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The Official Wrestling Thread (now with more news and stuff)
Arcademan:
TNA Impact Wrestling Results: 9-1-11
Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Evans' complete report). Condensed here to in-ring results only.
1 -- GUNNER vs. ROB VAN DAM -- BFG Series match
The wrestlers made their entrances and Matt Morgan is on commentary, which I really like for these matches. They’ve kept him incorporated without him being in the ring. Samoa Joe came out on the ramp right in the beginning of the match and Morgan got up to stop him while the match was going on. Morgan tried to stop Joe from going to the ring, but got a boot to the groin by Joe. Joe remained lurking around the ringside area. Gunner went for a suplex on the ropes that was reversed awkwardly by Van Dam. RVD then went on a flurry of offense including kicks and slams. RVD hit Rolling Thunder for a two count. Gunner came back with a clothesline.
And here comes Jerry Lynn. How many outsiders can they include in one match? RVD left the ring and told Lynn to leave the ringside area. RVD returned to the ring. Second awkward move of the match – RVD coming off the top rope with a single leg kick. Lynn came back down and pushed RVD off the top rope to allow Gunner to make the cover. Lynn had a huge grin on his face after the match.
WINNER: Gunner via pinfall.
EVANS'S KEY POINTS: RVD and Jerry Lynn could be a good wrestling feud, although they need a better story than: “I was trying to help you by getting you DQ’d, and you didn’t appreciate it!” Good for Gunner. Here’s hoping he shows something. I wish RVD and Gunner could have gone for a solid 7-8 minutes.
2 -- BRIAN KENDRICK & JESSE SORENSEN vs. AUSTIN ARIES & KID KASH
On paper, this match could be awesome. Granted, I haven’t seen much from Sorensen. Kash and Kendrick had a nice exchange to start things off. Aries complained that Kendrick was grabbing Kash’s hair...hilarious. Sorensen was tagged in and was pummeled by Kash before Kash tagged out to Aries. (On side note, Aries vs. Angle would be amazing.) Sorensen avoided a double team and crawled over to Kendrick for a tag. Kendrick came in to little reaction. He hit a bunch of leg lariats on Aries and Kash before Aries regained control. All four got in the ring and they hit a sick-looking Tower of Doom from the top rope that made it seem like Aries was dead. Moments later, Aries hit a nasty flying tackle onto Sorensen. Kendrick then dove onto Kendrick and the two brawled to the stage. Kash hit Sorensen with a top rope clothesline. He looked to be in control, but Sorensen snuck a pin in and got the duke. Kash freaked out.
WINNERS: Sorensen & Kendrick when Sorensen pinned Kash.
EVANS'S KEY POINTS: So much talent here. These guys could all be big players in TNA. The match did a lot to advance X Division feuds, especially Kash vs. Sorensen. Here’s hoping they are giving this program some effort. I like that Kendrick and Aries are being booked as equals, and Sorensen is being booked as lucky. However, like usual, it was too much in one segment to digest.
3 -- Knockouts champion WINTER vs. MICKIE JAMES -- Knockouts Title match
I'll admit it, I like Winter's theme. Mickie went right at Winter leading to some good wrestling early on with these two. Winter started out technical, and then when that didn’t work, she started biting. It shows a lot about her character. Angelina blatantly tried to give Winter the title to use as a weapon, so Hebner ejected her. Winter went back to work on Mickie with knees to the back. Mickie took control back with a single leg crab. Winter broke the hold, then Mickie went for a DDT, but Winter escaped. Mickie went for it again and scored a DDT, but Winter got a foot on the rope for a break on a pin attempt. Winter hit a sweet-looking enziguiri, but Mickie kicked out. (Announcers need to stop saying, “And that’s it. This match is over!” when it never is.) Moments later, Mickie got a side kick on Winter, scoring the win and the title.
WINNER: Mickie to capture the Knockouts Title.
EVANS'S KEY POINTS: Well, that was a short title reign. What ever happened to non-title matches? Two very talented performers with a very weak storyline.
4 -- A.J. STYLES vs. DANIELS -- Final Showdown
Some video packages highlighting all of the battles the two have had throughout the years in TNA would have been great to highlight the importance of this so-called Last Match Ever. Coming in, I was hoping they would get a good 15-20 minutes. Styles went for a quick cover and the two had a stand off. Daniels looked to be getting frustrated early and Tenay pointed it out. Daniels went for a cool-looking pin attempt, but Styles quickly rebounded with a nice dropkick. Daniels regained control with a headlock. Styles took Daniels down and hit a knee drop for a close cover. Styles hit an extremely effective-looking suplex for a pin attempt. There was a very cool spot where both men attempted dives on the outside, only to have Styles hit a hurancanrana from the apron on Daniels.
Back in the ring, Styles locked on a submission, but Daniels made it to the ropes. (I like the story they are telling with Daniels not being able to build momentum in this match. If they are setting up for a heel turn, this would be the way to book it.) Daniels hit the STO and then a series of forearms and an enziguiri. Styles was quick to rebound with a springboard clothesline for a two-count.
Styles and Daniels exchanged chops, then Styles hit a Pele kick on Daniels, taking him down to the corner. Styles went for the reverse DDT off the rope, but Daniels anticipated. Daniels went for a moonsault, but Styles anticipated. They exchanged a few reversals as Tenay pointed out that these two know each other so well. Styles went for a top rope move, but slipped and Daniels scored the cover. After the match, Styles went to shake Daniels hand, but Daniels refused and continued his victory celebration before they abruptly cut away.
WINNER: Christopher Daniels via pinfall.
EVANS'S KEY POINTS: It's unfortunate how quickly they fly through stuff on this show. Why not give this another ten or twenty seconds to let Tenay and Taz speculate as to why Daniels reacted the way he did? Maybe have Styles get on the microphone and say something like, “Hey, I gave you the match and you can’t even shake my hand?” Something! TNA needs to stop moving at warp speed. Other than that, I thought this was a great match with both men giving a nice effort and telling a good story. I liked how Daniels got the win on a fluke, but is still celebrating the win as if he defeated Styles outright. Interesting to see where TNA will go with this.
5 -- TNA World Hvt. champion KURT ANGLE vs. STING -- TNA World Title match -- Hulk Hogan ringside enforcer
Sting was able to frustrate Angle enough to make him powder out. Hogan give Angle a pep talk and he returned to the ring, only to be clotheslined again by Sting. Sting took the fight to the outside and tossed Angle in the barricade and steps. Sting went for a Stinger Splash, but Angle countered into a belly-to-belly suplex. That was awesome. Angle applied a rest hold. Sting powered out with a side suplex. Both men were down and the ref started the count, but they made it back up by seven. Sting started a flurry of offense including a boot and a DDT. He made the cover, but Angle kicked out.
Angle went for the trifecta of suplexes and succeeded, then went for a cover, but only got two. Sting hit the Scorpion Death Drop for a great nearfall. Sting went for the Scorpion Deathlock, but Angle reversed it into the Anklelock. Sting pushed off. Sting went for another Death Drop, but Angle reversed it into an Angle Slam. Sting locked on the Deathlock, but Gunner ran down. The ref tried to stop Gunner, so he missed Angle tapping out. Sting also became distracted by Hogan, which allowed Angle to get the Angle Slam on a steel chair for the win. After the match, Immortal came down to beat on Sting, until Mr. Anderson showed up and cleared house.
WINNER: Angle via pinfall to retain the TNA World Title.
EVANS'S KEY POINTS: Sting can now cry sour grapes and say that he got Angle to tap. It looks like Sting is moving into a match with Flair next, which eventually lead to a match with Hogan. Last week, Angle demanded no one interfere in his match, but this week it’s okay? I don’t get it.
OVERALL SHOW KEY POINTS: TNA seems to be in too much of a rush. This was way too much to lump into two hours and yet...not enough. TNA sped through the A.J. Styles vs. Christopher Daniels post-match, sped through Kid Kash and Sorensen's feud, and sped through the Mickie James vs. Winter post-match. It forces viewers to turn their focus off as TNA bounces around from segment from segment, not getting attached to any character. This is solely on TNA, as they are not signifying that anything is overly important. They are reinforcing to viewers that each segment is of equal importance, and that is simply not the case.
Arcademan:
WWE RAW Results: 9-5-11
Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Caldwell's complete report). Condensed here to in-ring results and random commentary.
- C.M. Punk came out to chat, heeled on Nash. Nash came out to confront him. Triple H came next. Nash called Punk a cancer that needs to be rid of from the WWE (IRONY!). Nash starts pushing Triple H. Trips knocks down Nash and then fires him. Punk says "Good luck in your future endeavors".
1 -- WWE tag champions AIR BOOM (EVAN BOURNE & KOFI KINGSTON) vs. GREAT KHALI & JINDER MAHAL
Cole and Jim Ross noted it's a pivotal match for Jinder and Khali after Sheamus took them apart on Super Smackdown this past Tuesday. The announcers resumed a discussion on Hunter-Nash as Ross wanted an answer on why Laurinaitis left with Nash. Cole then asked Jerry Lawler for his thoughts on having a match against McGillicutty and Otunga tonight. Lawler re-directed to more Laurinaitis discussion - asking Ross if Hunter or Laurinaitis has more stroke. The heels isolated Bourne throughout the first 2:30 of discussion before Kofi tagged in and landed signature offense on Mahal. Khali then sort of pulled the top rope, causing Kingston to go flying to the floor. A double-team attack on Kofi back-fired, though, and it set up Kofi for a tag to Bourne. The crowd came to life as Bourne set up and delivered Air Bourne on Mahal for the pin and the win. After a replay, they cut back to the tag champs celebrating in the ring. Lawler said these guys have personality and charisma, unlike Otunga & McGillicutty.
WINNERS: Air Boom at 3:15.
2 -- EVE vs. BETH PHOENIX (w/Natalya) -- #1 contender match to Divas Title
Back from break, Eve was in the ring for a #1 contender's match. Beth Phoenix then came out flanked by Natalya as Eve's opponent. Natalya also joined the announcers for a five-person booth on this match. Basic start with Beth working over Eve as Kelly and Natalya bickered on commentary. Eve made a comeback, but Beth finished her with the Glam Slam for the pin and the win. Afterward, Kelly tried to check on Eve, but Natalya blasted her from phone. Nattie and Beth stood tall in the ring to conclude the bit.
WINNER: Beth at 2:03 to become #1 contender.
3 -- C.M. PUNK vs. R-TRUTH (w/The Miz)
Back live, Truth was arguing with the crowd as the bell sounded. Punk finally locked up with Truth and tried to wear him down as they hit the top of the hour. Ross and Cole bickered back and forth with Cole doing more of that "evaluating the show within the show" non-sense before Cole reset the show at the top of the hour. As part of the reset, the announcers discussed the Nash-Hunter issue. In the ring, Punk dropped Truth with a dropkick that sent Truth to the floor. Miz consoled Truth, then got out of the way when Punk came flying at Truth with a suicide dive. Miz distracted Punk, though, giving Truth an opening to wear down Punk back in the ring.
Punk found himself on the outside again and Miz took him out with a chopblock while Truth had the ref distracted. Back in the ring, Truth wore down Punk, targeting the injured knee per Miz's handiwork. Cole was all over the place continuing to heel on Hunter and anyone else before Lawler tried to calm him down so the entire audience wouldn't turn the channel to tune out Cole. Meanwhile, the in-ring battle went up top and Punk delivered a superplex to stop Truth's momentum. Punk followed with a leg lariat, then a corner knee smash into a bulldog. Punk followed with a springboard clothesline and called for the end.
Punk wanted the G2S, but Truth slipped out and Punk sold the knee. Truth then hit a face-buster suplex for a two count. Truth tried to follow with an axe kick, but Punk avoided. Miz then grabbed Punk from the outside, drawing a dropkick through the ropes from Punk. The ref had enough of Miz and sent him packing to the back. Meanwhile, back in the ring, Truth tried to sneak up on Punk, but walked into the G2S anyways. Punk made the cover for the win.
WINNER: Punk at 9:45. With the short-sighted, quick set-up for Hunter-Punk, apparently they felt the need to add a double stipulation to give this match some juice when it should have been able to sell itself with proper build-up.
4 -- JERRY LAWLER & ZACK RYDER vs. DAVID OTUNGA & MICHAEL MCGILLICUTTY
The heels isolated Ryder early on as Cole tried to get under Ross's skin with repeated jabs. Lawler eventually hot-tagged into the match before the action broke down. Lawler found himself alone in the ring with Otunga and hit the fist drop, but Ryder demanded a tag. Lawler obliged and Ryder dropped Otunga with the Rough Ryder. It was good for the pin and the win. Cole heeled on Ryder, Lawler, and the audience as the winning duo celebrated on the way out of the ring.
WINNERS: Ryder & Lawler at 2:08. Heel Cole is as bad as he's ever been this week.
5 -- World Hvt. champion RANDY ORTON vs. HEATH SLATER -- non-title match
Orton quickly went to work on Slater, who came back with brief offense to allow the audience to rally behind Orton. Slater delivered a spinebuster for a two count before applying a reverse chinlock that showed a lot of light. Orton easily escaped, then nailed a clothesline. And another. Then, a snap powerslam. Orton followed with a trademark hanging DDT from the second rope before entering RKO mode. Orton measured Slater and delivered the RKO for the pin and the win.
WINNER: Orton at 2:56. Fine, formula match to showcase Orton's signature offense and give the fans a look at his finishing sequence without interruption.
6 -- JOHN CENA & SHEAMUS & JOHN MORRISON & ALEX RILEY vs. WADE BARRETT & JACK SWAGGER & DOLPH ZIGGLER & CHRISTIAN -- elimination eight-man tag match
Back from break, the match was already in progress with Barrett going after Riley. The action broke down momentarily with men coming in and out of the match before Ziggler and Swagger tried to apply a double submission on Morrison. Morrison eventually tapped out to Swagger, sending Morrison to the back at 2:30. Vickie Guerrero then came walking to ringside, drawing a smile from Swagger. Ziggler was annoyed by her presence as they abruptly cut to break.
Back from break right at the top of the hour, the heels were working over Riley in the heel corner. All seven men were still in the match with no eliminations during the break. The crowd got into the match at Cena's urging, and Riley made a comeback on Ziggler. Riley delivered an emphatic spinebuster, but Ziggler cut him off moments later. Ziggler then argued with Swagger, who shook it off and delivered a Vader Bomb on Riley before applying the Anklelock. Riley tapped out at 8:23, giving Swagger another elimination in the match.
Sheamus was in next to battle Swagger. Lawler noted Swagger was going the extra mile to impress Vickie tonight. After Swagger absorbed some blows from Sheamus, Barrett tagged in and battled Sheamus. Barrett tried to wear down Sheamus as Cena tried to fire up the crowd again. Sheamus made his comeback, then delivered signature forearm strikes to Barrett's exposed chest. Sheamus then went up top and connected with a shoulder tackle before clearing heels from the ring apron. Sheamus missed with a Brogue Kick, though, but didn't miss on his second try for a pin and elimination of Barrett at 11:55.
Christian tried to slide in for a quick pin on Sheamus, but Sheamus kicked out in time. Christian then slapped the taste out of Sheamus's mouth, which only angered Sheamus. Christian tried to run away and eventually hopped over the guardail, then ran to the other side of the arena. Both men were counted out in the process at 13:10. It looks like Sheamus and Christian will begin a feud on Smackdown.
So, it was Cena vs. Ziggler and Swagger. Cena did the slow entry into the ring to get the crowd behind his underdog position. Cena then entered the ring and went nuts on Swagger. But, Ziggler dropped him with a textbook dropkick. Swagger tried to take advantage with a cover, but Cena kicked out. Swagger and Ziggler began trading tags to wear down Cena as the crowd entered Dueling Chants mode. Meanwhile, Vickie had a big smile looking at Swagger as Swagger wore down Cena. Cena suddenly fired off a comeback and dropped both heels center-ring. Cena wanted a double Five Knuckle Shuffle and connected.
Cena couldn't put away either man, though, as they reset with Swagger delivered a belly-to-belly suplex. Swagger then tried a running Vader Bomb and connected. Swagger wanted to finish Cena, but Ziggler blind-tagged himself into the match. Ziggler argued with Swagger, then walked into the AA. Cena made the cover to eliminate Ziggler at 17:10. Swagger then immediately slapped on the Anklelock as the crowd rallied behind Cena, who countered into the STF moments later. Swagger tried to fight the hold, but he tapped out, giving Cena the win.
WINNERS: Team Cena at 17:45. Classic Cena finish typical for gauntlet or elimination matches to build up Cena's title quest. Swagger had a fine showing - probably the best he's looked in months - but it was to set up Cena's big escape into the STF after seemingly being in jeopardy. Del Rio had a good night until taking the AA at the end, but that's standard WWE booking. (**1/4)
Arcademan:
WWE NXT Results: 9-6-11
Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Caldwell's complete report). Condensed here to in-ring results only.
1 -- DERRICK BATEMAN & MAXINE vs. TITUS O'NEIL & A.J. (w/Hornswoggle)
Korpela noted Bateman and Maxine have bonded over their common spite for past NXT eliminations. He also noted Titus is fired up after the heels put their hands on his brother, Hornswoggle. Titus quickly took out his frustration on Bateman with repeated strikes before Bateman bailed to the heel corner to tag in Maxine. That forced a tag to A.J., who went after Maxine. After A.J. landed some offense, Maxine cut her off and tried to wear down Hornswoggle's love interest. A.J. eventually found an opening to tag in Titus, which brought in Bateman. Titus landed power offense before the action broke down. Once the Divas cleared out, Titus hit the sky-high bomb on Bateman for the pin and the win.
WINNERS: Titus & A.J. at 5:15. The usual NXT match this season with Titus coming out on top, then celebrating with Swoggle. As for Bateman, his story was sixth-most-important in this match behind Titus, A.J., Hornswoggle, Maxine, and the announcers.]
2 -- YOSHI TATSU vs. TYSON KIDD
Yoshi absorbed early blows from Kidd before attacking him with kick strikes. Yoshi knocked Kidd to the floor and they cut to break.
Back from break, Yoshi was still in control of the match, now in the ring. Yoshi knocked Kidd to the floor again, then measured him for a move on the floor, but Kidd avoided and rammed Yoshi back-first into the guardrail. Back in the ring, Kidd went to work on Yoshi for a few minutes. Yoshi eventually came back with a top-rope chop followed by a Muta-style strike on the mat for a two count.
Yoshi fired himself up and wanted to finish Kidd, but Kidd kicked his legs out from under him to cut off Yoshi's momentum. Moments later, Kidd lost momentum. Yoshi then went up top, but Kidd crotched him. Kidd tried a huracanrana, but Yoshi held onto the top rope to block. Yoshi followed with a top-rope spin kick and it was good for the pin and the win. Afterward, they went to a nice slow-motion replay of Yoshi's finisher. They cut back to Yoshoi for a close-up of his face as he sold the victory with determination.
WINNER: Yoshi at 10:28. A toned-down version of their matches focusing more on Yoshi's character change. Good action, though.
3 -- WILLIAM REGAL vs. DARREN YOUNG
Regal quickly taught Young a few lessons with elbow strikes, then knees in the corner. Regal then measured Young for the old crotch stomp, but acted like Steve Corino putting aside his heel tendencies for a simple elbow drop to the mid-section. Regal then knocked Young to the outside and beat him up some more. Regal dragged Young to the announce table, received Striker's headset, and asked Young if he wanted to apologize. "Never!" Young declared.
Back in the ring, Young did the old routine begging off, but Regal was wise to that old trick and stomped on his hand. Regal then went to work on Young's chest with forearm blows. Young finally found some offense with a basic whip to the turnbuckles that Regal sold like a gunshot to the back. Striker said old age is a concern for Regal as Young went to work on Regal. "This should be you, Striker!" Young shouted toward the announce table. Young then went to work on Regal, who made a comeback before doing the old trick of arguing with the ref while kicking Young in the lower regions as he was seated in the corner. Regal followed with an exploder suplex.
Suddenly, JTG showed up on the ring apron and Striker had enough, so he yanked JTG down off the apron and beat him up. Back in the ring, Regal nailed the Knee Trembler and it was good for the win. Striker grabbed the headset again and said JTG needs to mind his own business. For his final act, Striker unbuttoned his shirt and challenged JTG to come fight him in the ring. They signed off with Striker challenging JTG, Regal amused by JTG's attempted interference, and Young off-camera.
WINNER: Regal at 6:50. Regal is simply a master storyteller. Well done. The problem is the show continues to drift away from focusing on who the next "breakout WWE star is," which means this show will only be prolonged another month, two months, three months, longer?
Arcademan:
WWE Superstars Results: 9-8-11
Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Caldwell's complete report). Condensed here to in-ring results only.
1 -- MASON RYAN vs. JTG
Jimmy the Gimmick wanted nothing to do with Ryan early on. JTG continued to stall, which allowed the announcers to talk up Ryan. In classic small heel vs. big babyface fashion, JTG went after the legs to try to cut down Ryan. Ryan shook it off as Stanford noted he looks like a cartoon character or a superhero from a comic book. Ryan then delivered a series of backbreakers into a swinging slam. Ryan called for the end, which was a boot to the gut, a slow set up for a pumphandle slam, and a pumphandle into powerslam for the pin and the win. Cue up a replay of Ryan's dominating win before they showed him celebrating in the ring.
WINNER: Ryan at 3:08. Lots of work for Ryan. But, per WWE's mindset, they believe they can plug any big-man into that slot and the audience will eventually accept the person. That's unless WWE cools off on the person first.
2 -- TYLER REKS & CURT HAWKINS vs. TITUS O'NEIL & PERCY WATSON
Watson showed off his vertical leap with a leaping dropkick early on. The heels then cornered Watson and went to work on him while taunting Titus, who seemed lost without Hornswoggle in his corner. Percy broke free from Hawkins and tags were made to each partner. Titus came in hot on Reks before doing an Ultimate Warrior top-rope shake. Titus tried the sky-high bomb, but Hawkins broke it up and the action broke down. With the ref pre-occupied, Hawkins and Reks combined on a double-team powerslam/neckbreaker combo on Titus. It was good for the pin.
WINNERS: Reks & Hawkins at 3:47. Fortunately, no one pays attention to Superstars, as Percy's big "main roster TV debut" should be a bigger deal. Even with the cookie-cutter ex-NFL player look and toned-down gimmick from NXT, he still had more charisma than anyone else in the ring.
3 -- ALICIA FOX vs. TAMINA
Korpela noted a recent rift between the former allies because Tamina believes Fox has gone soft. Striker added some misogynistic commentary as Tamina worked over Fox to start the match. The announcers then focused on the Kelly vs. Beth feud leading to Night of Champions as Fox sold a nose injury. Interesting commentary ensued as they discussed Hunter-Punk and whether Vince McMahon will return to WWE if Hunter loses to Punk and relinquishes the COO title. In the ring, Fox fought back and nailed her axe kick finisher. Fox slowly rolled Tamina over to make the pin for the win to pick up the comeback win.
WINNER: Fox at 4:28.
4 -- BRODUS CLAY vs. ALLEN TURNER
Korpela noted Turner has been scouting the last several weeks and seen Clay destroy each week's opponent. Korpela then stressed Clay hasn't even been taken off his feet since returning. Clay delivered a t-bone suplex and took his time following up with a fisherman-buster suplex. Clay had the win less than a minute in, but pulled off the pin. Striker went back to his one-week run as an agent for Tyson Kidd, noting he sees dollar signs with Clay. Clay eventually nailed his running shoulder tackle for the easy pin and the win. They cut to a great crowd shot of an adult fan selling horror. After a replay, the announcers continued to hype Clay before shifting to Night of Champions hype.
WINNER: Clay at 1:23. Ol' Clay took his time on this one. Just more action footage to put on tape for a video package when Clay returns to the main roster.
5 -- DANIEL BRYAN vs. HEATH SLATER
Striker said their feud goes all the way back to... Money in the Bank, leaving out their NXT Season 1 history and one week of Bryan being part of Nexus with Slater last year. Bryan stretched Slater with various submission holds early in the match. Bryan followed with kick strikes to the back and chest that resulted in a two count. Bryan continued to assault Slater and control the match, almost toying with Slater. Striker gave a shout-out to Dean Malenko in reference to Bryan's arsenal of moves before Bryan nailed a textbook dropkick that sent Slater to the outside. They cut to break with Slater trying to collect himself on the floor.
Back from break, Slater actually had some offense. Meanwhile, Striker stressed the rarely-focused-on idea that a victory means more money and a chance to rise up imaginary rankings to earn future title shots. Slater, after landing a few moves, cockily played to the crowd before accepting another round of kick strikes. Korpela then got genuine laughter out of Striker when Korpela kissed up to Triple H and said Hunter's not listening anyways. Striker name-dropped the "released" Kevin Nash, too, as Bryan went flying through the ropes with a suicide dive on Slater.
Back in the ring, Bryan blasted Slater with more strikes, but Slater ducked a third shot and nailed a reverse bodyslam for a two count. Both men sold on the mat before Slater absorbed right hand blows and delivered a gutbuster for a two count. They started trading control before Bryan executed a DDT and flowed right into a guillotine choke. Slater immediately tapped out, giving Bryan the submission win. No replays, but a close-up of Bryan celebrating the hard-fought win closed the show.
WINNER: Bryan via submission at 12:16. It's official - Bryan can have a good match with anyone. Another solid piece of in-ring work from Bryan and Slater showed something in the ring as well. Nice conclusion to this week's show.
Arcademan:
TNA Impact Wrestling Results: 9-8-11
Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Keller's complete report). Condensed here to in-ring results and final segment.
1 -- BRITISH INVASION (Brutus Magnus & Douglas Williams) vs. BROTHER RAY & "THE POPE" D'ANGELO DINERO
Mexican America joined Tenay and Taz on commentary, with Anarquia doing all the talking. Anarquia said Jarrett is the Mexican Heavyweight Champion and now "he's one of us." Devon pinned Williams clean. This teaming of Devon & Pope came out of nowhere without any backstory provided before the match and words from Devon explaining his decision to team with him. British Invasion, at last glance, were babyfaces, and here they were basically jobbers. Devon and Pope seemed all friendly with each other, no teasing of tension, and handshakes afterward.
WINNERS: Devon & Pope when Devon pinned Williams in 3:00.
2 -- ERIC YOUNG vs. ROBBIE E. -- TV Title Match
Robbie tried to score a pin early with a foot on the middle rope for leverage. They plugged the Bellator tournament on MTV2 and EPIX. Taz said the X Division is like the Lightweight Division in Bellator. Alvarez said he's partial toward smaller guys because of their athleticism and conditioning. Young finished Robbie with a leaping piledriver.
WINNER: Young in 3:00 to retain the TV Title.
-Afterward Rob Terry attacked Young from behind, officially signaling that he had joined Robbie E. after all. He powerbombed Young and then made a mean face at the camera.
3 -- KURT ANGLE vs. MR. ANDERSON with Sting as special referee - World Hvt. Title Match
Jeremy Borash handled formal ring introductions. Angle was announced at 225 pounds, qualifying him for the X Division. TNA should have defined the X Division at 205 to match the UFC's Light-Heavyweight Division as 225 is UFC Heavyweight level size, which is just silly as a limit for the X Division. Anderson scored a very near fall at 4:00, but Angle fired back with three unreleased back suplexes for a near fall. Angle applied an anklelock. Anderson winced, then rolled out of it and hit a Mic Check for a believable near fall at 6:00. The ref got mistakenly hit. Angle then hit an Angle slam. As the ref counted, Sting yanked the ref out of the ring by his leg. Angle got up and complained. He was bleeped as he yelled at Sting. Anderson then hit Angle with the Mic Check. The ref was still at ringside arguing with Sting. Gunner then attacked Anderson, prompting the DQ call.
WINNER: Anderson via DQ so Angle retained the title. Very good seven minutes of action, but it didn't quite add up to a whole full fledged World Title match.
4 -- ANGELINA LOVE & WINTER vs. VELVET SKY & MICKIE JAMES
Taz wondered what that phone call was all about. Tenay said next week is Sting vs. Ric Flair, and said, "Top that!" Well, 80 minutes into the show and that's the first plug means it's being undersold by TNA because they have so much else going on. At 4:00 Winter sprayed blood-like liquid into Mickie's face leading to the pin. Tenay noted Winter challenges Mickie for the Knockouts Title at the PPV on Sunday.
WINNER: Winter & Love in 4:00.
5 -- BULLY RAY vs. GUNNER vs. BOBBY ROODE vs. JAMES STORM -- Four-Way
As the match was about to begin, Joe walked to ringside. Morgan attacked him from behind before he got to the ring. At 2:00 Storm and Roode just looked at each other after dropping both Ray and Gunner. Ray got up and jumped them. When Gunner went for a pin seconds later, Ray yelled at him and said, "Hey, I'm the one who's supposed to win!" After double-suplexing Gunner, Roode and Storm stopped and posed and yelled "Beer!… Money!" That gave Ray a chance to recover at ringside and re-enter and double-clothesline them. Ray gave Storm a urinage for a two count. Tenay said Beer Money's celebration may come back to haunt them. Ray gave Roode a Bubba slam. Gunner, though, then gave Ray a running knee to the chin for the win. Taz said he never saw that coming, then said, "Way to go, kid!"
WINNER: Gunner in 6:00.
-Jeff Hardy walked to the ring to his entrance music, but looked more sullen and humbled not showing the charismatic gestures and enthusiasm he usually does. He stood mid-ring and waited for his music to switch off. He got a mixed reaction from the crowd. He told the fans, "I do not deserve that, but thank you." He was presumably talking to those cheering him, not those booing him. He said he wanted to thank The Network first and foremost. He said the last time he was in the ring, "I was pathetic, I was messed up." He said he had a main event match against someone he's looked up to a long time and he failed miserably. "I let everybody down; I let myself down because I wasn't the main evener I know I am. I got here today in Huntsville and the stress, the doubt was overwhelming." He said he almost felt hated. He said he felt epode were still mad at him in the back, and he said they had every right to be. He said he can't change what happened at Victory Road, but he said he considers Victory Road his rock bottom and he asked for one more shot. He said he doesn't expect everyone to forgive him, but he said he can at least ask. He dropped the mic and left the ring as the show ended.
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