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

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Arcademan:
5 -- World Hvt. champion CHRISTIAN (w/out Edge) vs. RANDY ORTON -- World Title match -- No Holds Barred
 
Christian tried to run away early on, but Orton chased him down in the crowd and threw him back into the ring. Orton blasted away on Christian with right hand blows, but Christian rammed Orton shoulder-first into the ringpost to steal control away from Orton. The crowd was split in their support of Christian and Orton, of note. Christian retrieved a kendo stick from under the ring and used it as a weapon, trying to get Orton to give up.

Orton suddenly scored a two-and-nine-tenths count on a roll-up out of the corner when Christian nearly didn't kick out in time. Christian quickly cut off Orton, though, and went back to the kendo stick. However, Orton intercepted a kendo stick blow from the second rope with a mid-air dropkick. Orton, with a bloody mouth, and Christian then exchanged offense as the crowd ate it up. Orton suddenly got that look in his eyes and wanted The Punt, but Christian slipped to the floor. On the outside, Orton dropped Christian on the ring steps to daze the champion. Orton was the next to search under the ring for some weapons. Orton found two tables to his liking and slid one table into the ring.
 
On the ring apron, Orton took Christian up top and super-plexed Christian off the top turnbuckle onto the flat table center-ring. Orton made a cover, but the champ kicked out. Orton then set up the table in the corner and flashed a big smile to the crowd. Christian blocked a table whip, though, and delivered a reverse DDT. Christian then crouched in the corner for Edge's Spear, but Orton avoided, then Christian blocked the RKO, and Christian dumped Orton over the top rope. Orton whipped Christian into the ring steps, though, to cut off Christian's momentum.
 
At 15:00, Orton picked up the ring steps and Christian reversed a whip into the ring steps. More counters and reversals. Christian then placed Orton on the Spanish announce table and mocked his viper-like stance. Christian tried to follow with an RKO, but Orton blocked and sent Christian through the table with an RKO. After a pause to sell the spot, both men crawled back into the ring. Suddenly, Christian dropped Orton with the Unprettier, but Orton kicked out in time, which popped the crowd. Nice pacing going up, down, up from the RKO to the Unprettier. Christian then went to the outside to retrieve two chairs to bring into the ring. Christian measured Orton for the Conchairto and spit down on Orton's face before missing with a chair shot. Orton then got up, took the other chair, and cracked it over Christian's back. Orton followed with a chair jab that sent Christian flying off the ring apron through the second table positioned ringside.
 
On the floor at 20:30, Orton slid the ring steps into the ring before going under the ring to throw numerous weapons inside the ring. Orton rolled Christian back into the ring and stalked Christian for his next move. Christian avoided a stomp on the steps, but ate a powerslam through the table propped up in the corner. Orton clutched his left wrist to suggest a potential injury before grabbing the kendo stick to crack over Christian's back. Orton then positioned a trashcan near the ropes to deliver his trademark spike DDT into the can. Orton, with blood splattered on his body, measured Christian for the RKO, but Christian popped him with a kendo stick out of nowhere. Christian then tried a sunset flip move, but Orton intercepted him with a mid-air RKO, just like their first PPV title encounter a few months ago. Orton clutched his head, then slowly covered Christian to become World Hvt. champion again. Post-match: Orton celebrated with the World Title belt in the corner as Christian was dragged out of the ring to sell the effects.
 
WINNER: Orton at 23:42 to capture the World Hvt. Title. A strong PPV title match in their series of strong PPV title matches, using the weapons-match formula effectively. WWE suggested on the pre-show that this is the last encounter between Orton and Christian, so it remains to be seen where they go from here. (****)

6 -- WWE champion C.M. PUNK vs. WWE champion JOHN CENA -- WWE Title unification match -- Triple H special referee
 
Early feeling out process before the two champions paused for a loud dueling chant. Regarding Hunter's role, Cole said some believe there's a conflict of interest with Hunter playing "cop and judge." More feeling out process as the two men traded technical holds and one-counts. Punk with the first sustained offense of the match that led to a dropkick off the ring apron that sent Cena to the floor. Hunter applied a ten count and Cena re-entered at five. Cena came back with sustained offense, but Punk intercepted a classic shoulder tackle with a mid-air knee lift for a two count.
 
Punk and Cena started countering each other's signature sequences, then Cena did the You Can't See Me wave that Punk blocked before delivering an STO into a neck vice submission. Cena fought it off, then countered into an STF. Punk countered into a keylock submission for a few moments that Cena suddenly countered into an STF. Punk made the bottom rope with his foot, though, creating a break. Nice sequence there.
 
At 13:40, Punk dumped Cena over the top rope to the floor and Hunter began his count. Punk then launched himself through the ropes with a suicide dive that sent both men into the guardrail. Hunter started his count again and reached nine, then decided to stop counting. He threw Cena into the ring, then threw Punk into the ring. Hunter shouted down that he wants a winner and for them to fight. The two men came to their feet at the same time and started trading bombs. Cena suddenly delivered a dropkick and dropped the Shuffle to Punk. Cena wanted the Attitude Adjustment, but Punk countered. They started trading pin attempts before Punk delivered a sweeping leg kick for a nearfall.
 
At 17:30, Punk teased the G2S, but Cena blocked. Cena then delivered a modified powerslam for a two count. Booker said Cena is the real deal, which Lawler echoed for Punk. Cena then went up top looking for a high-risk move, but Punk blocked with a high knee to the jaw. Suddenly, the PPV froze with Punk perched up top. About five seconds later, Cena kicked out of a pin attempt. Punk then tried a springboard move, but Cena countered with the STF. Punk screamed as Hunter checked on whether he wanted to tap. Punk made it to the bottom rope moments later and Cena was forced to break.
 
At 20:15, the two men traded finishing teases before Cena delivered the AA, but Punk kicked out in time. The camera zoomed in tight on Cena selling disbelief. Cena continued to look down at the mat before smiling and asking Hunter about his count. Cena, not quite satisfied, went to the top rope and missed with a guillotine leg drop. As Cena sold a leg injury, Punk followed right up with the G2S. Punk made a cover, but Cena kicked out just before three. The crowd didn't pop huge for the nearfall, as it was an expected tit-for-tat finisher kickout sequence.
 
At 22:30, Punk slowly slipped to the apron and climbed up top. Punk wanted a top-rope Macho Man elbow drop and connected as Cena tried to move. Cena kicked out of a pin attempt, though, which brought the big eyes from Punk. "Randy Savage" chant from the crowd as Hunter and Punk exchanged words. Suddenly, Cena rolled up Punk, but only scored a nearfall. Punk then kicked Cena in the gut and Cena came back with some emphatic kicks and strikes. Punk came back with his own sequence of emphatic strikes before delivering another G2S. Punk made the cover, but Cena had his foot on the rope at one. Still there at two. Hunter still didn't see it and Punk scored a three count. Cole screamed that Cena's foot was on the ropes as Punk took his title belt.
 
WINNER: Punk at 24:10 to become Undisputed WWE champion. Another excellent back-and-forth between these two top stars. Not long enough to be at the level of MITB, but another four-star-plus effort. (****1/4)
 
Suddenly, Alberto Del Rio's music hit and Del Rio stormed the ring with a new referee. Hunter was walking around, still stunned by what happened with Nash.

7 -- WWE champion C.M. PUNK vs. ALBERTO DEL RIO -- WWE Title match

The bell sounded to make this official. Booker: "I don't believe this." Hunter was stunned, seeing his entire regime falling apart before him. Del Rio hit a step-up enziguiri, then made a cover and he's the new WWE champion. You could kind of see this on Raw when Punk got the win on Del Rio, then Del Rio would cash in, and now they're 1-1. Hunter talked to the referee, still shocked over what happened. Del Rio left up the entrance ramp as Lawler asked what Kevin Nash (not Diesel) was doing here. Del Rio was shown celebrating on the stage as the announcers tried to figure out what just happened. Del Rio was shown celebrating on the stage to conclude the show at 10:50.
 
WINNER: Del Rio at 0:06 to capture the WWE Title. Del Rio isn't over right now, but, what has become routine for WWE is to put a top title on a mid-card heel to "legitimize him" in the eyes of the audience. Where this storyline could be going is Nash was Stephanie and/or Vince's hired "back-up plan" to ensure the title did not stay with Punk if he were to win the match over Cena. This time, Vince's attempt to have Del Rio cash in against Punk at MITB would work after Nash softened him up.

Arcademan:
WWE RAW Results: 8-15-11

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

1 -- JOHN MORRISON vs. R-TRUTH -- Falls Count Anywhere match

Truth nearly won the FCA match with a quick roll-up in the first minute, then Morrison clotheslined Truth over the top rope to the floor. Morrison then measured Truth for a twisting plancha on the floor for a two count. The match moved to the other side of the arena floor and Morrison delivered a step-up kick off the guardrail for a two count. Truth then blocked a suplex attempt and delivered a front suplex for a nearfall. Cole declared Morrison is going to get got as they cut to break.

Back from break, Morrison was sprawled out on the floor before Truth scored a two count and complained about referee Scott Armstrong's cadence. Truth then got into it with an Ultimate Warrior clone on the front row complete with wild hair, tassels, and facepaint. Truth continued the assault with a running strike into the guardrail for a two count. The ringside fans began chanting "Little Jimmy," which drew Truth's ire. Truth assaulted Morrison, then got into it with Fake Warrior again. Truth followed with an atomic drop across the guardrail in front of Warrior, then clotheslined him over the guardrail to the front row as fake Warrior posed in Truth's face. Truth then suplexed Morrison onto the floor as the announcers offered some plugs for the live event experience to see this kind of action up close and personal.

Truth tossed Morrison back over the guardrail to ringside, but took too much time staring at fans. Morrison recovered and kicked Truth on the way over for a nearfall. Truth recovered, though, and assaulted Morrison some more before retrieving an announcer chair. Morrison blocked, though, and suplexed Truth into the chair before nailing him with a knee strike to the face. Ross called it a slobberknocker of a shot as Truth fell over to the ground. Truth with the cover for the win on the floor. Cole noted Truth dominated nearly the entire match before Morrison pulled it out in the end. Morrison, limping, returned to the ring to pose as they went to a replay of the finish.

WINNER: Morrison at 10:49. Nice match that WWE doesn't offer too often on TV, so it stood out. I'm not sure who the star of the match was, though: Fake Warrior or R-Truth, who was terrific dominating this match and creating intrigue leading to Morrison's comeback and eventual win. This was an even-steven match pointing to a possible re-match unless WWE wanted to quickly end this and move on with both men. (**1/4)

2 -- Divas champion KELLY KELLY & EVE vs. BELLA TWINS (NIKKI & BRIE BELLA)

Is there any chance of Eve joining Beth & Natalya or will she be in Kelly's shadow for the rest of her career? Kelly got in early offense before the Bellas cut her off. Eve hot-tagged into the match, Kelly cleared Bella #1, and Eve delivered a top-rope moonsault on Bella #2 for the win. Post-match: Phoenix and Natalya walked out on-stage and mock applauded the victorious babyface Divas. Kelly held up her Divas Title belt to show Beth she didn't get the job done at Summerslam.

WINNERS: Kelly & Eve at 3:05. Fine continuation from Summerslam to keep Beth in the title picture.

3 -- ALEX RILEY vs. JACK SWAGGER

Cole asked Ziggler if it's true he wouldn't be U.S. champion without Dolph Ziggler. Ziggler took the opportunity to talk himself up as a champion. He added that Vickie complements him like a nice garnish on a steak. Ziggler shot down a fat joke from Lawler as Swagger wore down Riley in the ring. Ziggler and Vickie continued to sell tension as Ziggler noted Vickie's bad breath is an issue. Cole tried to play Lawler mocking Vickie, so Ziggler shot back on Cole. Ziggler then mocked Vickie some more as the announcers continued to avoid the in-ring happenings. Vickie had enough and dropped her headset to mock Ziggler. Vickie then grabbed Ross's hat and put the hat on to parade around ringside. Vickie hopped on the ring apron and put the hat on the referee, who threw it down at ringside and tried to reprimand Vickie.

In the confusion, Swagger smashed Riley into the ropes before botching a gutwrench powerbomb attempt twice. He finally got it on the third time and scored the pin for the win. Cole said it's the first victory for Swagger on Raw in over a month. Vickie mock-applauded Swagger's win as Ziggler left the announce table to pick up Ross's hat. Ziggler then stepped on Ross's hat and gave it back to Ross. Cole said he's even offended by that. Ross said he thought Ziggler had more class than that. Cole said Ross looks pretty good without a hat. Ziggler went back to talking to the announcers as Vickie left ringside separately.

WINNER: Swagger at 4:24. What a trainwreck of a match, booking, and commentary complete with WWE (McMahon's) continued juvenile treatment of Ross. One of those examples of McMahon being bored and not having competition so he gets a kick out of segments like this one. In the meantime, WWE has seemingly lost track of Riley's push post-Miz.

4 -- WWE tag champions MICHAEL MCGILLICUTY & DAVID OTUNGA vs. KOFI KINGSTON & EVAN BOURNE -- non-title match

As the match started, Cole noted Shawn Michaels just tweeted about the Nash-Hunter issue and Cole referenced Sean Waltman being part of the Clique. The seeds planted at the Hall of Fame continue to grow. The announcers also noted Stephanie is suddenly back in the picture and the root of all of this is Triple H as COO. Cole interjected a quip on Swagger for botching the gutwrench and said he should perhaps stick to the anklelock. Lawler then called out the tag champs needing to show him something because it's the bland leading the bland. Cole mocked Ross's accent a few times before asking him if he ever knew Hillbilly Jim. Lawler interjected he'd like to see the tag champs put the titles on the lines more often.

The action eventually led to Bourne coming off the top with Air Bourne for the pin and the win. Ross said perhaps business will pick up in the tag division with Kofi and Bourne picking up a win. He said they need a tag title opportunity. After a replay of the finish, they showed Bourne and Kofi celebrating as the tag champs were shown clutching their tag title belts on the stage.

WINNERS: Bourne & Kofi at 4:42. Another reminder of WWE being lost or unchallenged creatively, focusing on the performance aspect of the wrestling contests rather than stressing winners and losers as a simulated sport. The match action was presented as inconsequential due to the focus of the commentary.

5 -- WWE champion ALBERTO DEL RIO vs. REY MYSTERIO -- WWE Title match

Ross set the stage as the two men locked up center-ring and engaged in a feeling-out process. Cole noted there's a lot of pressure on Del Rio in his first title defense. Two Del Rio imposters on the front row taunted Rey Fans early on as the champ worked over Rey. Rey then came back with a 619 tease, but Del Rio bailed to the outside for a breather. They cut to break.

Back from break, Del Rio was trying to rip off Rey's mask in the middle of a mathold. Rey broke free, then landed a double-foot dropkick to the face as he sold his lingering knee injury. Rey tried to climb up top, but Del Rio crotched him. Del Rio tried a top-rope suplex, but Rey countered with a super swinging Tornado DDT. He followed with a springboard splash for a two count. Rey followed with a sunset slip for another nearfall that drew ooohs from the crowd. Del Rio then cut off Rey with a strike to the face to catch his breath and slow down Rey.

Del Rio wore down Rey as Cole tried to put over Del Rio employing many workers in Mexico. Ross quipped Del Rio underpays his workers, only giving them 25-30 cents an hour. Del Rio then missed with a dropkick and spilled to the outside. Rey followed with a baseball slide kick before delivering a springboard moonsault on the floor. The ref applied a ten count as both men slowly made it to their feet. Rey rolled Del Rio back into the ring, then went up top for a seated senton into the 619 set-up. Rey went for the 619, but Del Rio cut him off with a clothesline for a two count.

At the top of the hour, Del Rio dropped Rey with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker for a nearfall as Cole reset the show. Cole noted WWE having more questions than answers with regards to the Hunter-Nash issue. Meanwhile, Del Rio put Rey up top and delivered a step-up enziguiri for a close two count only. Suddenly, Rey rolled up Del Rio and scored a two count. Del Rio came right back with a kick strike to the face that put both men on the mat. "619, 619" chant as Del Rio surveyed the arena. Del Rio tried to quiet them with the cross arm-breaker, but Rey countered with the 619. Rey then went for a top-rope splash, but Del Rio got his knees up. Del Rio rolled right into a quick pin and it was good for the win. Del Rio retains the WWE Title, which Ricardo excitedly announced to the crowd.

WINNER: Del Rio at 12:50 to retain the WWE Title. Solid match between Rey and Del Rio. Good TV main event to book-end the strong opening match between Morrison and Truth. (**1/2)

Arcademan:
WWE NXT Results: 8-16-11

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

1 -- JTG vs. TYSON KIDD

Kidd taunted JTG early on to establish JTG as the default face for this match-up. Meanwhile, the announcers discussed Yoshi Tatsu's whereabouts after Kidd took him out a few weeks ago. JTG did not play much of a valiant face, as he tapped out to a half-Boston Crab after three minutes.

WINNER: Kidd via submission at 3:02. NXT has officially run out of wrestlers.

Post-match: A cryptic symbol flashed on the screen, suggesting Yoshi Tatsu's presence in the arena. Kidd looked around the arena searching for answers, but none were coming. They cut to the announcers to discuss Matt Striker returning to the ring the last two weeks on NXT. Grisham sent it backstage for a promo from Striker, who said he wants a re-match with Darren Young tonight because he wasn't prepared to face him last week. He said he's not making excuses, then went on to talk about excuses for a minute. Striker sternly told Young he is not ready for what Matt Striker will bring to him. It's next.

2 -- MATT STRIKER vs. DARREN YOUNG

Striker lit up D-Young early on with multiple strikes in the corner. Young tried to recover on the floor, so Striker stomped his fingers into the ring steps. Back in the ring, Striker worked over Young's left arm/shoulder with a deep wrenching armbar Young was bleeding from the mouth this week after Striker bled heavily from the nose last week. The intense battle moved to the ring apron, where D-Young suplexed Striker across the edge of the ring. Young then went to work on Striker with mat-based offense. Young tried to follow with a slingshot move from the apron, but Striker intercepted with a nice spinning facebuster. Striker made a cover, but Young got his foot on the rope and Triple H wasn't the ref here, so the match continued.

Striker followed up with a backstabber, but Young kicked out in time. Striker then screamed toward the crowd, which responded, and tried an inside cradle for the pin, but Young - looking like John Cena - rolled right into a Roderick Strong-style fallaway gutbuster across his knees. It was good for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Young at 5:05. That was a heck of a five-minute match. D-Young has finally found an opponent to draw something out of him and Striker has developed a nice connection with the audience. Well done.

3 -- DERRICK BATEMAN (w/Maxine) vs. TITUS O'NEIL

Titus was not accompanied by Hornswoggle, who the announcer surmised was checking on A.J. backstage. Titus took out his frustration on Bateman early on, beating him from pillar to post. Regal said he can't figure out Bateman quite yet as he continued to take a beating from Titus. Grisham noted Bateman's Pro, Daniel Bryan, disassociated from Bateman because of his odd behavior this season. Bateman came back with a snap dropkick for a two count, then pounded away on Titus. Regal said it gets his adrenaline going to see hard strikes like the two men were exchanging. Nice close-up on Titus selling intensity as he tried to make a comeback before Bateman cut him off with a neckbreaker. Regal began talking about a tortoise as Bateman ran over Titus with a shoulder tackle for a nearfall.

Bateman actually generated a reaction for his heel work as he continued to wear down the Redemption leader. Regal said perhaps Maxine is bringing out something from Bateman to get him away from being a goofball and more serious in the ring. Titus then shot on Bateman with a double-leg take down for a nearfall. Someone in the crowd shouted, "Finish him!" before Titus ran over Bateman with a clothesline.

Titus delivered a shoulderbreaker, but Bateman kicked out again. Titus followed with an overhead slam that sent Bateman rolling to the outside. Maxine checked on Bateman as Titus followed to the outside looking for more offense. As Bateman returned to the ring, Maxine grabbed Titus's foot when Bateman occupied the ref. Titus took his eye off the ball, allowing Bateman to roll him up from behind. It was good for the quick pin and the win. Post-match: Maxine and Bateman made out on the outside as Titus complained to the ref about the interference.

WINNER: Bateman at 6:18. Another nice in-ring showing here. Titus upped his game a notch and Bateman had his first solid in-ring showing since returning to NXT as a heel. Although not the best talker, Maxine's presence adds a new dimension to Bateman's character to firmly establish him as a heel, which had been missing on Season 5.

Arcademan:
WWE Superstars Results: 8-18-11

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

1 -- WADE BARRETT vs. TRENT BARRETA

Early in the match, Korpela interestingly referenced Barrett's ranking on WWE's make-believe Top 25 Power Ranking. That would be a nice marketing tool for WWE to use across the board on their TV programs, and actually use to hype match-ups between mid-card wrestlers looking to leapfrog each other by winning matches. Barrett dominated the first three minutes and knocked Trent to the floor. On the outside, Barrett missed with a kick strike and ate the guardrail. Trent lit him up with hard chops, then perched himself on the guardrail to deliver an innovative corkscrew plancha on Barrett.

Both men barely beat the ten count back into the ring as they replayed Trent's high-risk attack. Back in the ring, Trent executed a missile dropkick for a two count. It was Trent's last gasp, as Barrett came back with a loud standing kick before hoisting Trent onto his shoulders for an impactful Wasteland. It was good for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Barrett at 5:11. Good five-minute match. Barrett carried himself like a former main-eventer looking to get back in the title picture while Trent offered some nice athleticism to balance Barrett's power-house offense.

2 -- BRODUS CLAY vs. JOSE VARGAS

The bell sounded and Clay wasted no time pounding on Vargas. Korpela noted Clay is not a bodyguard for anyone any more, as he's carving his own path. Clay had the pin one minute in, but wasn't satisfied, so he continued to punish Vargas. Clay then delivered a massive lariat and it was good for the win. A subsequent replay was nearly as long as the match before they cut to Clay celebrating the win.

WINNER: Clay at 1:18. Fine re-building effort behind Clay before they find the right program for him on Raw or Smackdown.

3 -- SANTINO vs. PRIMO

Santino, sporting a full beard, took control of the action early on. They did a comedy spot blocking each other's hip toss attempts as they danced around the ring. Primo then turned the lighthearted moment into a heelish attack when he cheap-shotted Santino. Primo went to work as Stanford noted that Santino has decided to pursue a singles run after failing to find a suitable tag partner. Santino made his comeback at 5:00 with left hand jabs that fired up the crowd. Santino then dropped down, hip-tossed, and delivered his diving fist for a nearfall. Josh Mathews interjected Santino is looking to develop his own style of MMA fighting: Marella Martial Arts. Santino then warmed up the non-MMA Cobra and struck Primo for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Santino at 6:05. From week-to-week, you never know what WWE is going to do with Santino, but this was a fine, basic-level start for Santino's "MMA" singles push.

4 -- ZACK RYDER vs. DREW MCINTYRE

Stanford noted McIntyre is frustrated. Mathews said Mac can only blame himself and he needs a breakout performance soon. McIntyre aggressively went after Ryder early on, but frustrated himself when Ryder was able to avoid his attack. Mac flashed Ryder a wry grin, then kicked him in the gut and went on the attack. Ryder came back with a clothesline that took McIntyre over the top rope to the floor. Ryder followed with a plancha and flashed a smile for the camera.

Back in the ring, McIntyre rolled out of the ring. Ryder followed to the outside again, which set off a ringside brawl. Mac got the best of the exchange with a spinebuster across the ring apron. Back in the ring, Mac went to work on Ryder's back as a "Let's Go Ryder" chant broke out. They cut to break with McIntyre in control.

Back from break, McIntyre continued to work over Ryder, who managed to knock Mac out of the ring to get a breather. Once Mac re-entered the ring, Ryder blasted him with strikes before delivering the Broski Boot for a nearfall. Ryder tried to follow with the Rough Ryder, but McIntyre countered with an emphatic slam for a close two count. Mac tried not to get frustrated as Ryder continued to kick out of pin attempts. McIntyre then flashed another wry grin and wanted the Future Shock, but Ryder blocked once, twice, then nailed the Rough Ryder. Quick pin and it was good for the win. Post-match: Ryder celebrated in the ring as McIntyre checked his jaw ringside trying to collect himself after another loss.

WINNER: Ryder at 9:15. Nice showing for Ryder, who looked like a legitimate wrestling star working with McIntyre, who will always be a "favorite" because of his size & look despite currently being irrelevant. Again, you never know from week-to-week how WWE will present stars, but good use of time to develop Ryder's credibility in the ring to match his personality showcases on YouTube.

Arcademan:
TNA Impact Wrestling Results: 8-18-11

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

1 -- SCOTT STEINER vs. DEVON -- Bound for Glory Series Match

Matt Morgan joined Tenay and Taz at ringside to analyze the match. Morgan noted that Devon has dropped 60 pounds. Morgan said everyone is stepping up because this the World Title at stake. Taz said if you don't want the holy grail, the World Title, you don't belong here. Devon hit a sideslip for a two count. Steiner caught a charging Devon with an elbow and then pinned him with his feet on the middle rope, just as Ray did over the weekend. The announcers didn't mention that because this TV match taped before that house show match took place.

WINNER: Steiner in 2:00.

-Samoa Joe came out and attacked Devo afterward. He put him in his new leglock. Devon's kids and his wife called for help from the back. Terrence and Tyrell ran into the ring and confronted Joe. D'Angelo Dinero ran out and got in Joe's face. Joe jumped out of the ring. Morgan said he used to have respect for Joe.

2 -- X DIVISION GAUNTLET MATCH

-Shelley vs. Haskins: Taz said friends of Haskins call him Skins. Tenay and Taz acted bewildered by the nickname. Haskins countered a Sliced Bread and then hit a lift-knee finisher for the win. I'll all for establishing new stars, but this was a bit much, having a new guy beat the established top tier X Division star in two minutes makes everything seem arbitrary unless they're pushing Haskins as the Goldberg of the division. Plus it's irritating when a match-up is booked to end quickly simply because it's a gauntlet match and they have to fit a bunch of falls into a one-match segment, even though there's no logical reason for the match-up to end any quicker than any other one-on-one match would.

-Haskins vs. Robbie: Haskins rolled up Robbie E. right away as Robbie was arguing with Cookie.

-Haskins vs. Zema Ion: Zema scored a near fall after a top rope dropkick at the start. Zema finished Haskins with a 450 off the top rope at 3:00 (overall).

-Zema vs. Jesse Sorensen: Sorensen won in 1:00. This is ridiculous. The action is crisp and athletic and entertaining, but the rapid pitfalls defy any logic and just make everyone look like losers.

-Sorensen vs. Tony Nese: By 6:00 Sorensen was eliminated.

-Kid Kash vs. Sorensen: They actually cut to a commercial. Wrestling matters, really. And in the three minutes they're away, there should be two pinfalls based on the pace of the early finishes. Of course, the match was still in progress after the break. They just happened to pick the "marathon" match-up to cut away from. Right after the break Sorensen won with a roll-through leverage pin at 12:00 overall.

-Sorensen vs. Austin Aries: As Aries got ready to enter, Kash gave Sorensen a double-underhook piledriver. That looked reckless and dangerous. Aries put his foot on Sorensen's chest in a cocky manner, but Sorensen kicked out. Aries yelled at the ref, saying he should count faster. Sorensen scored a near fall with a roll-up. Aries came back with a spear dropkick in the corner followed by a brainbuster suplex for the win.

WINNER: Aries in 12:00.

-Christy Hemme interviewed Aries at ringside. Aries bragged about taking out seven X Division stars. He said that means he is the no. 1 contender. He quoted Eric Bischoff, calling Brian Kendrick "The Wizard of Odd." He said he will beat him and prove he is the greatest man who ever lived. Kendrick walked out and offered a handshake. Aries asked if he was gay and then pulled his hand away. Kendrick jumped Aries from behind as he walked up the ramp. Security tried to pry Kendrick off of Aries.

3 -- ODB (w/Jackie) vs. MICKIE JAMES

Mickie hit a Thesz Press at 4:00 and then went for a leaping DDT. ODB pushed her off mid-air and then splashed her in the corner Stinger style. She followed up with a Rough Rider attempt, but Mickie moved. Mickie then gave ODB her leaping DDT for the win. Afterward a frustrated Jackie offered a handshake to Mickie, but then pulled it away once Mickie was about to accept.

WINNER: Mickie in 5:00.

4 -- ROB VAN DAM vs. A.J. STYLES -- Bound for Glory Series

The announcers recapped the issue RVD has with Jerry Lynn and the situation between Styles and Daniels. They showed Lynn watching from ringside. How does he look the same as he looked 22 years ago when I first started watching his indy matches in Minneapolis on a regular basis? At 3:00 Lynn jumped out of his chair and yelled at the ref for counting too closely on an RVD cover on Styles. RVD shoved Styles off the top rope to the mat and then went for a splash, but Styles lifted his knees leading to a near fall at 4:00. Styles ducked an RVD spin wheel kick, then hit RVD with a Pele kick. When he went for the cover, as the ref began his count, Lynn yanked the ref out of the ring. The ref called for the bell.

WINNER: Styles via DQ in 5:00.

5 -- BEER MONEY vs. MEXICAN AMERICA (Hernandez & Anarquia w/Rosita & Sarita) - Impact Wrestling Tag Team Championships

They billed this as Mexican America's final shot at Beer Money. Jeff Jarrett and Karen joined Tenay and Taz at the Spanish announce table. Jarrett and Karen bragged about knowing the intricacies of the Spanish culture. They did a lousy job promoting this match, by the way. I'm all for the tag titles being featured in the main event, but they have to talk about it before it happens. Tenay got bleeped telling Jarrett he immortalized the AAA Title. I assume he said AAA. Borash added a plug for "5 Hour Energy" to his formal ring introduction. Tenay noted that Angle has accepted Crimson's challenge for next week. At 5:00 Rosita interfered to stop Beer Money's momentum. She spit at Storm. Karen ran to the ring to protect her "Mexican sister." Jarrett said she's just too good-hearted. Anarquia threw Storm out of the ring, but Roode gave him a spinebuster. Sarita distracted the ref as Hernandez KO'd Roode with the Jarrett's title belt for the win.

WINNERS: Mexican America in 6:00 to capture the Impact Wrestling Tag Team Titles.

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