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Arcademan:
WWE RAW Results: 8-8-11

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

1 -- WWE champion JOHN CENA vs. JACK SWAGGER -- non-title match

The announcers created a sense of urgency to this match early on, ignoring the social media b.s. that typically highlights the opening match (and most of the matches) on Raw. Cena grabbed a headlock early on and tried to wear down Swagger before running him over with a shoulder tackle. Cena followed with a big corner splash, then a dropkick for a one count. Cena followed right up with an armbar, showing aggression not typical for his matches. Cole, meanwhile, questioned Hunter inserting himself into the referee spot when he has little experience and it's "one of the biggest matches in WWE history." Ross said Hunter's the COO and he can't let anything go wrong and he trusts himself only. Cole then threw a question to Ross for "historical perspective" on whether there's ever been a bigger match in WWE history.

Meanwhile, Swagger was in control trying to wear down Cena. Cena then suplexed Swagger to escape a hold. Swagger came back with a running shoulder block, though, and scored a two count. Ross noted Swagger hasn't targeted the ankle for the anklelock as Swagger went to a hammerlock. Swagger followed with a spear to the knee/ankle region, then both men countered submission attempts. Cena built momentum with his trademark comeback offense, then smiled as he set up and delivered the Five Knuckle Shuffle. Cena followed with an Attitude Adjustment after smiling to the hard camera and it was good for the win. Cole noted Cena is building momentum for Summerslam.

WINNER: Cena at 5:23. Basic pre-PPV work trying to give Cena an "impressive victory" over a halfway credible opponent, allow the announcers to talk about the PPV, and give pro-Cena TV viewers their weekly dose of Cena physicality. It was refreshing to hear Ross in a more meaningful announcing role and a reduction of Heel Cole's presence taking over the show. (*1/4)

2 -- THE MIZ vs. KOFI KINGSTON

Lawler and Ross said Miz is attention-starved and he can get the right attention with a win over an impressive Kingston. Cole plugged Miz at the Teen Choice Awards last night rubbing elbows with big-name stars. He plugged all of Miz's other appearances as Miz worked on Kingston and got over his aggression. Kingston then clotheslined Miz to the floor before flying over the top rope with a dive. Kingston jumped back into the ring to celebrate before they cut to break.

Back live, Miz was in control of the action working a headlock on the mat. They cut to a clip of what happened during the commercial break when Miz aggressively clotheslined Kingston on the floor. Ross covered some bases on Rey Mysterio: WWE Title re-match is official for next week's Raw from San Diego and Mysterio may or may not be physically ready for Summerslam if he's called upon for action. In the ring, Miz scored a close nearfall on Kingston before Cole plugged Twitter and other social media items.

Miz continued to wear down Kingston as Cole talked more about Miz being in-demand. Kingston and Miz then countered each other before Kingston executed a sick springboard turnaround high cross-body from the top rope that scored a close two count. Miz came back with a spike DDT from his knees for a two count. The battle moved up top, where Miz set up for a superplex, but Kingston countered with a sunset flip powerbomb for a nearfall.

Kingston was up first and started to warm up for Trouble in Paradise, but Miz ducked. Miz then slingshot Kofi across the top rope before hitting the Skullcrushing Finale for the pin and the win. Post-match: Miz continued to sell intensity as Cole said Miz should be a part of Summerslam in some form or fashion. They went to a replay of Kofi's high cross-body splash before showing Miz picking up the win. Back live, Miz celebrated on the stage as Kofi recovered in the ring.

WINNER: Miz at 10:43. It's like a switch flipped for Miz, whose intensity was excellent in the pre-match, in-ring, and post-match. The match itself was a bit slow at times before a strong conclusion. Miz was enhanced, Kofi remained at the same level despite taking a loss, and they set the stage for Miz to be involved at Summerslam in some form. (**)

3 -- WWE champion C.M. PUNK vs. ALBERTO DEL RIO -- non-title match

Brief "C-M-Punk" chant as Cole asked Lawler if he's surprised by the chants. Lawler said he thinks anyone would be favored by the fans against Del Rio. A more sustained Punk chant came up from the vocal males as Punk traded offense with Del Rio. Del Rio then yanked Punk shoulder-first into the ringpost before targeting the shoulder in anticipation of the cross arm-breaker. The vocal males tried another Punk chant that didn't build much steam. Del Rio suddenly missed with a flying splash and flew clear through the ropes to the floor.

Punk recovered in the ring, then Del Rio re-entered and took a swinging neckbreaker from Punk. Punk followed with a knee smash and flying bulldog. He then went to the apron for a springboard clothesline and called for the G2S. Punk measured Del Rio for the G2S, but Del Rio slipped out and rammed Punk shoulder-first into the ringpost. Del Rio followed with a backstabber for a two count. He then tried the cross arm-breaker, but Punk kicked Del Rio in the head and hoisted him up for the G2S. Punk connected on a wobbly Del Rio and it was good for the win.

WINNER: Punk at 4:40. Fine for the basic build-up similar to Cena's match. Punk feels like just another wrestler on the roster, though, and WWE can't re-capture that same buzz with Punk appearing to be an outlaw. Now it's a matter of solidifying Punk as a main event-level star and doing what they can with that. Punk had to win this match clean, so it's interesting they booked Del Rio as his opponent when it seemed like they were re-building Del Rio. (*1/2)

4 -- BETH PHOENIX vs. EVE

Back from break, Phoenix came to the ring for a Divas match as the announcers hyped the title match at Summerslam. Eve was out as her opponent. The match followed the basic three-minute Divas TV match formula of Phoenix on offense, Eve with a teased comeback, and Phoenix with her Glam Slam finisher for the win.

Post-match: Phoenix took the mic and talked trash at Eve directed toward Kelly. On the outside, Phoenix wrapped up her promo, but turned her back to the entrance ramp. That allowed Kelly to smash her from behind out of nowhere. Kelly then stood tall in the ring and held up the Divas Title for Phoenix to get a look at.

WINNER: Phoenix at 2:58. Fine, basic PPV build-up for WWE's purposes showing Kelly is a fighting champion and isn't afraid to "stand up to bullies."

5 -- U.S. champion DOLPH ZIGGLER (w/Vickie Guerrero) vs. ALEX RILEY -- non-title match

Ziggler got in trouble early on, so Vickie tried to nip at Riley's heels from the outside. Ziggler found himself in more trouble, so Vickie walked right into the ring and faced off with Riley, who just smirked at her. Vickie then slapped Riley across the face, causing a DQ. Ziggler was upset with Vickie and screamed at her. Ziggler then pushed Riley, who shoved Ziggler, who bumped into Vickie. Riley left the ring as the DQ winner, then Vickie and Ziggler resumed their argument in the ring. Vickie was going nuts screaming. Vickie then waved him good-bye and left the ring. They continued the argument on the outside.

WINNER: Riley via DQ at 1:25. They seemed to be saving the real match for Summerslam, which they should be, and anything that gets them closer to splitting off Ziggler and Vickie is a thumbs up. Ziggler is coming across like a chump right now, though.

6 -- JOHN MORRISON vs. R-TRUTH

They started with a brawling-style match, which Ross noted. Morrison executed a flip-over move of sorts that caused Morrison to land awkwardly on Truth. Truth then rolled to the floor for a breather before Morrison came flying over the top rope with a corkscrew plancha. Morrison rolled Truth back into the ring, but Truth rolled out again. Morrison then threw Truth into the guardrail and talked trash to Truth for trying to end his career. The brawl continued ringside as the referee could be heard applying a ten count. Truth then dropped Morrison by the back of his neck across the guardrail. They cut to a replay as Truth rolled back into the ring. Morrison sold a re-injury to his neck as he rolled back into the ring at nine.

Truth went to work on Morrison's neck in the ring. Ross suggested the referee needed to show some discretion about Morrison's neck condition. The two wrestlers traded control before Truth scored with Paydirt for the pin and the win. The crowd sort of mumbled at the decision. No music for Truth, so the near-silence could be heard as WWE replayed high points from the match. The announcers tried to cover for Morrison taking the loss by saying it was a gutsy performance with the neck situation.

WINNER: Truth at 4:04. Is this Melina Punishment? Perhaps the best explanation for Morrison taking a clean loss - despite the attempt at a neck injury "out" - and WWE wiping out any of his comeback momentum after returning from injury. Or, they just don't see value in Morrison right now.

The show ended with the official Cena/Punk contract signing which took up the final 21 minutes of the show.

Arcademan:
WWE NXT Results: 8-9-11

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

1 -- JUSTIN GABRIEL vs. TYSON KIDD

Regal relayed a note from a friend that Dynamite Kid is a huge fan of Kidd and Dynamite thinks Kidd is the next installment of him. Strong back-and-forth action early on as Kidd showed his trademark aggression. Grisham noted tonight's show is like a Hallmark movie (as opposed to a Lifetime movie last week) with Regal sharing various career reflections and memories. Gabriel then slipped Kidd to the floor and went for a springboard move, but Kidd cut the legs out from under him and knocked him to the floor. They cut to break with both men selling on the floor.

Back from break, Kidd was in control of the action working a reverse chinlock center-ring. Lots of screaming here from Kidd. Gabriel broke free, but Kidd resumed his attack. Gabriel then flipped over Kidd and landed a discus forearm for a nearfall. He followed with an enziguiri that put Kidd flat on his back. Gabriel then teased the 450 splash, but Kidd wisely rolled out of the ring. Gabriel re-adjusted and executed a baseball slide kick through the ropes followed by a corkscrew plancha.

Back in the ring, Gabriel went for a springboard splash, but Kidd rolled through into a close nearfall. The crowd oohed the nearfall. Kidd then found himself trapped in a neck and leg vice submission before reaching the ropes for a break. Gabriel tried to follow up with the 450 splash again, but Kidd crotched him. Kidd then executed a top-rope springboard huracanrana, but it was only good for a two count. Regal said he believes Kidd has been the star of NXT throughout the season because of his offensive displays.

The action reset at 13:00 with Gabriel countering a whip into the ropes into a sit-out slam for a two count. Gabriel tried to follow up, but Kidd slipped on a single-leg Boston Crab. Regal referenced Lance Storm as Gabriel suddenly countered the hold into a quick roll-up for a two count. Gabriel followed with a modified STO, then climbed up top for a third time. Gabriel took his time setting up for the 450 splash and he connected to a big reaction. (Kidd had to assist in positioning himself a bit.) Gabriel with the pin for the win as the kids roared for Gabriel.

WINNER: Gabriel at 14:43. Nice match. Good athleticism and a nice back-and-forth pace setting up a strong final five minutes. Probably one of the best matches on NXT this season. (**1/2)

2 -- MATT STRIKER vs. DARREN YOUNG

Young was out first, then Striker - complete with standard trunks this week - charged the ring and wanted a piece of Young, but the ref held him back so they could officially start the match. Once the bell sounded, Striker charged at Young, who absorbed an early flurry of punches before taking control of the action with a neckbreaker on the ring apron. Young continued to wear down Striker after executing an overhead belly-to-belly suplex that dropped Striker on the front of his face. Striker came up bleeding from the nose, but came back with a Gory bomb special. Striker was bleeding heavily from the nose, but the match wasn't stopped by a ringside medic. Has the blood rule been done away with in WWE?

Striker executed MVP's playmaker, but Young kicked out twice. Striker wiped the blood off his nose as the referee, now wearing gloves, checked on him. Striker followed with a flying boot, but Young kicked out. Young then came back with a gutbuster across his knees after throwing Striker out of the fireman's carry position. It was good for the pin to give Young a win over the bloody Striker.

WINNER: Young at 4:46. Fine enhancement for Young's heel character.

3 -- DERRICK BATEMAN vs. TITUS O'NEIL (w/Hornswoggle and A.J.)

Regal said Bateman is a bit nervous tonight because he was eliminated from Season 4 in this same building. Bateman was the aggressor early on and repeatedly yelled into the crowd after successful offense. Meanwhile, Regal critiqued Bateman on his application of a reverse chinlock, which foreshadowed Titus easily escaping and mounting a comeback. Bateman chopblocked him, though, and went for a sunset flip, but Titus sat down on his shoulders and scored a three count. It was quite anticlimactic and came out of nowhere, exemplified by A.J. looking caught off guard and forgeting to celebrate when the camera focused on her.

Post-match: Bateman attacked Titus from behind, then turned his attention to Hornswoggle, but Titus smashed him from behind. Titus then delivered an emphatic sky-high bomb. Titus wasn't done, as he set up Hornswoggle to deliver the Tadpole Splash for an exclamation point on the proceedings. A.J. applauded this time and the trio celebrated just like last week to close another episode of the never-ending NXT. Titus hoisted Hornswoggle on his shoulders, just like I saw live Week 1 earlier this year, and that ended the show.

WINNER: Titus at 3:29. More of the John Morrison treatment for Bateman, who has regressed from Season 4. Either it's setting up Bateman's character to snap and "flip the switch" to go the other way or WWE has lost complete confidence in him. Meanwhile, Titus is right where he's always been.

Arcademan:
WWE Superstars Results: 8-11-11

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

1 -- TED DIBIASE vs. TRENT BARRETA

Barreta went for an early high-flying move, but DiBiase cut him off with a mid-air dropkick. They cut backstage to show Cody Rhodes watching the action on a monitor, closely inspecting DiBiase. Korpela noted DiBiase has fallen short of his career goals, as he believes he should have been World champion by now. DiBiase showcased his skills with a delayed vertical suplex for a two count, then smashed Barreta with a hard lariat for another nearfall. Barreta suddenly came back with a knee smash, then DiBiase rolled to the floor. Barreta followed with a leaping dive onto DiBiase that wiped out both men on the floor.

Back in the ring, Barreta tried a cover, but DiBiase kicked out. Barreta then scored with a corner smash, but slipped off the top rope when he tried a springboard move. DiBiase quickly capitalized, but Barreta smashed him in the corner again. Barreta tried another high-flying attack, but DiBiase crotched him, then dropped Trent with Dream Street. DiBiase with the pin for the win. Backstage, Rhodes was shown looking on, selling no emotion as DiBiase celebrated.

WINNER: DiBiase at 6:03. Too much offense for Barreta if the goal was to elevate DiBiase (if that's possible on Superstars). Instead, it was a 60/40 type match with DiBiase doing a lot of selling for Barreta, who hasn't won a TV match in months.

2 -- ALICIA FOX vs. TAMINA

Fox, a heel, was out first, followed by Tamina, who was also playing a heel. This match-up didn't make sense, so Korpela filled in the blanks that both Divas have been on a roll and they want to get in line for a Divas Title shot. Tamina quickly took control to establish herself as the dominating heel with Fox playing the babyface working from underneath. Korpela tried to congratulate Striker on his valiant effort Tuesday on NXT, but Striker cut him off to note the match in the ring. "I can't breathe," Fox declared as the crowd sat silently while Tamina worked her over. Fox made a comeback at 3:15, fought off Tamina, and nailed the axe kick for the win. Korpela said Fox has named it Watch Yo Face.

WINNER: Fox at 3:54. Not much for the crowd to invest in with two heels battling. Tamina needs to align with Phoenix and Natalya to form a strong trio of heel Divas.

3 -- BRODUS CLAY vs. AARON JAMES

Clay pummeled A.J. early on as Scott Stanford noted "Aaron James" finished third on the recent season of Tough Enough. Josh Mathews checked Stanford on his cliché use as Clay continued to destroy A.J. Clay with a running powerslam for the pin, but he opted to keep the action going. Clay was more satisfied with a giant shoulder block for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Clay at 1:46. Total squash. Fine reintroduction to create some footage to put in a highlight video WWE can run when he actually "re-returns" on one of the main brands.

4 -- WWE tag champions MICHAEL MCGILLICUTTY & DAVID OTUNGA vs. SANTINO & EVAN BOURNE -- non-title match

Mike and David's new theme music is somewhat catchy. The biggest improvement was dropping the over-done Nexus gear that made them look like walking WWE Shop advertisements. (Is Nexus officially done now?) Santino was in the ring for the first two minutes before tagging out to Bourne, who worked over Otunga. The heels then took over and worked on Bourne, who sold a knee injury. They cut to break with Bourne isolated in the heel corner.

Back from break, Santino was being worked over by the heels now. The tag champs displayed a series of combination moves using the ropes to build momentum. The announcers noted the new duo of Santino and Bourne was having a tough time against the more seasoned tag champs. Santino eventually found an opening, then did the classic comedy bit reaching for a tag to the heel corner because he was so dizzy before turning around to take a clothesline. Bourne finally took a hot tag at 10:00 and cleaned house with a variety of strikes. The action broke down after a pin attempt, then Bourne splashed both heels on the floor.

Back in the ring, Bourne scored with a knee strike before Santino tagged in with the Cobra sock puppet. Santino struck Otunga, but turned around to take a neckbreaker from McGillicutty, who scored the pin for the win. Post-match: Mike got some shine, looking like Larry the Axe Hennig with the beard. They went to a replay of the finish before the tag champs were shown celebrating out of the ring. In the ring, Bourne tried to console Santino, who continues his quest to find the right tag combination to beat the tag champs.

WINNERS: McGillicutty & Otunga at 11:43. Serviceable tag match focusing on the tag champs as a well-oiled tag team. Bourne didn't get much time to shine, so he was unfortunately lost in the shuffle here. Meanwhile, Santino is running out of partners to find the right combination.

Arcademan:
WWE Smackdown Results: 8-12-11

Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Parks' complete report). Condensed in-ring results posted below.

1 – CHRISTIAN vs. SHEAMUS

Cole sided with Christian and said he should’ve sued WWE. Sheamus had the early advantage until Christian low-bridged him out of the ring. Baseball slide missed, but Sheamus was rammed shoulder-first into the ring post. Back in the ring, Sheamus missed a charge and again went shoulder-first into the post. Back-breaker by Sheamus and both men were down as if they’d wrestled ten minutes already. It was only 2:40 into the match. The announcers finally got around to talking about Sheamus’s PPV match. Powerslam by Sheamus for two. Christian went back on offense and went to the top rope. He missed a cross-body and Sheamus brought the forearms across the chest of the World Champion. Knee-lift by Sheamus, and then he went to the top. Diving shoulder tackle, followed by a set-up for the Brogue Kick. Christian rolled out of the ring to avoid it and grabbed the World Title from ringside. He wanted to leave, but Sheamus shoved him into the barricade (and it looked to be a rather gentle shove). Back in the ring, he went for the Irish Cross. Christian dropped out the back and to the apron, then worked Sheamus’s neck over the top rope. He took his belt and walked to the back for a count-out.

WINNER: Sheamus, via count-out, at 5:56. Really the only result they could’ve had here (unless Mark Henry interfered for a DQ) with both men competing in high-profile matches at Summerslam on Sunday.

2 – NATALYA & BETH PHOENIX vs. AJ & KAITLYN

AJ and Kaitlyn were already in the ring. Cole said Nattie and Beth want to be known as “D.O.D: Divas of Doom.” No other explanation for Beth’s appearance on Smackdown. Kaitlyn went for a rear waist-lock, but Nattie laughed it off and slammed her. Tag to Beth, and a nice, unique double-team back suplex for two. Kaitlyn dodged corner charge by Beth, then tagged AJ. Dropkick on Beth, but a roll-up was countered and Beth picked her up for the Glam Slam.

WINNERS: Phoenix and Natalya, at 1:15. Interesting tandem here, but I’m not sure how they pull of a Divas tag team, especially with two from different brands. I’m guessing they’ll run through the division like Kharma was supposed to.

3 – SIN CARA vs. TYSON KIDD

The announcers talked about Cara putting on more muscle. You could tell it wasn’t the original Sin Cara based on body type and the fact that Rod Zapata was not refereeing his match. Cara took Kidd out of the ring and hit a springboard body-press. He tried to get back into the ring but Kidd kicked him in the ribs and sent him back to the floor. Arm-drag by Cara back in the ring. Springboard headbutt, then a headscissors take-over. Springboard clothesline for two. Diving body attack in the corner. Cara set Kidd on the top rope, but Kidd headbutted him down. Booker talked about the new moves Cara has added to his repertoire since being injured. Samoan drop-like move by Cara, then a springboard moonsault off the second rope for three.

WINNER: Cara, at 2:56. Wondering if this will be a permanent substitution for the man under the mask. I personally think it’s too soon to give up on Mistico, but I don’t run a multi-million dollar company.

4 – ALBERTO DEL RIO vs. DANIEL BRYAN

As usual, Ricardo Rodriguez introduced ADR. Del Rio and Bryan were both wearing white tights and white kneepads. It was quite confusing. Del Rio with a back suplex for two. Cole made fun of Bryan for Tweeting his breakfast earlier in the week. Bryan flipped off the top rope and hit a clothesline for a one-count. Kicks to the chest by Bryan. Del Rio tried the cross arm-breaker, but Bryan wasn’t having it. Bryan back-dropped Del Rio to ringside, then landed his suicide dive. Bryan grabbed at his shoulder as he lay on the mat. Back in the ring, Bryan came off the top and missed a missile dropkick. Del Rio locked in the cross arm-breaker for the tapout win.

WINNER: Del Rio, at 3:30. I should think that the two MITB winners should be a little more evenly matched than for one to win in less than four minutes.

5 – CODY RHODES vs. EZEKIEL JACKSON – INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

Ted DiBiase and the baggers accompanied Rhodes to the ring. Booker complained about Jackson smiling on his way to the ring, saying he wasn’t taking this seriously enough. Rhodes tried to stay away from Jackson, but Zeke was just overpowering him. Rhodes went to ringside :50 in, and WWE went to break.

Back at 3:53 of the match. Rhodes was working over Jackson with stomps. Rhodes got a near-fall, then worked the arm. Jackson broke free by backing Rhodes into the corner. Zeke went for a punch by Rhodes got his boot up and Jackson punched it. Jackson then shrugged Rhodes off on a bulldog attempt, with Cody getting nice elevation. Good series of moves there. Bodyslam time! He went for the Torture Rack, but Rhodes got the rope and DiBiase provided a distraction. After Cody headbutted Jackson with his mask, Ted tried to get involved again, to no avail. Springboard kick by Rhodes, then Cross Rhodes for three.

WINNER: Rhodes, at 7:35. Surprised this match didn’t make Summerslam, especially if they were planning on a title change.

6 – MARK HENRY vs. JOHNNY CURTIS

Curtis facially resembles Matt Morgan. Henry easily broke a rear waist-lock and took Curtis over. He then knocked Curtis down and slapped him. Henry put his head down and Curtis kicked him. Chops from Curtis, but again he ran into the brick wall that is Mark Henry. World’s Strongest Slam for three.

WINNER: Henry, at :58. Has there ever been a worse introduction for a hyped wrestler, combining the awful vignettes and Curtis’s squash debut?

Henry went to do more damage to Curtis, but Sheamus ran out to make the save. The two didn’t touch, but Sheamus grabbed a mic as Henry sauntered off. He said Henry always talks about how tough he is, but Henry always runs away when Sheamus comes out. He called Henry “Shamu” and himself the great white. Sheamus wanted to do things right now. Henry walked back to the ring…took Curtis out of the ring and gave him the World’s Strongest Slam at ringside. “That’s gonna be you!” he shouted at Sheamus.

7 – RANDY ORTON vs. THE GREAT KHALI

Khali overpowered Orton, then gave him an overhand chop. Stomps in the corner by Khali. Mahal choked Orton behind the ref’s back. Orton was sent into the stairs at ringside by his opposition. Khali lined up for the Khali chop at 2:12, and it connected. Orton, however, kicked out. Khali grabbed a nerve hold but Orton fought out. Dropkick sent Khali into the ropes, where his arms got tangled. Orton kicked at Khali, then punched Mahal, who had got up on the apron. DDT by Orton, but the RKO was countered with the Vice Grip. Orton fought out of the corner and RKO’d Khali.

WINNER: Orton, at 4:32.

As Orton celebrated, Christian walked out to his music. He said at Summerslam, it’s going to change everything. He said he can’t wait for their No Holds Barred match, because anything goes and he has the best thing going. He told Orton he’d see him on Sunday. Not sure what that was about, but I guess that’s the point. The show faded out with Christian holding his title and jawing with Orton from a distance.

Arcademan:
WWE SummerSlam PPV Results: 8-14-11 (Next two posts)

Results courtesy of Caldwell's real-time report via PWTorch.com (direct link).

1 -- THE MIZ & R-TRUTH & ALBERTO DEL RIO vs. REY MYSTERIO & JOHN MORRISON & KOFI KINGSTON -- six-man tag match

The dreaded Cole/Lawler/Booker three-headed announcing trio was horrendous to start this match, which seemed like a house show main event with wrestlers getting in signature spots early on without a sense of this match meaning anything. "Back to the action!" Booker declared at 2:30 with Truth and Morrison in the middle of a headlock. Awful. Booker then randomly focused on Miz's ring jacket ten minutes after Miz's ring entrance. Del Rio, who was popular with the live crowd in Los Angeles, broke up a pin attempt by Kingston on Miz, then the action broke down. The heels eventually isolated Kofi and worked him over for a few minutes as the announcers discussed why George Lopez's show was canceled.

Mysterio eventually hot-tagged in at 8:30 and delivered signature offense on Truth. Booker suddenly interjected a Soul Train reference out of nowhere. Rey set up a double 619 on Truth and Miz, but Del Rio grabbed his foot from the outside. This set up a series of high-flying moves with the faces clearing the heels on the floor. Rey then splashed R-Truth in the ring for the pin and the win. For the first time in nine minutes, Cole got serious and said Rey proved he's ready for the #1 contender match on Raw tomorrow night.

WINNERS: Team Rey at 9:35. This is going to be a long night having to listen to Cole, Lawler, and Booker. Just awful. The match itself was inconsequential until they got around to focusing on Rey ahead of his title match tomorrow night. (**)

2 -- MARK HENRY vs. SHEAMUS
 
Cole spent a good minute trying to present an illogical argument that Henry is not a bully due to picking on people his size. Booker eventually got around to noting Henry injured wrestlers after winning matches and picked on a production worker. Cole said, okay, maybe he is a bully. Henry dominated early on as Sheamus sold on the mat. Sheamus eventually knocked Henry off his feet with a big Polish Hammer blow to the chest. Sheamus followed with big overhand blows to the chest before they collided mid-ring and both fell to the mat. Sheamus was the first one up and made his way to the top rope for a leaping shoulder tackle, which resulted in a two count.
 
Sheamus did a classic babyface spot telegraphing his finishing move and Henry avoided the Brogue Kick. Moments later, Sheamus reset and Brogue Kick'ed Henry to the floor. The match moved to the floor and Henry absolutely smashed Sheamus through the gimmicked ringside barricade. Some plants on the front rows over-reacted. It looked like Joey Ryan, Scorpio Sky, and some other local SoCal independent wrestlers. Henry returned to the ring as the plants tried to encourage Sheamus to crawl back into the ring, but Sheamus was counted out, giving Henry the win.
 
WINNER: Henry via count-out at 9:24. The right finish to keep this going with Sheamus still on the chase, but not losing too much with a count-out loss, while keeping Henry strong. (**)

3 -- Divas champion KELLY KELLY (w/Eve) vs. BETH PHOENIX (w/Natalya) -- Divas Title match
 
The match quickly moved to the floor, with Kelly landed a flying splash to give Beth something to think about in the size-advantage heel vs. underdog babyface match-up. Back in the ring, Beth took control of the match. She tried to force a submission with a standing shoulder breaker-like maneuver, but Kelly wouldn't quit. For the finish, Beth went for the Glam Slam, but Kelly rolled through into a quick pin for the win. Kelly and Eve quickly bailed from the ring to celebrated as Beth huffed and puffed with Natalya.
 
WINNER: Kelly at 6:32 to retain the Divas Title.

4 -- DANIEL BRYAN vs. WADE BARRETT
 
The match started with the announcers discussing Bryan's vegan lifestyle. Cole heeled on him, saying he believes Bryan should eat a meal once in a while. Bryan stretched Barrett with a variety of holds early on as Cole confused Bryan and Barrett several times. Barrett eventually took control countering a whip to the ropes into a Blackhole Slam for a nearfall. Barrett then went to the mat looking to stretch Bryan, who fought back with a knee strike against the ropes. On the floor, Bryan landed a running knee strike to the jaw that knocked Barrett on his back.
 
Back in the ring, Bryan went up top for a double-foot dropkick that resulted in a two count. The two men went back and forth before Bryan slapped on a frontface submission that he transitioned into a LeBell Lock. Barrett teased tapping out, but reached the bottom rope for a break. The action moved up top and Barrett crotched Bryan before landing a flying clothesline. Center-ring, Barrett delivered Wasteland and it was good for the win. Cole called it a 50/50 match that was a stalemate throughout. Lawler was speechless at Cole giving Bryan credit. They went to a replay of Barrett in trouble during the LeBell Lock before Barrett came back for the win.
 
WINNER: Barrett at 11:47. After an hour to forget, a nice match to get this PPV on track for the first time in the night. Barrett looked good, picking up a much-needed win. As for Bryan, it was the best-case scenario for a loss: looking good in defeat after a solid match. Despite Bryan holding the MITB briefcase, WWE simply doesn't see Bryan above Barrett's level, so the outcome was inevitable. (**1/2)

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