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Arcademan:
WWE Smackdown Results: 8-26-11

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

1 – CHRISTIAN vs. DANIEL BRYAN

They aired a Bryan hype video during his entrance. Cole said he didn’t believe that Bryan will end up cashing in the MITB at Wrestlemania. Leg-whip by Bryan then a dropkick in the corner on his foe. First cover of the match got two at :52. Bryan did his dive through the ropes onto Christian outside the ring and then locked in a surfboard. Bryan actually bridged it into a pinning predicament. Kicks by Bryan, but Christian’s flip kick in the corner turned the tables. Bryan was back-dropped to ringside, where they went to break at 2:53 of the match.

Back about 4:00 after they went to break. Bryan broke out of a rest-hold only to get elbowed down by Christian for two. To the top went Bryan and he came off with a missile dropkick. Both men were down at 8:12. Cover by Bryan for two. Flying clothesline by Bryan, followed up by some kicks to the chest of Christian. Bryan blocked a second flip kick attempt and kicked Christian right in the back of the neck. Cole noted Bryan has to develop some charisma. No connection was made between having charisma and being good in the ring/winning titles. If they even attempted to explain, I’d let it pass. Back-and-forth they went and Christian kicked out after a kick to the head. Bryan tried a hurricanrana off the top, but Christian hooked the top rope and landed a Tornado DDT for a near-fall. Killswitch was countered into the LeBell Lock, but Christian got his foot on the bottom rope. Bryan missed a running corner dropkick, then Christian connected on the Killswitch.

WINNER: Christian, at 12:03. Good win for Christian heading into his title match next week after not appearing on the show last week. Bryan lost, but like his match with Del Rio last week, he put up a fight and looked good.

2 – SIN CARA vs. HEATH SLATER

Ah, Cara grabbed the ropes during his jumping entrance! What a fraud! Slater is now the one-man Southern rock band and has theme music to reflect that persona. Also, Sin Cara vs. Alberto Del Rio is slated for Tuesday. Slater attacked Cara just as the bell rang and now Sin Cara’s light show during his match features moving lights. Headscissors take-down by Cara, then he landed a dive in the ring. Big flying headbutt for two. Cara dropkicked Slater off the apron, then landed a cross-body off the top rope. Diving flip on Slater, then a springboard moonsault for three.

WINNER: Cara, at 1:43. Not sure where all the botches came into play, but if the match was edited, I couldn't tell.

3 – RANDY ORTON vs. TED DIBIASE

Cody Rhodes walked out with DiBiase, as did Cody’s baggers. Rhodes said he performs miracles, resurrecting the IC Championship and the career of Ted DiBiase. Things started slowly, with DiBiase taking Orton down with a headlock, then a shoulder tackle. Cole and Booker nicely put over the IC Title. Leap-frog by Orton, then a dropkick. Both men were back to their feet, circling each other, and going back to square one. Clothesline by Orton. Snap-mare by DiBiase, then a boot to the face for two. Take-down by Orton, then a catapult into the corner. Big clothesline by the Viper. Thesz Press followed. Rhodes got on the apron to distract, and took a right hand from Orton. Randy went to ringside and to RKO Rhodes, but DiBiase broke it up with a baseball slide. They went to break as the commentary team was apparently shocked into silence by that move.

Orton got to his feet after being in a rear chinlock, but DiBiase dropkicked Orton down. Call me crazy, but I think a DiBiase win could work here, though I’m loathe to advocate a champion losing in a non-title match yet again. To the top rope, where Orton suplexed DiBiase to the mat. Cover got two at 9:46. Scoop slam by Orton and he began to get in the zone. DiBiase avoided the back-breaker and went for a roll-up for two. Sit-out spine-buster for two as well. Dream Street applied, but Orton countered. He set DiBiase up for the rope-assisted DDT, and it found the mark. RKO was dodged, as was another Dream Street. Slingshot clothesline missed wildly and DiBiase fell victim to the RKO for the pinfall.

WINNER: Orton, at 12:12. DiBiase sure looked good here, and I wonder if this was an opportunity given to him by WWE management to see what he can do and to see if DiBiase could prove something to them.

An upset Rhodes was left in the ring with a fallen DiBiase. Rhodes offered his hand to DiBiase, who grabbed it. Rhodes appeared to give DiBiase some words of encouragement, but then gave DiBiase Cross Rhodes. Rhodes took a bag and put it over DiBiase’s head. Maybe Cody should lower his expectations next time.

4 – TAMINA vs. KELLY KELLY

Tamina was already in the ring. Natayla did an inset interview during Kelly’s entrance, calling her a “Barbie doll” and said she doesn’t play with dolls. Tamina tossed Kelly down, but Kelly then did a modified Thesz Press (I’m being generous tonight). Headscissors and Tamina struggled to fall through the ropes from it. Kelly used her feet to choke Tamina, then Tamina brought Kelly throat-down over the top rope. Bodyslam by Tamina, but Kelly broke out of an attempted submission move before it could be fully applied Face-buster by Kelly, then she hit her handspring back-elbow. Stinkface by Kelly, but she then jumped off the middle rope and into Tamina’s arms. Tamina couldn’t capitalize, as Kelly broke free and hit her K2 legdrop for the win.

WINNER: Kelly, at 2:47. She’s really building up some credibility with all these wins the past month or two.

5 – THE GREAT KHALI vs. EZEKIEL JACKSON

Khali and Mahal’s entrance didn’t make TV. Cole explained what happened in the Battle Royal last week that got Mahal upset at Khali. Jackson ran at Khali and Khali nailed him with a shot to the head. Hard slap to the chest of Zeke in the corner. Clothesline by Khali, followed by a nerve hold. Jackson elbowed out of it and clotheslined Khali into the corner. Big splash was next, but Khali connected on a big boot. He signaled for the Khali Vice grip and he wrapped his giant hands around Zeke’s head. Jackson got separation from Khali’s hands as the fans chanted “Oilers suck.” As the ref admonished Khali, Mahal got on the apron and tried to help Khali, but when Khali went to hit Jackson, he moved and Khali chopped Mahal. Jackson got Khali up for the Torture Rack and Khali tapped.

WINNER: Jackson, via submission, at 2:52. Finisher didn’t look great, since Khali actually looked pretty comfortable on Jackson’s shoulders. Still, I should just accept that a three minute Jackson vs. Khali match didn’t make me want to gouge my eyes out by the end.

6 – MARK HENRY vs. SHEAMUS

Mathews predicted bedlam during this one. We can only hope. Henry whipped Sheamus into the turnbuckle but Sheamus hammered away with forearms and kicks. Quick cover got two. Sheamus appeared ready to utilize the Irish Hammer but Henry gave him a straight boot to the face. Back-breaker for a two-count. Sheamus got whipped chest-first into the corner, then Henry proceeded to stand on Sheamus’ chest. Sheamus tried to fight back but Henry headbutted him down. Bear-hug was applied by the World’s Strongest Man. Sheamus made his comeback but Henry plucked him off the second rope and was ready to press slam him, but Sheamus turned it into a DDT. Impressive. Diving forearm by Sheamus took Henry down after several attempts. He laid in more forearms across Henry’s massive chest. Three knee-lifts from the apron continued the onslaught. Flying shoulder tackle off the top for two. Out of desperation, Henry pulled Sheamus out of the ring, then threw him into the barricade. No callback to Summerslam by the announcers? Henry began to clear off the announce table, but Sheamus escaped a slam attempt and Brogue Kicked Henry right over the table. He tossed a chair onto him for good measure (no DQ, by the way), then re-entered the ring. He made it back for the count-out win.

WINNER: Sheamus, via count-out, at 7:34.

Henry got up and peered angrily toward the ring. He flipped the announce table and walked around the ring. He tried to get back into the ring, but Sheamus met him on the apron. Henry created separation, but couldn’t get in the ring, as Sheamus knocked him to ringside. Sheamus jumped off the apron, only to be caught in Henry’s arms. Henry then drove Sheamus back-first into the apron. Henry went to put Sheamus into the stairs, but Sheamus reversed and Henry went in. Sheamus tried to throw the stairs at Henry but Mark moved and Henry clotheslined Sheamus instead. Henry picked Sheamus up and gave him the World’s Strongest Slam into the steel steps. They showed a replay of the finish of the match, and some of the aftermath. Henry yelled at Sheamus, “you can’t beat me” as they went off the air. I think that’s how every Smackdown should end – Henry shouting insults to a fallen opponent.

Arcademan:
WWE RAW Results: 8-29-11

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

1 -- World Hvt. champion RANDY ORTON vs. U.S. champion DOLPH ZIGGLER (w/Vickie Guerrero) -- non-title match

The announcers focused heavily on past managers (Heenan, Hart, Albano, etc.) to show that successful WWE managers have included several wrestlers in their stable. Lawler said Ziggler's issue is he believes he should be Vickie's only client. Orton and Ziggler went back and forth before Orton tackled Ziggler with his hips for a Thesz Press that sent Ziggler rolling to the apron. Orton wanted an elevated DDT, but Vickie hopped on the ring apron to distract Orton. Ziggler then dumped Orton over the top rope to the outside and scored with a Zig-Zag on the floor. Ziggler took a blow, too, and Vickie wasn't impressed. The announcers focused on Orton being in jeopardy before rolling back into the ring just in time at nine. Ziggler stomped away on Orton and Cole fed to a commercial three minutes in.

Back from break, Ziggler had Orton over the ring steps before smashing him head-first into the steps. Backstage, Jack Swagger was watching intently as Ziggler went for a cover back in the ring. Ziggler then applied a reverse chinlock looking to wear down Orton as the crowd tried to rally behind the World champ. The announcers re-noted tomorrow night's live Smackdown and played up Orton perhaps having his mind on his title defense against Christian tomorrow.

Orton and Ziggler took the fight up-top, where Orton executed a superplex clear across the ring. Orton slowly made the cover, and Ziggler kicked out in time. Vickie pounded the mat in frustration, trying to encourage Ziggler, who then walked into a clothesline before taking a snap powerslam. Orton stalked Ziggler, then executed a belly-to-belly suplex for a nearfall. Suddenly, Ziggler came back with a Fameasser for a two count. Back to a shot of Vickie screaming as Cole noted this is about money for Ziggler trying to knock off the World champion and earn a future top title shot.

Orton went back on the offensive smashing Ziggler into the turnbuckle with a catapult, followed with a shoulderbreaker slam, and made a cover, but Ziggler kicked out in time. The crowd was hot with an RKO chant, but Orton measured Ziggler for a Punt and Ziggler intercepted with a superkick for a close nearfall. Ziggler tried the Zig-Zag, but Orton avoided and flung Ziggler into the ropes for an elevated DDT. Orton then dropped down to the mat and pounded the mat to set up for the RKO, which popped the crowd. However, Ziggler countered with a sleeperhold attempt, only to have Orton toss him off the ropes, throw him into the air, wait for Ziggler to bounce up, and deliver the RKO center-ring. It wasn't completely smooth, but effective as another innovative RKO counter finisher. Orton made the cover for the win heading into Tuesday night on Smackdown.

WINNER: Orton at 12:27. Strong match and good focus on Ziggler hanging with the champion in defeat. Ross's commentary was very strong and Cole was actually normal to create a strong one-two dynamic for the call of a serious match. (**1/2)

2 -- THE MIZ vs. C.M. PUNK

Cole sided with Miz that Hunter is too wrapped up in the Punk-Nash issue, which has caused Miz and other aspects of the program to be neglected. Ross said Miz can get noticed again by winning this match. Cole then asked if Nash-Punk is the right booking by Hunter. Lawler said he doesn't think it will end the controversy, though, because they still don't know who's behind the text messages and phone calls. "How is that match going to resolve anything?" he asked. Lawler, after killing the hype for the match, covered by saying he still wants to really see that match.

Cole reset the show at the top of the hour and noted Hunter has introduced a "new concept" with Raw and Smackdown stars on the same show for the foreseeable future. As for the match, Miz scored a close nearfall with a spike DDT before going to a reverse chinlock to wear down Punk. The announcers went back to the Conspiracy Theory on whether Hunter is involved in the whole Kevin Nash re-hiring scheme. Lawler said this all started when Hunter came back on the scene. (It's inevitable they're going to re-visit the Clique's Hall of Fame ceremony huddle four months ago.) Lawler asked what role Stephanie is playing. Cole asked what role "Johnny" Laurinaitis is playing. Miz maintained control of the match and flung Punk over the top rope to the floor. Cole claimed Miz was dominating the match, which drew Lawler's ire, and they cut to break at 7:45.

Back live, Cole welcomed the audience back to a match trending on Twitter right now. Punk came back on Miz with a rolling belly-to-back side suplex that resulted in a two count. Punk then followed with a springboard clothesline. He teased the G2S, only to have Miz counter with a Skullcrushing tease, but Punk ended the exchange with a backbreaker for a nearfall. The match moved up top as Ross questioned Punk's strategy and Cole continued to mock Ross's accent. Punk eventually set up for and delivered a Macho Man flying elbow. Punk wanted the G2S, but R-Truth came down to the ring to cause a DQ.

WINNER: Punk via DQ at 13:56. A bit of a "comedown" match for the crowd before they came to life near the end. The match should have meant more with proper hype. (*3/4)

3 -- SIN CARA vs. JACK SWAGGER

The mood lighting kicked in about five seconds into the match. Early miscommunication between Sin Cara and Swagger before Swagger rolled to the outside. Sin Cara became frustrated when Swagger was out of position for a spot on the outside. He eventually executed a springboard moonsault. Back in the ring, Swagger cut off Sin Cara as Vickie slowly made her way to ringside for a closer look. About a minute later, Ziggler came to ringside to argue with Vickie. Ziggler then hopped on the ring apron to taunt Swagger and Sin Cara took advantage with a springboard DDT. Sin Cara then slowly rolled to the ring apron and executed a springboard dive, then a springboard moonsault. Sin Cara with the pin and the win. Post-match: Ziggler told Vickie, "See?" implying Swagger isn't worth her time. Ziggler stomped off, demanding Vickie leave with him. Vickie was slow to leave, continuing to look into the ring as Swagger recovered.

WINNER: Sin Cara at 2:56. The crowd can't tell the difference between real and fake Sin Cara, which is what WWE is hoping for. Meanwhile, the Vickie-Dolph-Jack issue continues to simmer another week.

4 -- WWE tag champions AIR BOOM (EVAN BOURNE & KOFI KINGSTON) vs. MICHAEL MCGILLICUTTY & DAVID OTUNGA -- WWE Tag Title match

Lawler continued to "evaluate the performance" of the challengers as Mike took it to Bourne early on. Lawler said Otunga is married to Jennifer Hudson, and if not, the only thing he would be saying into the mic is "Do you want fries with that?" Lawler continued to heel on the challengers, saying they put him to sleep. Lawler said he would take them under his wing and give them constructive criticism. Kingston eventually hot-tagged and cleaned house. Kingston scored with a high, turnaround cross-body splash from the top rope before the action broke down. Kingston then tossed Bourne over the top rope onto Otunga. Back in the ring, Kingston dropped Mike with Trouble in Paradise and it was over. Air Boom retains.

WINNERS: Air Boom at 2:25. Now, everyone gets to move along. Air Boom gets another opponent at Night of Champions and Otunga will apparently be feuding with Lawler.

5 -- Divas champion KELLY KELLY (w/Eve) vs. BRIE BELLA (w/Nikki Bella)

Kelly putting her 15 match TV/PPV winning streak on the line and Brie putting her 9 match losing streak on the line here. Before the match started, Cole noted Kelly will be defending the Divas Title at Night of Champions. As Brie dominated early on, they cut to a shot of Beth and Natalya watching intently on a backstage monitor. For the finish, Eve was KO'ed ringside during a scrap, drawing Kelly and the ref's attention. The Bellas pulled the Switcheroo in the background, then, back in the ring, Nikki dropped Kelly with a facebuster for the pin and the win. The Streaks are over.

WINNER: Brie (actually Nikki) at 2:10. Basic booking Week 3 of Week 5 building to Night of Champions for Kelly's eventual title defense.

6 -- JOHN CENA & SHEAMUS vs. MARK HENRY & CHRISTIAN

The heels focused on an injured Sheamus early in the match as Cena tried to encourage Sheamus to make a tag. Christian targeted the ribs to continue wearing down Sheamus before Henry tagged back into the match. Henry continued to wear down Sheamus while getting into it with the referee. The crowd was quiet before Sheamus came back on Christian with the Irish Curse backbreaker. The crowd came to life for a Cena hot tag tease and the tag was made. Cena cleaned house before setting up Christian for the Five Knuckle Shuffle and connecting. Cena wanted the AA, but Christian slipped out. Cena then hit a corner splash before delivering a sandbag toss. Christian tried to come back with a turnaround splash, but Cena caught him in mid-air. Christian avoided the AA, but couldn't avoid the STF. Henry broke it up, though. Henry then fell to the outside and Sheamus took him out with a running splash from the ring apron. Back in the ring, Christian speared Cena, but Cena kicked out. Cena avoided the Killswitch, then Christian ate the Brogue Kick, and Cena delivered the AA on Christian for the pin and the win.

WINNERS: Cena & Sheamus at 6:43. Basic main event. But, why would anyone want to see Christian challenge for the World Title tomorrow night? The bigger hook came next...

Arcademan:
WWE Smackdown Results: 8-30-11

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

1 -- JOHN CENA vs. WADE BARRETT

Immediately back from break, Cena charged Barrett after the bell sounded. Mathews hyped this as one of two main events tonight. Cole noted Del Rio did not show up tonight, so they're focusing on Cena-Barrett tonight. Cena ran over Barrett with a clothesline, then a corner splash before delivering a sandbag slam. Cena followed with a right hand strike, but walked into a Sidewalk Slam from Barrett for a two count. Cena came right back with a sit-out slam and the comeback routine ensued. After a Shuffle, Cena set up for the Attitude Adjustment, flashed a big smile, and easily connected with little resistance from Barrett. Cena with the pin and the win. Afterward, Cena gave his armband to military personnel ringside before posing in the ring again. Cena left the ring, continuing to be in a jovial mood.

WINNER: Cena at 3:16. This felt like a flashback to the TLC PPV in December when Cena buried Barrett under a pile of chairs. This was all about enhancing Cena ahead of Night of Champions, which is fine, but why put Barrett in this position? Barrett's nine-month recovery process from TLC just took a hit.

2 -- SIN CARA vs. DANIEL BRYAN

Mood lighting in effect here. Bryan quickly cleared Cara to the outside and landed a flying suicide elbow that sent Cara into the guardrail. Back in the ring, Bryan delivered kick strikes as Cole intentionally ignorantly knocked Bryan's submission arsenal. Bryan then slapped on a surfboard stretch that Cara escaped before dumping Bryan to the outside. Cara tried a flying move to the outside, but Bryan avoided. Cara came back with an ugly-looking (compared to the real Sin Cara) springboard splash.

Back in the ring, Sin Cara landed a chop to the chest before the two men knocked each other down with a mid-air collision. Cara was the first man up and delivered a series of kicks to the leg. Bryan fired back with kick strikes of his own before taking an inverted Torture Rack slam. Sin Cara then followed up with his combination springboard dive and moonsault for the pin and the win. Cole declared Bryan has plummeted in Booker's Fave Five rankings.

Post-match: Cara extended his hand to Bryan for a handshake. Suddenly, Sin Cara turned around to kick Bryan in the face. Ref Armstrong held him back as Cole called it awesome. Cara then slowly left the ring.

WINNER: Sin Cara at 5:01. Interesting post-match development to apparently give Bryan and Cara a legitimate program on Smackdown. It's a risky decision turning Cara heel since the character is actually selling merchandise and building momentum, but we'll see how it plays out.

3 -- Divas champion KELLY KELLY & ALICIA FOX vs. BETH PHOENIX & NATALYA

Back from break, Aksana was in the ring to introduce a Divas tag match. First out were Beth Phoenix and Natalya focused on the business at hand. Divas champion Kelly Kelly was out next, joined by Alicia Fox, who has gone back and forth between heel and face more times than Mr. Anderson lately. The heels isolated Kelly early on. Alicia then tagged in and cleaned house before Beth cut her off and delivered the Glam Slam for the win.

WINNERS: Beth & Natalya at 2:01. Decisive win for the Divas of Doom to keep them strong leading to Night of Champions.

The next segment of the show was the match signing between Triple H and C.M. Punk. Nice verbal confrontation followed by Nash jumping in at the end and flooring both guys.

4 -- SHEAMUS vs. GREAT KHALI (w/Jinder Mahal)

The announcers talked as if last night's main event never happened when Sheamus worked through the ribs injury to pick up a win with Cena. Khali targeted Sheamus's chest and ribs early on before applying a vice grip. Sheamus came back with a kick to the knees before pounding on Khali's chest with ten punches in the ropes. Sheamus followed with a running knee before smiling to the crowd. He went up top and delivered a flying shoulder tackle that knocked down Khali. Sheamus wanted the Brogue Kick, but Mahal slipped into the ring to attack Sheamus from behind, causing a DQ.

Post-match: Khali tossed Sheamus over the top rope, per Mahal's instructions. Khali then tried to smash Sheamus into the ringpost, but Sheamus moved and Khali ate the post. Mahal picked up where Khali failed and landed blows before throwing Sheamus back into the ring. Mahal took a sledge to the chest, though, before Sheamus delivered the Celtic Cross clear across the ring. Sheamus stood tall as the heels recovered ringside.

WINNER: Sheamus via DQ at 2:49. Nice showcase for Sheamus to give a Smackdown star some shine on a Raw-heavy episode thus far.

5 -- World Hvt. champion RANDY ORTON vs. CHRISTIAN -- World Title match -- steel cage match

Christian tried to bolt for the door to exit quickly, but Orton cut him off and nailed a textbook dropkick that KO'ed Christian for a two count. They suddenly cut to break 55 seconds in.

Back from break, Christian was in control, but Orton cut him off with clothesline. Mathews said it was pretty even during the break. Orton teased the RKO, but Christian avoided, only to take a back body drop. Orton smiled and tried to walk out of the cage, but Christian grabbed his foot to keep him in the ring. Christian then tossed Christian into a cage wall to cut off the champ. Christian tried climbing over a wall, but Orton pulled him down and scored a two count with a quick roll-up. Christian came back with sustained offense and did the belt-around-the-waist motion while Cole hyped Christian as "one of the greats of all-time." So odd hearing Cole hype Christian.

As Christian teased an escape, Orton came back on Christian with stomps and kicks before Christian cut him off again. Christian then tried to climb over a wall, but Orton pulled him down to the top turnbuckle. Orton smiled, then paid homage to Papa Orton with a superplex clear across the ring. Mathews then sent it to another break with both men on the mat selling.

Five minutes before the top of the hour, they returned with Christian about to escape the cage through the door, but Orton dragged him back into the cage. Orton then sent Christian flying head-first into a cage wall. Nice, safe, dangerous-looking spot. Orton followed with a snap powerslam for a nearfall. Counters and exchanges ensued, like so many of their other matches. Christian then tried to escape over the cage, but Orton pulled him down. Christian fought him off, though, and landed a high-impact frog splash for a two count only.

Christian tried to crawl out of the door, but paused too long, giving Orton an opening to drag Christian back into the cage. Christian fought off Orton, then tried a spear, but Orton blocked. Christian blocked the RKO, then hit a spear for another nearfall. What an exchange. Booker said they're doing it like it's supposed to be done. Christian was the first man to his feet, then he slowly backed away to an opposite corner. He went for Orton's Punt, but Orton moved. Christian teased a sunset flip that Orton tried to counter with an RKO, but Christian pump-faked him and tried to climb out, only to have Orton grab him and deliver a walking slam.

They reset center ring a minute before the top of the hour with Orton winning the exchange to set up the spike DDT. Orton then wanted the RKO, but Christian emphatically blocked. Christian went to the cage wall and tried to climb over. He got to the other side of the cage, but Orton grabbed him to stop Christian from climbing out. The two men sat on top of the cage trading blows before pausing to sell exhaustion.

The two men fought back inside the cage while standing on top of the turnbuckle. Christian teased a top-rope Unprettier, but Orton blocked and bashed Christian's head into the cage wall multiple times. Orton suddenly grappled Christian for an RKO, paused, and delivered a Super RKO from the top turnbuckle. Orton was slow to make a cover, but made the cover and it was good for the win. Orton and Christian paused for a moment to share words on the moment as the crowd cheered for Orton.

WINNER: Orton at 18:35 to retain the World Title. Another excellent encounter in this series. The two mid-match commercial breaks took this down a notch, but the final ten minutes of uninterrupted action was amazing storytelling. (***3/4)

Arcademan:
WWE NXT: 8-30-11

The show this week was a video package focusing on the 'graduates' of NXT: PWTorch.com (direct link to Caldwell's complete report).

Immediately after the conclusion of the live Super Smackdown on Syfy, this week's WWE NXT episode opened with a video package focusing on the Graduates from NXT. Matt Striker was in the WWE Studio to set the stage for tonight's highlight show.

-- Striker introduced Wade Barrett as the first "graduate" they focused on.
-- A music video-style video package on Brodus Clay brought them back from break for Striker to hype Clay.
-- Striker recapped Season 3 of NXT focusing on the Divas. It was all about chaos, including a wedding between Aksana and Goldust. Striker then introduced a video on A.J., who is now part of the Smackdown roster.
-- Back from break, they focused on Justin Gabriel returning to South Africa on the recent South African tour. In the studio, Matt Striker shared a story about his sister being into Gabriel. Striker fed to match action from Gabriel vs. Kidd on Smackdown two weeks ago.
-- Next, Striker plugged Alex Riley breaking loose of Miz. Speaking of which, Daniel Bryan had to break free of Miz. Cue up video from Season 1 of NXT. Next, Bryan became Mr. Money in the Bank, something Miz knows about. They went to full-length match footage from Smackdown's MITB ladder match at the MITB PPV in July. [Break] NXT returned from break for the finish of Smackdown's MITB ladder match. This took care of about 15-20 minutes of NXT. Back in the studio, Striker hyped Bryan's victory and noted Bryan plans to cash in at Money in the Bank.
-- Back in the studio, Striker plugged Triple H's new movie and said Hunter's character is similar to the Rookies of Season 5 seeking redemption. Striker said each Rookie has stepped up his game on the current season. Cue up a video package focusing on the success and failure of the NXT5 Rookies. Lots of footage of the now-departed Pros and Rookies from earlier in the five-month-long season. The video went through the eliminations thus far before focusing on the Final Three of O'Neil, Bateman, and Young. And that's how the show closed.

Arcademan:
WWE Superstars Results: 9-1-11

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

1 -- EZEKIEL JACKSON vs. HEATH SLATER

Korpela inexplicably described Jackson as one of the hottest Superstars in WWE as of late despite recently dropping the IC Title to Cody Rhodes and losing the re-match. Korpela backed his argument by drawing attention to Jackson putting Great Khali in the Torture Rack last week on Smackdown. Slater tried to find an opening for some offense early on, but Jackson cut him off and took his time taking Slater apart. Slater missed with a corner attack, then stumbled right into the Torture Rack. Jackson locked in Luger's finishing hold and Slater was forced to tap out. Korpela said Jackson is back on-track for the IC Title.

WINNER: Jackson via submission at 3:08. Fine showcase for Jackson.

2 -- BRODUS CLAY vs. BRANDON JAMES

Nice piece of work from Korpela noting Clay's last three opponents have not been released from the hospital yet. Korpela tried to congratulate Clay on bringing a baby boy into the world last week, but Striker cut him off and said he's not human. Clay had an easy pin, but opted to keep the match going. He then finished off Brandon with his giant shoulder tackle and it was good for the win. And

WINNER: Clay at 0:57. Clay continues to improve on his squash match times, this time finishing under one minute.

3 -- ZACK RYDER vs. TYSON KIDD

Striker used the "belt" terminology to describe Ryder's title as opposed to an official "championship" or "title." Korpela with an early New Kids On The Block reference after saying Ryder is a big fan of boy-bands. Kidd and Ryder felt each other out before Ryder found himself on the ground. Kidd smashed Ryder with a double-foot kick through the ropes before pounding him back into the ring. Ryder tried to come back with the Rough Ryder, but Kidd cut him off. Moments later, Ryder tried it again and connected this time. The crowd applauded as Ryder scored the pin and the win. Striker ate crow and said maybe Ryder belongs in WWE.

WINNER: Ryder at 4:43. Basic booking with Kidd having most of the offense before Ryder scored the win.

4 -- JOHN MORRISON vs. R-TRUTH

The bell sounded and the two men stood their ground in the ring before circling around and locking up. Even exchange to start before Truth snapped on Morrison with right hand blows and taunted the crowd. Morrison fired back with a clothesline that sent Truth to the floor. Morrison then parkour'ed Truth with a flying chuck kick off the ring steps. Morrison made an immediate cover back in the ring, but Truth kicked out. They cut to break with the action ongoing in the ring.

Back from break, Truth was working on Morrison before Morrison suddenly got a burst of energy. Truth absorbed repeated shots, then cut off Morrison and went back to a reverse chinlock. The crowd tried to rally behind Morrison as the announcers speculated on what it will take to end this feud and rivalry. Moments later, Truth got too wound up talking to himself and walked right into an enziguiri that put both men on the mat. Morrison then made his comeback and scored a series of close nearfalls.

Morrison teased Starship Pain, but Truth moved, then hit his flip-over jawbreaker for a nearfall. Truth was sure it was a conspiracy and told Charles Robinson how he felt about it. The action moved up top at 11:00 and Morrison knocked Truth to the mat. Morrison balanced himself on the top turnbuckle, then went for a unique SSP, but Truth blocked with his knees. Truth followed with his "Little Jimmy" paydirt finisher and it was good for the win. The crowd was not pleased as Truth went back to taunting them. After a replay of the back-and-forth conclusion, they cut back to Crazy Truth for a final shot to close the show.

WINNER: Truth at 11:32. Nice match continuing to build on their series of matches. Truth picking up the win was expected with him being featured more prominently on TV, whereas WWE is hot/cold on Morrison. (**1/4)

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