General Discussions > General Media

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

<< < (157/235) > >>

Arcademan:
WWE Superstars Results: 6-30-11

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

1 -- BETH PHOENIX vs. GAIL KIM

Phoenix over-powered Gail early on as Mathews reported he still can't get to the bottom of the feud between Gail and former best friend Melina. Gail then locked in a submission wrapped around Phoenix's upper body before Phoenix threw her to the mat to escape. Beth made her comeback with power offense, but couldn't put away Gail. The two Divas traded nearfalls before Beth caught Gail in position for the Glam Slam. Gail fought it momentarily, but Beth finished her for the win. Afterward, mutual respect was shown between the two babyface wrestlers.

WINNER: Phoenix at 4:02. Solid back-and-forth action that was a taste of what WWE could offer from their women's division(s) if the talented wrestlers were given a spotlight.

2 -- JTG vs. CHRIS MASTERS

Mathews's voice seems to get more gravelly with each passing week trying to describe Masters's physique and strength. Masters ripped off a few early chops to the chest before JTG took control of the match, drawing the ire of the audience. Mathews then interjected the unfortunately infrequently-promoted concept that winning matches = money and a rise up the rankings to earn future title shots. WWE is so inconsistent with this element that it means nothing simply being part of Superstars dialogue. Four minutes into the match, Masters caught JTG in Masterlock position. JTG fought it momentarily, but became another victim to Masters's finisher.

WINNER: Masters via submission at 4:05. Masters has been "rising up the rankings" with Superstars victories for months, but it hasn't paid off with an appearance on Raw.

3 -- KAITLYN (w/Natalya) vs. ALICIA FOX (w/Rosa Mendes)

Apparently the Lay-Cool "Mean Girls" replacements - Alicia, Rosa, and Tamina - are labeled the "It Girls. Korpela tried to call out the heels for heelish behavior in the storylines. In reply, Striker reflected McMahon's off-center view on life that you're weak if you try to act honorably, strong if you bully people around, and succesful if you run over people on the way to the top. After some back-and-forth, Kaitlyn missed with a corner attack, then walked into an axe kick from Alicia. Alicia with the pin for the win. Korpela tried to offer Kaitlyn some advice on getting back up after getting knocked down.

WINNER: Alicia at 3:05. Basic-level action keeping the heel vs. face Divas feud on Smackdown in the Superstars spotlight.

4 -- TYSON KIDD & JUSTIN GABRIEL & HEATH SLATER vs. TRENT BARRETA & THE USOS (JIMMY & JEY)

As expected, Slater took the brunt of the face trio's offense early on. Korpela plugged the upcoming South African tour featuring native Gabriel, who will be shark-diving on the tour, according to Korpela. Barreta lost control of the match for the face trio and they cut to break.

Back from break, Barreta broke free and tagged in Jey Uso, who cleaned house on the heels before dropping a running butt bomb in the corner. Uso then went up top, but Kidd distracted him, giving Slater an opening to toss Jey off the top turnbuckle for a two count. And the heels resumed control of the match. It's worth noting WWE has seemingly dropped Kidd's managerial search, as well as Striker playing Kidd's so-called agent, as Striker made zero reference to it during the match broadcast.

Jey eventually escaped the heel corner and tagged in Jimmy, who came in hot on Kidd. Jimmy followed with a toss-up Samoan Drop for a close nearfall. Barreta was in next for a top-rope splash that also resulted in a nearfall only. The action broke down at this point as ref Nunzio tried to restore order. Suddenly, Barreta suplexed Kidd off the top rope with a splash onto everyone on the floor. "Are youkiding me?" Korpela shouted. They went to a replay as all six men sold on the floor.

As Nunzio applied a ten count, Barreta rolled Kidd back into the ring to score another close two count when Gabriel broke up the pin. The Usos then smashed Gabriel on the floor, Barreta hit the Dudebuster DDT on Kidd, and Uso tagged in to deliver a top-rope splash on Kidd for the pin and the win. After the match, Striker entered "match evaluation mode" discussing the performances in the ring rather than the Usos and Barreta earning a bigger payday and advancing up the ladder via victory. It's so inconsistent and indicative of WWE's current booking flaws. After a replay of the finish, the show ended with the faces celebrating in the ring.

WINNERS: Team Usos at 12:40. Solid six-man tag. Slow early on, then a nice finish, and the Usos continue to look impressive since being re-emphasized. WWE needs to find something else for Gabriel to do, as his talent is being under-utilized in this current role. He can be a breakout star for WWE if given a fresh program away from being on the tail-end of the tail-end of Nexus's run last year. (**)

Arcademan:
TNA Impact Wrestling Results: 6-30-11

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

1- SAMOA JOE vs. DEVON - Bound For Glory Series Match

The crowd started cheering for Devon at the bell, but Joe quickly put him into a rear naked choke. Devon squirmed his way to the rope to break the hold as the announcers put over Joe's submission skills.

Joe drove Devon into the corner and hit a big kick on him to fell him. Joe dragged him to the middle and slapped his back before nailing a big knee to Devon's kidneys. This led to Devon crawling into the other corner and Joe gave him a three facewashes with his boot.

But as Joe went for the running boot, Devon exploded out of the corner for a spear to change momentum. Devon then hit a running elbow and a standing headbutt that led to a clothesline and a two count at the 3:00 mark.

Joe climbed to his feet in the corner and got a boot up on a charging Devon. Samoa Joe then climbed to the second rope and hit a huge leg Lariat. He went for a two count but then switched to a lower body submission that Devon squirmed out of.

Joe quickly turned around and hit an atomic drop and put Devon into a Keylock submission. Devon continued to squirm out and got a rope break.

Samoa Joe continued to dominate and hit a snap slam. This led to a cross arm breaker submission that Devon escaped from at the 5:00 mark. Joe then drove Devon into the corner and went for the Muscle Buster, but he was pushed off.

Devon went for a big elbow off of the top rope but Joe hit him in the face with a big kick. Joe then went for the rear naked choke again but Devon continued to show his ability to escape and fought out with a shoulder toss.

This led to Devon hitting what looked like a running choke slam on Joe for a three count that saw Joe kick out almost immediately after the ref's hand hit the mat.

WINNER: DEVON in 6:00 to win 7 Bound For Glory Series Points

After the match, the announcers discussed how Joe had to have been feeling the pressure with zero points in the standings, hence his submission attempts. Joe sold frustration at ringside afterwards.

2 - LOW KI vs. MATT BENTLEY vs. JIMMY "The King" YANG - X Division Contract Series

A very fast paced start where Low Ki hit an incredible high kick off of the top rope into Yang, which drew a big "Low-Ki" chant from the crowd. Low Kit then hit a handspring cross body splash onto Bentley that knocked Bentley out of the ring.

But Wang came right in and kicked Low Ki hard. He threw him into the corner and hit a really innovative high kick where he twisted over the top rope while making contact with Low Ki's chin. This led directly to Wang hitting a cross body splash off of the top rope for a two count.

Bentley came back into the ring at this point and threw Wang over the top rope. Wang tried to skin the cat but Bentley whipped Low Ki into him as Wang was halfway back up, creating an upside down spear effect that had the crowd oohing and aahing.

Bentley went with a bunch of submissions on Low Ki, who eventually fought out of a chinlock but was subsequently clotheslined out of the ring. Bentley followed Low Ki out but was hit with a really stiff kick.

But then out of nowhere, Wang hit a huge flying splash onto Low Ki at ringside at 2:45. Just enormous elevation by Wang. He threw Low Ki back into the ring and they went back and forth before Low Ki started hitting some vicious stiff kicks on Yang before hitting a double foot stomp on Yang.

Low Ki then hit another big springboard move on Bentley, this time a flying kick. But this was only good for a two count and Yang manged to hit some kicks to break Low Ki's momentum.

Bentley then came out of the corner and got the better of Wang and lined up for a DDT on Wang. Low Ki charged him but Bentley grabbed him and hit a simultaneous cutter and DDT to fell both men. Bentley then hit a superkick on Low Ki for a near fall.

Bentley then went high risk on Wang but got caught with a knee to the gut. Wang dragged him over to the corner and went for a corkscrew moonsault and missed.

This opened up the opportunity for Low Ki, who climbed up onto the far turnbuckle and hit a double foot stomp --- The Warrior's Way --- on Yang. Low Ki covered him and Bentley couldn't make it back in time to break up the pin.

WINNER: LOW KI in 6:45 to earn a spot at Destination X

Now there are Austin Aries, Zima Ion, and Low Ki in the four-way match at Destination X.

3 - WINTER & ANGELINA LOVE & MADISON RAYNE vs. Knockouts champion MICKIE JAMES & TARA & MISS TESSMACHER--- Elimination Match

Mickie James and Winter started things off and Mickie took control early with a Thesz press and mount. Micke pulled Winter's belt off and tried to hit her with it but the ref took it away.

But this gave Angelina the chance to run in and hit a jawbreaker on Mickie and toss her out of the ring. Tessmacher charged in and then Tenay casually mentioned that this was going to be an elimination match. That would have been nice to know before the match, wouldn't it.

Anyways, back in the ring, Tessmacher was giving Winter the Stink Face. Much nicer than when Rikishi did it back in the day. Not very effective as Winter quickly hit a Northern Lights Suplex and pinned Tessmacher.

MISS TESSMACHER ELIMINATED at 2:00

Tara ran into the ring but was quickly knocked out by Madison Rayne. Winter then put Tara on her shoulders before Angelina hit the Botox Injection and Winter went for the pin. However, Madison stole the pin by throwing Winter out of the ring.

TARA ELIMINATED at 3:30

This obviously wasn't popular with Winter and Angelina, who angrily stared Madison down. Madison turned around and took a Superkick from Mickie James and Winter told Mickie to cover her. Mickie didn't take her eyes off of Winter & Love as she eliminated Rayne.

MADISON RAYNE ELIMINATED at 3:50

Mickie then speared Winter but the numbers advantage quickly took over. With Mickie down and beaten, Winter put her on her shoulders and Angelina went for another Botox Injection. But Mickie squirmed out right into a pin and it was a near two count that Angelina broke up.

Angelina then hit a backstabber on Mickie and James was down. As Angelina wanted the pin, Winter told her no because it was her turn. They debated it for too long, as Mickie made a comeback and hit a hurrancanranna on Winter before hitting a cutter on Angelina for the three count.

ANGELINA LOVE ELIMINATED at 6:15

Winter then tried to attack Mickie but James turned the tables and hit the Tornado DDT for the pinfall on Winter.

WINNER: MICKIE JAMES in 6:30

4 - A.J. STYLES vs. GUNNER --- Bound For Glory Series Match

Styles went after Gunner at ringside, who climbed back into the ring to meet a vicious kick from Styles. The red mat is like watching a Boise State college football game --- the surface just doesn't look right.

Styles was in big control early, hitting a big flying fist in the corner and hitting numerous stiff kicks. Styles followed that up with a backdrop suplex on the significantly bigger Gunner.

But, Gunner fought back with a high running knee and took control. Gunner went for a powerbomb but A.J. fought out and hit the Pele Kick. Gunner tried to climb to his feet on the ring apron but Styles hit him with a drop kick to knock him to the ground.

Styles followed that up with a spectacular flip dive over the top rope at the 3:00 mark. But when Styles pushed him back into the ring, Gunner countered and went for the F5 finisher. Styles turned it into a big kick and then hit a powerslam.

Styles climbed outside to go for a springboard move, but Gunner pulled referee Earl Hebner into the way, which was enough to allow him to kick the middle rope and crotch Styles. This led to a F5 and Hebner counted the three count very slowly. A.J. didn't kick out.

WINNER: GUNNER in 4:50 to win 7 Bound For Glory Series Points

Gunner now leads the BFG Series with 21 points.

5 - STING vs. SCOTT STEINER

Steiner was in early control, beating Sting into a corner and hitting a side suplex on the Stinger. After a Steinerliner, the trademark elbow drop and pushups from Steiner ensued. Good commentary from Taz and Tenay here breaking down Steiner's offense as they said his plan appeared to be to prevent Sting from hitting the Stinger Splash.

Two minutes into the match, Sting finally got some offense in with a boot to Steiner's face. The two men traded blows in the middle of the ring before Sting dropped him with a couple of clotheslines and a bulldog for a two count.

Sting went for the Stinger Splash but Steiner caught him and hit him with a DDT. Steiner went for the Steiner Recliner but Sting countered into the Scorpion Death Lock. Steiner managed to get to the ropes and gouged Sting's eyes when he got up.

This led to a T-Bone Suplex from Steiner and both men were down in the ring. After both men got to their feet, Steiner tried to whip Sting into the corner but Sting moved out of the way and caught Steiner with the Scorpion Death Drop for the pinfall victory.

WINNER: STING in 4:30

Arcademan:
WWE Smackdown Results: 7-1-11

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

1 – RANDY ORTON vs. MARK HENRY

The announcers were shown at ringside during Orton’s entrance, with Cole ranting against Long as usual. As the bell sounded, Henry picked Orton up and took him to the corner. Orton escaped at pounded on Henry with rights. Back to Henry, who Irish whipped Orton to opposite turnbuckles, then landed a belly-to-belly slam for a two-count. Henry put Orton on his shoulder, but Orton got out and ran right into a big boot from the Texan. Henry stepped on Orton’s chest and Booker T. proclaimed that a Henry win should make him #1 Contender for the World Title. Cole said he broke into WWE the same year Henry did, but I feel like Henry was there a year or two earlier. Orton turned the tide and went for a pin, but Henry went to the outside. Henry slammed Orton back-first into the edge of the apron. At 3:46 of the match, Big Show’s music played. Henry shook his head yes and was ready for the show-down. Glad he didn’t back down like so many do. Anyway, Show never came out, and Henry turned around into an RKO from Orton. Orton slid into the ring at nine and won by count-out.

WINNER: Orton, via count-out, at 4:22. I think it says something that they didn’t put Orton over Henry cleanly. Not much of a match.

2 – DANIEL BRYAN vs. TED DIBIASE

No music for Bryan or DiBiase as Mathews said the audio technician is still unconscious and will be taken to a local medical facility. They showed Bryan getting bagged last week. They had an inset interview with DiBiase, who said he hoped Cody Rhodes was watching because he’s going to beat Bryan badly tonight. Arm-drag by Bryan and Bryan caught DiBiase on a leap-frog attempt and took him down by the leg. Surfboard by Bryan into a pin for attempt. Dropkick and a beauty by DiBiase. Bryan went to the outside, and they went to break about 1:45 in. Good thing they didn’t take a break when Henry went outside during the first match!

Back at 6:17 of the match, with Bryan working out of a headlock. Slingshot clothesline by DiBiase for two. Cole said it was 110 in Phoenix today, and Booker said it felt like 120. Really? Can Booker really tell the difference between 110 and 120 degrees? Back to a rear chinlock by DiBiase. I wonder if Mathews wonders each week how he’ll work “power” into the broadcast to plug KMart. Running clothesline by Bryan, then a running dropkick in the corner for two. Bryan started getting pumped up, kicking DiBiase in the chest. DiBiase countered into a roll-up, by Bryan grabbed the arm and tried the LeBell Lock. DiBiase got to the ropes at 9:00 to break. Bryan back-dropped DiBiase to ringside. Bryan went to the apron and dove onto DiBiase, but DiBiase caught him, rammed him back-first into the ring post, then into the barricade. Bryan held his shoulder and screamed in pain. Back in the ring, a pin attempt got two at 10:17. Some trash talk by DiBiase in the corner, then a slap to the face. The referee admonished DiBiase for keeping Bryan in the corner. He set Bryan up on the top rope, but Bryan blocked a suplex. He headbutted DiBiase down and landed a missile dropkick off the top. Both men were down at 11:50. Back to a vertical base, Bryan slapped at DiBiase and took his head off with a kick for a very near-fall. Bryan continued to sell the right shoulder. Bryan got booted in the face in the corner, but countered Dream Street. He also countered another slingshot clothesline and grabbed a front facelock, wrapping his legs around DiBiase’s torso. DiBiase tapped.

WINNER: Bryan, at 13:08. Really nice match between these two. DiBiase’s stock should be rising with his latest string of performances.

3 – CHRISTIAN vs. SIN CARA

Kane, Sin Cara, Dainel Bryan, Wade Barrett, Cody Rhodes, Justin Gabriel, Heath Slater, and Sheamus were shown as being in the Smackdown portion of MITB. Really? Gabriel and Slater? That’s weak, especially since they barely beat the Usos (after losing to them the week before). Also, does it spoil things not having Henry in there, that he will end up in the title match? Or is he not included as punishment for attacking a crew member, which is the direction they should go with it, to show there are consequences for actions?

Cara got Christian off-balance to start things as Christian took his time on the outside. “Are you trying to embarrass me? I can’t see with these lights!” Christian yelled from ringside, bringing up a solid point as they went to break.

Back at 3:53 of the match, with Christian in control. Cara came back and did a slingshot spinning cross-body onto Christian at ringside. Christian took back control in the ring. The briefcase ominously hung over-head during the match. Cara did his flip wrist-lock take-over. Pin got two. Christian dumped Cara over the top rope and to the outside. Cole went Larry Zbyszko, saying that’s what happens to the high-fliers, “they run out of gas and go ‘splat.’” Christian put the boots to Cara, then applied a rear chinlock. Crowd got behind Cara, but Christian slammed him. He stepped on Cara’s back with Cara’s throat across the middle rope. To the top went Christian, but he missed a diving headbutt. Springboard back-elbow by Cara. Cara got on Christian’s shoulders and it appeared neither man knew what the other was doing, so they circled around a bit and Cara rolled Christian up for two. Kick to the back of the head by Cara with Christian perched on the middle rope. Christian knocked him off, but Cara rolled and flipped to where it didn’t hurt him. Christian went to ringside, having seen enough of the unorthodox Cara. Back in the ring, Cara got a near-fall, but Christian landed an inverted DDT for two. Springboard back elbow attempt, but Christian caught him and tried a Killswitch. Cara has his leg pulled out from underneath him as he tried to go to the top, and Christian ran at him with a spear. Three-count ensued, and the first loss for Cara.

WINNER: Christian, at 11:44. Cara had to lose sometime, and doing it to the guy who will be challenging for the World Title at a PPV doesn’t hurt him, but it helps Christian. Match was disjoined in spots, but still enjoyable.

4 – CODY RHODES vs. EZEKIEL JACKSON

Once again, Booker got a bag from Cody’s bag men. Mathews talked about following Zeke’s Twitter. I’m sure it’s full of deep thoughts. Clean break by Jackson in the corner, but Jackson soon after grabbed Rhodes by the throat and took him down with a shoulder tackle. Beal out of the corner put Rhodes on his back. DiBiase was at ringside with Rhodes. Hard shot to the back by Jackson, then an elbowdrop for two. Jackson lifted Rhodes over his head for a slam, but Rhodes fought out, escaped out of the ring, then under it. DiBiase distracted Jackson, allowing Rhodes to come out and bop Jackson, then throw him into the ring post. Mathews explained the origin of the phrase “shoots the half” to Cole, who admitted to not understanding what it meant. And how many times has Cole used that phrase? Rhodes had Jackson down on the mat and tried to keep him there. Jackson lifted Rhodes up for a suplex and just tossed him front-first into the mat. Big running clothesline on Cody in the corner, then a slam. DiBiase got on the apron and Jackson ran him into the ring-post. That allowed Cody to land a springboard enziguiri, then hit Cross-Rhodes for the win.

WINNER: Rhodes, at 4:07. Hey look, another champion losing a non-title match. What a shocker.

5 – KANE vs. WADE BARRETT

Barrett still has the Corre theme music. Both of these men are in the MITB Ladder Match. The announcers talked about Kane winning last year and cashing it in the same night. Shoulder knock-down by Kane for two. Barrett worked the arm of Kane and a clothesline surprisingly floored the Big Red Monster. Barrett put his head down and Kane kicked him in the top of his skull. Barrett rolled to ringside and Kane went after him. Lots of action outside the ring this week. Barrett, in the ring, kicked Kane off the apron and to ringside. They went to break at 2:15 of the match.

Back at 5:31 of the contest. Kane back suplexed out of a precarious situation. He ran into a back elbow from Barrett, who kicked Kane in the gut then in the head. Only a one-count off of that. Running boot to the seated Kane by Barrett. Cole speculated that Sheamus, due to the punt by Orton a few weeks ago, may not be ready in time for MITB. Knee strikes from Barrett with Kane wrapped-up in the ropes. Again, Barrett could only keep Kane down for a one-count. DDT by Barrett, which the audio sweetener loved, for a near-fall. Elbowdrop off the second rope missed the mark at 8:40. Kane fired back with rights then a cross-body. Impressive! Low dropkick from the big man for two. Big boot caught Barrett coming off the ropes. Sidewalk slam from Kane for two. Clothesline off the top by Kane, but Barrett avoided a chokeslam and a Tombstone to hit a swinging side slam for two. Kane got out of Wasteland and dodged a Barrett boot. Chokeslam finished it.

WINNER: Kane, at 11:24. Serviceable big man vs. big man match, but I don’t think it did anything to convince doubting fans that either of these two have a chance at MITB, especially with the way they’ve been portrayed lately.

- The signing of the title bout between Orton and Christian at MitB never took place as they were both ambushed and taken out by Sheamus to end the show.

Arcademan:
WWE RAW Results: 7-4-11

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

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

The heels isolated Eve before Kelly hot-tagged into the match and taunted Bella #1 setting up her offensive attack. The action broke down, Eve cleared out Bella #2, and Kelly dropped Bella #1 with the Rocker Dropper for the win.

WINNERS: Kelly & Eve at 3:08

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

As the match began, Cole recapped Nexus's issues of late - Otunga and Mike taking superkicks from Shawn Michaels and Mason Ryan being injured at recent "live events." Cole recapped Otunga's background and noted he worked in the legal field in Chicago before becoming a "sports entertainer." Cole continued to rattle off canned plugs before Nexus isolated Kozlov in their corner. Kozlov then executed a double-suplex and tagged in Santino, who landed offense on Mike and David before warming up the Cobra. He looked for a victim and struck Otunga, who fell out of the ring. However, Mike was legal and he dropped Santino with a neckbreaker for the pin and the win.

Post-match: Suddenly, Zack Ryder's music hit and he stepped out on-stage to offer his signature catchphrase. Cole had a good laugh as Ryder's music played again. Ryder stared down the tag champs, who sold they were perplexed by this development.

WINNERS: Nexus at 4:15.

3 -- SGT. SLAUGHTER vs. JACK SWAGGER

As he should, Swagger quickly dominated as Lawler warned Cole about his comments on Slaughter. Slaughter caught Swagger with a back-elbow smash, then went for the Cobra Clutch, but Swagger rammed Slaughter into the corner to escape. Swagger followed with a leaping Vader Bomb and it was good for the win.

Post-match: Slaughter sold injured ribs and the victory wasn't good enough for Swagger, who followed with an anklelock. As Slaughter tapped, Evan Bourne stormed the ring to fend off Swagger. Bourne knocked Swagger to the floor, then gave a mic to Slaughter, who was still selling injured ribs. After catching his breath, Slaughter led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.

WINNER: Swagger at 1:09.

4 -- REY MYSTERIO vs. ALBERTO DEL RIO vs. R-TRUTH -- three-way #1 contender's match to the WWE Title

Mysterio knocked Del Rio to the outside early on, then wanted a dive on the floor, but Truth cut him off with a spinning fist smash for a two count. Truth went to work on Rey in the ring as the show reached the top of the hour.

The action moved to the floor, where Truth blasted Rey into one guardrail, then flung Del Rio into another guardrail. Back in the ring, Truth covered Rey for a two count. Meanwhile, Cole talked up Truth's "conspiracy theory" program and said it's no secret the "WWE machine" has been behind Cena. Well, yes, in the storyline context, if he wins the most matches and wins championships, why wouldn't WWE "get behind him?" It's WWE tripping all over themselves trying to discuss the "brand" and "the machine" determine success or failure, which is out-of-place on a show that presents worked matches as legitimate contests determining a winner and a loser. The show cut to break with Rey splashing the heels off the top rope and in control of the match.

Back from break, Del Rio was in control of the action grinding Rey's face into the ropes. Rey cam back with a kick strike, but ran into a backbreaker from Del Rio, who scored a two count. Truth became re-involved in the match and the heels began fighting over who should pin Rey. Del Rio then flew to the outside after missing a corner attack, Rey hit the 619 on Truth, and then hit a top-rope splash. Rey had the pin on Truth, but Del Rio jumped back into the ring and slapped on the cross arm-breaker. Rey quickly tapped out, giving Del Rio the win. Del Rio is the new #1 contender. Cole unconvincingly said Del Rio heads to MITB to face Cena and now they have to find out who replaces Del Rio in the MITB ladder match.

WINNER: Del Rio via submission on Rey at 13:09. Standard three-way match spots and a standard house show finish with the heel sneaking in the back door to opportunistically score the win. Good effort from all three wrestlers three hours into last week's TV taping. (**)

5 -- THE MIZ vs. ALEX RILEY

Back to real-time, the bell sounded and the match began with aggressive lock-ups center-ring. Cole heeled on Riley, saying he has had everything handed to him in life and he's a spoiled rich kid who blew an opportunity with Miz. Lawler said Cole has everything backward because the only person abused was Riley under Miz's watch. Miz took control early on as Cole announced McMahon is "on his way to Raw." Miz continued to maintain control, with the match looking like Capitol Punishment with Miz taunting Riley and telling him he made him. Miz scored a nearfall and they cut to break.

Back from break, Riley tried fighting back against Miz, then they collided mid-ring. Miz was first to his feet, but Riley tackled him hard to the mat and followed with an emphatic spinebuster for a two count. Miz quickly regained control and slowly went for the Reality Check, but Riley countered part two with a backslide. Riley secured Miz's shoulders to the mat and scored a surprise three count for the win.

WINNER: Riley at 9:12.

- John Cena confronted Vince McMahon and after a lively chat, McMahon reinstated CM Punk with the stipulation that if Cena loses the title belt to Punk, he's fired.

Arcademan:
WWE NXT Results: 7-5-11

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

1 -- YOSHI TATSU vs. TYSON KIDD

Aggressive start to the match, then Kidd rammed Yoshi into the ringpost and they cut to break three minutes in.

Back from break, Grisham brought up Punk's mission against WWE and attempting to take the WWE Title out of WWE. Regal said they're similar in that they're villains, but Punk could pull it off because...pause for Grisham to add a plug...Punk doesn't have the vices and demons that held him back during his career. The answer in a creatively-sound company would have been "because Punk is capable of winning a big match on a big stage that I couldn't accomplish." Following up, Grisham referenced WWE's version of Montreal Screwjob that Bret Hart wanted to take the WWE Title out of WWE, but "that didn't work out." Meanwhile, Yoshi made a spirited comeback eight minutes in, but Kidd came back with a snap neckbreaker/suplex. It was good for the win, making Kidd and Yoshi even at one a piece in their two-week series. Regal said this action is what they need more of in WWE.

WINNER: Kidd at 9:09. Fine follow-up to last week's contest.

2 -- DANIEL BRYAN & DERRICK BATEMAN vs. TITUS O'NEIL & DARREN YOUNG

Early in the match, Regal described Bryan's pedigree starting with Shawn Michaels and including himself helping guide Bryan's career. Titus and Bateman locked up before Titus landed a knock-down clothesline after a taunt of "Welcome back, Bateman." Grisham swung the talk back to winning & losing matches, noting Bateman can silence questions about whether he belongs on this season by winning matches. Titus continued to show a bit of a heel personality taunting Bateman with elbow strikes and slapping Bateman around with clubbing offense.

Young then lost control of the match and Bateman hot-tagged Bryan, who back-flipped over Young and landed a running clothesline to fire up the crowd. Bryan then climbed up top and landed a flying dive for a two count. Regal offered a solid defense of Bryan's skill level carrying him even if he's undersized. Bateman then blind-tagged himself into the match, Bryan cleared Titus off the ring apron, and Bateman dropped Young with sort of a sweeping bulldog for the pin and the win. Afterward, Titus was indignant after his team took a loss.

WINNERS: Bryan & Bateman at 6:20. They picked up the NXT4 storyline of Bateman trying to do things on his own rather than follow the lead of his Pro, Bryan, but it worked out this week. Also, a nice look at Titus as a potential heel. His in-ring work has improved and he carried himself well in a heel-for-a-week role teaming with Young.

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[#] Next page

[*] Previous page