way to the ring to get that cheap two count pop standard for Jeff Jarrett matches. Jarrett and Hebner argued, then Angle slowly got up behind Jarrett and rolled him up for a two count.
 
Angle advanced the match to the next chapter with successive German suplexes, but Jarrett kicked out of a pin attempt. Angle then took Jarrett up top and landed a leaping belly-to-belly suplex. Angle made a cover, but Jarrett did his classic shoulder roll to technically escape a three count. Jarrett followed with a top-rope Stroke for a close two count before applying the anklelock. Perhaps ref Brian Hebner really was shot in the knee, as he remained out of the picture. Angle eventually fought out of the anklelock before countering right into the anklelock. Jarrett fought the hold momentarily before tapping out with both hands center-ring. Angle wins and is the new #1 contender.
 
WINNER: Angle at 17:42 via submission to become #1 contender. Decent PPV main event with limited bag-of-tricks, but still enough to be eye-rolling, especially following the Sting-Anderson match. Overall, this was fine, but you wonder what TNA coul

Arcademan:
WWE RAW Results: 6-13-11 (next two posts)

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

1 -- ALBERTO DEL RIO vs. KANE

Back live, the bell sounded to begin the match-up. Cole begrudgingly reminded viewers that Stone Cold booked this match, which started with Kane on the offensive. Del Rio then grabbed Kane's left arm for a snap single-arm DDT to begin targeting the shoulder. Del Rio eventually applied the cross-arm breaker, but Kane reached the bottom rope for a break. Del Rio maintained the hold and was DQ'ed on a five count.

Post-match: Del Rio continued to maintain the hold before Big Show's music hit. Big Show came running to the ring in street clothes and tackled Del Rio to a reaction. Suddenly, Ricardo entered the ring and Show landed haymakers using a big yellow glove. Del Rio ran away in the process and Show continued to blast away on Ricardo, who took a beating as Del Rio's surrogate. Kane eventually had to put Show in a sleeper to get him to back off. Kane told Show he'll never get his hands on Del Rio if he kills Ricardo. Austin then walked out and said Del Rio is running to the parking lot and he better keep on running to D.C. because he's facing Big Show this Sunday at Capitol Punishment. Big Show celebrated while Cole declared that's not fair. Show and Kane eventually left the ring as Ricardo sold being unconscious in the ring.

WINNER: Kane via DQ at 2:49. Basic deal to set up a visibly healthy Show getting his revenge on Del Rio at the PPV. Meanwhile, the booking of Del Rio continues to be hit & miss. He's just not positioned as a future Raw main event heel.

2 -- DANIEL BRYAN & SIN CARA & EZEKIEL JACKSON vs. IC champion WADE BARRETT & TED DIBIASE & CODY RHODES -- six-man tag match

The mood lighting remained to give Sin Cara a "homefield advantage." Cole noted Barrett is flying solo now and The Corre is done. Lawler backed up the heel, saying he thinks Barrett should have shown that wisdom a long time ago. Meanwhile, Barrett worked over Bryan and taunted his PPV opponent, Ezekiel Jackson. Bryan eventually broke free and tagged in Zeke, who cleaned house on Barrett. Jackson executed his succession of bodyslams on Barrett and tried firing up the crowd, but they remained quiet. The action broke down when Jackson teased the Torture Rack, then Jackson cleared the heels to the floor. Jackson proceeded to press-slam Bryan over the top rope to the floor onto Rhodes and DiBiase, who crashed to the floor. Back in the ring, Jackson ran over Barrett, then tagged in Sin Cara. Sin Cara nailed a springboard cross-body on Barrett and it was good for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Team Sin Cara at 3:46. Another inefficient use of TV time typical for Raw nowadays. Smackdown was defined down as a secondary brand, Barrett - a titleholder in WWE - continues to be defined down as a weak heel, Jackson is being pushed too hard well before he's ready, and the announcers continue to be distracted by everything going on around them, selling disinterest in the in-ring action, which sends a message to the home viewer that what's happening in the ring isn't important.

3 -- SHEAMUS vs. SANTINO

They suddenly cut to the ring and the bell sounded for a randomly-inserted match. Lawler noted to the audience that some people might not be familiar with these two men. Sheamus is a two-time WWE champion. Again, it defines down the prestige of the WWE Title and a future star like Sheamus if the announcers take the tone that a former WWE champion, Sheamus, isn't a big enough deal where viewers should already know who he is. There was a loud "We want Ryder" chant in the crowd as Sheamus worked over Santino in the ring. Santino then warmed up The Cobra, Sheamus ducked, Sheamus went for the Brogue Kick and missed, and Santino followed with The Cobra. Sheamus's career was nearly over, but Sheamus emphatically kicked out, smashed Santino with the Brogue Kick, and slapped on a Texas Cloverleaf. Santino quickly tapped out, giving Sheamus a needed win.

WINNER: Sheamus via submission at 2:45. More hit & miss almost getting there with the squash match formula trying to get over Sheamus as a barbaric heel.

4 -- CHRISTIAN vs. REY MYSTERIO

Another example of Cole being a poor lead announcer since he's now defending Christian's side of the argument about being "screwed" out of the title since Christian is a heel after Cole spent weeks complaining about Christian crying about what happened. There's just no consistency or foundation to Cole's character, which means viewers can't trust Cole to sell them on the product. They cut to break 2:00 into the match when Christian knocked Rey to the outside.

Back live, Christian was working over Mysterio and aggressively focusing on Mysterio's neck. Suddenly, Christian reached a five-count working over Rey in the corner and the ref DQ'ed him. That was a very short two-segment match.

Post-match: Christian tried to inflict more damage on Rey, but Rey dropped him off the top rope. Punk then came running to ringside and Rey splashed him off the top rope. Nexus came to ringside to check on Punk as Rey avoided Christian, then fought off Nexus, then set up Christian for the 619. Mason Ryan grabbed Rey, though, and ragdolled him around the ringside area. Ryan then rolled Rey into the ring and Nexus walked off. Christian was left alone in the ring with Rey, who he dropped with a Killswitch. Christian did the belt-around-the-waist motion and left the ring as his music played.

WINNER: Rey via DQ at 5:30. WWE obviously needs heel depth on Smackdown for TV and house shows, but they had a refreshingly original (for WWE) story of Christian being a heel because he's frustrated with Orton and not being World Hvt. champion, and now he's a regular old heel based on that post-match attack on Rey, who he doesn't have an issue with.

5 -- U.S. champion KOFI KINGSTON & EVAN BOURNE vs. DOLPH ZIGGLER (w/Vickie Guerrero) & JACK SWAGGER

Swagger and Dolph worked over Kofi early on, then Swagger went for a Vader Bomb, but Kofi got his feet up to block. Bourne hot-tagged into the match and cleaned house before scoring a close nearfall on Swagger. Swagger tried to come back with an anklelock, but Bourne escaped. The action broke down and Kofi dropped Swagger with Trouble in Paradise from the ring apron. Bourne followed up with Air Bourne from the top rope on Swagger for the pin and the win. Cole noted Bourne embarrassed Swagger again. Booker said TV does not do Air Bourne justice and viewers need to see it live. Cue up a slow-motion replay of Bourne's finisher as Booker said Bourne is back with a vengeance. Back in the ring, Kofi was fired up with the win as he celebrated with Bourne.

WINNERS: Bourne & Kingston at 2:56. Basic house show match getting to the only thing anyone cared about: Air Bourne. Overall, another too-short match that the audience sat on their hands for since it wasn't important enough to announce ahead of time - sending the message it's filler - and featuring two castrated heels. These characters just can't get out of the quicksand based on the booking - no heat on the heels and the babyfaces have nothing to overcome. They're all just stuck at the same level.

Arcademan:
6 -- RODDY PIPER vs. THE MIZ -- Alex Riley special referee -- $5,000 match

Back live, Cole said this match could previously only be seen in the All-Stars video game. So, the impetus for booking this match was to promote a video game. After showing some video game clips, they cut to the ring where Riley called for the bell. Miz rolled up his sleeves and landed right hand blows, but Piper jabbed Miz in the eyes and slapped on a sleeper. Miz escaped and pounded on Piper in the corner, causing Riley to fling him across the ring. Suddenly, Miz popped Riley and Riley responded with a right hand blow. Piper then rolled up Miz from behind, Riley fast-counted, and Piper scored the pin for the win. Post-match: Miz freaked out, then Riley tossed Miz over the top rope to the floor. Miz continued to freak out ringside as Riley raised Piper's hand in victory. They did a final hard sell for Miz vs. Riley at the PPV on Sunday with back-and-forth camera shots.

WINNER: Piper at 1:07. Big, big endorsement for Riley on this show tonight.

7 -- DIVAS champion BRIE BELLA & NIKKI BELLA & MARYSE & MELINA & TAMINA & ROSA MENDES & ALICIA FOX vs. KELLY KELLY & A.J. & NATALYA & KAITLYN & EVE & GAIL KIM & BETH PHOENIX

By the time it was established which 14 Divas were in the match, the match broke down into a brawl before Kelly pinned Rosa for the win. Post-match: Eve took the mic and announced a Broadway number in honor of the Tony Awards last night. At the announce table, Cole was shown mock-gagging before leaning back in his chair selling death. Cole then fed to a video package on Tough Enough last week.

WINNERS: Team Kelly at 1:23.

8 -- WWE champion JOHN CENA vs. C.M. PUNK -- non-title match

The deep-throated males quickly started a combination "C-M-Punk" and "Cena sucks" chants, which was met with a "Let's go Cena" chant from the kids and families. Booker equated it to a hot soccer crowd. "Soccer?" Cole replied, with McMahon obviously feeding a line based on not believing that's a relevant reference. The dueling chants grew louder in the opening minutes as Cena and Punk teased their finishers before backing away to neutral corners. After everyone paused, the match and dueling chants resumed. Punk then knocked Cena to the outside and they cut to break 2:45 into the match.

Back live, Cena was trying to make a comeback against Punk, who cut him off with an abdominal stretch. Cena then escaped and hip-tossed Punk, who recovered and knocked Cena to the floor. Punk then landed a big plancha on the outside, which was surprising for Cena to take considering he's physically banged up. Punk returned to the ring and did a Macho Man extended-arms pose from the top rope before dropping a double axehandle on Cena. Punk rolled Cena back into the ring and slapped on a gut wrench submission center-ring. The crowd resumed the dueling chants before Cena escaped and desperately applied an STF. Punk grabbed the bottom rope for a break, though, and quickly kicked Cena in the head to cut him off.

Punk resumed his attack as Cole quickly threw out a reference to Punk-Rey this Sunday at the PPV. At 10:00, Cena ducked a clothesline and tried a trademark shoulder tackle, but Punk ducked and Cena went flying to the floor. Punk quickly grabbed the ref and told him to start counting. Punk watched as Cena tried to collect himself ringside, then rolled back into the ring at an eight count.

Punk quickly attacked Cena with right foot stomps as Cole reset the show at the top of the hour. Punk went to the corner for a springboard move, but Cena ducked and Punk crashed to the mat. Punk tried to follow up with a clothesline, but Punk ducked and started his comeback routine. Suddenly, R-Truth's voice interrupted. Truth was shown walking through the crowd pointing out all of the little Jimmys in the crowd. Truth asked a kid in the crowd if he would trade him the hat for a sip of water. Cena saw what was going on and told the kid not to take the deal. In the background, Punk scooped up Cena and nailed the G2S center ring. Punk made the cover and the males exploded with cheers as Punk picked up the win.

WINNER: Punk at 13:58. An above-average Raw TV main event dominated by the crowd, which seemed to be waiting all night for something to invest in besides Stone Cold segments. Punk picking up the winning and Cole stressing Punk pinned the WWE champion could be foreshadowing for a post-Capitol Punishment program between Cena and Punk. The visual of Punk being his own man and not having irrelevant Nexus around him was a good development. (**1/2)

Arcademan:
WWE NXT Results: 6-14-11

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

1 -- DARREN YOUNG (w/Chavo Guerrero) vs. YOSHI TATSU

Regal sarcastically noted he's been watching JTG's "Straight Outta Brooklyn" over and over since last week. "Yoshi, Yoshi" chant as the Pro and former-NXT-member-turned-Rookie locked up and traded holds. Yoshi scored successive offense with hard chops in the corner, then landed a flying dropkick. Young rolled to the outside looking for a breather, but Yoshi rolled him right back onto the apron. Young delivered a neckbreaker on the apron, though, and both men rolled back into the ring. Suddenly, JTG made his way to the ring. They cut to break with Grisham wondering why he was out there.

Back from break, Young was working on Yoshi as Grisham welcomed JTG to the commentary position. JTG and Regal engaged in some banter as Young continued to wear down Yoshi. Regal then took a deep breath, selling exasperation with JTG. Regal said he would quite happily crack open JTG's skull to end his "insignificant career." JTG replied he is the flyest and greatest NXT Pro in the world. The match continued to languish in the ring before Yoshi finally made a comeback at 10:00. Yoshi then nailed a Shining Wizard and made a cover, but Young kicked out in time. Yoshi tried to follow up top, but Chavo distracted him. Young took advantage of the opening to yank Yoshi down from the top rope and pin him for the win.

Post-match: JTG hit the ring and blasted Yoshi to take out frustration from last week. The crowd booed JTG as Regal tried to talk up JTG as being very dangerous despite being a waste of space. Yoshi made a comeback, but Young blasted him. Conor and Kozlov then hit the ring to make the save for Yoshi. The heels retreated on the outside as Yoshi's music played. Meanwhile, Grisham wondered if that was Darren's final match with an elimination coming up tonight.

WINNER: Young at 11:02.

2 -- TITUS O'NEIL vs. LUCKY CANNON (w/Tyson Kidd)

Lucky taunted Titus, who responded by shoving him down to the mat. Titus then landed power offense, fighting for Hornswoggle's honor. Lucky then cheated to take advantage, giving him an opening to work over Titus. Meanwhile, Kidd taunted Titus to do it for Hornswoggle and the announcers played up a match story of Titus seemingly unfocused with his mind on Swoggle's health. Titus then found some offense and delivered a fallaway slam for a two count. Lucky tried to cut off Titus's momentum, but Titus nailed the sky-high bomb for the pin and the win. Kidd simply shook his head at the end result and the announcers talked up Titus being impressive pulling out a win despite having his mind elsewhere.

WINNER: O'Neil at 6:38. This wasn't Lucky's worst match on NXT.

Ringside: Striker and Maryse were with the four remaining Rookies. Maryse said this is - well - it's been a rough night. She solemnly noted one of them is going home tonight. Striker tried to hype the moment before cueing up the drumroll to find out who's going home. The random video game generator revealed...Lucky Cannon has been eliminated. Grisham sold immediate shock, as did Striker. Maryse was conflicted. Striker said that was a shocker, then asked Lucky for his thoughts.

Lucky said he's not going to go cry himself to sleep and declared this show to be a joke. He said he should be on Smackdown right now slapping the taste out of Randy Orton's mouth. Titus interrupted leading the crowd in Na Na Goodbye.

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