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Arcademan:
WWE Smackdown Results: 9-9-11

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

1 – MARK HENRY vs. EZEKIEL JACKSON

The bell rang as soon as the show returned from break. Henry wanted a test of strength(!) and Jackson agreed. Nice old-school move here. Jackson went down to his knees but a well-timed “Let’s Go Zeke” chant from the crowd got him to his feet. Henry suplexed him anyway. Jackson wanted another shot at it, and Henry locked hands, but then kicked Jackson in the leg. They struggled over a top wrist-lock, and Jackson went down again. Jackson with some body shots, then a Torture Rack attempt. No dice, as Henry was just too much man. Henry then went to ringside for a breather. Jackson came out after him, but Henry just put his boot up to knock Jackson down. He then rammed Jackson spine-first into the ring post. Back in the ring, big clothesline by Henry. Splash found the mark. A second one did the same. Next, and last, was the World’s Strongest Slam.

WINNER: Henry, at 2:59. Dominant performance for Henry. Wisely kept short.

2 – SIN CARA vs. TYSON KIDD

Kidd’s entrance was not shown. Kidd flipped out of a wrist-lock and the two traded counters and reversals. Headscissors by Cara and Kidd went to the outside. Cara flew off the top rope and onto Kidd on the outside. In the ring, a pin by Cara got two at :56. Cole tried to get Mathews to interview Cara after the match about his actions. Mathews said Cara doesn’t speak English. Hip-toss by Kidd sent Cara into turnbuckle. Kick to the back by Kidd for two. Mathews finally said he’d do it if Cole would shut up. Kick to the back of the head by Cara, who made his comeback. Springboard headbutt to Kidd’s chest for two. Cole called Booker T. out for his over-use of clichés. Roll-through by Kidd for two. Booker followed up Cole’s comments by saying Cara dropped Kidd “like a bad habit.” Cara connected on his finishing sequence of the springboard swanton and springboard moonsault for the pinfall.

WINNER: Cara, at 3:33. Added some nice athleticism to the show, especially juxtaposed against the opening match.

3 – KELLY KELLY vs. NATALYA

Phoenix accompanied Natalya to the ring. Face-buster out of the corner by Kelly for one at :16. Kelly choked Nattie with her legs in the ropes. However, Natalya kneed Kelly to the ringside mat. She then plowed into her again on the outside. Beth watched while sitting on the steps, legs folded. She looked very comfortable. In the ring, Nattie trash talked a fallen Kelly, then applied an abdominal stretch. Kelly tried to fight out, but was sent down by her hair. Hook of the leg, two-count at 2:01. Natalya trash talked some more, but Kelly slapped her. Nattie picked Kelly up for a possible Alabama Slam, but twirled her around anyway. Booker admitted to not knowing if Nattie was a second or third generation wrestler. She was about to lock in the Sharpshooter, but Kelly rolled her up for three.

WINNER: Kelly, at 2:56. Standard booking there, and Nattie doesn’t look too bad since it was a somewhat “lucky” finish.

4 – SHEAMUS vs. WADE BARRETT

Crowd was solidly behind Sheamus. The referee demanded a break in the corner, and it was clean. Headlock take-over by Sheamus. Shoulder knock-down followed, good for a two-count. Some hard shots by both men in the corner, but a back elbow floored Barrett. Barrett fled to ringside, and the count was on. He got back in at six. Elbows to the back of the head of Sheamus. The Irishman came back with more forearms and knees. Barrett sent Sheamus hard into the corner, where Sheamus hit chest-first just over 3:00 into the match. Flying elbow by Barrett for two. Barrett had Sheamus in a rear chin-lock as they went to break at 4:01.

Back at 7:33 of the contest, with Barrett still in control. Barrett had Sheamus wrapped in the ropes and rapped his head with knees. Running boot caused Sheamus to fall to ringside. Sheamus tried to fight back, and at 9:35, began to turn things around. He did run into a corner boot, but hit a powerslam anyway. Running knee by Sheamus with Barrett in the ropes. Off the top, he landed a flying shoulder tackle. As he signaled for the High Cross, Christian ran in for the DQ.

WINNER: Sheamus, via DQ, at 10:25. Very punchy-kicky, but other than that, nothing technically wrong with it.

Barrett joined in post-match for the double team, but Sheamus was able to fight out. Christian left the ring, so Barrett fell victim to the Brogue Kick. Christian then snuck to the top and tried to hit Sheamus, but Sheamus got the boot up. He set up for his finisher, but Christian snuck out the back to avoid further damage. The two men stared at each other, Christian on the ramp, and Sheamus in the ring, to end the segment.

5 – AIR BOOM vs. JINDER MAHAL & THE GREAT KHALI

This is a rematch from Raw, at the request of Mahal. Cole said Mahal was reading Khali the riot act backstage prior to the show. Bourne avoided a leapfrog and took Mahal down with a hurricanrana. Mahal pulled Bourne off the top by his foot, then clotheslined him out of mid-air, all in one motion. That was sweet. Tag to Khali, who kicked Bourne in the gut. Booker admitted he doesn’t care for the tag team name of Bourne and Kofi Kingston either. Khali worked over Bourne, then tagged Mahal again. Bourne countered a suplex and his jumping knee to the chin found the mark. Kingston got the hot tag at 1:52. Kofi was all over Mahal, then set up for the Trouble in Paradise. Mahal avoided it, but a springboard cross-body only got two. Bourne tried to cut off Khali, but Khali just tossed him out. Mahal took over and saw Khali in the ring. He screamed for Khali to get out, then slapped him. Khali pie-faced Mahal right into a Trouble in Paradise.

WINNERS: Air Boom, at 3:11. Seems early for a break-up of the heels.

6 – CODY RHODES vs. RANDY ORTON

Quick roll-up by Rhodes for two. Mathews said Rhodes underwent “mandatory facial reconstruction surgery.” Is “mandatory” really the best word to use there? Orton booted Rhodes in the gut. Overhead forearm on Rhodes, then a hard whip into the buckle. Rhodes reversed one, but Orton charged out of the corner with a clothesline. Thesz Press and Orton hammered away with rights. Rhodes headbutted Orton down. Orton came back and even headbutted Rhodes, despite the mask. High knee-drop, but Rhodes moved. Rhodes then went on the attack, looking to take out the knee Orton came up favoring. Orton attempted to set up Rhodes for the rope-assisted DDT, but Orton found himself on the apron and Rhodes hit the springboard enziguiri. Orton recovered on the outside as they went to break at 5:08 of the match.

Back at 9:34 with Rhodes sending Orton face-first into the buckle. Arm-lock by Rhodes, a unique submission maneuver. Top wrist-lock, but Rhodes used it to jam his knees into the mid-section of Orton. Rhodes continued to stay aggressive, not giving Orton much time at all to recover. Back to work on the left arm, after working the knee earlier on. Orton fought back with rights, but Rhodes connected with a knee-lift. Arm-bar by Rhodes. Rhodes missed a corner shoulder charge, but it barely slowed him. Alabama Slam for two at 13:06. Orton shoved Rhodes off on a bulldog attempt, but he fell to the mat as well. Orton slithered into position and landed some offense, including his rope-assisted DDT. He set up for the RKO at 14:40. Rhodes tried to avoid Orton by going out of the ring, then coming back in. Cross-Rhdoes was set up, but Orton countered. Springboard kick missed, but the RKO did not.

WINNER: Orton, at 15:20.

Right after the match, Mark Henry’s music hit and he walked to the ring. He entered the ring and the two men circled each other. Orton pounded away on Henry, but the RKO was avoided. Henry clobbered Orton. This all despite the “no-touching” edict laid out by Smackdown GM Theodore Long. World’s strongest slam by Henry, then another. The announcers were silent throughout this, including when Henry went to ringside to retrieve a chair. Henry sat down over Orton with the bottom part over Orton’s throat. He said he could’ve broken Orton’s leg, but he wants the title, the only reason he’s not going to break Orton’s leg. They went off the air right after Henry’s speech.

Arcademan:
TNA No Surrender PPV Results: 9-11-11 (next three posts)

Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Caldwell's ongoing report).

1 -- KID KASH vs. JESSE SORENSEN -- #1 contender's match to the X Division Title

Kash and Jesse went back-and-forth early on as the announcers talked about the new weight limit for the no-limits X Division. Taz threw out a Bischoff quote on the X Division being a "brand within a brand," which means nothing of substance. Kash then blasted Jesse with multiple kick strikes, followed by a front-face slam for a two count. Kash began taunting Jesse, who teased a comeback before Kash cut him off. Kash played to the crowd, then shoved ref Brian Hebner, who shoved back. Kash backed off, then slammed Jesse to the mat again. Kash wanted a top rope move and nearly botched a springboard moonsault, landing on Jesse's forehead. They reset, then went to the finish of Jesse countering a move into a slam that resulted in a pin out of nowhere.

WINNER: Sorensen at 7:55. Sloppy at times and Sorensen had a case of the over-sells. Not a strong opener. (*1/2)

2 -- BULLY RAY (49 pts) vs. JAMES STORM (40 pts) -- BFG Series match
 
Once the bell sounded, Ray stalled, then left the ring and ripped up a fan's sign. Ray returned to the ring, then stalled again. Back to the outside Ray went, which brought Storm to the outside to chase Ray back into the ring. Taz said everyone's had it with Ray trying to avoid fighting. This brought up a "Pussy Ray" chant. Ray teased re-entering a fourth time, but bailed when Storm tried to get at him. Storm turned his back in frustration, which allowed Ray to smash him from behind. Ray did a Stan Hansen shout & pose, then began working on Storm's lower back. Ray suddenly missed with a corner attack and Storm locked on a submission, but Ray bailed to the floor after escaping.
 
Back in the ring, Ray teased locking up with Storm, but ducked under the ropes to stall again. The crowd started its own "Beer...Money" chant before Storm finally got his hands on Ray to apply an armbar submission. Ray escaped, slid to the outside again, and Storm followed up with right hand strikes before smashing Ray's injured left arm into the ring steps. Ray blocked follow-up offense, though, took a swig of beer, distracted the ref with a chair, and spewed the beer in Storm's eyes to temporarily blind him. Ray then telegraphed a Bubba Bomb, which Storm countered into another submission. Ray made it to the bottom rope to escape, though, then Storm followed up with a Sharpshooter. Ray fought the hold, then crawled to the bottom rope for a break.
 
Storm reset with strikes to the injured shoulder before applying another armbar submission, Robert Roode style. Ray escaped, though. Storm then grabbed his beer, took a swig, and spewed the ref in the eyes on accident. Storm then applied a submission and Ray tapped out this time. The ref was slow to come around, then called for the bell. The crowd thought it was for Storm, but the ref ruled a DQ about 15 seconds after a DQ should have been rendered.
 
Post-match: Ray took the mic from So Cal Val after screaming at her, then declared himself as the next World Hvt. champion. Somewhere off-camera, Storm apparently knocked down ref Jackson James after the DQ finish. Tenay reviewed the leaderboard, which now has Ray with 52 points and Storm with 30 points. So, Roode and Gunner, with 42 points, can only tie via a submission victory in their match later on, which would then set up who knows what to determine the BFG Series winner.
 
WINNER: Ray via DQ at 11:48. Good story to the match with Ray stalling and Storm bringing out several submission moves that he can incorporate into his arsenal down the road as a singles wrestler. The only drawback to the match was the latest attempt to use Jackson James in a screwy referee-focused finish that didn't come off smoothly, yet again. (**)

3 -- Knockouts champion MICKIE JAMES vs. WINTER (w/Angelina Love) -- Knockouts Title match
 
Winter attacked Mickie from behind before the opening bell, but instead of ref Earl Hebner resetting the participants to ensure a clean start to the match, he called for the bell. One of those little things TNA consistently does that doesn't make any sense. The match started off with a basic formula of Winter wearing down Mickie to set up a comeback, then the match completely broke down with interference, mist-spewing, referee incompetence, and Winter pinning Mickie to re-capture the Knockouts Title while Mickie's face was covered in a rub substance, which ref Earl Hebner ignored. Post-match, medics checked on Mickie as Winter and Angelina regrouped since Angelina took mist in the confusion.
 
WINNER: Winter at 8:38 to capture the Knockouts Title. Just a complete booking mess and another title change continuing to hot-potato the title.

4 -- TNA tag champions MEXICAN AMERICA (HERNANDEZ & ANARQUIA w/Rosita and Sarita) vs. "THE POPE" D'ANGELO DINERO & BROTHER DEVON -- TNA Tag Title match
 
The challengers held the early advantage, then Rosita hopped on the apron to try to distract Pope, who forced himself onto Rosita for a cheap pop. Ref Jackson James lost control of the match, allowing the heel tag champs to take control in the confusion. The heels began working on Devon as Pope protested from his corner. Pope eventually took a hot tag at 7:00 and cleaned house before taunting Rosita. Pope followed with a top-rope cross-body splash on Anarquia for a two count. The action broke down again moments later and the tag champs collided mid-ring before Sarita randomly entered the ring. Rosita then tried a cross-body splash on Pope, who caught her in mid-air, then spanked her over her knee.
 
The match broke down again and Rosita got involved again. Anarquia then blocked a suplex by Pope as Rosita held down Pope's foot from the outside. Anarquia made the cover, Sarita continued to hold down Pope's foot, ref Jackson James ignored the outside aid, and Anarquia scored a pin for the win. Post-match, Pope laughed at the outcome as MA celebrated ringside.
 
WINNERS: Mexican America at 9:45 to retain the Tag Titles. Another over-booked mess that continued to set back TNA's tag division a few years.

Arcademan:
5 -- SAMOA JOE vs. MATT MORGAN
 
"Morgan, Morgan" chant as the opening bell sounded. Morgan landed early offense, but Joe came back with chop. Morgan then turned it around with hard chops and slaps of his own. Morgan followed with his rapid-fire elbow strikes in the corner that put Joe on the seat of his pants. Morgan followed with a running knee to the face, then a headbutt. The crowd chanted for Morgan as the match moved to the floor. Joe came back with right hand strikes, re-entered the ring, and delivered a flying elbow suicide dive. Joe popped up, then shot a double-bird gesture to the crowd before rolling Morgan back into the ring.
 
In the ring, Joe landed right hand jabs. Morgan came back with a corner attack, then uncharacteristically went up top, steadied himself, and landed a cross-body splash for a two count. Joe then yanked Morgan's arm across the top rope to regain control. Joe began targeting the left shoulder with throws, strikes, and submission holds. Morgan recovered to his feet and the two men started trading blows before Morgan rebounded off the ropes and delivered a discus clothesline to begin a comeback. Morgan fired himself up, then measured Joe for a corner splash and a sidewalk slam for a two count. Joe came back with a belly-to-belly throw after an awkward pause for a count, drawing a "Morgan, Morgan" chant.
 
They reset at 10:00 with Joe measuring Morgan for a rear-naked choke, but Morgan rammed Joe into the corner for a break. Joe re-applied, then brought Morgan to the mat with the hold firmly applied. Morgan stomped his foot trying to get the crowd to rally behind him, then he draped his foot across the bottom rope for a break. Joe had to control his temper arguing with Hebner, then he charged Morgan, but missed with a corner attack. Morgan followed right up with the Carbon Footprint and it was good for the pin. Post-match: Joe seethed as he collected himself on the mat and Morgan celebrated the victory.
 
WINNER: Morgan at 11:35. Solid singles match with a refreshingly clean finish. Good action and a nice back-and-forth creating the idea of Joe and Morgan on an equal level before Morgan used Joe's temper against him to score the win. (**1/2)
 
6 -- GUNNER (42 pts) vs. ROBERT ROODE (42 pts) -- BFG Series match
 
Roode quickly targeted Gunner's left arm to begin wearing him down for submission attempts. Gunner cut him off with a DDT straight into the mat, though, and began working on Roode's upper body. The two men began trading control and submission attempts before Roode delivered a spinebuster to reset the match. Roode followed with an armbar center-ring, but Gunner crawled across the ring on his belly to reach the bottom rope for a break. They exchanged holds again, then Roode re-applied the armbar. Gunner teased a rope break, but Roode transitioned to a Cross-face. Gunner fought the hold, but couldn't hold on and was forced to tap out, giving Roode the win.
 
Post-match: Eric Bischoff's music hit to bring out Bischoff to address Roode. Bischoff disingenuously congratulated Roode before telling him he just called out Bully Ray, which he can't back up in the ring. Bischoff said since Roode and Ray are tied atop the standings, they're going to settle it tonight.

WINNER: Roode via submission at 11:58. Nice focus on Roode to set up the finals. Good to see two consecutive clean, solid singles matches delivering good action viewers want to see. (**1/4)

7 -- X Division champion BRIAN KENDRICK vs. AUSTIN ARIES -- X Division Title match
 
Aries was out first, followed by Kendrick wearing his Sabu and Kamala-inspired pants while slinging the title belt around in the air like a toy. Once the bell sounded, Kendrick attempted an early armbar submission, so Aries rolled to the floor to take a breather. Aries bailed again moments later and Kendrick followed out, where he took a standing Russian legsweep into the ringpost. Back in the ring, Aries followed up with repeated offense targeting the back. Kendrick then came back with a pin attempt, but Aries got his foot on the rope, which ref Jackson James saw this time and stopped his count. Aries followed by throwing Kendrick clear over the top rope before flying through the ropes with a suicide dive that missed when Kendrick moved.
 
Back in the ring, the two men reset and started trading forearms. Aries then side-stepped a charging Kendrick and Kendrick went flying to the outside. Aries tried to follow with a twisting splash, but maybe caught two percent of Kendrick, causing both men to splatter on the floor with Kendrick selling that he took the blow. Back in the ring, they traded rapid-fire pin attempts before the PPV froze momentarily. It was stuck on Aries preparing to suplex Kendrick for about 15 seconds before the PPV returned with Kendrick delivered a suplex for a two count. They went to the finish, which started with the referee caught in the corner. Aries then delivered a kick that could have been low before landing a spinning brainbuster suplex. Aries made the pin for the win. Afterward, Aries did a victory parade in the ring before taking a victory lap ringside.
 
WINNER: Aries at 13:24 to capture the X Division Title. Solid, unspectacular match. Just good work for the most part. And, the right outcome to give the division a firm cornerstone champion to build upon. (**1/2)

Arcademan:
8 -- BULLY RAY (52 pts) vs. ROBERT ROODE (52 pts) -- BFG Series Finals
 
Once the bell sounded, the two finalists came face-to-face to "sell the moment," as the crowd chanted "Beer...Money," then "Pussy Ray." The two men started jawing with each other before Ray backed away to a neutral corner. He teased locking up before stalling, just like the match with James Storm. Ray then approached a man on the front row to intimidate him, but the large man stood up to stare down Ray, who backed away. Ray eventually re-entered the ring to lock up with Roode and begin the match. They got over Roode's toughness early on, as he absorbed a round of punches before delivering a big knock-down clothesline that sent Ray scurrying to the outside again.
 
Back in the ring, Ray locked up and delivered a shoulder block before channeling Stan Hansen again. Another lock-up and another shoulder block for a two count. Roode came back with a Crossface out of nowhere and Ray grabbed ref Earl Hebner to gain some leverage for a counter into a quick pin for a one count. Ray came back with a neckbreaker to target the neck and begin a methodical attack. Ray then delivered hard chops that Roode had enough off and no-sold before firing himself and the crowd up. Ray and Roode had a great tough-guy exchange before Roode backed Ray into the corner and delivered a flying neckbreaker for a two count.
 
At 12:00, Ray delivered a Bubba Bomb, but Roode kicked out in time. Ray sold frustration before going to the second rope for a flying butt splash that did not connect. Roode followed right up with a spinebuster nad made a pin near the ropes. It was good for the win, giving Roode the win and the BFG Series victory. Post-match: Roode sold exhaustion as blood spilled from his nose. Roode posed in the ring before doing the belt-around-the-waist motion. After a replay, they showed Roode celebrating in the crowd as Ray sold shock, then disappointment in the ring. Roode declared he's the next World Hvt. champion as he continued his celebration ringside. Good to see TNA actually stay in a moment rather than abruptly cutting away.
 
WINNER: Roode at 12:30. Very good singles match based on the story and hard physical exchanges. Roode is getting his main event shine and Ray continues to be a top-notch heel for TNA. Overall, a nice four-match sequence of strong singles matches with clean finishes. (***)

9 -- TNA World Hvt. champion KURT ANGLE vs. STING vs. MR. ANDERSON -- three-way TNA World Title match
 
Once the bell sounded, Angle bailed to the outside to let Sting and Anderson fight, but they opted to wait for Angle to return to the ring and double-team him. The challengers eventually cleared Angle to the outside and battled each other while Angle regrouped on the floor. Angle re-entered and delivered a double German Suplex that took its toll on all three men. Angle took control of the match and applied a rear naked choke on Sting. They did the bit with one hand drop, then a second hand drop, then a teased third hand drop that didn't pop the crowd when Sting tried to sell fire that he was still alive. Sting then came back with a DDT, but Anderson broke up the pin.
 
At 10:00, Angle started his German Suplex sequence on Anderson, then had the same offering for Sting. Angle tried pins on both, but they each kicked out. Angle and Anderson battled up, like they were waiting for Sting, but he was down and out in the corner. Angle then threw Anderson off the top rope with an overhead suplex for a two count. Sting came to life and dumped Angle to the outside before grappling Anderson for a Scorpion Deathlock. Anderson considered tapping, but Angle broke it up and delivered an Angle Slam on Sting. Angle made a cover, but Sting barely rolled a shoulder to escape. Anderson was next in line for an Angle Slam that also resulted in a nearfall.
 
At 13:45, Angle dropped the straps and applied the Anklelock on Sting. Anderson took his sweet time teasing breaking it up, so Sting rolled through to escape the hold. Suddenly, there was life in the crowd as something was going on off-camera. Apparently it was Hogan, as they went to a spot moments later where Angle took Sting to the outside and whipped him into the guardrail, where Hogan was standing by to mace Sting.
 
Back in the ring, Sting stumbled into the ref to tease the Scorpion Deathdrop since he was "blinded," but Angle grabbed Sting and delivered the Angle Slam. Angle pinned a blinded Sting for the anti-climatic pin and the win. Afterward, Hogan made his way into the ring to celebrate with Angle. Tenay said Immortal has Angle's back and Robert Roode needs to watch out at Bound for Glory. They signed off 51 minutes past the top of the hour.
 
WINNER: Angle at 15:28 to retain the TNA World Title. A now-typical TNA PPV main event this year: cheap outside interference, slow action, an anti-climatic finish, a sense of indifference toward the characters, and an exhausted crowd nine matches into the PPV. Apparently Hogan costing Sting the TNA Title that Sting's character doesn't even care about will set up the Hogan-Sting match at BFG, assuming Sting beats Ric Flair on Thursday's Impact. Not much juice behind a Sting-Hogan match right now based on the feeling in the crowd during the PPV, but TNA has a few weeks of TV to attempt to get people interested, if that match is actually happening. (*3/4)

Arcademan:
WWE RAW Results: 9-12-11

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

1 -- JOHN MORRISON & ALEX RILEY vs. U.S. champion DOLPH ZIGGLER & JACK SWAGGER (w/Vickie Guerrero)

Cole and Lawler bantered back and forth, suggesting Lawler is wrestling again this week. The heels quickly cornered Morrison as Ross talked about the history of managers in wrestling. Swagger wanted a tag, so he blind-tagged himself into the match after Morrison KO'ed Ziggler. Riley cleaned house, but Swagger came back on him with the anklelock. Riley escaped by tossing Swagger into Ziggler, then he finished off Swagger with a finishing move. Ziggler had a chance to break up the pin, but refused to intervene. Post-match, Vickie screamed at Ziggler for screwing it up before they went to a replay of the finish. Back live, Swagger complained from the ring as Ziggler and Vickie stood on the stage.

WINNERS: Riley & Morrison at 2:44. Presented as a filler segment with this program stuck in neutral.

2 -- WWE tag champion KOFI KINGSTON (w/Evan Bourne) vs. THE MIZ (w/R-Truth)

Miz quickly took control of the match, looking to keep Kofi on the mat. Miz and Kofi had a rapid-fire exchange before spilling to the outside together. The non-wrestling partners helped their partners to their feet as Ross sent the show to break 1:30 into the match.

Back from break, Miz had Kofi in a reverse chinlock while Truth was jawing with the ringside fans. Cole turned his attention to trying to get a reaction out of Ross while Miz lost control of the match in the ring. Kofi made a comeback with rapid-fire offense before connecting with a double springboard cross-body splash for a two count. Kofi tried a small package, but Miz escaped. Kofi with a standing dropkick, but Miz crotched Kofi on the top turnbuckle. Miz then dropped Kofi on the back of his head before calling for the end. Miz wanted the Skullcrushing Finale, and he connected. No resistance from Kofi and it was good for the win. Post-match: Bourne checked on Kofi as Miz and Truth gloated. Truth, satisfied, left the ring with Miz as the announcers stressed the challengers's chances to capture the Tag Titles on Sunday.

WINNER: Miz at 8:22.

3 -- JERRY LAWLER & SHEAMUS vs. MICHAEL MCGILLICUTTY & DAVID OTUNGA

Lawler started things off for his team and took an early beating from the former tag champs. Lawler escaped Mike, then tagged in Sheamus, who delivered a running bodyslam before delivering trademark forearm strikes across the chest. Sheamus nailed a running knee lift, smiled to the crowd, and went up top for a flying shoulder tackle. Sheamus called for the end, but Otunga slipped into the ring. Sheamus then dropped him with a Brogue Kick, turned around, and dropped Mike with a Brogue Kick. Sheamus called for the end and set up for the Cross. Lawler told Otunga to watch as Sheamus dropped Mike with the Celtic Cross. Sheamus with the pin for the win. Post-match: Sheamus and Lawler celebrated as the camera picked up a shot of Lawler with a bloody nose.

WINNER: Sheamus at 2:31. They really made Sheamus look like a huge, dominating star here.

4 -- JOHN CENA & BRET HART vs. WWE champion ALBERTO DEL RIO & RICARDO RODRIGUEZ

Cena did a matador routine waving his red t-shirt into the crowd to make Ricardo run through it like a bull. Cena then tossed his t-shirt into the crowd and Ricardo tried to attack him from behind, which made Cena slowly turn around before back-dropping Ricardo across the ring. Ricardo hugged Del Rio's waist, which was considered a blind tag. Cena chased Del Rio and Ricardo around ringside before Del Rio blasted him with a kick to the head back in the ring. The champ went to work on Cena before Cena came back with a corner attack and dropkick. Ricardo then accidentally tagged into the match and Cena delivered his comeback routine on Ricardo. The crowd wanted Hart, though. Cena then hoisted up Ricardo for the Attitude Adjustment as Del Rio walked away from ringside. Cena connected with the AA, saw Del Rio was gone, and approached Hart for a tag after trying to get the crowd invested.

Hart took his time entering the ring and approached Ricardo for the Sharpshooter. Ricardo immediately tapped, giving Hart the win. Post-match: Hart's music played before Cena took the mic. He told Del Rio to keep running all the way to Night of Champions. He said at the end of the night, The Champ is here (pointing to himself) for a mixed reaction. Cena and Hart celebrated in the ring before Hart's music played again. Hart posed in the ring as they faded to commercial.

WINNERS: Cena & Hart via submission at 3:23. What you would expect on the show before a PPV trying to give Cena some of Hart's rub in Canada and give the crowd/TV audience a happy moment.

5 -- Divas champion KELLY KELLY vs. VICKIE GUERRERO (w/U.S. champion Dolph Ziggler) -- non-title match

Vickie did some stretching to pretend like she was warming up, then Kelly began toying with her over-matched opponent. Jack Swagger came to ringside and jawed with Ziggler before punching the U.S. champ in the mouth. Vickie, distracted, was rolled up from behind by Kelly for the win. Afterward, Vickie argued with both men before Beth Phoenix ran into the ring to get her hands on Kelly, but Kelly avoided and ran away, setting up their title match at the PPV.

WINNER: Kelly at 1:09.

6 -- World Hvt. champion RANDY ORTON vs. Intercontinental champion CODY RHODES -- Champion vs. Champion non-title match

Rhodes took the early advantage, but Orton came back with a back-body drop that sent Rhodes half-way across the ring. Suddenly, Mark Henry came out on-stage, so Orton grabbed a chair and teased chasing after him, but Henry ran away to the back. Rhodes then attacked Orton from behind on the entrance ramp and the two men brawled ringside before re-entering the ring. Moments later, Henry re-emerged on-stage with his own chair. Henry sat down on the stage, drawing Orton out of the ring again. After a lengthy stare down with Henry, Orton returned to ringside and Rhodes dropped him with a kick. The ref should have been near a ten-count at this point (the ref was only at four, though) and WWE abruptly cut to break.

Back live, the crowd was trying to rally behind Orton as Rhodes was in control of the match with Henry watching from the stage. Cole with a Big Show & Kane reference as Orton broke free of Rhodes. That drew Henry down from the stage to ringside for a closer seat. Orton tried to divide his attention between Henry and Rhodes, which allowed Rhodes to try Cross Rhodes before Orton countered with his trademark DDT off the second rope. Orton then dropped down on the mat for the RKO, which Henry's attention. Henry stood on the ring steps, which drew Orton's attention. Rhodes then popped Orton with his mask behind the ref's back and nailed Cross Rhodes for the pin and the win.

Post-match: The announcers stressed it was a cheap victory before Henry entered the ring with chair in-hand. Henry measured Orton and popped him across the back with the chair before demanding the title belt. Henry held it up high as Orton sold on the mat. Henry's music played before Henry shouted down at Orton that it's his time now. After a replay of Henry's attack, Cole rhetorically asked if the 15-year wait is finally over Henry.

WINNER: Rhodes at 10:25. More maintenance work for Night of Champions. Fine.

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