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The Official Wrestling Thread (now with more news and stuff)
Arcademan:
WWE RAW Results: 11-10-08
Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Caldwell's complete report). Condensed to in-ring results only.
1 -- IC champion SANTINO MARELLA (w/Women's champion Beth Phoenix) vs. WILLIAM REGAL (w/Layla) -- Intercontinental Title match
Lillian Garcia handled the formal ring intros, with Regal clearly the babyface in his home country. Santino had a good mix himself. And ring the bell. Regal absolutely smashed Santino with a running knee lift about 30 seconds into the match, then he pinned Santino for the easy pin and the win. Beth was shocked, as was the crowd. Beth then helped Santino out of the ring and checked on his KO'ed boyfriend.
WINNER: Regal in 1:00 to capture the IC Title. Well, that was decisive. You could almost see that coming. Let's hope Regal can bring some prestige back to the IC Title and set up some nice title feuds. (n/a)
2 -- MIKE KNOX vs. D-LO BROWN
Michael Cole said the ECW brand was glad when Knox skipped town. We don't know how or why, but the ECW locker room said good riddance to the bearded mountain man. Knox with a high knee, then the Knox Out on Brown for a very quick win. All righty. Lawler said he had some things to say about Knox, but Knox didn't give him time to say much.
WINNER: Knox in 1:00. Welcome to Raw. Snitsky left his toothbrush by the door. (n/a)
3 -- REY MYSTERIO vs. KANE -- No DQ match
Rey with a quick kick to the leg, then he bailed to the floor to set up cat and mouse. Rey went for a flying splash off the apron, but Kane caught him in mid-air. Rey fought back with kicks, though, before nailing a moonsault off the barricade. Rey then ran back into the ring. And another commercial break a minute into the match.
Back from break, Kane booted Rey in the head before throwing him into the corner to land some haymakers. Rey then suddenly Kane in position for the 619, but Kane slipped to the floor and chucked Rey hard into the guardrail. That looked sick. Kane then went to work on Rey's left arm and shoulder to try to force him to give it up. Kane then exposed the corner turnbuckle and wanted a powerbomb, but Rey moved and kicked Kane in the chest before snapping off a huracanrana.
The match moved into the second hour with Rey making his comeback by kicking Kane over the top rope to the apron. Rey then yanked Kane's right arm across the top rope to avoid a clothesline. He tried to follow with a springboard splash, but Kane caught him in mid-air with an uppercut. Kane then pulled back the ringside mat to expose the concrete floor. He wanted a Tombstone, but Rey slipped out and countered into a weak DDT that kinda sent Kane to the concrete floor.
Rey then brought Kane back into the ring for a nearfall. Rey followed with the 619, then he landed the big splash. Suddenly, Kane reached up for a chokeslam to stop a pin attempt, but Rey escaped and sent Kane face-first into the exposed turnbuckle. Rey then came off the top with a leaping kick on Kane to score the pin and the win.
WINNER: Rey Mysterio in 12:00. Okay match. Had your usual take-it-or-leave-it spots in a Kane match that were a little off, but it was a fine conclusion to their feud. At the end of the day, Kane was elevated during this feud by re-gaining his killer instinct, while Rey benefited from just staying relatively health. (*1/2)
4 -- BATISTA vs. CODY RHODES (w/Manu and Randy Orton)
They started with a headlock, then Cody tried to target the left knee, but Batista punched him away. Batista teased a Batistabomb toward Orton, who had moved on stage, but Cody slipped out and landed a bulldog for a two count. Cody then took Batista into the corner with a drop toehold before Manu landed a cheap shot behind the ref's back.
Batista came back with a boot to the gut, then a hard forearm smash. Cody slipped out of a shoulderbreaker, but he ran into a spinebuster. Manu was knocked off the apron, then Batista set up for and connected with the Batistabomb in center ring. Batista made the cover for the win.
Afterward, Manu took a spear for good measure. Batista then stared up at Orton, who simply looked into the ring from the stage. Batista then walked out to the entrance ramp. He approached Orton, but Orton walked backward through the curtain to leave Batista on stage by himself.
WINNER: Batista in 3:00. That's one way to get around giving away a major Batista vs. Orton match without pre-show hype. Disappointing segment in the short-term, but we'll see how it plays out over time. (1/2*)
5 -- Women's champion BETH PHOENIX (w/Santino Marella) vs. MICKIE JAMES -- Women's Title match
A little off tonight with the in-ring chemistry. Finish happened after Mickie knocked Santino off the ring apron when he tried to interfere, then Beth rammed Mickie head-first into the corner turnbuckle. Mickie was KO'ed, then Beth dragged Mickie into the corner for the pin and the win. Santino, surprised, hopped up to celebrate over-the-top in the ring with Beth.
WINNER: Beth in 2:00 to retain the Women's Title. Unfortunately, this was a rushed match with only a few minutes allotted in the ring, leading to a below-average match. They just couldn't settle into any sense of flow. (1/2*)
6 -- World Hvt. champion CHRIS JERICHO vs. SHAWN MICHAELS -- non-title Last Man Standing match
The bell sounded 20 minutes before the top of the hour, so they have plenty of time tonight. They quickly went to the traditional last-man-standing spots in this one before moving to the floor and up the entrance ramp. Jericho landed a right hand smash on Michaels, who needed six seconds to stand up. They suddenly cut to break with Jericho approaching Michaels for another knock down blow.
Back from break, the men were brawling next to the traditional U.K. stage with the cab vehicle. Jericho rammed Michaels head-first into the cab, and Michaels made his feet at eight. Michaels then slingshot Jericho into a cheap-looking plastic mailbox. Not the greatest spot in U.K. set history. Jericho and Michaels then battled onto the hood of the cab where Jericho slapped on the Walls of Jericho. Michaels cried out in pain as Jericho kept it locked in, then Jericho threw down the hold and rolled Michaels off the hood to the ground below. Michaels made it back to his feet at nine, but the drama wasn't there with the audience taken out of the match based on how isolated they are fighting on the stage area.
Michaels then threw Jericho off the stage to the concrete below. Not much of a drop, then Michaels grabbed the camera rigged on a crane and rammed it into Jericho's face. Jericho made it to his feet before ten, then the brawl moved through the stands to the ringside area. Michaels then retrieved a ladder, but Jericho stole it and rammed it into Michaels's head. Michaels then avoided another ram shot before throwing Jericho onto the Raw announce table. Michaels set up a ladder, then he climbed the ladder, did a crotch chop, and nailed the big flying elbow smash that took Jericho through the table.
Both men then made their feet at eight while the fans booed for some reason. We found out why, as JBL then showed up ringside. Michaels ducked his attack, though, and dumped JBL into the front row. Jericho took advantage with a belt shot to the face and Michaels stirred at seven. The ref reached nine and Michaels reached his feet just barely. Michaels suddenly nailed Sweet Chin Music on Jericho, but JBL smashed Michaels with a (protected) steel chair shot to the head. Both men were down as ref Kiota made his count. Jericho reached his feet at nine, but Michaels couldn't get up, giving Jericho the win.
WINNER: Chris Jericho in 19:00. Just didn't quite meet the expectations built into the show based on the hype as the final encounter between these two. The crowd never really got into the match with so much action taking place on the floor and isolated from the audience. Both men put in commendable efforts, but there was just something off. The execution just didn't have the "it" factor tonight. (**1/2)
Arcademan:
ECW on SciFi Results: 11-11-08
Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Caldwell's complete report)
1 -- CRYME TYME (JTG & SHAD GASPAR) & TOMMY DREAMER vs. THE MIZ & JOHN MORRISON & JACK SWAGGER
After Swagger bailed from Dreamer, Striker went for Al Franken right off the bat, saying you don't send a funny man to do a serious job. JTG then dropped the "Timbs to the chin," as Striker called it, by landing a dropkick to Swagger's jaw. I'm glad I bailed on Timberland stock a few months ago before the price dropped like a rock. In any event, Shad dumped Swagger to the floor, then Shad clotheslined Miz and Morrison to the floor. Crowd pumped. Babyfaces in control. Shad then press-slammed JTG over the top rope onto Swagger. Dreamer followed with a cannonball dive onto JoMizzy on the floor to cap the first-half of the match before grabbing a break.
Back from break, the heels were shockingly in control. Striker went back to the politics on saying the voters got something right with Prop 8 in California. JTG finally escaped Morrison's grasp at 9:00 to make the hot tag to Dreamer, who cleaned house. Dreamer landed a bulldog on Miz, then took Morrison down with a pumphandle overhead slam for a two count. The action broke down, then Dreamer walked into the Moonlight Driver corkscrew neckbreaker after attempting a DDT. Morrison with the cover for the win.
WINNERS: Miz & Morrison & Swagger in 10:00. Nice way to get Miz & Morrison back in the game after the DX loss last Monday night. Good action to open the show. (*1/2)
2 -- MARK HENRY (w/Tony Atlas) vs. OLIVER BINEY
The local product, Oliver, took a beating before succumbing to the World's Strongest Slam in center ring for the easy pin. After a replay of the squash, Grisham found himself in the ring to chat with Henry. Henry didn't care to offer an opinion on who's winning Hardy vs. Finlay tonight. Henry then giggled in Grisham's direction before leaving the ring in a huff.
WINNER: Henry in 1:00. Nice, effective squash, followed by a great "what did you just say?" look from Henry toward Grisham. (n/a)
3 -- ECW champion MATT HARDY vs. FINLAY (w/Hornswoggle) -- ECW Title match
Great start to this with a collar and elbow tie-up, followed by an exchange of headlocks. Striker set the stage by saying the last European to hold a major World's title was Austria's Otto Wanz holding the AWA Title in 1982. Of note, Wanz held the belt from Aug. 29, 1982 to Oct. 9, 1982 in between Hulk Hogan and Nick Bockwinkel reigns. Hardy then heeled on Finlay by tossing Finlay over the top rope to the floor. Under the old NWA-WCW rules, we have a quick DQ. Finlay then sent Hornswoggle scurrying under the ring while he regrouped. Time for a break.
Back from break, Hardy was working over Finlay before nailing a bulldog for a nearfall. Suddenly, Hornswoggle hopped up on the apron. He tried to avoid the distraction, then Finlay rammed Hardy into the ringpost causing Hornswoggle to fall off the apron. Hornswoggle sold a right knee injury, then Finlay checked on his "son" before returning to a beating on Hardy. The action spilled back to the outside where Finlay landed a short-arm clothesline near where Horny was recovering. At 11:00, Hardy shoved Finlay off the ring steps, sending Finlay crashing into the guardrail. Finlay came right back with another short-arm clothesline, then they grabbed another break with both men fighting on the floor.
They returned from break with Finlay pinning Hardy...okay...not really. But, that would be something if a pinfall occurred during the long commercial break to make this seem more realistic. In any event, Hornswoggle waved off the trainers during the break. Hardy then came back on Finlay with the side effect for a close call to a chorus of boos. Hardy with another side effect for another two count. Hardy wanted a third, but Finlay escaped into a roll-up for a two count. He then nailed the rolling gut buster (Grisham called it the Celtic Cross), but Hardy kicked out in two. Hardy then went up top for a moonsault and he connected for a close two count.
At 20:00, Finlay and Hardy knocked heads and Finlay fell on top of Hardy, but Hardy put his foot on the bottom rope to break the count. Finlay then slowly picked up Hardy, who suddenly surprised Finlay with the Twist of Fate in center ring. Hardy made the cover and scored the pin for the win. Afterward, Hardy celebrated and Striker called it a Match of the Year candidate in his opinion. Finlay then stood up and shook Hardy's hand before giving him a bow. Hardy celebrated one more time before they embraced with a hug to close the show.
WINNER: Hardy in 21:00 to retain the ECW Title. The two long commercial breaks in the middle of the match knocked it down slightly, but this was still a very good ECW Title match. Finlay, as the veteran hand in the ring, kept a great pace for the match, while Hardy played his role effectively as the confident champion in the challenger's near-hometown turf. Very smart match with good commentary from Grisham and Striker to boot. (***1/4)
Arcademan:
TNA Impact! Results: 11-13-08
Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Caldwell's complete report). Condensed here to in-ring results except for end of show.
1 -- Knockouts champion AWESOME KONG (w/Raisha Saeed) & RHAKA KHAN vs. ROXXI & TAYLOR WILDE
Bell sounded when Kong brought Taylor into the ring, then Kong tossed Taylor half-way across the ring by her hair extensions. Taylor eventually broke free from Kong at 2:00 and made the hot tag to Roxxi, who knocked around Kong before climbing on her back. Khan then entered the ring to break that up, setting off a four-woman brawl. Roxxi dumped Khan to the floor, which nearly resulted in a wardrobe malfunction, then Kong smashed Roxxi and gave her the implant buster in center ring for the win.
WINNERS: Khan & Kong in 4:00. About as expected with Khan in there - things fell apart at the end after some good energy in the ring. (*)
2 -- X Division champion SHEIK ABDUL BASHIR vs. ERIC YOUNG -- X Division Title match
Bashir was quickly on the offensive, then Young made his comeback at 2:00. This isn't Finlay vs. Hardy in terms of time allotted to the match. Bashir then ducked his head and Young powered up with a clothesline. He landed right hand blows to the head while Tenay said Young has never held the X Division Title. Young then shoved ref Shane away before walking into a low blow from Bashir. Shane then stopped short on his pin and wouldn't make the count because he maybe caught a glance of Bashir kicking Young between the legs. Bashir then shoved Shane down and Shane decided he had enough. Shane ripped off his ref t-shirt to a big pop after having a crazy look on his face. Shane fired off a dropkick on Bashir, then he smashed Bashir with a right hand that spun him into a Death Valley Driver. Young connected, then Shane made the pin for the win. Afterward, the TNA Originals including crazy old ODB joined the in-ring celebration. Ref Earl Hebner showed up to check on Shane, who was a shaking and a shivering and a convulsing. Joe and Styles then showed up in the ring apron to offer applause for Young's win.
WINNER: Young in 4:00 to capture the X Division Title. Well, now Shane is the most credible wrestler in the X Division. It doesn't get any worse for the X Division that Young was celebrating a completely tainted victory with the help of a referee that looked far more impressive than anyone currently in the division. (*)
3 -- SCOTT STEINER (w/Kurt Angle) vs. RHINO
Basic exchange early on with Angle hyping himself as the greatest wrestler today, then Steiner busted out a belly-to-belly suplex on Rhino for a two count. Angle then addressed work/shoot on Jeff Jarrett and he said it's real heat between them. He said he doesn't like working for Jarrett, but he loves this company. Geez. Back in the ring, Steiner ripped off some chops while Angle hyped their big welcoming party for Christian tonight. Rhino then came back with a modified TKO to set up his comeback on Steiner. He hit a mild belly-to-belly suplex, then called for the end. Suddenly, Angle left the announce table and held Rhino's foot to block the Gore. Steiner then took advantage with a belly-to-belly suplex on Rhino for the win.
WINNER: Steiner in 5:00. Rough match. Angle's over-the-top commentary made it bearable, but this was two men trying to find their pace in the ring trying to wrestle a fast-paced heavyweight match. Rhino could barely pop his hips to suplex Steiner and instead just gingerly dropped him on the mat. (1/2*)
4 -- TNA World Hvt. champion STING vs. JAY LETHAL -- TNA World Title match
Basic exchange early on to set a nice pace for the title match. Lethal then took Sting to the corner for a few punches before nailing a springboard smash for a nearfall. Sting ended up on the floor, then Lethal nailed a suicide dive to have Sting reeling, including selling a left leg injury. Is the title in jeopardy? Find out after the break.
Back from break, Sting was still favoring his knee but in control of the match. With Sting dominating Lethal on the floor, Shelley and Sabin decided to come ringside for a closer look at the action. They pumped up Lethal, who fought out of a chinlock with elbow smashes before nailing a flying forearm to make his comeback. Suddenly, there was a mid-ring collision. Shelley then jumped on the apron to distract the ref and Sabin tried to set up Lethal for some help on Sting, but Lethal, apparently not wanting to be Eric Young winning a title by nefarious means, wanted nothing to do with Sabin's help. He shoved Sabin out of the ring, then Sting took advantage by nailing Lethal with the Scorpion Death drop from behind for the pin and the win.
Afterward, Joe and Styles stormed the ringside area to confront the Guns on their interference. Joe piefaced Sabin setting off an argument, then Consequences Creed ran down to restore order. ODB and Young even joined the fracas. Lethal said he didn't need the Guns's help, then the show was interrupted by Spike's VGAwards.
WINNER: Sting in 8:00 to retain the TNA Title. Fine title match. Sting gave Lethal enough to elevate him a touch in the credibility department. It sets up the storylines to go a couple of different directions with the in-fighting among the Young Lions. (*1/2)
5 -- TNA tag team champions BEER MONEY (ROBERT ROODE & JAMES STORM w/Miss Jackie) vs. A.J. STYLES & SAMOA JOE -- TNA Tag Title match
Nice flurry from Joe to start things off, as he ripped off a sweet enziguiri kick on Storm. Styles then knocked Storm to the outside and Joe & Styles stood tall in the ring in total control. Team 3D decided to get a closer look at the action while they cut to break.
Brother Ray and Devon were on commentary out of the break as Beer Money worked on Styles in their corner. Devon was suddenly doing a lot of talking and Ray said I guess that's what happens with Obama in office. Ray said it's obvious Beer Money want no part of the 20-time world tag champions. After Storm came over for a word with Ray, they went back in the ring where Roode continued to work over Styles. Tenay asked 3D about the War and Ray said the Mafia has it right with the young punks today having no respect for them. He said he doesn't think the Mafia has it right either since they don't have the greatest tag team of all-time in their stable.
Styles pulled out the Pele kick on Storm to cut him off and make the hot tag to Joe, who came in to clean house with straight right hand jabs. Joe landed a running kick on Roode, then he nailed a corkscrew gutbuster out of the powerbomb position on Storm. Joe suddenly snapped off a powerslam on Roode, but it was good for a two count only. After the action broke down, Joe had the Musclebuster on Roode, but Jackie ran interference. 3D then got involved and Ray spewed beer in Storm's eyes to cause the match to be thrown out.
Afterward, 3D cleaned the ring except for Joe and Styles, who were not happy with them causing the match to be thrown out. They confronted Devon while Ray talked trash to Roode, who had a busted nose.
WINNERS: Match thrown out in 11:00. Good energy tag match. Definitely above-average with 3D offering some enhancing commentary to the action. They addressed the question of where 3D stands and let it play out a little this week to set up future storylines. Well done.
Impact Zone: The Mafia walked out to the ring, then Kurt Angle welcomed out Christian Cage to officially join the group. Angle clapped it up for Christian, who simply walked out in street clothes with his hands in his pockets. Steiner wanted to know where the suit is. Angle said when they give him a suit to wear, you wear it. All of them have had differences with Christian at some point, but they want to welcome him to the family. He said family is commitment. Angle went through all of the commitments from the other Mafia members, then he brought up Christian possibly going to WWE. He said the Mafia members had the same offer, but when it comes down to it, you're in the ring for a going-away party, not a welcoming party. Angle said once you abandon the Mafia and TNA, you abandon everyone. Angle threatened a beating, so Christian went for the first punch on Angle. That set off the Mafia, except Sting (who wasn't there), beating down on Christian. And beating down and beating down. They made their mark on Christian. End show.
Arcademan:
WWE Smackdown Results: 11-14-08
Results courtesy of ProWrestling.net (direct link to Twilling's complete report)
1. Matt Hardy defeated Shelton Benjamin in 14:07. Hurricane popped up and said Benjamin's hair looked like he was the love child of Gary Coleman and someone else. I did not catch the second name. The first two minutes of the match saw Benjamin working Hardy over with some nice mat work.
Hardy turned the tides and did the same. Hardy focused his attack on the left arm of Shelton. When Benjamin attempted to come back, Hardy bested him with a series of deep, Ricky Steamboat like, armdrags...
The show came back from commercial unexpectedly quick. Hardy tried a left handed suplex, just like Jeff does, and Shelton countered to take the offensive advantage. Shelton worked heavily on the left leg and ankle of Hardy. Hardy came back with a side effect and bulldog for two separate nearfalls. Shelton hit a huge kick to the face for a nearfall.
Shelton, with Hardy in the corner, hit two Stinger splashes. He tried a third one but Hardy countered it with what looked like a side effect. Shelton came back and perched Hardy backward on the top rope. Hardy knocked him off and hit a moonsault for a very nearfall. Benjamin was able to lock in a single leg Boston Crab but Hardy reached the bottom rope. Hardy hit the Twist of Fate out of nowhere for the win...
Twill's Two Cents: Very good match. I like that they utilized logical mat work along with their superior athletic skills. I feel both men look strong coming out of the match. Two for two this week for Matt Hardy.
2. The Brian Kendrick (with Ezekiel Jackson) defeated Carlito (with Primo Colon) in 5:48. Some solid action between came to a head when Jackson knocked out Primo, distracting Carlito to the point to give Kendrick the opening to score the win...
Twill's Two Cents: This was a solid match and I'm guessing it is leading to a tag title program between these four. That would be just fine.
3. Kung Fu Naki defeated MVP in 1:21. Anyone notice that MVP always poses a split second after his pyro hits? I love how Naki is billed "from Japan." That is like anyone else being billed "from America." MVP knocked Fu Naki to the mat when The Great Khali's music hit. He came out with Ranjin Singh. The distraction allowed Naki to hit the Crane Kick for the win...
Twill's Two Cents: Well, at least MVP will get a Survivor Series bonus check and Fu Naki will not.
4. Michelle McCool defeated Maria to retain the WWE Diva's Championship in 1:37. Hurricane popped up and said, "Diva title, yeah. I'm just sayin'." They shook hands before the opening bell. Jesse and Festus came out to the ring. Festus has a teddy bear with him. Maria scored the first nearfall with an ensiguiri. Michelle locked in the heel hook and changed it up to an ankle lock to gain the quick submission victory.
After the bell rang, Festus went after Michelle. In the ring, Festus helped Maria up and gave her the bear. Maria thanked him as she recovered. Jesse and Festus helped Maria out of the ring...
Twill's Two Cents: That's it? Maria wins a number one contender's match a month ago and Michelle teases a heel turn, and we get a minute and a half? Wow.
5. Jeff Hardy defeated The Undertaker in an Extreme Rules match in 15:56. Hardy was fast from the opening bell. He closelined Taker to the floor and ran the railing to hit another closeline. He tried it again but Taker caught him and threw him into the steel steps...
Taker was on the offensive coming back from the break. He threw Hardy to the floor and whipped him forcefully into the guardrail. Taker positioned Hardy on the apron, placed a chair on top of him, and hit his signature leg drop. As Taker went for another chair, Hardy grabbed a kendo stick and nailed Taker with it multiple times.
He tossed Taker back into the ring and hit him again, but Taker countered with a big boot to Hardy's face. Taker picked up the kendo stick and hit Hardy in the back, knocking him to the floor. Taker followed him out and tried a running big boot, but Hardy moved. Taker crotched himself on the top of the guardrail.
Hardy fought back with about twenty hard right hands. Taker countered with one, sending Hardy to the mat. Hardy countered a move and slammed Taker into the steps. He then used the steps for Poetry in Motion and ended up on the floor in the crowd. Hardy recovered and both men traded shots on the floor before Taker threw him back into the ring.
The Undertaker went for Old School but Hardy crotched him on the top rope. Hardy went to the floor and underneath the ring. He brought a ladder out from the other side of the ring. He entered the ring with the ladder and ate the ladder via an Undertaker big boot. Taker threw the ladder into Hardy's face and sternum as he stood in the corner.
Taker set up the ladder and whipped Hardy into the corner. Hardy hit the Whisper in the Wind. Big Show hit the ring, disposed of Hardy, and hit a chokeslam on Taker. Hardy jumped at Show and was caught. He held onto him and Taker hit Show with a chairshot. Hardy then hit Taker with a chair. He set the ladder up and hit the leg drop from the top rope over the ladder for the pinfall...
Twill's Two Cents: I did not care for Show's interference but it made sense. The match was very good and very physical. JR and Tazz were on top of their game here, especially when JR referred to a ladder match between these two many years ago.
Hardy stumbled to the back and was met by Vickie and Chavo. Vickie applauded Jeff and told him he would be added to the championship match at Survivor Series if he could beat Triple H next week. Hardy said that was fair and he would beat Triple H. He warned Vickie that if she did not add him to the title match, he would go extreme on her...
Arcademan:
WWE RAW Results: 11-17-08
Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Caldwell's complete report). Condensed here to in-ring results only.
1 -- KELLY KELLY vs. VICTORIA
Victoria, from Smackdown, is on the show tonight. Victoria seemed to make short work of Kelly after hitting a reverse torture rack slam, but Kelly kicked out in two. Kelly then spun over Victoria's shoulders into a roll-up for the quick pin and the win. After the match, Victoria played the sore loser role and jumped Kelly from behind. She then finished off Kelly with the Widow's Peak in center ring. Mickie James's music didn't like what happened, then Mickie, Candice Michelle, and Jillian Hall stormed the ring to run off Victoria. It's brand vs. brand diva drama at Survivor Series.
Things seemed to be done until Beth Phoenix ran down to the ring and threw Victoria back into the ring for her to take a beating. Beth put her up in the double wing slam and planted her to the mat before having a stare down with Mickie to play up their intra-brand feud. All feuds put aside for the good of the team, apparently.
WINNER: Kelly in 2:00. Match was pretty much inconsequential, but the crowd heat for this segment was pretty intense until Beth showed up and everyone was confused by her helping previous foes. (n/a)
2 -- BATISTA vs. MANU (w/Cody Rhodes)
A few seconds into the match, Randy Orton came out on stage for a closer look at the action. Manu dominated early on, working over Batista's left shoulder until Batista flung him head-first into the middle turnbuckle. Batista tried to follow with a corner smash, but Manu moved and Batista ate the turnbuckle. Manu followed with a big diving headbutt for a two count. Batista tried to come back with a Batistabomb, but Manu flipped out. Batista suddenly came back with a spear, then he finished off Manu with a Batistabomb in center ring for the win.
Afterward, Orton stared down into the ring to match eyes with Batista. Cody then feigned getting some of Batista again, but he opted to help Manu out of the ring. Batista then took the mic and said he's had to listen to Orton for three years. He's wanted to whoop him for three years, so Orton needs to stop worrying about John Cena and start worrying about him at Survivor Series this Sunday. Good intensity from Batista. Orton matched him with good facial expressions from the stage.
WINNER: Batista in 4:00. Nice match. It was abbreviated, but Manu had enough offense to show some hints of future success. Continuing the issues with Batista, Orton, and Priceless is good until Ted DiBiase returns. (*1/4)
3 -- THE MIZ & JOHN MORRISON vs. SHAWN MICHAELS & REY MYSTERIO
Hot start to this one, then Rey wanted 619 on Morrison, but Miz tripped Rey from behind. Michaels then followed with a slingshot plancha on Miz before Rey splashed Morrison on the floor with a dive of his own. Babyfaces standing tall in the ring. Hot crowd. Let's grab a break.
Back from break, Miz was working over Michaels until Miz missed with a turnaround leg drop. Michaels then made the hot tag to Rey, who landed a seated smash on Miz before following with a head scissors. Rey knocked Morrison off the apron, but Miz recovered and tossed Rey hard into the ringpost to re-gain the advantage for his team. Rey then rolled through on a sunset flip to escape Miz, but Morrison tagged in to cut off Rey. They continued to work over Rey until Rey blocked Morrison's springboard swing kick with a dropkick of his own. Rey then tagged in Michaels and Miz came in to accept the house-cleaning. Michaels unloaded with slams before going up top and nailing the HBK elbow smash. He then tuned up the band and the crowd came to life.
Miz ducked the superkick, but Michaels recovered and left-arm clotheslined Miz for a two count. Rey then knocked Morrison to the outside before nailing Miz with the 619 right into Sweet Chin Music. Suddenly, Morrison smashed Michaels with Sweet Chin Music when Michaels turned around. Oh my what a sequence. Morrison then knocked Rey to the floor, Miz fell on top of Michaels, and Miz scored a pin on Michaels with an arm draped over the chest for the win.
WINNERS: Miz & Morrison in 10:00. That was a heck of tag match with a nice finish to give Miz & Morrison a key victory. The finishing sequence was awesome and took advantage of the athleticism in the ring. (**1/2)
4 -- JBL & KANE vs. CRYME TYME (SHAD GASPAR & JTG)
Lawler quipped that JBL told him the stock market hit rock bottom two weeks ago, but it's still dropping now. Quick three-minute match with Kane doing a lot of damage on JTG after knocking Shad off the apron. JBL then smashed JTG with the Clothesline from Hell and made the pin on Kane's behalf. Kane didn't appreciate JBL taking advantage of his work, but JBL chuckled and left the ring to convey he's captain of their Survivor Series team.
WINNERS: Kane & JBL in 3:00. Quick match to focus on Kane and JBL's "relationship." Not much happening here with Cryme Tyme, as they barely had any offense. (1/2*)
5 -- ECW champion MATT HARDY vs. Intercontinental champion WILLIAM REGAL -- non-title match
The match spilled to the floor a few moments into the ring, then the ref applied a ten count while the men continued to brawl. Neither one paid attention, then the ref reached a ten count for a double count-out. Regal and Hardy paused to hear the decision rendered, then they continued to brawl on the outside until refs spilled out to the floor to break them up.
WINNERS: Double count-out in 2:00. Not exactly the best way to utilize Hardy in a brief match with no hype, but it was a good brawl for what it was worth to fill a segment. (n/a)
6 -- RANDY ORTON vs. C.M. PUNK -- Lumberjack match
Punk was the first man thrown into the ring right in front of Cody and Manu, but Punk quickly hopped back into the ring. Orton then shouted down at them for not doing anything to help him out. Orton was suddenly dropkicked to the floor in front of Matt Hardy, who quickly rolled him back into the ring. Orton found himself in the same spot, then he wanted a piece of Hardy, but the ECW babyfaces threw him back into the ring. Punk then found himself in Mark Henry's grasp where Henry slammed him onto the floor and put him back in the ring for Orton. They panned back while Orton was working on Punk to reveal an odd trio of Shawn Michaels, D-Lo Brown, and Hacksaw Duggan with an odd look on his face.
At 9:00, Punk wanted the Go 2 Sleep, but Orton slipped out and slammed Punk hard to the mat. Orton then went into full stalker position for the RKO, but Punk dropkicked him out of the ring into the lap of the heel lumberjacks. Miz and Morrison helped Orton up, then Punk went up top and splashed Orton on the floor in the lap of the heel lumberjacks. Regal then distracted Punk, and Orton suddenly slipped into the ring to nail Punk with the RKO. He then made the cover on Punk for the win.
WINNER: Orton in 10:00. Nice match. Orton looked crisp back in the ring, albeit with a few headlocks mixed in for an old school feel. Lumberjacks didn't take away from the match, but didn't really enhance anything other than Regal's distraction giving Punk an "out" for the loss. Just fine, but a wash on selling the PPV on Sunday since the traditional Survivor Series teams weren't made crystal clear by show's end. It was more about the captains warring, not necessarily the participants on the teams having anything to battle over. (**)
After the match, Orton wanted to punt Punk in the head, but Batista jammed into the ring, nearly popped the ref, and speared Orton. JBL and Shawn Michaels then charged into the ring to brawl. Kane got involved, then Rey dropkicked Kane. Oh, I thought that was over. And now cue up the giant brawl in and out of the ring to close out the show with Cole excitedly trying to plug Survivor Series on Sunday.
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