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Arcademan:
ECW on SciFi Results: 11-25-08

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

1 -- TOMMY DREAMER vs. JACK SWAGGER -- Extreme Rules match

Things started with a nose-to-nose square-off before Dreamer went to the classic Kendo stick weaponry on Swagger. Dreamer then picked up a chair and introduced Swagger to a scoop slam/chair combo. Swagger quickly bailed to the floor for a break and a breather, while Matt Striker referenced Colin Delaney as being a previous victim of the ER match. Swagger then took control with a whip into the ringpost that knocked Dreamer senseless. Back in the ring, Swagger snapped off a Northern Lights Suplex for a nearfall, then he shoved Dreamer head-first into a steel chair wedged into the second turnbuckle. Let's grab a break.

Back from break, Swagger was on the mat taunting Dreamer, who was trying to recover from a trashcan blow shot. Swagger then applied several submission holds utilizing a chair before Dreamer managed to retrieve a Kendo stick mid-hold to smack Swagger across the back. He then busted out a trashcan lid shot on Swagger to subdue Swag momentarily. Dreamer then grappled Swagger with a kendo stick below Swagger's...um...external member...but Swagger blocked a pumphandle slam and smashed Dreamer in the face.

Enter the trashcan and Striker with the Duke the Dumpster Droese reference prior to Swagger missing a Vader Bomb from the second rope and eating the can. Dreamer then hung Swagger upside down in the corner before setting him up for a surfboard E-C-W smash. Instead of grabbing a pin, Dreamer went under the ring and retrieved a table. Swagger used the time to recover and he executed a suplex for a nearfall. Swagger then tried to put Dreamer through the table, but Dreamer blocked with a DDT for a close two count.

Dreamer tried to follow with a can shot, but Swagger turned it into a drop toehold into the seat of a chair. Swagger then picked up Dreamer and gave him the gutwrench powerbomb hard through the table in center ring. Swagger made the cover for the win. Welcome to the big show big man. "Swagger has officially arrived," Striker said.

WINNER: Swagger in 12:00. Heck of a battle. Concern over the brutal damage each man took in this one, but Swagger had a star-making performance tonight in terms of how he carried himself with intensity and well, swagger. Swagger made himself right there. (***)

2 -- D.J. GABRIEL (w/Alicia Fox) vs. SOME GUY

Striker named the opponent as Jared something or another. Gabriel with a hip toss, then a spinning backhand chop into a standing dropkick. Gabriel busted out Claudio Castagnoli's big swing that sent Jared flying to the outside, then he settled into a neck vice on the mat. Gabriel eventually finished off the young man in the black trunks with a leaping European uppercut from the second rope for the pin.

Post-match: Grisham entered the ring to interview Gabriel and Alicia. He asked Alicia about what happened on Smackdown earlier this year when she was the wedding planner. She nervously said she moved on, then looked up some contacts to get them booked on ECW. They have a connection. A passion. A love for music! Gabriel said they share a passion for dancing and having fun. Most of all, a passion for winning. She excitedly clapped her hands.

WINNER: Gabriel in 3:00. Good progression in the ring. Tons of work needed on the mic. Without trying to be over-critical, that really was not ready for prime time. (1/2*)

3 -- MARK HENRY (w/Tony Atlas) vs. FINLAY (w/Hornswoggle)

A few minutes into the match, Henry retrieved Finlay's shillelagh and surveyed the object before tossing it out of the ring toward the feet of the timekeeper. Finlay said that's fine and went on the attack, but Henry snapped off a powerslam. He missed with the big splash (has he ever nailed that thing during a match?) before rolling to the outside to chase Hornswoggle. Finlay tried to capitalize, but Henry caught him in mid-air and rammed him back-first into the ring apron. This was followed by a scoop slam on the floor and a break...

Back from break, Henry was still in control on Finlay. Finlay then tried to come back with a double-foot dropkick to the knees, but Henry came back with a hard Irish whip into the corner before nailing a big corner splash. Henry had a good, jovial laugh before kicking Finlay over the top rope with a boot to the face. Atlas had enough of Hornswoggle, so he took Horny into the ring. They tried to run interference, but Finlay retrieved a second shillelagh and snuck into the ring to nail Henry in the knees. Things totally broke down, then Finlay smashed Atlas on the floor with his shillelagh. Henry and Atlas tried to take Hornswoggle away, but Finlay smashed them with the shillelagh again. The show then concluded with Striker plugging Cha$e, Finlay and Hornswoggle on one side of the ramp, and Henry and Atlas on the other side all catching their breath. That's all she wrote.

WINNER: No One in 13:00. Well, that was a unique way to close the show. Unique as in cop-out finish. WWE obviously didn't want either man to lose here, but simply ending the show with everyone standing on the floor with their hands on their hips with a plug for the next show on Sci-Fi was about as lame as it gets. (*1/2)

Arcademan:
TNA Impact! Results: 11-27-08

Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Keller's complete report). Condensed here to in-ring results with the exception of the final segment.

1 -- SONJAY DUTT (w/So Cal Val) vs. HERNANDEZ vs. RHINO -- Turkey Match Qualifier

Val got a ****** makeover to look more heelish and less wholesome. Rhino finished Dutt with a Gore.

WINNER: Rhino in 3:00.


2 -- CONSEQUENCES CREED vs. CUTE KIP vs. ALEX SHELLEY - Turkey Match Qualifier

As Creed came out, West and Tenay raved about his enthusiasm and positive attitude. Shelley won with a leverage pin on Creed. Let's see. Creed is one of the members of the Front Line top babyface group who needs a real credibility boost since he's so new, whereas Kip is a silly comedy act that's aging out of a roster spot sooner than later, but he gets exempt from doing the job. Why? Because ten years ago he meant something, or because since 1998 he's been a huge disappointment in every situation he's been put in and failed to get over?

WINNER: Shelley in 4:00.

3 -- JIMMY RAVE vs. SHEIK ABDUL BASHIR vs. MATT MORGAN - Turkey Match Qualifier

Tenay talked about "The Governor" coming to Impact next week. They wouldn't say "Alaska Governor" or "Palin," or that'd cross into blatant false advertising instead of innocent playful deception. After working together early, Bashir put a sleeper on Rave. Morga gave both a fallaway slam, then began yelling like Goldberg as he annoyingly does after almost every one of his big moves (and sometimes small moves). He gave Rave a big boot, but Bashir ducked a big boot from Morgan, who flew over the top rope to the floor. Bashir gave Rave a WMDDT finisher for the win. Referee Shane Sewell was hesitant to raise Bashir's arm afterward.

WINNER: Bashir in 3:00. It's sadly amazing to see a heel win a match without breaking rules or interference.

4 -- RAIESHA SAEED (w/Rhaka Kahn, Awesome Kong) vs. CHRISTY HEMME

In the end, Christy went for a flying legdrop, but missed. Saeed lifted her for a powerbomb, but Christy rolled through for the leverage pin. Kong beat up Christy in the midst of her celebration. Khan joined in, but Christy slid under the bottom rope and retreated to the back.

WINNER: Christy Hemme in 4:00.

5 -- RHINO vs. SHEIK ABDUL BASHIR vs. ALEX SHELLEY

Borash did ring introductions to give the Turkey Bowl a big match feel. The ref held up the turkey suit the loser must wear. A minute into the match, they cut to a break.

Back from the break, Bashir set up a top rope move, but Shelley pushed him off into an inverted atomic drop. A rested Rhino nailed Shelley with a Gore for the win.

WINNER: Rhino in 8:00 to win $25,000.

Team 3D: Joining the MEM or The Frontline...

-Styles, Joe, and Rhino stood center ring. The MEM then walked out. Angle told Styles, "There you go again, A.J. A young, smug punk making another demand to a veteran." He said if they want Brother Ray and Brother Devon, they got them. He introduced then as the latest members of the MEM. The MEM music played. The crowd booed. And out walked Ray and Devon in the suit. The MEM smiled and applauded. Ray said they gave this a lot of thought. He said they've come to the conclusion that the Main Event Mafia "are right." He said they also came to the conclusion that the Frontline are right. He said both sides have a lot of merit. He said Angle said something to them that struck a nerve and got them thinking. He said Angle is a smart man. He said he Angle told them to think about their future as a team and in "this business." He said the Mafia may grant them their future. He said their legacy is very important to them. He said they are the 20-time World Tag Team Champions and the most decorated team of all time. He wanted to know how they want to be remembered. He said they want to be remembered as one of the greatest teams, "just like the Road Warriors." He said they want to be remembered in the same breath as the Steiner Brothers. And even Harlem Heat. Ray said they want to be remembered as two hard-working guys who always gave it their all and have entertained the people all over the world, a family-man and a father. Two men who helped build one of the most legendary companies of all-time, ECW. "Or, do we want to be remembered as a part of the greatest collection of world champions that has ever walked God's green earth." He said the MEM is now complete because they have the greatest tag team. They are now the Magnificent Seven. He said the Frontline doesn't understand that the Mafia offers power and money and they have brains. He said they're "all about fighting and all guts and all balls." He said he wants to tell them that before the inevitable happens, guts and balls is good, "and if being part of the Front Line is wrong, then I don't want to be right." He opened up his jacket and Styles pulled out a weapon. Team 3D joined Styles, Rhino, and Joe in beating MEM out of the ring. Ray called for a table. Styles and Joe got a table. Tenay said we now know that Team 3D will be the tag partners of Styles & Joe at Final Resolution. They set up a table mid-ring. Sting pulled Angle by his leg out of the ring to safety. The newly strengthened Front Line stood strong together in the ring as the show ended.

Arcademan:
WWE Smackdown Results: 11-28-08

Results courtesy of ProWrestling.net (direct link to Shore's complete results). Condensed here to in-ring results only.

1. Jeff Hardy defeated The Brian Kendrick w/Ezekiel Jackson at 12:13 in a Beat the Clock Match. TBK slipped out of the ring early, hiding behind Zeke and running the time up. Back in the ring, it was all Hardy on offense, displaying his new aggressive style. Most of the makeup was gone by the 2:00 mark, making Hardy look even worse. TBK slipped out again at the 3:20 mark but turned his back to the ring. Hardy slid out and hit TBK beside Zeke who did nothing. Hardy threw TBK back in the ring. He climbed the rope for the Whisper in the Wind but TBK hit his feet to cause Jeff to fall to the top turnbuckle. TBK hit a neck breaker and celebrated into commercial…

Back from commercial at 7:34 according to the completely reliable WWE timer. A commercial replay showed TBK kicking Hardy in the back of the head for a two count. TBK locked in a head rest hold that Hardy reversed into a small package for a near fall. Hardy sold the head injury and TBK regained control and locked in another rest hold. Hardy fought out and tied TBK in the Tree of Woe and hit his sitdown corner dropkick for two. Hardy teased the Twist of Fate but TBK pushed him off. Hardy hit the Whisper in the Wind instead. TBK placed his leg on the ropes at two and Zeke tried to check on him. Hardy hit a baseball slide into TBK who crashed into Zeke. Hardy hit a fall away powerbomb followed by the Swanton for the win…

Shore’s Slant: Fair TV match for Kendrick and Hardy. Nice to see Zeke really didn’t play a factor in this. I hope Matt doesn’t run around for twelve minutes.

2. Maryse, Natalya, and Victoria defeated Brie and Nikki Bella and Michelle McCool in 4:13. Victoria and McCool started. McCool tagged in a twin quickly and then the other twin tagged in and Victoria took control. The heels worked on the Bella twin (Brie I think). McCool got the hot tag and had a flurry of offense on Maryse. McCool covered but Victoria broke it up. McCool had another pin hooked in but the ref was distracted by Victoria and a twin fighting. McCool got the ref but turned into a Maryse clothesline. Maryse teased a DDT but McCool reversed into an arm bar. She held Maryse for the other twin but the twin hit McCool by mistake. Maryse covered for the win. Post match, McCool and the twins argued. Maria ran out and tried to calm McCool but McCool pushed Maria to the mat. She left as the twins and Maria looked confused and hurt.

Shore’s Slant: You know, this match wasn’t terrible considering the level of Diva’s matches we have seen recently. McCool needs to go ahead and turn and stop teasing it. If Maria and the Bella Twins need to be comforted, I’m here.

3. Vladimir Kozlov fought Matt Hardy to a no contest in a Beat the Clock match. During Hardy’s intro the Hurrapop announced he would be returning to Smackdown next week. I don’t know if this will be the end of the Hurrapop, but if it is, there is a Santa Claus cause that’s what I asked for. Hardy actually took control at first in the match, cinching in a head lock for a few minutes and then running around the outside of the ring for almost a minute. Hardy continued to play cat and mouse with Kozlov, grabbing the ropes and running from lockups and any knockdown. The ref showed Kozlov the clock and his eyes bugged out as he realized this was a timed exercise. He chased Hardy until they made it back to the ring. Hardy nit Kozlov but Kozlov caught his next punch, hooking the arms for the triple headbut. He kicked Hardy down who stood up in the corner and hit a stiff kick as Kozlov ran in…

Back from commercial at 3:38 remaining and Kozlov was still in control. Hardy tried a cross body off the ropes but Kozlov caught him and hit a fall away slam. He placed Hardy across the top turnbuckle and tried to do a super fall away slam but fell from the bottom rope in a botched spot. He did manage to get Hardy over in the slam showing his pure power. With 0:54 left, Hardy hit a side effect out of nowhere and kicked Kozlov out of the ring. Kozlov made it back in the ring. Hardy teased the Twist of Fate but Kozlov pushed him off and out of the ring. Hardy hung outside the ring as time expired…

Backstage, Jeff Hardy was shown in the locker room watching on a monitor. He nodded and turned around to find Triple H. They stood face to face for almost half a minute without saying a word…

Shore’s Slant: OK match for these two. Kozlov has lost a lot of luster with me now that he’s in the main event matches. He looked much better with the midcarders. It will be interesting to see how he’s used from here on out. Did anyone know that Triple H could be on TV for more than 15 seconds and not speak? Color me surprised.

4. Jesse and Festus defeated John Morrison and The Miz in 5:00. Miz and Jesse started out so Jesse wore the *** beating early this week. The heels worked on Jesse for a while. Jesse got the hot tag to Festus as Miz got one to Morrison. Morrison was drove out of the ring and he went and rung the bell. As he made his way back to the ring, Jesse clotheslined him and got the bell. He rolled Morrison back in the ring and rung the bell. Festus beat on Morrison but Miz ran over and attacked Jesse. He rung the bell and Morrison rolled out of the ring and he and Miz worked on Jesse. At some point, the ref DQ’ed Miz and Morrison.

Post match, Miz and Morrison climbed in the ring with the bell. Miz got right in Festus’s face and Morrison rang the bell. Miz ran and just as Festus was about to catch him, he rang it again. Morrison laughed and Miz yanked the bell out of his hand and rung it. Festus chased Morrison and Miz rang it just before he caught Morriosn. Miz and Morrison seemed to argue for a second but then they moved Festus to the center of the ring. Miz stood behind him with his head down. Morrison rang the bell and as Festus came to life, Miz mocked him. Morrison quickly rang the bell and Festus and Miz went catatonic. This went on for a while until Miz and Morrison started fighting over the bell. Jess ran in but was knocked out by Morriosn with the bell. Miz had the hammer and dropped it on the bell. Festus came alive and cleaned house…

Shore’s Slant: ENOUGH with the bell gimmick. Enough, Enough, Enough.

5. Triple H defeated Shelton Benjamin in a beat the clock match. Triple H immediately went for a Pedigree but Benjamin escaped. A couple of moves later, Hunter tried again but Benjamin escaped to the outside. Triple H followed and threw Benjamin back in. Benjamin caught Hunter coming back in but Hunter quickly countered. He tried for a Pedigree again but Benjamin countered into a backdrop but Hunter countered that into a Sunset Flip for a two count. Hunter locked in a crossface for about a minute and a half before Benjamin made the ropes. Both men stood and Benjamin hit a neckbreaker as the show went to the final commercial…

Back with 5:28 remaining and Hunter was in control. Shelton hit a couple of moves but with 4:00 left, Triple H came alive and hit the high knee and face buster on Benjamin who bailed outside the ring. Hunter threw him back in the ring but Benjamin rolled out the other side. Hunter followed and threw Benjamin into JR’s lap. He threw Benjamin back in the ring but he rolled out the other side again. Hunter followed and slammed Benjamin’s head on the steps. Benjamin jumped up and came off the ropes but Hunter hit the Double A spinebuster. Benjamin backdropped Hunter out of the Pedigree attempt and tried to climb out of the ring. The two men fought at the ropes and referee Mike Chioda got knocked down. Hunter hit the Pedigree Chioda was still down. Hunter went over and woke up Chioda who crawled over, checked the clock about thirty times and then started to count. He hit three as the horn sounded.

Chioda slowly got up and raised Hunter’s hand. He celebrated and his music played. Referee Charles Robinson ran down and started talking to Chioda. They argued for a moment and a replay showed that the three count and time expiration happened at exactly the same time. Triple H and Jeff Hardy were announced to have tied. Hardy’s music hit and he came to the ring wearing a hoodie with the hood on. He climbed in the ring and he and Triple H looked at each other while the refs stood in-between them…

Shore’s Slant: Well that sucked. The match was entertaining, not great, but it kept my attention. The ending was shitty, though I will admit, I never considered a tie. Has this ever happened before in these matches? As a rule I hate these beat the clock matches because of the stalling, but these weren’t bad. I guess we have another Triple Threat match at Armageddon. Forgive me if I don’t show my excitement. Overall, a fair show. I hope next week’s doesn’t have the dead crowd that England gave us with the second taped show. Thanks for reading!

Arcademan:
WWE RAW Results: 12-1-08

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

1 -- World tag team champions C.M. PUNK & KOFI KINGSTON vs. MANU & CODY RHODES -- non-title match

A little back and forth to start, then Kofi went for a slingshot splash on the outside on Cody. He connected, then Manu attacked him from behind to give Priceless the advantage heading to break.

Back from break, Punk was in control on Cody. Wow, what a reverse with the heels in control into the break and the babyfaces in control out of the break. That didn't last long, though, a Manu quickly took control on Punk at 6:00 with a body blow and leaping headbutt. Cody then tagged in and slapped on a bow-and-arrow-like submission on Punk before knocking him down again with a clothesline. The heels continued to corner Punk, who tried to escape with body strikes.

Punk eventually scored with a knee to the nose on Cody before tagging into Kofi, who came in like a house of fire. Kofi delivered a Russian legsweep on Cody, then he marched around the ring before delivering the boom-boom leg drop for a nearfall when Manu broke up the pin. Punk came in, though, and dropped Manu with a bulldog. Kofi then avoided a victory roll attempt and nailed Cody with the Jamaican buzzsaw kick for the pin and the win. Afterward, they showed Cody and Manu recovering on stage while Orton looked on backstage.

WINNERS: Punk & Kingston in 12:00. Ah, that was nice to see Kingston actually score a pin for once. I nearly forgot what his finishing move was because it had been so long since he won a match with a pinfall. Meanwhile, Cody and Manu get to regroup with Orton to continue that program. Fine match. Not great, but serviceable. (*3/4)

2 -- MELINA vs. JILLIAN HALL

Jillian quickly knocked Melina to the outside while Santino explained they're out here scouting new talent for Beth. Suddenly, the screen went blank then back to the ring where Jillian worked on Melina with a mat hold and screamed in her ear. Jillian then tried a corner handstand, but Melina blocked and nailed the "Last Call" modified Canadian Destroyer on Jillian for the win.

Afterward, Santino said he wasn't impressed. He tried to escort Beth out of the ringside area, but Melina got on the mic and said she's going to take Beth's most precious accessory, the Women's Title. Santino held Beth back, then took the lead on responding. After calling her Melanie, Santino said she thinks she's so hot to trot with her little entrance. Santino said he's even going to do the entrance himself.

Beth tried to hold him back, but Santino insisted. He hitched up his britches, then got one leg up on the apron. Hitch up the britches again. He then got the other leg up just a touch on the apron before falling down flat on his back in sheer pain. He instantly held his groin. Santino shook and shook on the floor while Melina tried not to crack up laughing. "Is there a Slammy for goof of the year?" Cole asked. Won't go there on Cole. Beth then helped Santino up and asked why, oh why did he injure himself there? Santino shaking was moment of the year. So great.

WINNER: Melina in 3:00. Post-match was great and even enhanced the future Beth vs. Melina feud for the Women's Title. (3/4*)

3 -- BATISTA vs. DOLPH ZIGGLER

The bell sounded, then Dolph wanted a handshake. Batista smiled, then Dolph re-introduced himself and slapped Batista across the face. Batista was ready to rip his head off, but Dolph bailed to the outside several times to avoid Batista. Dolph then waited for Batista to lose his cool and he nailed an awesome step-up enziguiri kick. Batista was briefly stunned before taking Dolph back into the ring. Suddenly, Dolph executed a leaping neckbreaker for a nearfall. Nice.

Batista then tried a spear, but Dolph moved and nailed a kick to the left knee. Dolph introduced himself to Batista again, then he went to the second rope, but Batista caught him in mid-air for a spinebuster. Batista had enough and wanted to end it. This time, Dolph couldn't escape the Batistabomb, giving Batista the pin and the win.

WINNER: Batista in 4:00. Nice showing from Dolph, who made the most of his opportunity to rub shoulders with Batista and get in some offense. Well done. (*)

4 -- JOHN MORRISON vs. FINLAY (w/Hornswoggle) -- #1 Contender to the IC Title tournament first round match

Back and forth they went to start things off while Cole and Lawler recapped everything happening in WWE Storyline Land. Finlay caught Morrison with a series of hard clotheslines at 3:00, then he landed a big butt seated splash for a nearfall.

Finlay clotheslined Morrison over the top rope to the floor, then Hornswoggle approached Morrison, but Morrison shoved Horny down to the floor. Finlay became concerned, allowing Morrison to kick Finlay head-first into the ring steps. Back in the ring, Finlay sold a head injury that Morrison exploited with the springboard enziguiri kick on Finlay for the pin and the win. Afterward, Hornswoggle was distraught over how things went down.

WINNER: Morrison in 4:00 to advance in the tournament. Not a whole lot to this one. Audience wasn't particularly receptive for the ECW match. Still no resolution on the Rey-Miz issue in the tournament. (*)

5 -- THE MIZ vs. REY MYSTERIO -- #1 Contender to the IC Title tournament first round match

Suddenly, Rey busted out the 619 less than 20 seconds into the match. He then went up top for the finishing dive, but Miz rolled out of the way. Miz then went on the offensive trying to score a pin working on the elbow, but Rey kicked out of several pin attempts. Miz eventually went for the Reality Check, but Rey blocked and rolled up Rey with one good arm to score a pin for the win. Afterward, Miz was left very confused by how he lost this one.

WINNER: Rey in 3:00 to advance in the tournament. So now it's Kingston vs. Rey and Morrison vs. Punk in the semi-finals of the tournament. Match was pretty rushed and didn't really take advantage of the Rey injury for maximum effect of building heat for a "spirited comeback."

6 -- World Hvt. champion JOHN CENA vs. KANE -- non-title match

They cut out the babyface shine to start things off and went right to Kane dominating Cena. That's what happens when the bell sounds two minutes before the top of the hour. Fans had the dueling chant of "Let's go Cena" vs. "Cena sucks."

Cena teased an FU at the top of the hour, but Kane cut him off and settled into more matwork focusing on the surgically-repaired neck. Kane then inexplicably went up top and Cena ducked before slapping on the STFU in center ring. Suddenly, Chris Jericho stormed ringside so Cena released the hold and attacked Jericho on the outside. Kane then used the distraction to set up Cena for a chokeslam in center ring, but Cena slipped out and lifted Kane up for the FU. He connected, then made the cover for the win.

WINNER: Cena in 5:00. Basic TV match to set up the post-match. (*)

Arcademan:
ECW on SciFi Results: 12-2-08

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

1 -- RICKY ORTIZ vs. JACK SWAGGER -- #1 Contender match

Grisham took a moment to point out that ECW is settling the #1 Contender in the ring rather than by doing a bunch of talking like the college football BCS system. Oh, Todd, how you have become my favorite announcer. Swagger knocked Ortiz out of the ring at 2:00, then they cut to break with Ortiz looking to regroup.

They returned from break with Swagger working over Ortiz in the corner. Matt Striker really really stretched to put Ortiz in the same sentence as John Cena, saying Cena lost his first WWE match and can never claim to have ever been undefeated like Ortiz can. Back to the ring where Ortiz landed a series of weak-looking right hand punches before leaving a lot of light on a spinning elbow smash. Ortiz fired himself up, but ran into a boot to the face. He then wanted the Big O dive, but Swagger easily rolled out of the way. On the floor, Swagger smashed Ortiz on the floor with a clothesline before rolling him back into the ring. Swagger then finished him off with the big gutwrench powerbomb for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Swagger in 8:00. Thank goodness they booked the right finish here. Swagger is at a level far above Ricky O right now. The man is a future World champ and it's embarrassing he even had to sell for Ricky, who looks so hesitant and tentative in the ring. (*)

2 -- D.J. GABRIEL (w/Alicia Fox) vs. JOSH DANIELS

Grisham said he peruses the WWE Universe boards to gauge the response to Gabriel. He reported some positive opinions, but some people saying he's "nothing but a bad dance." Gabriel busted out the Claudio C. giant swing before posing for the camera. Daniels tried to take advantage, but Gabriel cut him off with a chop to the gut and a double underhook suplex. Gabriel then nailed a sit-down chinbreaker before hopping up top for the leaping European uppercut for the win. Afterward, Gabriel and Alicia danced it up. Cut the dancing. We have a Hardy vs. MVP match to promote.

WINNER: Gabriel in 3:00. Just another squash victory for Gabriel. Fine build, but it's time for some quality opposition. (1/2*)

3 -- ECW champion MATT HARDY (ECW) vs. MVP (Smackdown) -- non-title match

Grisham said MVP hasn't picked up a singles victory since August, meaning he's losing out on plenty of cash from not collecting on his incentive bonuses. Hardy dominated early, including a double sledge from the second rope for a nearfall at 3:00. I love Grisham equating MVP's losing streak to a new baseball pitcher striking everyone out, then the batters adjust and the pitcher starts getting hit around a little bit. MVP, frustrated with Hardy on the offensive, bailed to the floor before they cut to a break.

Hardy was still in control back from the break, but MVP caught him with a big boot to the head to start working on Hardy on the mat. MVP became frustrated following a nearfall, then Hardy tried to kick back against MVP. They battled for momentum until MVP landed a chinbreaker across his knee for another nearfall. Grisham then asked Striker about his many losses in WWE and how to rebound. Striker hesitated and said he's self-admittedly not the caliber of MVP, then Hardy made a comeback in the ring at 12:00.

Hardy landed a leg drop from the middle rope, but MVP kicked out. MVP tried the big boot, but Hardy avoided it. Hardy then charged MVP, but MVP nailed him with the big boot. Another nearfall, though. MVP then wanted a big Chono boot in the corner, but Hardy moved and landed a clothesline. MVP came back with an elbow smash for a two count, then MVP wanted the playmaker, but Hardy reversed into the side effect. He then measured MVP and nailed the Twist of Fate in center ring. One, two, three it's over for Hardy winning.

WINNER: Hardy in 14:00. Good match. MVP showed some good fire, Grisham and Striker were solid on commentary, and it continued MVP's quest to pick up a victory of any kind. Hardy played a strong lead champion without needing to set the world on fire going for a five-star match. Fundamentally sound. (**1/2)

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