General Discussions > General Media

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

<< < (155/235) > >>

Arcademan:
8 -- WWE champion JOHN CENA vs. R-TRUTH -- WWE Title match
 
The bell sounded and the announcers debated the merits of Truth's conspiracy claim having never received a title shot in WWE. Again, with the Announcer Epidemic in pro wrestling, they stopped short of stressing how a wrestler earns/obtains/qualifies for/achieves a position to legitimately receive a title shot. Since Truth has been positioned as a wrestler who loses more than he wins, he shouldn't qualify for a title shot, which would be the lead announcer's position as the "voice of reason" opposed to Truth, who heelishly worked his way into the title match despite a weak resume. Since WWE doesn't have a credible lead announcer and since WWE (and TNA) haven't established a foundation for matches mattering, that important aspect to build a story is completely lost. As for the match, Truth dominated early on as the crowd engaged in a variety of chants, including "Let's Go Cena," "Little Jimmy," and "Cena sucks."
 
At 9:00, Truth applied a chinlock that he turned into a body scissors. Lawler said it appears Cena didn't take Truth seriously coming into the match. The crowd re-engaged in a dueling chant before Cena escaped the body scissors, only to take a clothesline for a two count. Cena finally found some offense with multiple shoulder blocks before setting up the Five Knuckle Shuffle, which he delivered. Truth robotically popped to his feet, but blocked the Attitude Adjustment with a high-impact move. Cena could be audibly heard calling a spot while covering his mouth. Truth then missed a corner attack and Cena put him in the STF. Truth scored a rope break, though, and followed with an axe kick, but Cena kicked out.
 
At 13:00, Truth climbed up top and looked down at Cena for a while. It gave Cena an opening to catch Truth off the top rope, roll through, and hoist him into the air for an AA tease, but Truth escaped and hit Paydirt. Truth made a cover, but Cena kicked out and rolled out of the ring. On the floor, Truth became preoccupied with a Little Jimmy ringside. Truth grabbed the kid's cap and WWE cup to take a drink. Suddenly, the kid splashed the drink in Truth's face, which drew laughs from the announcers. Truth sold the steel water shot to the face and Cena quickly rolled him into the ring. Cena nailed the AA and scored the pin for the win.
 
Post-match: Cole heelishly tried the "rules of wrestling" argument that Truth was screwed because if this were baseball, the game would have been stopped after the kid splashed Truth in the face. Again, because WWE is so inconsistent and there isn't a foundation, it's just empty talk. Cena then celebrated in the ring with the kid as Lawler talked it up as a big moment for Cena fans. They went to a replay of the splash-in-the-face before showing Cena celebrate with military servicemen ringside. Cena saluted, Cole signed off, and they ended the PPV at 10:51 p.m. EST.
 
WINNER: Cena at 14:45 to retain the WWE Title. Completely forgettable PPV main event. They delivered a payoff for Cena Fans with "one of their own" giving the heel his comeuppance, which was about the only thing this had going for it. Blah ending to a blah PPV. (*3/4)

Arcademan:
WWE RAW Results: 6-20-11 (next two posts)

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

1 -- Divas champion BRIE BELLA (w/Nikki Bella) vs. KELLY KELLY -- Divas Title match

Brie took control early on, per the formula. Kelly made her comeback, then reversed a victory roll for a pin and the win. Post-match: Cole blamed The People while the Bellas argued with each other ringside. As Kelly celebrated, Lawler stepped into the ring for an interview. Kelly sold tears and thanked everyone for voting for her and giving her a chance to win her first Divas Title. Cole couldn't stomach it.

WINNER: Kelly at 3:01 to capture the Divas Title. That was an expected title change and the post-match interview was a nice touch following last night's PPV. If WWE turns Beth heel, they could give the division some life via a Kelly vs. Beth feud.

2 -- EVAN BOURNE vs. MASON RYAN

Bourne tried to bob & weave to avoid Ryan, who dominated. On cue, the crowd loudly chanted, "Ba-tista." Bourne made a comeback with successive dropkicks before Ryan scored a knock-down clothesline. Cole said the WWE Universe apparently doesn't like Bourne since they wanted to see Bourne get destroyed by Ryan. Lawler said it's perhaps they like a good David vs. Goliath story. Cole said it could be they like a good car crash. Bourne then made another comeback and teased the Air Bourne, but Ryan avoided. Bourne tried an awkward small package and Ryan awkwardly kicked out. They talked about going to the finish and Ryan delivered a uranage finisher for the win.

WINNER: Ryan at 4:02. That was all messed up. Ryan looked awful (he's not close to being ready for a TV singles match lasting more than one minute and he's already damaged goods because WWE rushed into featuring him on TV without establishing him first via some squash matches a la Monty Brown in mid-2000s TNA). Also, Bourne was presented like a diminutive X Division wrestler unable to hang with a heavyweight.

Mark Henry took on Kane in an arm-wrestling match and Henry ended up throwing Kane through the announcers table.

3 -- U.S. champion DOLPH ZIGGLER (w/Vickie Guerrero) vs. KOFI KINGSTON -- U.S. Title match -- Two-out-of-three Falls match

Kingston took control of the match early on as Cole noted Ziggler joined an elite class of former U.S. champions last night at the PPV. Kingston scored an early nearfall with a back-slide, then tackled Ziggler to the mat. Kingston crashed to the floor attempting another tackle and they cut to break 2:30 into the match.

Back on Raw, Ziggler was working on Kingston. Cole said Raw is the "most unpredictable show on television" and the announcers recapped what happened during the break - Ziggler hit the Zig-Zag on the floor and scored a pinfall back in the ring. So, Ziggler went up 1-0 during the break. Back live, Kingston continued to take a beating from Ziggler. Ziggler then hit a Gunn-inspired Fameasser, but Kingston kicked out. Ziggler slammed his fists to the mat in frustration, then Kingston suddenly hit the SOS and picked up a pin at 7:40. Now, it's 1-1.

The third fall started with Kingston grappling Ziggler, who suddenly kicked Kingston in the gut and hit a neckbreaker for a nearfall. Ziggler then went for his sleeperhold that looked more like a basic reverse chinlock. Kingston escaped, then catapulted Ziggler into the ringpost. Kingston tried to capitalize with chops, a leaping dropkick, and a standing double-foot stomp, but Ziggler kicked out of a pin attempt. Kingston then set up a leaping back splash as Vickie shouted at Dolph to get out of the way, but Kingston connected for another nearfall.

Ziggler, frustrated, slipped to the outside and retrieved the title belt. Kingston ducked a belt shot and caught Ziggler with Trouble in Paradise on the floor. Kingston then moved the dead weight into the ring, made a cover, and Ziggler touched the bottom rope with two fingers to force a rope break before the three count. Ziggler returned to the floor and grabbed a microphone to smash Kingston in the head when Kofi followed to the floor. That caused a DQ, giving Kingston the win, but Ziggler retained the title.

Post-match: Ziggler celebrated, still in possession of the U.S. Title belt. Ziggler then tried to inflict more punishment to Kofi, but Kofi dropped him with Trouble in Paradise in the ring. The announcers said it was too little, too late. They replayed high points of the match before returning to a live shot of Ziggler flopping around on the floor selling the effects, but still champion.

WINNER: Kingston via DQ; Ziggler retained the U.S. Title at 12:21. Not clear if they're moving away form Ziggler-Kingston (with Kingston cashing in his re-match) or continuing the feud due to the finish. Despite WWE presenting 1,001 match-ups between Kofi and Dolph on TV the last two years (including last night on PPV), this match still felt pretty fresh. Good action, drama, and nearfalls. (**1/2)

4 -- ALBERTO DEL RIO vs. REY MYSTERIO vs. C.M. PUNK -- three-way #1 contender match -- Falls Count Anywhere

Some back-and-forth, mixed action early on before Punk slammed Del Rio to the floor with a sunset flip powerbomb. Punk could only score a two count after the ref scampered out of the ring to administer the count, though. Rey then delivered a running sentaun splash on Punk to score a nearfall of his own. They cut to break with all three men on the floor.

Back from break, the crowd was engaged in a dueling chant. Meanwhile, the match was back in the ring. The three competitors exchanged offense before Rey was knocked to the floor and Del Rio dropped Punk with a single-arm DDT for a nearfall. Rey then re-entered the ring and set up for a double 619, but Punk intercepted. After some more mixed action, they executed a three-man Tower of Doom spot in the corner that resulted in Del Rio having the advantage. Del Rio scored a nearfall on Rey, then a nearfall on Punk. More mixed action, then Del Rio ate the ringpost and fell to the floor. Rey tried a move on Del Rio, but Punk grabbed him from behind. Rey escaped, though, splashed Punk, rolled to his feet, and nailed a suicide dive through the ropes on Del Rio in a one-two combo.

Back in the ring, Rey hit a seated sentaun on Punk, but Punk escaped a pin attempt. Rey then airballed a splash when Punk casually moved out of the way. Punk tried a top-rope move, but Rey blocked, then missed with a huracanrana attempt. Del Rio followed right up with a cross arm-breaker on Rey, but Punk nailed a leg drop from the second rope to break it up. Del Rio suddenly smashed Punk with an enziguiri in the corner before turning his attention to Rey. Rey hit the 619, though, and went up top. Rey landed his finishing splash, but Punk quickly threw Rey out of the ring and pinned Del Rio for the ol' house show three-way match finish. Punk is the new #1 contender.

WINNER: Punk at 11:36 to become #1 contender to the WWE Title. The three-way match is such a tired and over-done concept, but this was an excellent TV match. Del Rio hadn't looked this good in the ring in months. Rey and Punk were terrific, as usual. (***)

Post-match: Punk took the mic and plugged July 17 as the most historic day of his career and in the history of WWE. He vowed to defeat Cena for the WWE Title on that day. As for that honesty he was talking about. Punk said the brutal honesty he's known for is July 17 is the day his WWE contract expires. He said when the clock strikes midnight and Sunday bleeds into Monday, he's leaving. Punk said he is leaving with the WWE Title. Punk let that sink in as the crowd reacted with a mix of shock and horror.

Arcademan:
5 -- DANIEL BRYAN vs. CODY RHODES -- no count-out match

On cue, the match moved to the floor, where Bryan suplexed Rhodes on the entrance ramp. Bryan then landed multiple kick strikes and Rhodes went running down the ramp. Bryan flung him back into the ring, climbed up top, and landed a double foot dropkick. Rhodes then cut off Bryan and landed a step-up enziguiri for a two count. Cole and Lawler were in the middle of a dispute about "hundreds of millions" vs. "hundreds of thousands" when Bryan scored a quick pin on Rhodes.

Post-match: Cody tried a post-match attack, but Bryan tackled him and applied the LeBell Lock. Ted DiBiase made the save, though, and Rhodes gave Rhodes the Alabama Slam. Booker exclaimed, "Sidewalk slam!" He's been hanging around Cole too much. Cole actually corrected him on it. Bizarro-world tonight. Rhodes then dropped Bryan with Cross-Rhodes as Cole continued to rail on Lawler and Booker's credibility. Rhodes finished the segment by putting a paper bag over Bryan's head.

WINNER: Bryan at 2:25.

6 -- WWE champion JOHN CENA & World Hvt. champion RANDY ORTON & ALEX RILEY vs. CHRISTIAN & R-TRUTH & THE MIZ -- Elimination six-man tag match

The match started with Cena and Miz mixing it up. Cena brought in Orton, who worked over Miz and mixed in some looks toward Christian. Miz eventually cut off Orton and tagged in Christian, who scored some offense on his Smackdown nemesis. Christian kept Orton away from the face corner and the heels continued to work over Orton. Christian then set up for Edge's Spear, but Orton countered with a powerslam. Orton finally made a hot tag, bringing in Riley, who cleaned house on Christian. Riley bumped Miz off the ring apron, but the heels stormed Riley. The faces made the save and Cena nearly bulldogged ref Robinson in the process. With the ref preoccupied with Cena, Miz dropped Riley with the Skullcrushing Finale. Christian then pinned Riley and the heels took a three-on-two advantage going to break.

*Riley eliminated by Miz at 7:10*

Back live, Miz scored a two count on Orton as the heels continued their match-long attack on Orton. Miz started doing some crazy dance/aerobics movements in the corner before going for a running attack on Orton, but Orton cut him off with a clothesline. Cena then hot-tagged into the match and delivered signature offense on Miz. Miz escaped the Attitude Adjustment, though, and landed the Reality Check for a two count. Miz tried to follow with a top-rope move, but Cena blocked. The action then broke down before order was restored with the heels back in control of the match.

The heels were still in control at the top of the hour. Truth mocked Cena, scored a nearfall, and complained to the ref about a conspiracy with his officiating. Cena slowly pulled himself up using Truth's pants, then Cena fired off a suplex to break Truth's control of the match. An awkward spot ensued when Cena had to milk a hot tag for what seemed like 15 minutes while waiting for the heels to cut him off. Truth eventually cut off Cena and Orton dropped off the ring apron to have a classic temper-tantrum moment. Miz then tagged into the match, but Cena scored a quick pin for the next elimination.

*Miz eliminated by Cena at 16:45*

Truth entered the ring and quickly took control of the match for the heels again. Christian entered next and went up top for a big move on Cena, but Cena moved out of the way. Orton then hot-tagged into the match and had some extra pep behind big clotheslines on Truth. Truth tried to fire back with a big clothesline, but Orton ducked and knocked down Truth. Orton followed with the spike DDT from the second rope before entering RKO mode. Christian cut him off, though, and Orton clotheslined Christian over the top rope. Back to center-ring, Truth missed with an axe kick and Orton landed the RKO for the pin.

*Truth eliminated by Orton at 19:23* Right after the pin, Christian speared Orton and pinned him for the next elimination. *Orton eliminated by Christian at 19:33* Christian shouted down at Orton that he's the World champion after scoring the pinfall. Cena tried to sneak up on Christian, but Christian fought him off, only to have Orton drop Christian with the RKO. Cena took advantage of Orton's tactics to slap on the STF. Christian tapped out, giving Team Cena the win.

Post-match: Orton re-entered the ring and accepted his World Title belt from Cena. WWE champ Cena and World champ Orton then celebrated together in the ring. After a replay of the finish, Cena was shown leaving the ring to celebrate with military personnel ringside. Cole signed off with a plug for next week's Raw from Las Vegas.

WINNERS: Team Cena at 19:58. Good main event. The "wrestler eliminated affecting the outcome of a match and the announcers failing to draw attention to it" element was an eye-roller, but everything else was good. It certainly looks like they're continuing Orton vs. Christian on Smackdown, but that remains to be seen. Regarding the WWE Title situation, WWE wanted to close this "Power to the People" show on a blue skies happy note, but it would have been effective to have C.M. Punk shown from a distance warning Cena about July 17. They have three more weeks for that, so at least WWE isn't in the fourth quarter throwing desperation heaves toward the endzone like they had to do with the Cena-Truth build-up to Capitol Punishment. (***)

Arcademan:
WWE NXT Results: 6-21-11

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

1 -- YOSHI TATSU & KOZLOV & CONOR O'BRIAN vs. CHAVO GUERRERO & JTG & DARREN YOUNG

Methodical start to the match with the teams feeling each other out and getting over their personalities. They built to Kozlov tagging in at 4:45 to smash Chavo with power offense. Young smashed Kozlov from the ring apron, then Kozlov dumped Chavo over the top rope. The faces cleared the heels from the ring, then the heels regrouped and they cut to break.

Back from break, Chavo and Kozlov were working out their issues in the ring. The heels isolated O'Brian as Grisham and Regal discussed whether he would survive next week's elimination. Conor tried to escape the heel corner, but Chavo cut him off with a low dropkick and the heels went back to work. Grisham equated Conor to a piñata because everyone was getting a swing at him. Conor finally broke free and the worst hot tag ever was executed to Yoshi. All that build-up and they still screwed up the hot tag.

Yoshi built his own momentum and cleaned house on the heels before smashing JTG with a Shining Wizard. The action broke down when Yoshi attempted a pin, then Yoshi and JTG found themselves alone in the ring once the dust settled. On cue, Yoshi delivered a KO kick to the head and made the cover for the win. Grisham tried to give Conor a complement on his performance in the match: absorbing punishment.

WINNER: Team Yoshi at 15:24.

2 -- ZACK RYDER vs. TITUS O'NEIL (w/Hornswoggle)

Regal said he doesn't get the whole fist-pumping and Long Island thing, but they have something in common: Ryder was trained by old tag partner, Dave Taylor. Titus took it to Ryder early on as the vocal males in the crowd chanted, "Let's go Ryder." Hornswoggle tried to talk them down as Ryder bailed from the ring to get a breather. Grisham plugged Ryder's YouTube show and Regal said, "Good for him getting himself over." Grisham said it's all about what happens between the ropes and Regal said he can back it up in the ring.

Back in the ring, Titus knocked down Ryder before Hornswoggle tried to take a bite out of Ryder's behind. The distraction allowed Titus to roll up Ryder from behind for a nearfall. Ryder had enough and bailed from the ring. "Are you serious?!" Ryder shouted as they cut to break.

Back on NXT, Titus booted Ryder in the gut before landing an uppercut. "Let's go Ryder" chant from the few fans interested in the proceedings. Ryder then cut off Titus and started taunting his former Rookie. Ryder maintained control with a double sledgehammer before applying a reverse chinlock. Horny tried to warm up the crowd and Titus teased a comeback, but Ryder booted Titus in the chest and followed with the Broski Boot for a nearfall.

Titus then mounted a comeback and landed a big flying clothesline. Titus followed with a fallaway slam before Ryder bailed from the ring. Ryder taunted Horny, gave him a fright, and then returned to the ring. Titus took some time to check on Horny, then found a boot from Ryder once he returned to the ring. Ryder followed with the Rough Ryder and it was good for the win.

Post-match: Hornswoggle shook his head in disbelief as Regal suggested Hornswoggle distracted his Rookie. Horny continued to sell frustration with the outcome as Ryder celebrated in the ring. Ryder, satisfied with the win, left the ring as they went to a replay of the finish. After the replay, they showed Ryder celebrating while Titus sold frustration as Hornswoggle tried consoling him. Horny waved off Ryder's taunts from a distance and smiled for Titus, who continued to sell frustration as they called it a night.

WINNER: Ryder at 8:29. Interesting developments to close the show. Titus was not over as a face with the Hershey crowd in the opening segment or in the match, and WWE planted seeds for a potential heel turn on Hornswoggle, which would actually mean something for NXT after 15+ weeks of Horny and Titus hanging out as best buds. As for Ryder, he was solid in the ring leading the match with the inexperienced Titus. A strong conclusion to a typically forgettable NXT episode.

Arcademan:
WWE Superstars Results: 6-23-11

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

1 -- KAITLYN & A.J. & NATALYA vs. ROSA MENDES & ALICIA FOX & TAMINA -- six-Divas tag match

The announcers played up this feud as the heels trying to bully the new Smackdown Divas, A.J. and Kaitlyn. Jack Korpela asked Matt Striker what advice he would give Kaitlyn starting her WWE career and Striker awkwardly said he wants to make little babies with Kaitlyn. Kaitlyn then made a rookie mistake and the heels isolated her in their corner. Korpela and Striker picked up a discussion on C.M. Punk vowing to take the WWE Title away from WWE (and John Cena), prompting Korpela to suggest WWE higher-ups could get involved to possibly prevent that from happening. A.J. eventually hot-tagged into the match and ducked an axe kick from Alicia before rolling up Alicia for a quick pin and the win. The bully heels were beside themselves as the face trio celebrated outside the ring.

WINNERS: Team A.J. at 5:21. Basic story keeping Smackdown's Divas division on "TV" this week.

2 -- MELINA vs. GAIL KIM

Mathews recapped storyline issues between the two former friends and Stanford relayed "information from Gail" that she's upset Melina left her hanging as a tag team. Melina took control of the action as Mathews vowed to get to the bottom of the split between Melina and Gail. Has anyone quizzed Daniel Bryan yet? Gail made a comeback at 3:30, then crucifix pinned Melina for a quick win over Melina. Post-match: Gail left the ring and told Melina she's crazy. "I was your friend!" Gail shouted at Melina.

WINNER: Kim at 3:59. Basic action and another chapter in the ongoing Thursday night feud between Melina and Gail.


3 -- WWE tag champions DAVID OTUNGA & MICHAEL MCGILLICUTTY vs. SANTINO & KOZLOV -- non-title match

Mathews said a victory for Santino and Kozlov could put them in line for a future Tag Title shot as they attempt to regain the titles. Otunga ran over Santino with early shoulder blocks, then started talking trash. Santino answered with a shoulder block and Otunga backed away. Santino frightened Otunga with the Cobra moments later and Otunga bailed to the floor to regroup. Meanwhile, Kozlov humorously unfolded the Cobra in the corner as Santino sold it's difficult to unwind after cocking the Cobra.

The heels then brought in Mike to work against Santino. Mike and Santino exchanged holds before Kozlov tagged in to lock up with Mike. After Kozlov wore down Mike, he tagged in Santino for a battering ram to Mike's mid-section. Moments later, Santino found himself in the heel corner to take a beating. Otunga momentarily lost control and Santino small-packaged him for a nearfall. Kozlov then tagged in and overhead slammed Otunga, who rolled to the floor. Santino frightened Mike with the Cobra and the heels retreated on the outside heading to break.

Back to action, Santino found himself isolated in the heel corner after missing with a Sailor's Salute fist drop. A few minutes later, Santino knocked Mike to the outside and scampered to his corner to tag in Kozlov, who threw Mike around like a ragdoll. Kozlov landed a running powerslam for a nearfall. Otunga then entered the ring and the action broke down. Santino went flying over the top rope, then Kozlov ran over both heels. All three men sold on the mat as Santino pulled himself up to the corner asking for a tag. Kozlov obliged. Santino then took a kick to the back from Otunga behind the ref's back. Mike followed with a running neckbreaker on Santino and it was good for the win. To the back of the line for Santino & Kozlov. After a replay of the finish, the tag champs celebrated with the tag belts as Stanford signed off.

WINNERS: New Nexus at 9:53. A fine WWE tag team match. Mike & Otunga aren't exactly a credible duo, but if WWE wanted to establish the value of the Tag Titles, they could take one minute on Raw to replay the finish of this match showing the tag champions picking up a victory. That's low on the priority list, hence why this match was on Superstars rather than on a three-hour Raw, but if WWE hypothetically had challengers lined up for a feud against New Nexus they want to get behind, a replay of this outcome would help establish the tag champions to set up a program.

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[#] Next page

[*] Previous page