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The Official Wrestling Thread (now with more news and stuff)
Arcademan:
WWE Smackdown Results: 9-30-11
Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Parks' comlete report). Condensed here to in-ring results only.
1 – MARK HENRY vs. THE GREAT KHALI
Oh joy, I can own Khali’s theme music on the latest WWE record release! Khali went after Henry aggressively to start, knocking him off-balance briefly, but Henry fired back. Clothesline by Khali sent Henry to the mat. Khali cornered Henry and chopped him in the chest. Henry fought back from a knee, but Khali nailed him with two chops, the first one not even knocking him off his feet. A pin attempt only got two at 1:16. Henry lifted Khali off his feet and drove him into the corner. Headbutts by Henry, then a big splash. A second one only registered him a two-count. Khali took Henry by the throat, but Henry kicked Khali in the legs to break it. World’s Strongest Slam for three.
WINNER: Henry, at 2:51. Some impressive power displays by Henry.
Henry went to ringside after the match and grabbed a chair. He re-entered the ring with it and hit Khali and the arm. He set Khali up to Pillmanize the ankle, and did so, splashing the chair. A trainer came in to check on Khali as the big man writhed in pain on the mat. A number of referees joined in as well. They began to put Khali’s ankle in an air cast as Henry left the ringside area.
2 – EVAN BOURNE vs. JACK SWAGGER
They showed highlights of the six-man (or five-man) tag match from this past Monday during Swagger’s entrance. Kofi Kingston came out with Evan, and Vickie Guerrero and Dolph Ziggler both accompanied Swagger to the ring. Swagger went on offense first, and hit a back suplex for a one-count 30 seconds into the match. Bourne fought out of a rest-hold, but Swagger countered Bourne’s high-impact offense by giving him a sidewalk slam. Vader Bomb failed, as Bourne got his feet up. Signature offense by Bourne short of 2:00. After a near-fall, Vickie got on the apron to distract the referee. Ziggler interfered and brought Bourne down throat-first over the top rope. Swagger tried his finisher, but Bourne hit a knee to the face. Kofi Kingston attacked Ziggler at ringside. Vickie then interfered, knocking Bourne off the top rope. Swagger hooked in the ankle-lock for the tap-out win.
WINNER: Swagger, at 2:33. Too much going on in this match once again. The constant interference has hampered this little mini-feud.
3 – SIN CARA vs. HEATH SLATER
It was the original Cara, to start at least. I wonder how long I’ll have to type that to clarify. Cara did a springboard and basically tossed his body at Slater. Kick to the head, then a Swanton bomb by Cara and that got the win.
WINNER: Cara, at :43. The “real” Cara hasn’t gotten much traction of late, with the “fake” one taking the win last week and his spot in the Battle Royal on Monday, so this was a necessary back-to-business win.
The fake Cara was on the TitanTron after the match. It was a close-up, and he took off his Cara mask, revealing a different one underneath – it was black, pin and a little blue. The fake Cara said Cara once stole his identity as “Mistico” and now he’s doing the same to him. He said we’d find out Sunday who will be truly worthy of being known as “Sin Cara.”
4 – KELLY KELLY vs. NATALYA
Beth Phoenix was on headsets for this one. Natalya was already in the ring. Kelly hit a Thesz Press off the second rope, but Nattie came back with a clothesline. Nattie tied Kelly’s arm up while applying a rear chin-lock. Kelly fought out and was then slammed down by her hair. Kelly climbed on Nattie’s shoulders and got a victory roll for the win.
WINNER: Kelly, at 1:25. Didn’t even really give Beth much time to expound on what the losses to Kelly have done to her and whether or not Kelly has her “number.”
Beth attacked after the match and put Kelly down with the Glam Slam. Nattie then locked Kelly in the leg-hold she used Monday night. Kelly screamed in agony into the mic that Beth had and Beth said that’s the sound Kelly will make on Sunday when she takes the title from the “undeserving, screaming little Barbie Doll.”
5 – CODY RHODES vs. SHEAMUS – INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Sheamus shoved Cody down after a lock-up, but Cody took advantage in the corner. Sheamus countered and took Rhodes to the mat with forearms to the mat. After the first pin try 45 seconds in, Rhodes went to ringside. He came back in and fell victim to a back body-drop. Cody brought Sheamus arm-first across the top rope, then hit his springboard kick to the head. He tried to get something going as they went to break at 2:26.
The show returned at 5:56. Sheamus was working out of a rest-hold as Booker said he hoped Sheamus would “beat the dust off of” Rhodes. Dropkick by Rhodes, lateral press for two. Rhodes choked Sheamus with his boot. Cole and the announcers used this time to discuss Triple H’s effectiveness as COO. Rhodes kept Sheamus down with a wrist-lock. Rhodes made a mistake just shy of 10:00 in when he ended up ramming himself shoulder-first into the ring post. Sheamus began to build momentum and connected with a knee-lift. He went to the top and nailed Cody with a flying shoulder tackle. It got two at 10:34. Another near-fall followed soon after. As Sheamus got Rhodes up for the Irish Cross, Christian ran out and attacked Sheamus, causing the DQ.
WINNER: Sheamus, via DQ, at 11:38. Not a satisfying ending, but it makes sense in the storyline that Christian would continually interfere to cost Sheamus a title, especially if there are no consequences in doing so. Christian told a fallen Sheamus that Sheamus cost him the World Title, now he’s returning the favor.
6 – ZACK RYDER vs. JTG
Cole plugged NXT with the rare Smackdown appearance of JTG. Swinging neckbreaker by JTG, followed by some mocking of Ryder. JTG put Ryder up for a suplex and brought him down with a neck-breaker. Ryder got stuck in a rear chin-lock, but eventually worked out and got his knees up on a JTG charge. Ryder began a comeback and white-washed JTG with a kick in the corner. Cover got two. “Are you serious, bro?” he asked the ref on the near-fall. Rough Ryder leg lariat out of nowhere for the win.
WINNER: Ryder, at 2:55. Not much to complain about here.
7 – CHRISTIAN vs. RANDY ORTON
Some back and forth action early on, then a dropkick off the second rope. Christian had the advantage as they went to break at 2:50.
Back at 6:18 with Christian in control. Inverted DDT by Christian for two. Orton came back with a Thesz Press, but his offense was short-lived. Back to the chin-lock for Christian. Orton fought back again at 9:26, trading blows with his opponent. High dropkick that almost overshot a charging Christian. Orton punched at the skull of Christian in the corner. Flip kick by Christian in the corner, then Orton gave him a back-breaker. Christian missed a cross-body, and Christian countered with a back suplex. He set up for the spear at 12:26. The move found the mark, but Orton kicked out. Killswitch attempt, but Orton found his way out of it, then finally connected on the rope-assisted DDT. Orton set up for the RKO, but Christian ran out of the ring. Orton ran up the ramp after him and gave him an uppercut and a kick. Orton dished out more punishment, throwing Christian into the ringside steps. The ref counted both men out as Orton continued to stalk Christian at ringside.
WINNER: Double count-out, at 14:22.
Orton began to dismantle the announce table. No official announcement on the result of the match yet, as far as the ring announcer goes. Orton set Christian up on the table, but out ran Cody Rhodes. Orton saw him and jumped him, but Christian knocked Orton from behind. Springboard kick by Rhodes, using the apron to assist him. Christian, suddenly full of energy and life, and Rhodes attacked Orton in the ring. Sheamus ran out to make the save, giving Rhodes the Brogue Kick. He chased Christian through the crowd. As he did this, Mark Henry’s music hit. He walked to the ring with a purpose, but Orton greeted him with right hands. Henry dodged an RKO and hit the World’s Strongest Slam. Just when it appeared Henry was done, he got a steel chair from ringside for the second time tonight. As Henry entered the ring, Orton RKO’d Henry. Part of me feels like they should save that for Hell in a Cell, but with Orton standing tall here, it gives me more confidence that Henry will win Sunday. Orton celebrated as his music played while Henry recovered at ringside.
Arcademan:
WWE Hell In A Cell PPV Results: 10-2-11 (next two posts)
Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Caldwell's real-time report).
1 -- CHRISTIAN vs. SHEAMUS
After the bell sounded, the announcers debated whether Laurinaitis has the right to remove Miz and Truth if they had tickets, prompting Cole to say the "promoter" has discretion to eliminate fans. When was the last time "promoter" was used on WWE TV? Christian tried to play mouse to Sheamus's cat early on, trying to frustrate and anger Sheamus. Christian got the best of the exchange and began wearing down Sheamus. Sheamus tried to make various comebacks, but couldn't maintain momentum, selling the effects of Christian's work. Christian tried to finish off Sheamus with a Tornado DDT, but Sheamus kicked out of a pin attempt. Sheamus came back with a knee lift, then went up top for a flying shoulder tackle. The crowd got fired up with Sheamus now firmly in control. He called for the end, which allowed Christian to avoid a Brogue Kick. The action moved to the floor, where Christian avoided a catapult and delivered the Spear.
Sheamus avoided a ten count by re-entering at eight, so Christian landed another hard spear mid-ring. Sheamus kicked out, though, frustrating Christian. Christian tried to follow with a top-rope move, but Sheamus moved. They teased finishers, then Christian missed with a third Spear and crashed into the turnbuckle. Christian turned around and stumbled into the Brogue Kick, giving Sheamus the pin and the win.
WINNER: Sheamus at 13:41. Nice, competitive match to start the PPV. Christian can spin the loss coming out of the PPV, while Sheamus picked up a solid singles victory to likely set up a title run at Henry. (**1/4)
2 -- SIN CARA vs. SIN CARA
As the two men circled the ring, Cole recapped that Sin Cara was injured at Money in the Bank in July, then they thought he returned a month later, but it turned out to be the imposter stealing his identity. Cole also referenced Sin Cara's background as a top draw in Mexico. Lots of early counters and high-flying before the real Sin Cara cleared the faker to the outside and delivered a flip dive splash. Faker then took control and they reversed the sequence leading to black & silver delivering a flip dive splash. The crowd was not into this, of note. B&S Sin Cara became frustrated when he was unable to put away original Cara. The crowd then moved to restlessness, leading to the two men picking up the pace. Original Cara landed a big splash on the outside that momentarily popped the crowd before they returned to the ring. The two men traded control again before original Cara countered a powerbomb into a victory roll for the pin and the win. Now we can end Michael Cole's attempt to botch the Spanish language.
WINNER: Original Cara at 9:46. Tough match. The crowd wasn't into the story or match and the spots were hit & miss. WWE has to go back to the drawing board on the Sin Cara character. (*)
3 -- WWE tag champions AIR BOOM (EVAN BOURNE & KOFI KINGSTON) vs. U.S. champion DOLPH ZIGGLER & JACK SWAGGER (w/Vickie Guerrero) -- WWE Tag Title match
The face tag champions took control early on, drawing early screams from Vickie. Swagger then cut off the smaller Bourne to begin working him over. Ziggler lost control when he missed with a corner splash, then Kofi tagged into the match. Kofi quickly lost control, though, when he spilled to the outside via nefarious activity by the heels. As the heels worked over Kingston, Cole began ranting against Triple H. He said Ziggler and Swagger have been put in terrible situations since they spoke out against Hunter. So, being granted a Tag Title shot is being put in a terrible position?
Bourne eventually took a hot tag and cleaned house on the heels before delivering a flying double knee smash for a close two count. Bourne followed with a standing moonsault for a two count. The action broke down moments later and Bourne found himself in trouble coming out of the scrap. The heels then attempted a top-rope powerbomb combination, but Bourne countered on Swagger with a huracanrana. Kingston then yanked Dolph out of the ring as Bourne scored a quick three for the win. Vickie was shocked into silence. After a replay, she unleashed her inner rage with a verbal assault on Swagger.
WINNERS: Bourne & Kingston at 11:20 to retain the Tag Titles. Solid tag match. Not particularly memorable, though, in what amounted to an extended version of what would normally air on TV. (**)
4 -- World Hvt. champion MARK HENRY vs. RANDY ORTON -- World Title match -- Hell in a Cell match
Orton tried to be the aggressor early on, but Henry cut him off and the two men traded control. Henry then began a slow, methodical attack on Orton outside of the ring, using the Cell as a weapon. Henry then tried to toss the ring steps into Orton's face, but Orton moved out of the way and the steps crashed into the wall. Henry went back on the attack, trying to make Orton cry uncle. Orton ran back into the ring to catch a breather, then kicked out of an early World's Strongest Slam from Henry.
Moments later, Henry tried a World's Strongest Slam on the ring steps on the floor, but Orton grabbed the Cell wall to avoid before dropping Henry into the steps. The crowd popped for the comeback. Back in the ring, Orton delivered a DDT before teasing the RKO. And he connected. Orton made the cover, but Henry kicked out, drawing gasps from the crowd. Orton, stunned, tried to regroup before going for The Punt, but Henry countered with the World's Strongest Slam. Henry with the pin for the win.
Post-match: Henry left the ring with the title belt, but then returned to the ringside area to find a chair under the ring. Henry delivered a World's Strongest Slam, then placed Orton's foot inside the chair as Cole rattled off the names of wrestlers Henry has injured. Henry went for a big splash, but Orton was able to avoid at the last second. The crowd popped as Orton picked up the chair and jabbed it into Henry's gut before delivering a chair shot to the back. Orton then chased Henry up the entrance ramp with multiple chair shots to the back. Orton tried a final blow, but Henry kicked him away and left.
WINNER: Henry at 15:59 to retain the World Title. Expected finish and expected basic use of the Cell structure during the match. The post-match allowed Orton to save face and keeps him in the title picture going into Vengeance. (Are you shocked the Hell in a Cell match didn't resolve the issue and was merely a bridge to the next match?) (**)
5 -- Intercontinental champion CODY RHODES vs. JOHN MORRISON -- IC Title match
Rhodes, in street clothes and nice shoes, tried to duck Morrison early on before Morrison scored some early nearfalls. Rhodes made his way to the outside to remove his fancy dress shirt, but Morrison tossed it into the crowd. Rhodes tried to walk away, but Morrison grabbed him and tried to throw him back into the ring. Rhodes blocked, then Rhodes clutched the ringpost to attempt to get counted out, but Morrison threw him back into the ring. Rhodes then cut off Morrison, who took the bait. Rhodes tried a figure-four leglock, which drew a few whoos from the crowd, but Morrison escaped. Morrison and Rhodes went back and forth before Morrison landed a Pele kick that Ross called by name. Rhodes kicked out, then rolled up Morrison for a quick three count for the win.
WINNER: Rhodes at 7:20 to retain the IC Title. Another downer for Morrison, who was unable to put away a wrestler in street clothes. Meanwhile, Rhodes continues to thwart obstacles put in his way to build some credibility. (*1/4)
Arcademan:
6 -- Divas champion KELLY KELLY (w/Eve) vs. BETH PHOENIX (w/Natalya) -- Divas Title match
Beth and Natalya were out first for the next title match on what has turned into Night of Champions II, with the only title not defended tonight being the U.S. Title, but the U.S. champion was in the Tag Title match. Once the bell sounded, Beth acted like this would be an easy win, so Kelly popped her in the mouth with a forearm, which angered Beth. Beth dominated and continued to be frustrated when Kelly escaped pinfalls. It looked like the other title matches, but, this time, Natalya interfered behind the ref's back to allow Phoenix to hit the Glam Slam on Kelly for the win. They stayed with Beth's post-match victory moment for a while.
WINNER: Phoenix at 8:32 to capture the Divas Title. Classic heel story of Beth being frustrated by Kelly so many times that she resorted to interference to capture the title. It also gave Kelly an "out" and set up the re-match. Unlike the match in Buffalo two weeks ago, the crowd wasn't interested in this one.
7 -- WWE champion JOHN CENA vs. ALBERTO DEL RIO vs. C.M. PUNK -- three-way WWE Title match -- Hell in a Cell match
Everyone got their time in the spotlight with the three men trading control of the action early on. The crowd came to life with a "Let's Go Cena / Cena Sucks" dueling chant during this opening sequence. The closest they came to blood was Punk coming up halfway bleeding from his back after Del Rio shoved him off the ring steps into the side of the Cell. More exchanges trading control before Del Rio introduced a chair into the proceedings to smash Punk and Cena with chair shots to the back. Del Rio then went up top for a senton splash and connected to Punk's back. Suddenly, Cena dropped Punk with the Attitude Adjustment, but Del Rio broke up the pin. Punk then delivered the G2S to Cena, but Del Rio yanked Punk out of the ring. Del Rio back in control. That didn't last long, as Punk cut off Del Rio and landed a Macho Man elbow drop from the top rope for a two count. Punk then wanted a top-rope elbow on Cena, but Del Rio shoved Punk off the top through a table set up ringside earlier.
Back in the ring, Cena dropped Del Rio to the mat with the STF. On the outside, though, Ricardo managed to KO the ref, unlock the cage, and enter the cage, which allowed Del Rio to break free when Cena was distracted. Cena then dropped Ricardo with the AA on the floor, but Del Rio popped Cena with a steel pipe introduced by Ricardo and locked Cena out of the cage. Back in the Cell, Del Rio and Punk battled one-on-one as Cena continued to sell on the floor outside the Cell. Cena then came to life and realized the door was locked. Ricardo didn't have the key, though, as Del Rio kept it. Cena tried to bust open the door, but it wouldn't budge. Del Rio then taunted Cena from inside the cage before returning to the ring to pop Punk in the face with the pipe. Del Rio made the cover and it was good for the win to re-capture the WWE Title.
WINNER: Del Rio at 24:10 to capture the WWE Title. Okay main event. It had its moments, but not PPV main event-worthy. As for the finish, they did everything they could to distract from Del Rio winning the title and Cena losing the title based on the post-match. It didn't even seem like the crowd really realized what happened and it's just another nail in the coffin for the value of WWE's top title. (**1/2)
Post-match: Cena stormed the Cell once it began to be raised to attack Del Rio, but Miz and R-Truth entered the Cell to jump Cena. Laurinaitis and Triple H then ran down to restore order, but the Cell was re-lowered to the ground. They checked with the production team, but they lost control. The entire locker room and security ran down to the Cell as Miz and Truth began assaulting referees and cameramen inside the Cell. Eventually, someone with bolt cutters stormed the ring to cut open the Cell and allow police to arrest Miz and Truth. Booker said they need Street Justice here. As Miz was being taken away, Triple H teed off on Miz. He shoved down Laurinaitis before WWE security pulled Hunter away. Anarchy on the outside. Miz and Truth were eventually hauled off to the back as Hunter sold anger. The credits came on the screen at 10:38 p.m. EST as they faded out.
Arcademan:
WWE RAW Results: 10-3-11 (next two posts)
Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Parks' complete report: sorry, no Caldwell this week!). Condensed to in-ring results and the final segment of the show.
1 – RANDY ORTON vs. DREW MCINTYRE
Poor McIntyre didn’t get an entrance. I’m guessing he’ll last a tad longer than he did in the battle royal last week. During Orton’s entrance, they showed stills from his match last night against Mark Henry. McIntyre got the early advantage, but Orton shot out of the corner with a clothesline. Cole promised exclusive footage showing what happened after the PPV went off the air last night. European uppercut, then a dropkick by Orton that sent McIntyre to ringside. Orton went after him and tossed him into the barricade. He then led McIntyre into the barricade on the opposite side of the ring as well. Back in the ring, the referee admonished Orton, leading to McIntyre booting Orton in the face. He continued the onslaught as Orton attempted to protect himself. Snap suplex by McIntyre for a near-fall at 2:40. Orton fought back and pounded away at McIntyre in the corner. McIntyre got a boot up on a corner charge and got two. The announcers spent a lot of time discussing the atmosphere in the building as far as the wrestlers are concerned, after what happened last night. Swinging neckbreaker by McIntyre for two. To the second rope went the Scot, but it was a mistake, as Orton got his boots up as Mac came down. Orton began to connect on his signature moves and did the rope-assisted DDT. By the way, Miz just posted a link on Twitter to an apology video that he and Truth recorded; it’s up on Youtube. Orton hit the RKO for the win.
WINNER: Orton, at 5:27. I guess it was smart to let this match go a little longer, considering Orton should be beat up from his match with Henry last night. Another part of me is still surprised WWE had him take that long to beat McIntyre, as I figured they’d want to give him momentum with a quick, decisive win.
2 – MARK HENRY vs. JOHN MORRISON
So that’s why Henry stayed in the ring. JR said tonight is Morrison’s birthday. Henry was on offense to start. Beal out of the corner by Henry, but Morrison landed on his feet. However, he could not capitalize. Henry gave Morrison a shot to the back, then tried to finish him. Morrison jumped out of a slam attempt and got Henry down to one knee. Running knee to the face, followed by Starship Pain. Booker proclaimed we’d have a new champ, despite the fact that the title is not on the line. Henry kicked out, kicked Morrison in the face, then gave him the World’s Strongest Slam for the win.
WINNER: Henry, at 1:58. It’s a race to stay out of the basement between McIntyre and Morrison. McIntyre won that battle tonight.
3 – EVE TORRES & KELLY KELLY vs. BETH PHOENIX & NATALYA
Kelly was still all smiles despite losing the title last night. The announcers had to cover for that, as JR said she’s smiling but hurting inside. Beth took Kelly by the hair and flung her under the bottom rope and to the outside. Kelly slammed Beth’s head intot he announce table while screaming, presumably in anger. Nattie and Eve started brawling as well, and the ref called for the bell. Kelly sat on the back of Beth at ringside and continued the onslaught.
WINNERS: No Contest, at :34. If she was this irate, why was she smiling so big on the way to the ring? Would it kill someone to tell her to show some consistency with her character?
Jinder Mahal was in the ring. He spoke in his native tongue until Santino Marella’s music hit. He made his return and walked out for a match. After throwing his Cobra arm-sleeve to the crowd, he spoke in a fake foreign language to Mahal and said, “halitosis.” Mahal argued back and apparently they OK’d a match.
4 – JINDER MAHAL vs. SANTINO MARELLA
Mahal missed a corner charge and Marella set up for the Cobra. It found the mark.
WINNER: Marella, at :33. This makes Mahal’s win over Yoshi Tatsu on NXT last week even stranger.
5 – CM PUNK & JOHN CENA & KOFI KINGSTON & EVAN BOURNE & MASON RYAN & SHEAMUS vs. CODY RHODES & DAVID OTUNGA & JACK SWAGGER & DOLPH ZIGGLER & CHRISTIAN & ALBERTO DEL RIO
Cena got the best of Otunga at the outset, then Ziggler and Ryan matched up. Ziggler yelled at Ryan and slapped him. Ryan responded with, you guessed it, a clothesline. Ryan pressed Ziggler over his head and tossed him to ringside on top of Swagger. The heels regrouped in front of the announcers. Ziggler came back in and dove right into Ryan’s arms. Standing powerslam for two at 2:06. Sheamus tagged in and Ziggler got out of another slam attempt. He tagged Swagger in. Sheamus clobbered Swagger over the back and neck with forearms. Crowd was loving it. Swagger took out Sheamus’s knee. Back-breaker by Sheamus for two. Punk came in and slammed Swagger. Neither he nor Cena are showing much ill effect from the Cell match. Rhodes tagged in before Punk could come off the top onto Swagger. Rhodes found some early offense against Punk. Punk came back with a jumping leg kick, then a running knee in the corner. Bulldog out of it, then he went for the GTS. The apron emptied and there was a stand-off in the middle of the ring. Perfect time for a commercial break, 5:47 into the match.
Back at 8:50, with Kingston missing a cross-body and Cody connecting on a springboard kick. Christian tagged in and landed a neck-breaker for a two-count. The heels did some cheating behind the referee’s back. The heels kept the legal man fresh with frequent tags. Rhodes tossed Kingston out of the ring and Swagger stomped him. Kofi recovered to throw Rhodes into the barricade. Cole noted that a second official should’ve been assigned to this match. Kofi tried to leap over Ziggler to make a tag, but it was unsuccessful. Otunga slammed Kofi and went for a cover, only getting two. Both Ziggler and Kofi went for a cross-body. Crowd really got behind Kofi, who made the tag to Bourne. He kicked away at Swagger and went to the top. He kicked down an interfering Christian and hit Air Bourne. Swagger rolled over and Vickie was able to put Swagger’s leg on the rope during the pin. The referee then sent her to the back. The babyfaces taunted her as she left ringside. They went to break again at 16:29.
The show returned at 19:42. Ziggler was doing his best to prevent Bourne from making the tag. Tilt-a-whirl back-breaker by Del Rio for two in one of his few appearances during this match. Tornado DDT by Bourne and both men were down at 21:35. Cena tagged in and Del Rio was the victim of his patented offense. Del Rio put an end to that by bringing Cena’s arm down across his knees. Cena was stuck in the heel corner as Swagger and Rhodes got a few shots in on Cena. Everybody seemed to want to get a piece of Cena, and everyone got a piece. Hard whip into the buckle by Swagger. Vader Bomb by Swagger for two at 24:18. Swagger tried another one less than a minute later, but Cena rolled out of the way. Cena tagged Sheamus, and Swagger tagged Ziggler. High knee lift and a beauty. He tried to go to the top, but Del Rio pushed him off (after Christian couldn’t do so). Zig Zag by Ziggler on Sheamus, then Bourne came off the top with the double knees. Cody came in and gave Bourne Cross Rhodes. Mason Ryan put Rhodes over his head, but Swagger and Rhodes ended up clotheslining him over the top. Kingston gave a cross-body to both men, then a suplex from Del Rio on Kofi. Del Rio was given the GTS by Punk, and Otunga gave Punk a neck-breaker (interesting that Otunga was the one who took Punk out). AA on Otunga by Cena, then a Zig Zag to Cena. In the end, Sheamus gave Ziggler the Brogue Kick for the win.
WINNERS: Babyfaces, at 26:53. Really good match and hot most of the way through. Can’t remember when there was a match that long on Raw.
End segment in next post...
Arcademan:
Both rosters were shown surrounding the ring. There was a pause in the music, but the fans weren’t chanting for Triple H, if that’s what they were supposed to do. “Time to Play the Game” then started up, and Hunter walked out. I didn’t see Johnny Ace out there. Hunter got into the ring and walked around the squared circle, looking at the guys. It’s very confusing when Hunter talks about just “running Raw” while other times they talk about how he’s running everything. Hunter said this wasn’t a job he wanted, but was a job he was given. He addressed what Miz and R-Truth said, and said they should apologize to the WWE Universe for being a bunch of babies. He said if they were willing to do the crime, they should’ve been willing to do the time. He said he’s old school and likes watching people beat the hell out of each other. He said he enjoys the battles and the chaos that is Monday Night Raw and WWE. Hunter said that, at the end of the day, don’t they really work for the fans? Poor Sin Cara probably has no idea what he’s saying right now.
Wade Barrett tried to interrupt but Hunter said it’s his responsibility that Raw is the best show it can possibly be. He said he works his *** off not for the wrestlers, but for the fans. Trips said he was curious to hear the opinions of the wrestlers. Barrett said he’s been selected by his colleagues to speak on some grievances they’ve had. Hey, there’s William Regal! Barrett said there truly is an unsafe working environment in WWE. “You suck” chants from the fans. Barrett said they came to WWE because they’re competitors who like to adhere to rules and regulations. But that doesn’t include being subjected to attacks by people in the parking lot, or being put in an unsafe working environment because Hunter can’t do his job. He said the reason for the chaos is because Hunter is out of control. Hunter introduced the fans to Barrett, who just more than a year ago led Nexus in their attack on WWE in an attempt to shut Raw down. He said Barrett only has a problem because he’s not the one causing it.
Mike Chioda spoke up next and said he’s known Triple H for 16 years. He said he’s never seen this much abuse referees have taken at the hands of WWE Superstars. He asked how they were supposed to get respect from Superstars and do their job. Triple H called him “Mike” and said he fired the guys that attacked them. Chioda reminded Hunter that Miz and Truth still got in the building, and nothing was done about the attacks on Chad Patton and Scott Armstrong. Chioda said 23 years he’s been in WWE, and now he’s afraid to come to work. Hunter seemed at a loss for words. Beth Phoenix spoke up and said as women they’re more vulnerable. Hunter asked for a specific instance of something that happened. Beth said it’s just that something “could” happen.
Jerry Lawler spoke up next and actually entered the ring. Lawler said he’s agreed with what some people have said, but disagreed on other points. He said he agreed that Raw is spiraling out of control and that it’s becoming a hostile work environment…but he doesn’t think it’s Hunter’s fault. He said it’s exactly as Punk said it was, that there’s someone behind the scenes sabotaging Hunter, and everyone around the ring is paying the price for it. Lawler said somebody doesn’t want Hunter to be in charge. Christian interrupted and asked for a vote of confidence right now. He said on behalf of him and his colleagues, they vote no confidence. Chioda spoke for the refs and echoed that sentiment. Phoenix did the same, presumably for the Divas. Lawler even said no confidence, despite admitting he thought someone was sabotaging Hunter. He even said actions speak louder than words and reluctantly walked out. The rest of the roster slowly made their way up the ramp as well.
One group of wrestlers stayed behind though, and had a discussion amongst themselves. As they did so, Michael Cole walked off. The group that stayed behind consisted of Kofi, Zack Ryder, Percy Watson, Marella, Alex Riley, Morrison and Bourne. They finally made their way out, as did Booker T, Justin Roberts and another ringside worker. Even the cameramen put their cameras down and walked off in a nice touch. Hunter stared at JR, who was still at the announce table. The crowd roared their approval. JR pushed his chair back and took off his headset as they began to boo. JR then walked to the back, though he didn’t seem to want to. Hunter looked to the crowd, who cheered him. Johnny Ace then walked out onto the stage. He shook his head as the crowd chanted “you suck.” Ace then turned his back and walked out. Hunter stayed in the ring and looked around as the show went off. Unique and interesting final segment. I liked it.
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