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

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Arcademan:
WWE RAW Results: 10-17-11

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

1 -- RANDY ORTON & SHEAMUS & JOHN MORRISON vs. World Hvt. champion MARK HENRY & IC champion CODY RHODES & CHRISTIAN -- six-man tag match

Orton and Christian resumed their rivalry to begin the match. Orton scored with early offense, which the crowd was hot for. Sheamus and Rhodes then tagged in and Sheamus destroyed him with boots to the mid-section. Rhodes had enough and tagged in Henry, who slowly entered the ring to confront Sheamus. Meanwhile, Orton took advantage of Rhodes's weakened state by running to the other side of the ring to land blows and strikes. Orton blasted Rhodes up the rampway, then Rhodes tried to run to the backstage area as they cut to break.

Back live, Morrison scored a bit of offense before Mark Henry blasted him with a right hand. Cole noted Orton and Rhodes fought out of the arena prior to the break. Lawler said it was more like Rhodes running out of the arena to avoid Orton after Rhodes bagged him on Raw last week. In the ring, Morrison began taking a pounding when the heels used a two-on-one advantage to take control. Henry then applied a bear hug that Lawler said should be called a Henry Hug. We'll see if that catches on.

Morrison finally had a chance to tag in Sheamus, but Christian ran to the other side and yanked Sheamus off the ring apron. Sheamus and Christian then brawled over the guardrail to the arena area. So, it was Henry vs. Morrison. Morrison tried offense, but Henry threw Morrison into the air for a mid-air World's Strongest Slam. Henry made the cover for the win.

WINNERS: Team Henry at 11:20. Although more attention was spent on outside-the-ring happenings, a good six-man tag match to promote a handful of items for the PPV. It was nice to see a hot crowd invested in the action, as well.

2 -- EVE (w/Kelly Kelly) vs. NATALYA (w/Divas champion BETH PHOENIX)

Natalya completely dominated early on and taunted Eve on behalf of Phoenix before the PPV. Eve shook off the taunts and landed a moonsault for the win. Afterward, Beth tried to attack Eve, but Eve bailed from the ring.

WINNER: Eve at 2:10. Short match, basic story setting up the PPV.

3 -- C.M. PUNK (w/Triple H) vs. THE MIZ (w/R-Truth)

Cole tried to explain that Hunter was even more upset last week on Raw when Laurinaitis re-instated Miz and Truth. So, the Raw GM is more powerful than the COO? Lawler noted the people he's talked to are excited about Hunter getting back in the ring again. But, if Hunter's still COO, wouldn't he have to run that by the Board of Directors like he did for Night of Champions? WWE has apparently given up on this making any sense. As for the match, Punk and Miz found themselves on the outside, which drew Hunter around ringside to the heel corner when Truth became involved. Back in the ring, Miz and Punk traded control leading to the top of the hour as Lawler talked about Hunter getting back into wrestling mode on Sunday, which seemed to be the entire point of "firing" Hunter last week.

Hunter tried to get involved in the match when the heels cheated to take advantage, but referee Scott Armstrong reprimanded Hunter. Regarding Miz acting mean, Lawler referenced Taylor Swift's "Mean" song, which prompted a quip from Cole that T-Swift's in Lawler's age bracket. Loud "C-M-Punk" chant as the crowd tried to rally behind Punk. Miz then tried a top-rope move, but Punk intercepted with a roundhouse kick. Hunter had enough of R-Truth trying to interfere, so he chased him up the ramp.

Suddenly, John Laurinaitis emerged on-stage and asked for the match to be stopped. He also had a piece of paper in-hand and told Hunter they have an immigration problem. Several men stood next to Laurinaitis as he told Hunter they have to deal with this right now. Hunter reluctantly walked up the ramp, but not before punching R-Truth, who was comically trying to wave Hunter good-bye. Hunter walked off to the back and they cut to break.

WINNER: No Contest at 8:46. This show was going just fine until they re-visited and replayed everything that went wrong on last week's show in this segment. Is this whole conspiracy angle still in-play with someone still trying to sabotage Hunter, this week via immigration issues?

3b -- C.M. PUNK vs. THE MIZ (w/R-Truth)

After some back-and-forth action, Punk hit a top-rope Macho Man elbow drop before calling for the end. Punk knocked Truth off the apron first, then went for the Go 2 Sleep, but Miz slipped out. Punk scored a roll-up pin moments later to secure another one-on-two-style win. Post-match: Miz and Truth attacked Punk and inflicted a beating since Hunter wasn't there to make the save. Referees then stormed the ring to get Miz and Truth away from Punk. Miz and Truth acted like they were willing to co-operate by raising their arms and quietly leaving the ring. Suddenly, Truth ran back into the ring and gave Punk his finisher. Miz then tried to act like a peacemaker, which the refs bought. Miz then hit the Skullcrushing Finale on Punk.

WINNER: Punk at 1:55.

4 -- JACK SWAGGER (w/Dolph Ziggler and Vickie Guerrero) vs. ZACK RYDER

Swagger landed an emphatic bodyslam to begin the match. Ryder came back with high knees out of the corner, then Ryder suddenly made a cover for a very quick three count. Post-match: Ziggler and Swagger tried to corner Ryder, but Mason Ryan's music hit. He even looks goofy walking to the ring. Ryan scared away the heel trio as Cole noted Ziggler is supposed to be in action against Ryan next. Ryan then grabbed a mic and told Ziggler to get back in the ring since they have a match next.

WINNER: Ryder at 0:32.

5 -- U.S. champion DOLPH ZIGGLER (w/Jack Swagger and Vickie Guerrero) vs. MASON RYAN (w/Zack Ryder) -- non-title match

Back on Raw, the match was already in progress with Ziggler trying to avoid Ryan. Ziggler scored brief offense, but Ryan landed a big shoulder block that sent Ziggler rolling to the floor for a breather. Back in the ring, Ryan tossed Ziggler into the turnbuckles, then knocked him to the floor. Ziggler reluctantly returned to the ring, where he landed a desperation dropkick, but Ryan absorbed and landed a bodyslam. Ziggler went back to the outside and Ryan gave chase. Vickie got in the middle and slapped Ryan, who then turned his anger toward Ziggler back in the ring. Ryan destroyed Ziggler and was DQ'ed for not breaking a corner attack.

WINNER: Ziggler via DQ at 2:36.

6 -- WWE champion ALBERTO DEL RIO & MICHAEL COLE vs. JOHN CENA & JIM ROSS -- Winner chooses stipulation at Vengeance

Before the bell sounded, Cole said he wanted a piece of Ross. Cena checked with Cole if he really wanted that and tagged in Ross. The two announcers squared off, Cole taunted Ross, and Ross popped him in the mouth to cheers. Cole then scampered over to Del Rio, who tagged in, as did Cena for Ross. Loud dueling chants as Cena and Del Rio exchanged holds and offense. Lawler noted at New York Comic-Con over the weekend, everyone came up to him and said they want someone to shut up Cole. Meanwhile, Del Rio began an offensive attack. The crowd was red-hot chanting for Del Rio before Cena teased a comeback, but Del Rio cut him off leading to the top of the hour.

Cena teased the STF to boos, but Del Rio flung him away. Del Rio then landed a spinning backbreaker for a two count. Mathews noted this has essentially become a one-on-one match with Cena and Del Rio doing most of the battle in the ring. Del Rio then went up top, but missed with a flying butt splash. The males booed as Cena began his full comeback. Cena set up for the Five Knuckle Shuffle, which drew a big mixed response. Del Rio then bailed to the corner and tagged in Cole, who stood stunned on the apron. Cena suplexed Cole into the ring and Cole begged off as he inched closer to Ross. Cole pleaded with Cena, who looked around the arena before shaking hands and dropping him with the Attitude Adjustment. Cena set up for the STF on Cole, but paused and pointed toward Ross. Cena fired up the crowd, then tagged in Ross, who positioned Cole for the anklelock. Cole tapped out furiously before clutching his ankle.

WINNERS: Cena & Ross at 11:37. The hot crowd made this an acceptable main event, even though WWE gave away too much Cena-Del Rio before the PPV, and Ross and Cole played their roles well. As for the purpose of the match, it came across like a last-ditch effort to get some PPV buys to avoid a disastrous domestic buy total. It seems like Cena won't be winning the title after getting a "visual victory" with Del Rio counted down for a ten count and no verbal proclamation to re-take the title. Then again, McMahon could change his mind on Sunday.

Arcademan:
WWE NXT Redemption Results: 10-19-11

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

1 - YOSHI TATSU vs. TYLER REKS (w/Curt Hawkins)

Reks's power quickly lets him get control. Some back and forth between Tatsu's speed and Reks's power makes for a nice contrast. Suplex by Reks gets him two, and he moves to a chinlock. Korpela tries to make up some backstory for Reks. Reks with a gutwrench gutbuster, which really shows off his strength well. Yoshi gets in some offense, then reverse a suplex into a lateral press for two. Reks comes right back with a big boot for two. Reks back to a side headlock. Tatsu with a kick to the head which backs Reks to the corner, but Reks catches him with a boot when he charges. Reks beats on Tatsu in the corner, charges and eats ringpost. Reks is stunned and Tatsu goes to the top and connects with a spinning heel kick for the win.

WINNER: Yoshi Tatsu in about 6:00.

Post-match, Hawkins and Reks beat Tatsu down to get their heat back, but the Usos make the save.

2 - KAITLYN (w/A.J.) vs. MAXINE

Kaitlyn wins an early lock-up, then powers out of Maxine's hold. Maxine with a cravat, Kaitlyn impressively powers her up into the air, holds her horizontal at shoulder height (like a front suplex held at the top), walks over to the rope and drops her over. When Kaitlyn is hitting on all cylinders, I think she could be the next Beth Phoenix. Maxine drags Kaitlyn to the apron, gets out, and starts chopping her chest quite loudly, drawing some reaction form the crowd. The cover gets Maxine one-and-a-half. Kaitlyn fights out of the corner, but Maxine reverses a suplex or throw into a Dragon sleeper hold. That was a sweet reversal. Kaitlyn is able to walk to the ropes to get a break.

There's a little bit of a clumsy exchange and Maxine ends up moving into a side chinlock, her specialty. The crowd rallies behind Kaitlyn, who tries to power out by Maxine takes her down again. Maxine ends up on Kaitlyn's back, but Kaitlyn backs into the corner then throws her off, and comes back with a leaping spinning elbow. She jumps on Maxine in the corner then does a quick toss across the ring and covers for two. Maxine with chops, but Kaitlyn puts her in a full nelson and does a sort of sit out slam while holding the full nelson. When Maxine is on the ground, Kaitlyn transitions into a full nelson using her legs (haven't seen that in a while!) causing Maxine to tap with her leg.

WINNER: Kaitlyn in 8:00. I absolutely loved this match. The speed was a bit slow, they needed to pick up the pace a bit, and there were a few occasional clumsy spots. But, they had a good back-and-forth brawl, with both Divas showing off a different style, and Kaitlyn using her strength to do some thing you don't expect from the Divas. And, good gracious, how often do you see a women's match end by submission? If these two can pick the pace up a bit, this match would be something I'd like to see on a main show if given the chance.

3 - PERCY WATSON & TITUS O'NEIL vs. JTG & DERRICK BATEMAN - Tag Team Match

Bateman and Watson start off and they stall a bit, lock up, and stall some more. Watson with some very crisp moves. Regal commends Bateman for doing a headlock properly. Watson with his big dropkick, and Titus tags in, sending Bateman to the corner to bring JTG in. JTG and Titus go back and forth. Percy and Titus do rapid tags. Bateman tries to interfere and gets a double clothesline for his efforts, then they clear JTG from the ring.

Back from break, Bateman is controlling Watson, but Watson gets out. Watson ends up on the apron, and gets distracted by JTG, letting Bateman ambush him. Bateman with a missile dropkick from the apron to Watson on the floor which looked sweet, and some fiercely intense facial expressions. They return to the ring and Bateman stays in control. Heel tag teaming in the corner. The ref is arguing with Titus and misses a cover by JTG.

JTG tags in Bateman, hits the Mugshot, and Bateman makes the cover for two. Percy does jackknife for two, but Bateman drags him back to the middle of the ring and hits a jumping elbow drop. Regal asks where Todd Grisham is, and says Grisham was better at feeding him lines for jokes. Bateman with a headlock, but Watson stands up and drops on his back to escape.

Percy tags out, so does Bateman, and WWE shows Titus's hot tag act to the very move. Bateman breaks up the cover and dumps Watson out when he comes in, then goes back tot he corner. JTG takes in Bateman, who tries a big axe handle from the top rope, but misses. As he gets up, Titus gets the sit out slam and makes the cover for three.

WINNERS: Titus O'Neil and Percy Watson in 13:00. Good match; could definitely have been a main show match. Derrick Bateman and Percy Watson really stand out. Titus does a great hot tag, but it's become routine and he needs to change it up; he's no John Cena or Randy Orton.

Arcademan:
TNA Impact Wrestling Results: 10-20-11

Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Caldwell's complete report). If this was condensed to in-ring results only, it'll be one of the shortest reports I've copied and pasted so I added my own stuff to it in italics :P

The following is how the first 45 minutes went down in my words (Arcademan):

- Sting opened the show
- Hulk Hogan came out and said he was back in the red and yellow
- Dixie Carter came out, made Sting her right hand man
- Kurt Angle came out, made fun of them since they were expecting Roode to be the champion
- Roode came out, said he was screwed, wants rematch. Sting says yes but wait! Contract clause from PPV says nope
-Enters James Storm to back up his partner. Wait! How about Angle-Storm for the championship? "Sorry about your damn luck"

1 -- Knockouts tag champions TARA & MISS TESSMACHER vs. ANGELINA LOVE & WINTER -- KO Tag Title match

The heels tried a sneak-attack to score a quick pin to secure the titles, but to no avail. After the heels isolated Tara for a while, Tessmacher tagged in and the action broke down. After Angelina was cleared from the scene, Tessmacher scored the pin on Winter for the win.

WINNERS: Tess & Tara at 3:28 to retain the Tag Titles.

Jeff Jarrett calls out Jeff Hardy. Jarrett wants Hardy gone. Hardy says fans want him. Both exchange blows. Security and officials step in. 'Balzac!" to Hardy. Let's get back to wrestling.

70 minutes into the show...
2 -- GUNNER vs. ABYSS

Abyss took Gunner apart early on, so Gunner bailed to the outside, but Abyss threw him into the ring steps. Abyss spit on himself and threw Gunner back into the ring, but Gunner ran through the crowd and to the backstage area, selling fear. Gunner was counted out, giving Abyss the win. Taz said Abyss is in the zone and more whacked out and crazier than ever.

WINNER: Abyss via count-out at 2:01.

Velvet Sky comes up new Knockouts champion. Karen Jarrett bitches and screams (believe it when I say she's even more annoying voice-wise than Vickie). Gail Kim returns to TNA, beats down Velvet Sky. Yep, one of these nights but wait, there's more...

Hogan and Bischoff meet in the ring...yadda, yadda. Eric punches Hulk who no-sold it. Immortal tries to back Eric up but Sting come in and stand with Hogan. Bischoff retreats but his son the referee meets him on the stage. Words exchange, punch thrown, Eric down, Hulk and Sting gives the thumbs up.

3 -- TNA World Hvt. champion KURT ANGLE vs. JAMES STORM -- TNA World Title match

After the bell sounded, the two men stood their ground before teasing a lock-up, but Angle kicked Roode in the gut to take early control. Angle continued a basic corner attack since he was physically limited, then he argued with the ref. Angle took his time returning to the corner and walked right into a Last Call Superkick. Storm made the cover and it was good for the win.

WINNER: Storm at 1:19 to capture the TNA World Title.

Post-match: Storm and Angle remained motionless on the canvas before Robert Roode stormed the ring to celebrate with Storm, who shed tears. Storm then ran into the crowd to celebrate. Fortune members came out to toss Storm beers as Storm continued to celebrate in the crowd as Taz put over the superkick catching Angle right on the button to get the win that quickly. Styles, Kaz, and Roode gave Storm a beer bath as Beer Money's music continued to play.

Storm the mic and slowly walked around the ring surveying the scene. Storm soaked in the moment before noting he's been with TNA since Day One and watched people come and go. But, one thing's for sure is the Cowboy is here to stay. Roode smiled before Storm noted the victory was bittersweet. He said Roode is his best friend and they are the best tag team in the world, and this belongs to him. Roode accepted the title belt, then took the mic and said this looks real nice, but he agrees with the people that Storm deserves it. Roode then put the title belt around Storm's waist as Storm looked up toward the ceiling. Fortune then raised Storm's arms in victory as the trademarks were displayed. They signed off without commentary two minutes past the top of the hour.

Arcademan:
WWE Superstars Results: 10-20-11

Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to James's complete report). Condensed to in-ring results per usual however no extra commentary from me this time  :)

1 - TED DIBIASE vs. JINDER MAHAL

DiBiase came out to a bit of a pop, which I don't get. What's he done to get one? Early chain wrestling with a variety of counters, but DiBiase gets the overall advantage. The pacing feels like a long match. DiBiase hits a dropkick for two. Mahal ducks out the the ring, and when Ted chases him in, Mahal catches him with a knee lift to the face. Mahal drags Ted so his head is off the apron, goes outside and hits Ted a few times, then wraps the ring skirt around his head and knee lifts the head again. Jinder brings him back into the ring with the cover for two. Mahal holding Ted's head in a lock and hitting a trio of knee lifts. Jinder with a headlock and cuts off Ted's comeback.

Suplex for two and then Mahal chokes Ted in the ropes and then the corner, drawing the ref's ire. Ted tries to fight out of the corner, but Mahal locks his head in a lock against the ropes. Jinder brings him in mid-ring for a side headlock, and Mahal cuts off the comeback again with a knee lift. Ted surprises Jinder with an inside cradle for two, and when they reset, Mahal connects with a big boot for two. Another side headlock from Mahal, this time DiBiase sustains a bit of offense coming out, but Mahal back body drops him outside the ring, and they cut to commercial.

Ted's fighting out of a submission hold out of the break, then catapults Jinder into the turnbuckle, and lands an atomic drop. Ted with the surprise clothesline and fires up. He charges Jinder who gets knees up. Ted comes right back with a spinebuster for two. Ted gets frustrated and calls for Dream Street, but Jinder tosses out and hits a high knee, throws Ted into the ropes and another high knee. DiBiase with a backbreaker/dropkick combo, and goes to the top turnbuckle. Mahal crotches him and DiBiase rolls into the middle of the ring. Mahal with the full nelson suplex for the win.

WINNER: Jinder Mahal in 10:00. Ted did an okay job bouncing around for Mahal. Jinder, though, showed some really unique stuff here. With his emphasis on knee strikes, it really felt like watching a martial artist. This is a really odd comparison, but I almost feel like Jinder Mahal is basing his fighting style on Sagat from Street Fighter; they have a similar build (tall, lanky, muscular) and now the fighting style is similar too.

2 - SANTINO MARELLA vs. HEATH SLATER

I thought Heath was suspended? Heath no-sells Santino's martial arts attempts, but runs from an early Cobra threat. Some chain wrestling. Santino spins on his belly on top of Slater's back, then a hip toss, armbar, and wristlock. Slater gets control, and does some basic heel stomps and kicks to the prone Santino. Apparently, Slater considers himself the "Axl Rose" of WWE, according to Josh Matthews. That might explain the Wellness Policy violation.

Slater with some basic offense. Neckbreaker from Slater gets two. Slater misses with double knees fromt he top, and Santino does punches, the split, hip toss, and sailor salute headbutt. Santino prepares for the Cobra and Slater eats it mid-ring, Santino makes the cover for the win.

WINNER: Santino Marella in 8:00. Slater got an awful lot of offense for a guy going out on a Wellness Policy violation. Santino was fun, as always, and Slater was bland, as always. Slater's role really should be limited to being a heel jobber. He sells well, but his offense is so insanely boring.

3 - WWE tag champions AIR BOOM (EVAN BOURNE & KOFI KINGSTON) vs. MICHAEL MCGILLICUTTY & DREW MCINTYRE -- non-title match

[Q3] I see McIntyre and McGillicutty as a demotion for Drew. He's earned better as far as I'm concerned. Bourne and McIntyre start off. Drew quickly puts Evan in the corner. They lock up against and Drew pushes him in the corner. Evan sits on the turnbuckle as Drew mocks him. Evan bounces back with an armdrag from the turnbuckle then a wheelbarrow transitioned into an armdrag.

Kofi tags in, Evan holds Drew in the ropes, and Kofi drops on him from the turnbuckle. Drew powers up and goes back on offense. Drew has Kofi in the electric chair position, but Kofi transitions into an armdrag. Mac tags in Mike, who eats a Japanese arm drag. Evan tags in, Kofi gives Mike a gutbuster, holds him on the knee, and Bourne does a standing moonsault onto Mike's back for two. Clever.

McGillicutty is able to get control for a moment, but a huracanrana gets Evan back on top. Evan tags in Kofi, who comes in with a kick to Mike's chest, getting two. Evan tags back in and hits a basement dropkick to Mike in the corner. Who's the heel here? Mike on the ground, tries to get out, but Evan applies a leglock of sorts, then hits a blockbuster to the leg and tags Kofi in. They do a Hardy Boys-like team move, clear Drew from the apron, then do a double suicide dive to the heels on the floor.

McGillicutty has control of Kingston back from break. So he uses his advantage to apply a side headlock. Kofi tags out, and Evan hits is a huracanrana. Bourne shows off some neat moves and heads to the turnbuckle. Drew comes in, the ref argues and Kofi comes in. The ref turns to Kofi and Drew crotches Bourne. Drew tags in, and Drew abuses Borne in the corner. Some offense from Mac and McGillicutty tags back in. Backbreaker from McGillicutty for two, then a rear chinlock. Stanford ensures that Mathews knows who James Taylor is.

McIntyre tags in, but gets rolled up for two. McIntyre tags Bourne outside for more punishment, and throws him back in. McGillicutty tags in, and tries a suplex but Evan knees out at the top, and hits a suplex of his own. Double tag and Kofi with a huge springboard Superman punch, a pair of clotheslines, and clears Mike off the apron. Drew shoves off an SOS attempt, but Kofi hits the ropes and lands another Superman punch.

Kofi calls for the Boom Drop, hits it, then signals Trouble in Paradise. Drew sees it coming and heads for the corner, dodges Kofi's charge, but Kofi does his double-bounce crossbody out of the corner. McGillicutty breaks up the pin then dumps Borne. Kingston ducks Drew's big boot which hits McGillicutty instead, lands Trouble in Paradise and tags in Bourne. Air Bourne shooting star press for the win.

WINNERS: Air Boom in 14:00. Mike McGillicutty really stood out like a sore thumb here in terms of being boring. Sad to see Drew take the pin, not him. Good match to showcase Air Boom's moves, although some of the tag team moves felt a bit too choreographed.

Arcademan:
WWE Smackdown Results: 10-21-11

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

1 – MARK HENRY vs. JOHN MORRISON

As if I need any more of a reason to dislike Booker T, color commentator: He’s a Tim Tebow fan. I’m sure I’ll get letters for that one. Morrison started with punches, but Henry just shoved him so hard that Morrison bumped over the top rope. Henry pushed Morrison’s head into the ring post and held it there. He brought Morrison throat first over the side of the apron. Back in the ring, Henry landed a headbutt, then applied a neck vice. Morrison went to the top and landed a glancing blow to Henry’s back. Flying Chuck kick connected, as did a knee to the head. He set up for Starship Pain and hit the move. Henry kicked out, almost before two. Morrison tried to sneak underneath Henry and was unsuccessful. Henry again tossed Morrison up, caught him, and slammed him for the win.

WINNER: Henry, at 3:19. This was a combination of the same stuff we saw earlier in the month when Henry squashed Morrison on Raw, and from last week’s six-man tag match.

2 – WADE BARRETT vs. DANIEL BRYAN

Mathews said Bryan told him earlier in the day that Bryan isn’t going to shave his beard until Wrestlemania. The Bryan Wrestlemania Beard Watch is underway. Bryan with a backslide for two, then he tried to grab the arm for the LeBell Lock. Big Boss Man slam by Barrett for two at :54. Barrett tangled Bryan in the ropes, then gave him a running boot to the face, sending Bryan to ringside. The announcers kept discussing how Bryan has been on a losing streak lately. Bryan got his boot up on a corner charge at about 2:30, then hit a second-rope dropkick for two. Barrett with another kicked for a near-fall. Bryan moonsaulted over Barrett and hit a running elbow. Running dropkick in the corner for two at 4:02. Pumphandle slam for a near-fall by Barrett. Barrett got Bryan up for Wasteland and connected. That was enough to finish Bryan.

WINNER: Barrett, at 5:13. I’m assuming this “losing streak” is leading to something bigger, as the announcers kept alluding to it, but in this day and age, that might not mean as much as it used to. Hopefully WWE this signals the start of the re-building of Barrett at least.

3 – SHEAMUS & ZACK RYDER vs. DOLPH ZIGGLER & CHRISTIAN

As Sheamus came to the ring, they showed clips of his match against Alberto Del Rio last week. During Christian’s entrance, they showed Carlos Cabrera and Marcelo Rodriguez, the Spanish announcers, at ringside. No Hugo Savinovich, whose contract was not renewed by WWE. As Booker defended Long’s decision to put Ziggler in two matches at Vengeance, Cole for some reason mentioned Booker’s previous identity as GI Bro. Ryder was taken to ringside early on by Christian. Neck-breaker by Ziggler for two. Ryder with a roll-up for two at 2:16. Ziggler kept Ryder in the heel corner and tagged Christian. Sheamus made the hot tag at 3:04 as Booker tried to rant through the entire sequence. Mathews thankfully re-directed the conversation. Ziggler was set up for the finish, but Christian provided a distraction and headed up the ramp. Sheamus shrugged off a sleeper attempt, then Sheamus Brogue Kicked Ziggler out of his boots. Pinfall followed.

WINNERS: Sheamus and Ryder, at 3:58. Thought they’d give this a little more time. They were wise to spend an additional segment hyping both matches that were announced earlier in the show.

4 – SIN CARA vs. SIN CARA

Mathews said this is the first mask vs. mask match in Smackdown history. Great pop for Sin Cara Azul. Interestingly, John Cone was the referee here; because of his ability to speak Spanish (and Cara Azul’s lack of English skills), Rod Zapata had been doing Cara Azul’s matches. Cara Negro was on offense to start as Cole covered the history between these two. Springboard hurricanrana by Azul. He jumped off the top and onto Cara Negro outside the ring. Springboard cross-body by Cara Azul. Booker brought up Mil Mascaras and Cole talked about him at length. Headscissors take-down by Cara Azul. Another springboard attempt, but Cara Negro dropkicked him. Cara Negro tried to tear the mask of his opposition off, to no avail. Back body-drop by Cara Azul. Cara Negro tried to recover at ringside as they went to break at 3:15.

Back at 6:15 with a back-breaker by Cara Negro. I think they needed to do a better job setting up what losing a mask means for a Mexican wrestler, especially with the match taking place in Mexico. Cara Negro hooked in a potential submission move, then locked in a Camel Clutch. Another tilt-a-whirl back-breaker by Cara Negro for two. Cara Azul attempted to come back, but Cara Negro shooed him away on a dropkick attempt. Cara Negro tried for the mask again and got it past the chin of Cara Azul. Sounds like the fans may have been chanting “Mistico,” but either way, it was a chant they broke out in several times during the match. Cara Negro missed a dive in the corner and Cara Azul came back with kicks. Wrist-lock take-down, followed by an arm-drag. Hurricanrana into a pinning combination for two. Roll-up out of a wheelbarrow for two. Suplex by Cara Negro for a near-fall. Cara Negro tried to go to the top, but Cara Azul stopped him with a kick. Hurricanrana off the ropes by Cara Azul. He then went to the top…but decided Cara Negro was too far away, so came down, kicked him, and set up on the opposite buckle. Swanton for a two-count at 12:55. Cara Negro fought back, but Cara Azul spun him around in a headscissors, landing in a set-up for an arm-bar. He locked it in and Cara Negro tapped.

WINNER: Cara Azul, at 13:23. Surprised they gave these two so much time after their stinker at Hell in a Cell. Still, a hotter crowd did wonders for the match.

Cara Negro was ready to walk off without unmasking. Cara Azul stopped him and they continued fighting. Cara Azul finally unmasked Cara Negro. He tried to hide his face, but we got a clear view of it for a couple seconds. Booker made fun of him for being ugly. I thought they might try something cute, like having the loser wear another mask underneath or paying it off with another angle rather than an unmasking, but they actually went through with it here.

5 – ALBERTO DEL RIO vs. THE BIG SHOW

Slap to the chest, then a slam by Big Show. Hip-lock take-over by Show, making his in-ring return here tonight. Also the return of Cole’s ridiculous similes and metaphors for Show’s body parts. Del Rio retreated to ringside, but Show pulled him up on the apron by his head. Del Rio choked Show over the top rope and tried to launch himself off the top, but Show slapped him in the chest. Back to the outside went Del Rio as they went to break at 2:16 of the match.

Back at 6:27 with Del Rio aiming for Show’s legs. Show caught a kick and pushed Del Rio to the mat. Del Rio was clotheslined over the top as Ricardo tried to provide aid to Del Rio. ADR dropkicked the steps into Show’s legs, but Show chopped Del Rio to keep him at bay. Show put on the brakes after Del Rio snuck out of the corner, but the WWE Champion could not capitalize. Del Rio slid out of a pin at 8:55. Show choked Del Rio in the ropes, but Del Rio dropkicked Show’s leg and got him down to a knee, then fully down on the mat. Work on the arm by Del Rio, but Show swatted Del Rio away and the big man got back to his feet. Show splashed Del Rio in the corner, then gave him a running shoulder tackle. He set up for the chokeslam, but Del Rio escaped and chop blocked Show. Cross arm-breaker locked in, but Show was face-down on the mat rather than on his back. Show refused to tap and worked to get to his hands and knees. He then got to his feet, picking Del Rio up in the process, and slammed him down. Show tried another chokeslam, but Ricardo Rodriguez ran in and jumped on Show’s back for the disqualification.

WINNER: Show, via DQ, at 12:49.

After the match, Show hit his knockout punch on Rodriguez, then on Del Rio. As Show recovered, Mark Henry ran out and ran right into a knockout blow from Show. They replayed all there KO’s. Show looked on from the stage as they faded out.

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