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Arcademan:
WWE Smackdown Results: 11-18-11

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

1 – SIN CARA vs. DOLPH ZIGGLER

Ziggler took Cara down, but he didn’t stay down for long. Back to a vertical base, Ziggler slapped Cara. Fireman’s carry take-over by Ziggler. Mathews said Zack Ryder’s petition is “the most-signed petition in Twitter history.” Does no one in WWE realize how ridiculous that sounds? Couple of leap-frogs by Cara, then Ziggler held onto the ropes to slow things down a bit. Headscissors take-over by Cara sent Ziggler to the outside. Suicide dive landed. Lots of “Sin Cara” chants during this match thus far. As Cara tried to get back into the ring, Ziggler gave him a kick to the chest to send Cara back to the arena floor. Back in the ring, big elbowdrop by Ziggler. The US Champ worked the arm of Cara, grounding the high-flying superstar. High-flying springboard wrist-lock take-down by Cara, then a kick to Ziggler’s head. Roll-up by Cara, but Ziggler reversed and rolled Cara up, held the tights, and picked up the win.

WINNER: Ziggler, at 4:27. Under the right circumstances, a re-match between these two could really be fun.

2 – JACK SWAGGER vs. MASON RYAN

This match was joined in progress, but it looked like it was early in the contest as they were still only locking up. Mathews said Teddy Long made this match during the break. Ryan broke out of a rear waist-lock and powered Swagger into the corner. Short-arm clothesline by Ryan. He picked Swagger up, but Swagger ducked out the back and chop blocked the big man. Vader Bomb onto Ryan’s back for only two. Swagger hammered away with right hands on Ryan in the corner. Ryan was getting his arm up to defend himself though. Two splashes in the corner by Swagger, then a third. Vickie was still at ringside, but no sign of Ziggler or Cara. Suplex by Ryan, but they got to their feet at the same time. Swagger hit the ropes, then was hit with a clothesline. Running knee in the corner on Swagger, then a running big boot. Powerslam by Ryan for two. Michael Cole ran down some of the big moments in Survivor Series history. Swagger avoided a full-nelson and went for the knee again. Swagger couldn’t get the gutwrench locked in and Ryan put him in the full-nelson, then slammed him for the win.

WINNER: Ryan, 4:20 shown. Swagger did what he could with Ryan and made it watchable.

3 – TED DIBIASE vs. DERRICK BATEMAN

Bateman was seconded by Maxine. They did an inset interview where Bateman called themselves WWE’s power couple. I don’t know where to begin to analyze how exactly Bateman is on this show when he’s still technically competing for a contract on NXT. Not sure why they didn’t just use Johnny Curtis in this role, since he actually won a season, though you wouldn’t know it. Hip-toss by DiBiase, then a dropkick. Bateman took over thanks to a distraction of the referee by Maxine. Neck-breaker by Bateman for two. DiBiase turned things around in the corner, but it didn’t last long, as Bateman whipped DiBiase hard into the corner. DiBiase made his comeback after fighting off a rest-hold. Dream Street finished Bateman.

WINNER: DiBiase, at 2:36. DiBiase is certainly working his way up the ladder. I wish they’d build more guys up in this fashion.

4 – KOFI KINGSTON vs. HUNICO

Hunico grabbed a mic when he came to the ring. He spoke in Spanish at ringside. I caught “Hunico,” but that was about it. He did not translate for us gringos. Arm-drag by Kingston, but when Kingston tried a leg flip, Hunico dropkicked him. Front suplex by Hunico for two. He stretched Kingston’s leg while also working a chin-lock. Kingston got to his feet, but Kofi rolled him up for two. Kick to the mid-section of Kofi, then Hunico choked Kingston in the ropes. Hunico applied another unique potential submission move, a modified abdominal stretch with both men on the mat. More choking from Hunico. Hunico landed on his feet after Kingston moved out of the way of a springboard moonsault, but Kofi picked up the pace and hit his signature moves. Cross-body off the top but Hunico rolled through for a two-count. Hunico argued that it was three, so Kingston hit the SOS for the pinfall win.

WINNER: Kingston, at 5:01. And Kingston is off the schneid. Hunico got quite a bit of offense there.

5 – BETH PHOENIX & NATALYA vs. AJ & KAITLYN

During Nattie and Beth’s entrance, a graphic showed that Beth will be defending the Divas Title against Eve at Survivor Series in a Lumberjil match. AJ may have gotten re-tooled music. Either that or it’s Kaitlyn’s music, which we never hear. Dropkick by Kaitlyn on Phoenix, followed up by forearms in the corner. Phoenix brought Kaitlyn chest-first over the top rope, then continued to clobber her. Double-team by Natalya and Phoenix on Kaitlyn. Natalya with some trash talk, then an abdominal stretch in the middle of the ring. Kaitlyn took Nattie down and tried to tag AJ, but Natalya prevented that. Bodyslam by Natalya, but she missed a leg-drop. AJ tagged in and flew off the top with a cross-body. Natalya avoided a sunset flip and applied the Sharpshooter. AJ tapped after Natalya sat all the way back in the move, to the point that her shoulders were actually pinned to the mat.

WINNERS: Phoenix and Natalya, at 2:53. That finish looked extremely painful. The match was decent while it lasted.

6 – RANDY ORTON & SHEAMUS vs. WADE BARRETT & CODY RHODES

During Barrett’s entrance, they showed him picking up the win last week against Orton. I like the second remake of Cody’s original “Smoking Mirror” theme. That theme can really do no wrong; all three have been above-average. Rhodes did an inset interview that was a bit odd, basically saying he had no feelings toward Orton. As we saw on Monday, Rhodes is now without the facemask. Sheamus took Rhodes down, and Rhodes cowered a bit in the corner. He tagged Barrett and the ref’s mic was turned way up. Hard back-elbow to Barrett, then a cover for barely one. Suplex by Sheamus for another one-count. Back kick by Barrett to the mid-section of Sheamus, then an elbow. Orton came in and cleaned house, hitting his patented DDT on Barrett. Rhodes tried to come off the top rope while Orton set up for the RKO. Orton kicked Rhodes in the stomach as he came off the top, then gave him a gutwrench suplex. Big running boot by Barrett before they went to break at 3:50.

Back at the 6:45 mark of the match. Christian joined Team Barrett at ringside. Barrett was in control of Orton, but Orton fired back at 7:23 with right hands. The men hammered away on each other, but Barrett seemed to get the upper-hand with a knee-lift. Tag in to Rhodes, who stomped on Orton’s head. Back body-drop by Orton – Rhodes managed to make the tag, but Barrett attacked Sheamus before he could tag in. Knee-drop by Barrett for a near-fall. Back-breaker by Orton at 9:41 and both men were down. Both men made tags and Sheamus took the beating to Rhodes. From the top, he hit a shoulder tackle. He then tossed Barrett out of the ring over the top rope. He lined up for the Brogue Kick, but Christian tripped him with the crutch. No DQ yet, but then Christian poked Sheamus in the gut with the crutch, which ended the match.

WINNERS: Orton and Sheamus, via disqualification, at 10:45.

Rhodes and Barrett focused on Sheamus in the ring after disposing of Orton outside of it. Rhodes got the crutch, but Sheamus Brogue kicked him before he could use it. He then jabbed Barrett with the crutch and slammed it over his back. Orton slithered into the ring, gave Barrett and RKO, then slithered back out. Celtic Cross to Rhodes. The finish was replayed – I didn’t catch Cody’s Beautiful Disaster kick on Sheamus after the crutch shot. They also replayed the big spots in the post-match. Orton and Sheamus posed on opposite turnbuckles as Mathews got one last plug in for Cena and Rock, never before, never again, before the show signed off.

Arcademan:
WWE Survivor Series PPV Results: 11-20-11 (Next three posts)

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

1 -- U.S. champion DOLPH ZIGGLER (w/Vickie Guerrero) vs. JOHN MORRISON -- U.S. Title match

The crowd chanted, "We Want Ryder," at the start of the match. Of note, the giant videoboards next to the entrance ramp changed to photos of Ziggler and Morrison. Cole acknowledged the chants for Ryder and noted Laurinaitis denied Ryder's petition for a U.S. Title shot. As for the actual match, the two men worked hard early on trying to put the focus on themselves, but the crowd continued to chant for Ryder. As Ziggler settled into a reverse chinlock, the crowd started a very loud Ryder chant. Ziggler smirked, then yanked down Morrison by the hair to maintain control.

Morrison came back with a clothesline, then a swinging neckbreaker for a two count. The two men traded control before Ziggler slapped on his sleeperhold finisher. Morrison escaped, though, and slapped on a sleeper of his own, which drew boos. Morrison transitioned to a DDT and made a cover, but Vickie put Dolph's foot on the bottom rope. Ref Charles Robinson stopped the count, but gave Vickie the boot from ringside. The crowd popped as Vickie screamed and shrieked on the way out.

Back in the ring, Morrison approached Ziggler for a suplex, but Ziggler blocked and scored a two count on a small package. Sudden pinfall exchanges ensued. Ziggler then delivered a Rocker Dropper out of nowhere, but Morrison kicked out in time. Ziggler grabbed his hair in frustration before going for a desperation Zig-Zag that Morrison blocked. Morrison then hit a knee to the head, but Ziggler blocked Starship Pain. Ziggler then followed right up with the Zig-Zag to Morrison's injured neck for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Ziggler at 10:44 to retain the U.S. Title. Solid opener. They did their best to keep the focus on the match in the face of non-stop Ryder chants and Morrison looked good in defeat. (**1/2)

2 -- Divas champion BETH PHOENIX (w/Natalya) vs. EVE -- Divas Title match -- Lumberjill match

Back-and-forth early on with some lumberjills involved, but no outright brawling. Eve tried a moonsault, but Beth blocked, then went for the Glam Slam, but Eve blocked with a mid-ring submission. Beth escaped with help from Natalya, though. The match moved up top where the Divas struggled for control before Beth hit a top-rope Glam Slam for the win.

WINNER: Beth at 4:35 to retain the Divas Title. The Pain Train rolls on for Beth. It looks like Kelly will be next in line for another run at Beth's title.

3 -- Team Barrett (WADE BARRETT & IC champion CODY RHODES & HUNICO & U.S. champion DOLPH ZIGGLER & JACK SWAGGER) vs. Team Orton (RANDY ORTON & SHEAMUS & WWE tag champion KOFI KINGSTON & SIN CARA & MASON RYAN) -- traditional Survivor Series elimination match

Cole referenced historical WWE debuts in Survivor Series matches including Taker in 1990 and Rock in 1996. Ziggler, pulling double-duty, faced off against Kingston first. Suddenly, Orton tagged in and dropped Ziggler with an RKO. Orton scored a quick pin for the first elimination.

*** Ziggler eliminated by Orton at 1:33 ***

After the elimination, the heels huddled on the outside and Orton decided to bring a fight to them on the outside. Kingston and Sin Cara then landed big splashes on the heels on the floor. Sin Cara sold a knee injury after the spot, though. Referee Scott Armstrong checked on Sin Cara before trainers attended to him. The crowd picked up a "We Want Ryder" chant during the break in the action. A replay showed Cara catching himself on the top rope and airballing a splash on Hunico, who still sold it anyways. Justin Roberts then announced a formal elimination of Sin Cara as Cara removed his boot.

*** Sin Cara eliminated at 3:44 ***

After a break in the action, Orton and Cody picked things up again. Ryan then tagged in, the crowd groaned, and Ryan began delivering offense to Rhodes. Ryan tried a big boot, but Rhodes bailed to the floor. Hunico was the next man in for the heels and he took a beating from Ryan. Rhodes made a blind tag, though, and dropped Ryan with a step-up kick into Cross Rhodes to a big reaction. Rhodes pinned Ryan for the next elimination.

*** Ryan eliminated by Rhodes at 8:52 ***

"Cody, Cody" chant as the faces decided who should be next in the match. Sheamus entered and picked up a fight with Rhodes. The heels eventually isolated Sheamus and the announcers talked about Survivor Series history, stressing Shawn Michaels. Kingston then tagged in and the announcers said Kofi grew up wanting to be like Mike...aels. Kingston cleared the heels in and out of the ring, but Barrett cut him off with a kick inside the ropes. Barrett then hit Wasteland for the next elimination.

*** Kingston eliminated by Barrett at 14:06 ***

As expected, Orton and Sheamus were the last two men for the faces and were faced with long odds. The heels isolated Orton as Lawler referenced his personal SS history. Sheamus eventually took a tag and delivered a beating to Swagger. Hunico was dumped to the floor, then Sheamus dropped Swagger with the Irish Curse backbreaker. Sheamus then had enough of Swagger and delivered a corner beating that lasted past a five count, drawing a DQ.

*** Sheamus DQ'ed at 18:30 ***

After being DQ'ed, Sheamus dropped Swagger with the Brogue Kick, which probably should have DQ'ed his entire team for a post-elimination attack. Orton then scooped up Swagger's scraps and scored a pinfall to eliminate Swagger, which drew Cole's ire.

*** Swagger eliminated by Orton at 19:33 ***

With Orton alone in the match, the heels began working over Orton. Cole said it would be an "absolute miracle" if Orton pulled this off. Rhodes stomped away at Orton, then mocked The Pose right in front of Orton. Orton then exploded on Rhodes with strikes and a snap powerslam. Orton followed with a faceplant DDT off the second rope before entering That Place. Barrett distracted him, though, and Hunico tagged in for Rhodes. Hunico went for a springboard move, but Orton intercepted him with a mid-air RKO. Orton with the pin.

*** Hunico eliminated by Orton at 21:38 ***

Barrett was the next heel in the match and was able to blindside Orton after Orton dropped Rhodes with an RKO. Barrett then hit Wasteland to score the decisive pin for the win. Cue up Barrett's celebration before Cole claimed Sin Cara has a ruptured patella tendon and the knee injury prevented him from continuing in the match. They went to a replay of the finish before Barrett and Rhodes celebrated the win.

WINNERS: Barrett & Rhodes at 22:10. The match was set up for a predictable outcome of Orton overcoming the odds, but WWE is obviously really, really behind Barrett right now, as evidenced by the outcome. Rhodes had a very strong showing along with Barrett. The match itself was okay, but never really moved to the next level. (**)

Arcademan:
4 -- World Hvt. champion MARK HENRY vs. BIG SHOW -- World Hvt. Title match

The bell sounded and Show displayed his power by shoving Henry down. Henry, stunned and angered, shoved Show away to the ropes after a second lock-up. Show knocked down Henry again and Henry rolled to the floor for a breather. Back in the ring, Show took down Henry with a waistlock. Henry tried to charge at Show, but Show side-stepped and Henry spilled to the outside. Another breather for Henry, who claimed Show hooked his tights. Cole used the break in the action to hype Twitter again.

Henry returned to the ring and complained about Show's tactics to continue stalling as he looked to frustrate Show. Henry finally got an opening after clipping Show's left knee. Henry then began focusing on Show's knee. The crowd became restless as Henry continued his methodical attack. The crowd chanted "Daniel Bryan," which Cole acknowledged and said Bryan was not in the building due to Henry's attack on Smackdown.

Show made a comeback and wanted a chokeslam, but Henry countered with a slam for a two count. A big splash off the ropes also resulted in a two count for Henry. Henry wanted another splash and turned it into a leaping elbow drop, but Show kicked out again. The match then moved to the floor, where Henry charged Big Show with a big splash that knocked Show through the gimmicked guardrail. No planted "fans" ringside to react a la Summerslam. Cole referenced the same spot at Summerslam and said Big Show was Sheamus tonight. Henry managed to make it back into the ring at nine to avoid a count-out, so the match continued.

In the ring, they teased a top-rope spot, but Show blocked. Show then hit a standing superkick to Henry's jaw the decked him. "HBK" chant as Show caught his breath then slowly approached the top turnbuckle. Show started climbing as the crowd came to their feet. Show made it two-thirds of the way to the top turnbuckle, then balanced himself at the very top. Show bounced on the top turnbuckle a few times, then flew off the top with an elbow drop across the ring that popped the crowd. Show paused before making cover, allowing Henry to kick out. The crowd gasped for the nearfall, then chanted "Randy Savage" as the two men collected themselves on the mat. After a reset, the two men came to their feet and Henry kicked Show between the legs, causing a DQ.

Post-match: Show's music played as Henry received his title belt. Henry stood over Show, then dropped his title belt and left the ring to retrieve a chair. (TLC foreshadowing?) Henry threw the chair into the ring, kicked Show in the head, and placed Show's foot inside the chair. Henry then wanted a big splash, but Show managed to move his leg to avoid. Show then came to his feet and delivered the KO Punch to Henry. The crowd chanted "Daniel Bryan," wanting the MITB cash-in. No dice. Show then grabbed the chair Henry tried to use on him and placed Henry's foot inside the chair. Show paused, then delivered a big leg drop that caused Henry to scream in pain and roll around on the mat.

Medics checked on Henry before Show casually walked out of the ring with his music playing. After a replay of the finish and post-match, they went back to the ring to show Henry being helped onto a stretcher. Booker wondered aloud if the World champ will be out of action after this. Henry tried to refuse medical attention, but claimed his ankle was broken. Henry cut a promo on the medics before they cut away.

WINNER: Show via DQ at 13:04; Henry retained the World Title. Some slow moments, but also some memorable moments to this second encounter. The use of the chair points to a No DQ Chairs match at the TLC PPV, assuming WWE doesn't script a write-off for Henry following the post-match injury angle.

5 -- WWE champion ALBERTO DEL RIO vs. C.M. PUNK -- WWE Title match

Cole noted the WWE Title has changed hands 15 times at MSG, the most of any arena. The crowd chanted, "We want ice cream," before the two men locked up. Stalemate. "C-M Punk" chant before the two men locked up again and drew even. Punk took control moments later, so Del Rio bailed to the floor to stall for time. The announcers then plugged Twitter and what was trending at the moment. Suddenly, Ricardo tripped Punk from the outside, drawing The Look from Punk. Punk then chased RR around the ring, but ran right into a dropkick from Del Rio.

Back in the ring at the top of the third hour, Del Rio delivered a double axehandle from the top rope for a two count. Del Rio then began working over Punk's left arm to set up the cross arm-breaker later in the match. Del Rio spilled to the outside, though, and sold an injury that alarmed Ricardo.

Del Rio returned to the ring, where he ate a dropkick. The two men then traded blows from a standing position as the crowd joined in with yeah / boos. Punk scored with a dropkick to finish the sequence, but Del Rio kicked out. Punk followed with a corner knee, then running bulldog, but Del Rio escaped again. Punk followed right up with a springboard clothesline and Del Rio kicked out for the third time in a row. Punk wanted to end it and signaled for the GTS, but Del Rio escaped with a backstabber. Punk kicked out of a pin, though.

Del Rio took control moments later with a step-up enziguiri next, but Punk kicked out of a pin. The match moved to the top turnbuckle, where Punk headbutted Del Rio to the mat. Punk then collected himself and surveyed the crowd before doing the Macho Man signal. Del Rio popped up to his feet and cut off Punk, though, and delivered a kick to the arm. Del Rio tried to follow with a charging attack, but Punk moved and Del Rio ate the post. So, Punk tried the Savage elbow drop for a second time and connected this time. It was only good for a two count, though. "Randy Savage" chant as Punk collected himself. Punk then began stomping the mat before trying the GTS again, but Del Rio escaped. A series of nice counters ensued. Suddenly, Del Rio rolled into the cross arm-breaker targeting Punk's injured arm. Punk screamed in pain as the crowd chanted "C-M Punk," then Punk broke the ropes to save the match.

Del Rio tried to follow up, but Punk blocked and big-booted Ricardo off the ring apron. Del Rio tried to follow with a small package, but Punk kicked out just before three. Punk then slapped on the Vice and Del Rio fought the hold furiously. Del Rio tried to eye-gouge Punk to break the hold, but Del Rio tapped out and Punk is the new WWE champion.

Post-match: The crowd roared, then Punk left the ring and jumped into the crowd. Fink announced him as the *new* WWE champion before Punk received his title belt to celebrate in the crowd. Punk returned to ringside before jumping back into the crowd on the other side of the ringside area. That looked like Peter Rosenberg ringside. They replayed the finish before returned to a live shot of Punk celebrating in the ring. Lawler and Booker noted Cole was quiet here. No apology from Punk to Cole yet. Punk celebrated on the way out of the ring before pausing off-stage to bow to the crowd. Cole said he can't believe this man is representing WWE now. More shots of Punk posing with the title belt.

WINNER: Punk via submission at 17:17 to capture the WWE Title. Excellent title match. Some very good sequences, a hot crowd, and a memorable moment for Punk. I predicted a DQ victory for Punk to set up another match at TLC, but it looks like the re-match will still take place at TLC to possibly conclude the feud. (***1/2)

Arcademan:
6 -- THE ROCK & JOHN CENA vs. THE MIZ & R-TRUTH

Once the bell sounded, Rock started things off. Rock looked like a giant man standing next to Miz. Rock ran over Miz with a shoulder tackle, then delivered a forceful armdrag. And another. Textbook victory roll by Rock nearly scored a pin. The crowd popped as Rock stood tall center-ring and the heels retreated on the floor. Rock then turned toward Cena and stared him down. Cena just nodded. "You still got it," chant from the crowd. Nice opening moment.

Miz returned to the ring, but Truth stopped him and said he wants Rock. Rock told Truth to just bring it. Rock grabbed a headlock, then did a kip up before blasting Truth with a right hand. Rock then executed a fisherman suplex on Truth, but Cena had charged the ring to blast Miz, causing the ref to miss the three count. Cena returned to his corner and took a scolding from Rock. Cena smirked and said it was his bad. The heels regrouped and Miz re-entered. "Fruity Pebbles" chant from the crowd, then Miz demanded a piece of Cena. Rock asked Cena if he's ready, the two men exchanged looks, and Rock slap-tagged Cena into the match.

Cena slowly entered the ring to loud boos to face off with Miz. Cena smiled, then circled the ring. Cena and Miz paused to listen to the crowd and soak in the crowd response. "You can't wrestle" chant before Cena and Miz locked up center ring. Cena delivered a monkey flip out of the corner, then a dropkick that sent Miz scurrying to the corner to tag in Truth. Cena danced around the ring and Rock sold annoyance before pacing the ring. "You still suck" chant from the crowd. Center-ring, Cena and Truth squared off before Cena delivered a series of shoulder tackles. Cena wanted the Five Knuckle Shuffle, but paused to give Rock the You Can't See Me handwave. Rock slowly entered the ring to exchange words with Cena, which allowed Truth to blindside Cena. The heels then took over and began working over Cena.

The crowd picked up a dueling chant of "Cena Sucks / Let's Go Cena," but the pro-Cena chants were drowned out. This was followed by a "We Want Rocky" chant. Cena then found himself on the outside, but the heels rolled Cena back into the ring to deliver more offense. Rock teased entering the ring to break up a pin just before Cena kicked out of a DDT from Miz. Booker suddenly started heeling on Rock, calling him a very selfish person. Lawler joked that just because Rock beat him on a handful of occasions doesn't mean Rock is a selfish person. The crowd was quiet at this point with no one to root for since they weren't being "rebellious" favoring Truth or Miz and weren't there to see Cena.

At 15:00, Truth did a dance move into a leg drop on Cena for a two count. Truth then tried a top-rope move, but Cena rolled through into a "display of power" attempt, only to have Truth counter for a two count. Miz tagged in and began taunting Rock with a big smile on his face. Miz tried a kick, but Cena countered with an STF. Truth broke it up with a kick to Cena's face, then tagged in, but Cena dropped him with a pancake. Rock paced the apron looking for a tag as Cena crawled across the ring, but Miz charged Rock to cheap-shot him. On the floor, Truth assaulted Rock while Miz continued to wear down Cena. After Rock recovered, he tried to charge the heels in the ring, but the ref held him back.

The action reset with the heels in control again. Truth did another dance move into a leg drop attempt, but Cena moved and Truth ate the mat. This time, Cena made the tag to Rock, who came in hot on Miz and Truth. Truth ate the Rock Bottom, then Rock slapped on a Sharpshooter on Miz. Miz fought the hold and tried to reach the ropes before Truth dropped Rock with a DDT to break it up. Cena then cleared Truth from the ring, leaving Rock and Miz alone in the ring.

At 20:30, Miz landed rapid-fire blows to Rock before talking trash. Miz kept talking trash, which opened him up for a spinebuster. Rock then paused to stand over Miz as the crowd popped. Rock faced the hard camera, removed the elbow pad, tossed it into the crowd, and delivered the People's Elbow right to Miz's heart. Rock made the cover and it was good for the win.

WINNERS: Rock & Cena at 21:35. Rock looked completely dominant here, as expected. It was interesting WWE kept things simple with the finish by having Rock win clean to give the audience a satisfying ending rather than a rapid-fire sequence of events ending with Miz or Truth scoring a quick pin, then a post-match angle taking precedent. It was just Rock finishing off the heels and being the dominant star in the Rock-Cena program. Overall, a satisfying conclusion to the PPV built on Rock's return. (***)

Arcademan:
WWE RAW Results: 11-21-11

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

1 -- ZACK RYDER vs. ALBERTO DEL RIO

Del Rio quickly pounded on Ryder once the bell sounded. Cole said Del Rio is going to take out his frustrations on Ryder. Del Rio quickly targeted the left shoulder as the crowd tried to rally behind Ryder. Cole plugged Twitter before Ryder made a comeback with a Broski Boot. Ryder wanted the Rough Ryder, but Del Rio blocked and shoved Ryder into the corner. Del Rio followed with a step-up enziguiri before slapping on the cross arm-breaker. Ryder tapped out immediately, which gave Del Rio the submission win. Cole said Del Rio is ready for his title match next week. Booker said Ryder isn't ready yet to take the next step.

WINNER: Del Rio via submission at 2:26. Exactly what you would expect: Del Rio dominates early, Ryder makes a comeback to retain some credibility, and Del Rio gets the decisive win ahead of next week's title match.

2 -- SHEAMUS vs. JACK SWAGGER (w/Vickie Guerrero)

Sheamus cleared Swagger to the outside early on, so Swagger walked around on the floor to stall for time. Back in the ring, Sheamus delivered more offense before Swagger took control in the corner. Swagger followed with a corner Vader Bomb before applying submission holds. The crowd rallied behind Sheamus, who made a comeback with a bodyslam for a two count. Sheamus then uncharacteristically climbed up top and jumped over Swagger, who was ready for a top-rope move. They countered each other before Swagger slapped on the Anklelock. Sheamus escaped, then followed with the Brogue Kick for a pin and the win. Booker said Sheamus was the better man tonight.

WINNER: Sheamus at 4:31. Nice, clean win for Sheamus to reinforce his singles dominance. And, another reminder that Swagger is a few pegs below Sheamus, but has enough physical credibility to make it look like a meaningful win for Sheamus.

3 -- IC champion CODY RHODES vs. SANTINO -- non-title match

Booker and Cole referred to Booker's recent issues with Rhodes on Smackdown, continuing to foreshadow Booker's in-ring return. In the ring, Rhodes stomped away on Santino. Suddenly, Santino blocked a corner move and wanted the Cobra, but Rhodes easily avoided and hit Cross Rhodes. Pin and the win in one minute flat. As they replayed the finish, Booker continued to call out Rhodes.

Back live, Rhodes stepped off the ring apron in front of the announce table and approached Booker. Rhodes said he can hear him. He told Booker to come get some. Booker said he has no personal beef with him. Suddenly, Rhodes threw a cup of water in Booker's face. Now it's personal. Booker stepped up to glare at Rhodes, who simply walked off to the back. They cut to a replay of Rhodes embarrassing Booker as Cole complained about getting wet. Booker, indignant and trying to keep his cool, wiped himself down as Cole demanded a towel for himself.

WINNER: Rhodes at 1:00. Nice, slow build to Booker's return for a feud with Rhodes.

4 -- WWE champion C.M. PUNK vs. U.S. champion DOLPH ZIGGLER (w/Vickie Guerrero) -- non-title Champion vs. Champion match

Loud "C-M-Punk" chant as the bell sounded. Cole continued to add insult to Booker's injury that Cody Rhodes is trending on Twitter after throwing water in Booker's face. Booker said he's not going to let Rhodes insult him like that. Meanwhile, Punk and Ziggler went through a feeling-out process to start the match. They had an interesting exchange teasing each other with leap frogs that looked like a combination of a blown spot or a planned spot that was meant to look spontaneous. Ziggler then bailed to the outside for a breather.

Back in the ring, Ziggler took control and began wearing down Punk with strikes to the upper body. Cole reset the show, noting Cena will be heard from later tonight, but still no mention of Jonah Hill. Punk then made a comeback and Vickie hopped on the ring apron to provide a distraction. It was good enough for Ziggler to avoid a corner attack and Punk went flying over the top rope to the outside. Ziggler randomly did a handstand as Punk sold on the outside and they cut to break.

Back from break, Ziggler was wearing down Punk in the ring. Punk then made a comeback with a lariat, knee strike, and swinging neckbreaker for a two count. Punk teased the GTS, but Ziggler countered with a sleeperhold. Ziggler put Punk on the mat, but Punk reached his feet to switch into GTS position, but Ziggler rolled through into a pin attempt. Ziggler tried to use the ropes for leverage, but the ref stopped him. Punk tried to follow with a pin using the ropes, but Ziggler escaped.

The action reset at 13:00 with Punk delivering a corner knee strike into a bulldog for a two count. Punk followed with a scoop slam before going to the corner for a Macho Man elbow drop. Ziggler rolled to the opposite end of the ring, though, so Punk stepped down and slowly walked toward Ziggler, but walked right into a snap dropkick. Two count only. The fight then moved up top, where Punk headbutted Ziggler to the mat before delivering the Macho Man elbow. Punk made a cover, but Ziggler kicked out again.

At 15:00, Punk called for the end. Punk measured Ziggler for the GTS, but Ziggler slipped out and delivered an overhead suplex for another nearfall. Ziggler snapped and nearly got himself DQ'ed trying to inflict rapid-fire blows to Punk. Ziggler calmed down, then wanted the Fameasser, but Punk countered by grabbing Ziggler in the air. He was apparently going to transition to the GTS, but had to drop Ziggler on the mat to avoid hurting each other. Punk followed right up with the finish of a GTS for the pin and the win.

Post-match: The camera zoomed in on Punk having a bloody lip. They replayed the high points of the match and the finish before returning to the ring to show Punk sitting down and celebrating the win. On the ramp, Ziggler was shown catching his breath and clutching the U.S. Title belt. Back to Punk celebrating in the ring leading to a plug for Cena addressing Rock tonight.

WINNER: Punk at 16:25. That was a very strong TV match minus the botch at the end. Greg Parks and I talked about the possibility of a Punk-Ziggler series on the post-Survivor Series PWTorch Livecast last night and they certainly delivered on the first night. (***)

5 -- WADE BARRETT vs. WWE tag champion KOFI KINGSTON

Barrett was the aggressor early on, but Kofi came back with rapid-fire offense. Barrett had enough and delivered a knock-down clothesline. The crowd tried to rally with a "Kofi, Kofi" chant before Randy Orton's music hit. Barrett, who had Kofi in position for Wasteland, dropped the move as Orton walked toward the ring. Barrett backed away as they cut to break with Orton standing by the ring staring a hole in Barrett.

Back from break, Barrett was working over Kofi as Orton was seated quietly in a folding chair ringside. Barrett continued to dominate Kofi as Orton watched intently. In-between moves, Barrett shot a look toward Orton to make sure he got a good look at his dominance. Meanwhile, WWE flashed a list of items trending on Twitter right now and they actually included "Masked Kane," revealing the mystery vignette earlier. The match moved to the top turnbuckle, where Kofi knocked Barrett to the mat before landing a high cross-body. Kofi started to build some momentum and delivered the Boom Drop.

At 11:00, Kofi warmed up for Trouble in Paradise, but Barrett avoided, only to take a pendulum kick. Kofi tried a top-rope move, but Barrett kicked the ropes to crotch Kofi. Barrett followed up with Wasteland - while staring down Orton - and it was good for the pin and the win.

Post-match: They replayed Barrett the finish before Barrett took a mic in the ring and re-announced himself as the winner in Orton's face as Orton was trying to leave on the outside. Orton then slowly turned toward Barrett before frightening him with a quick jabstep move. Orton flashed a half-smile before his music played and he walked away. Barrett quietly nodded, trying to maintain his composure.

WINNER: Barrett at 11:45. Solid match, albeit mainly one-sided in Barrett's favor. I like this Orton-Barrett feud, which is keeping both men right around the World Title picture on Smackdown. (**)

Final segment of RAW was about Cena and the apparent breakup of Awesome Truth as Miz grabbed Truth and dropped him with a Skullcrushing Finale on the entrance ramp.

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