General Discussions > General Media

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

<< < (185/235) > >>

Arcademan:
WWE RAW Results: 11-28-11

Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Caldwell's complete report). Condensed to in-ring results only, which fortunately does not include that gawd-awful Piper's Pit segment. Sorry I'm late with the reports since I've been sick as a ****! (use your imagination folks since the WWE can't! LOL!)

1 -- THE MIZ vs. JOHN MORRISON -- Falls Count Anywhere match

Morrison tackled Miz and landed early strikes, but Miz re-attacked the injured leg before wrapping Morrison's leg around the ringpost. Meanwhile, Cole noted R-Truth is going to be out of action for a "number of weeks" as a result of Miz's attack last week. In the ring, Miz used a kendo stick to continue the attack before Morrison landed a clothesline. Morrison then stole the kendo stick and blasted away at Miz. Miz tried to run away, but Morrison chased him down and landed more blows. Morrison made a cover on the floor, but Miz kicked out. Miz then crawled up the ramp to the stage. Morrison hobbled toward Miz, wound up for a stick shot, but Miz ducked and rammed Morrison head-first into the giant WWE logo on the stage. Miz followed by dragging Morrison to his feet and delivering a Skullcrushing Finale on the stage. Miz went back to the far-away look in his eyes before slowly rolling Morrison over. The ref checked on Morrison and determined he was out cold. He called for the bell, ending the match.

Post-match: Cole said Miz has eliminated another piece of dead weight. Another ref came out to check on Morrison, who sold being out cold. A medic came out again to check on Morrison as Miz walked away to the back. They went back to a replay of Miz's pre-match attack and the SCF on the stage to end Morrison's night. Back live, Morrison was placed on a backboard before Miz returned to the stage. Morrison was then taken off on a stretcher as Miz made his way to the ring. John Laurinaitis suddenly came out on-stage, took a look at Morrison, and then walked back. Apparently he was injured enough for Laurinaitis's taste? The medics carted off Morrison for his likely final WWE TV appearance.

In the ring, Miz slowly said it was R-Truth last week and it was John Morrison this week. Next week? "We'll see," he said. Miz said there's only one Superstar who can make this kind of impact. "That person is me," he said. "And I can do it because I'm...awesome." Miz continued to have a far-away look as he stared straight ahead. Another replay of Miz's attack on Morrison before Lawler described him as Ice Man.

WINNER: Miz at 3:26. That was the most-effective attention Morrison has received in months. Too bad it was on his likely final night, but the angle served its purpose as one final use of Morrison to build up Miz.

2 -- KELLY KELLY & ALICIA FOX vs. THE BELLA TWINS

The Divas were in the ring immediately after the break. Moments after the bell sounded, Beth Phoenix and Natalya came running to ringside, which distracted the faces and allowed the Bellas to take control. Soon thereafter, A. Fox scored the pin for the decisive win.

WINNERS: Fox & Kelly at 1:36. Blink and you missed it.

3 -- U.S. champion DOLPH ZIGGLER (w/Vickie Guerrero) vs. RANDY ORTON -- non-title match

Basic back-and-forth early on as the two men felt each other out. Meanwhile, Cole hyped Barrett's resurgence getting back to what he entered WWE for: making money and winning titles. Orton then delivered a big clothesline that sent Ziggler flying to the outside for a breather.

At the top of the hour, Ziggler slowly re-entered the ring as Cole reset the show, noting Piper's Pit with Cena as a graphic flashed on the screen promoting the live Smackdown tomorrow night on Syfy. Cole also plugged Miz taking out Morrison. In the ring, Ziggler delivered a dropkick to the mouth that sent Orton spilling to the outside. Barrett smirked as he watched Orton gather himself ringside. Back in the ring, Ziggler continued to punish Orton as Vickie encouraged the crowd to cheer Ziggler. The crowd responded with an "RKO, RKO" chant before Ziggler went up top. Orton cut him off, though, and delivered a big superplex that shook, but did not break the ring. Orton followed with a cover for a two count. They cut to the first break of the match at 7:10.

Back from break three minutes later, Orton and Ziggler were trading blows center-ring. Orton then delivered a punt to the chest followed by rapid-fire clotheslines and a powerslam. Orton did a crazed smile toward the hard camera before flashing a look toward Barrett. Orton wanted the elevated DDT on Ziggler and connected. Orton then entered That Place before teasing the RKO as the crowd roared. Ziggler saw it coming, though, and rolled out of the ring. Ziggler told Vickie they're leaving, then Orton spotted Barrett on the ring apron. Orton dropped Barrett with a dropkick off the ring apron, but Ziggler snuck up behind Orton with the Zig-Zag. Ziggler made a quick pin for the win.

Post-match: Barrett left the ringside area, satisfied with helping Ziggler beat Orton. On the floor, Ziggler did a handstand as Vickie re-announced him as the winner. Lawler grumbled about Ziggler being a show-off before Cole plugged the Punk-Del Rio title match still to come.

WINNER: Ziggler at 11:50. Solid action before the expected outcome of Barrett helping Ziggler, who said beforehand he would beat Orton. They're doing a solid job building up the Orton-Barrett program to (a) give Orton something to do that's important outside of the title picture and (b) re-build Barrett. (**)

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

Cole plugged Ryder's online petition to earn a future U.S. Title shot against Ziggler. Meanwhile, a second Mystery YouTube link flashed on the screen: http://youtube.com/user/second2012 . Ryder and Swagger went back and forth before Ryder blocked a Swagger Bomb with his knees. Ryder followed with the Rough Ryder and it was good for the win. Cole called it an "absolute fluke." Ryder pump-fisted with the crowd before leaving the ring to cheers. Meanwhile, Vickie was indignant ringside and Swagger pounded the mat with his fists.

WINNER: Ryder at 3:24. Pass the head check last week, get a win this week to "prove Cole wrong."

5 -- WWE champion C.M. PUNK vs. ALBERTO DEL RIO -- WWE Title match -- If Punk is DQ'ed, Del Rio captures title

Basic back and forth to start as Lawler talked up Punk-Del Rio having potential to turn into a great feud. Punk clotheslined Del Rio over the top rope to the floor at 2:30, then landed a dive on the outside. Cole sent the show to break with Punk in control.

Back from break, Del Rio was in control in the ring, working over Punk's left arm/shoulder. Del Rio continued to blast away at the injured area as they neared the top of the hour.

Del Rio remained in control of the action as the crowd became restless. Light "Where's our ice cream?" chant from some vocal males near arena microphones. Del Rio couldn't put Punk away, so he went for a top rope move, which Punk intercepted with a kick strike. Cole reset the show as the two men recovered in the ring. They came to their feet and started trading kick strikes. Punk won the exchange with a strike, then neckbreaker for a two count. Punk followed with a corner knee strike, but Del Rio blocked a bulldog with a fallaway arm snap for a two count. Del Rio followed with a German Suplex and bridge pin, but Punk kicked out just in time.

The action reset at 13:30 with a teased cross arm-breaker, teased GTS, and a single-arm DDT by Del Rio for a nearfall. Del Rio then tried to remove the top turnbuckle, but ref Robinson reprimanded him. Ricardo then slid a chair toward Del Rio, who tossed it to Punk, but Punk tossed it back to Del Rio and sold a chair shot. Ref turned around and saw Del Rio holding the chair and teased a DQ, but decided against it. Punk tried a surprise roll-up, but Del Rio kicked out. The crowd was hot for this exchange. Ricardo then hopped on the ring apron and distracted the ref. In the background, Punk dropped Del Rio into the exposed steel on the top turnbuckle, then scored a three count for the win when Robinson turned around.

WINNER: Punk at 15:27 to retain the WWE Title. Basic match early on, then a very hot ending with the crowd invested in the teased finishes involving the match stipulation. Laurinaitis not coming out in the post-match was odd, but apparently they'll save the follow-up for next week's Raw to either strip Punk of the title (and possibly contest it in a TLC or ladder match at the PPV) or just set up a title re-match at the TLC PPV. (**1/4)

Arcademan:
WWE Smackdown Results: 11-29-11

Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Parks' complete report). Condensed to in-ring results and yes, Smackdown was on live Tuesday this week. If you missed it or need to torment your eyeballs again, it will air again in its normal Friday time slot.

1 – DIVAS MISTLETOE MATCH
After some brief, nondescript action, Alicia Fox was brought down after trying to reach the mistletoe. Soon after, one of the Bellas turned on the other, climbed the on the other’s back, and took down the mistletoe.
WINNER: Brie Bella, at :53. I would not have guessed that result.

2 – JUSTIN GABRIEL vs. JINDER MAHAL
Gabriel was already in the ring. Mahal did mic work on the way to the ring, decrying Christmas, saying people buy gifts with money they don’t have for people they can’t stand. I feel like I just heard a similar quote to that…maybe on the Colbert Report last night? By the way, it was just Mathews and Cole on commentary with Booker’s match later tonight. Mahal with a knee-lift to Gabriel, then a double under-hook suplex. Mahal draped Gabriel gut-first over the top rope. Cole and Mathews argued about whether Ted DiBiase has money anymore. Mahal whipped Gabriel into the turnbuckle, then DiBiase’s music hit. He came out wearing a Santa hat and a bag full of gifts that he handed out at ringside. Mahal knocked away a gift DiBiase tossed to him in a funny spot. STO by Gabriel on Mahal after the distraction. He went to the top and landed the 450 splash for the win.
WINNER: Gabriel, at 2:12. Good to see an actual lower card feud between DiBiase and Mahal.

3 – KOFI KINGSTON vs. TYSON KIDD
Low dropkick by Kidd for a near-fall. Hard back elbow caught Kingston coming off the ropes for a two-count. Cole mentioned that he was trending on Twitter. Both men were down at the 1:30 mark, and Kofi made a comeback when they got to their feet. Boom drop found the mark on Kidd’s midsection. Kidd rolled out of the ring when Kofi tried Trouble in Paradise. Dropkick by Kingston on the outside of the ring. Kofi took time to make fun of how Cole looks in his outfit. He talked about how ridiculous Cole looked and stole the headpiece, which allowed Kidd to attack him from behind. Kofi recovered and put Kidd back in the ring. He put on the Rudolf headgear and the red nose, then hit the flying cross-body off the top for the win.
WINNER: Kingston, at 3:33. Weird to have Kofi go after Cole like that, but it was a means to the end of getting the visual of him wearing the Rudolf garb while flying through the air. It wasn’t worth it.

4 – RANDY ORTON vs. DAVID OTUNGA – MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET FIGHT
Otunga was clotheslined to ringside early on. Otunga kicked Orton in the gut, but Orton came back with offense of his own. Otunga certainly looks the part, I’ll give him that. Otunga was thrown into a smallish Christmas tree at ringside. Oh, and there goes another. Cole said Orton was acting like a Grinch. Otunga fired back by driving Orton’s back into the apron. Orton regained control and sent Otunga head-first into the announce table. There was a tray of cookies there and Orton took a bite of one, then hit Otunga in the back with the cookie sheet. He put a wreath around Otunga’s neck, shouted “ho ho ho,” and sent him into another tree. Otunga was to be whipped again, but he countered and sent Orton into the stairs. Suplex at ringside. Before Otunga could use another weapon, Orton got a single-leg take-down and pounded away. Otunga ran up the ramp and from behind, Orton tossed a large gift at him, comically hitting Otunga right in the back of the head. Orton tossed Otunga into more decorations and trees on the top of the stage. Orton dragged Otunga back to the ring. He put Otunga’s feet on the apron and DDT’d him onto the ringside mats. Wade Barrett ran out and bounced Orton’s head off the ring post, then booted him in the face. Otunga was rolled into the ring to pin a fallen Orton, but he only got two. Otunga booted Orton in the corner Orton came back just after 7:00 in and hit all of his signature spots. He got down for the RKO, which hit the mark.
WINNER: Orton, at 7:36. Lots of bells and whistles to hide Otunga’s shortcomings and to continue the holiday theme of the show.

5 – ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS BATTLE ROYAL
Horny went under the ring to start. Darren Young was tossed nine seconds in, by Sheamus. One of the Usos was out at :24, also by Sheamus. Percy Watson and Curt Hawkins went at it. Hunico crotched JTG on the top rope and eliminated him at :51. Ted DiBiase was stomping on Tyler Reks. Sheamus was trying to toss NXT leader Titus O’Neil. Hawkins out via a Zeke Jackson press slam at 1:49. Jackson and Sheamus clobbered each other in the middle of the ring. Jackson charged Sheamus, but was back-dropped out at 2:31. Johnny Curtis jumped Sheamus, but was tossed at 2:42. Kingston took the other Uso out at 2:56. Kingston was then eliminated himself at 2:59. Yoshi Tatsu was clotheslined out at 3:12 by Tyson Kidd. Kidd headscisssored DiBiase out at 3:24. Hornswoggle grabbed Kidd and pulled him off the ropes to eliminate him at 3:31. They went to break at this point. Back at 6:48. It was down to seven superstars. Gabriel was teetering on the edge thanks to Mahal, who pushed him out at 7:12 when he tried to springboard back in. Sheamus is clearly the ringer here. Clash of the Titus by O’Neil on Reks. He celebrated, but was clotheslined out by Sheamus at 7:48. Sheamus fought off Slater, Mahal, and Hunico. Reks went after Sheamus, which was a mistake. Reks crawled under the bottom rope, but Sheamus went after him. The other heels ganged up on Sheamus outside the ring. They all worked together to take down the big man, throwing him into the barricade. The four went back inside the ring as Mahal tried to direct traffic. They all went under the ring to get Hornswoggle. Mahal put him in the ring as the heels surrounded him. Slater shoved him to the mat, and Hunico did the same. They kicked away at him and Cole made the point that they have to wear him down before they try to eliminate him. Reks and Mahal tried to toss him like a sack of potatoes, but Sheamus ran in to make the save. Reks out at 10:50, Hunico at 10:54, Mahal at 10:58. Slater was Brogue Kicked out at 11:07, leaving just Sheamus and Horny. Hornswoggle wanted him some of Sheamus, but Sheamus pointed to him and told him to get out. Hornswoggle pointed to Sheamus and told him to get out. Sheamus laughed and Hornswoggle kicked Sheamus in the shins. Sheamus picked Hornswoggle up and tried to slam him out, but Horny held on to the top rope and Sheamus couldn’t shake him off. Sheamus went to the apron to try to untangle Hornswoggle. He did, and ordered Hornswoggle out. Horny made a sad face as Sheamus tried to talk sense into him. Hornswoggle wanted a hug, but as Sheamus went in, Horny shoved him to ringside to win.
WINNER: Hornswoggle, at 13:34. Certainly a unique battle royal. I thought Sheamus would voluntarily leave and let Hornswoggle win – it was odd having Sheamus, the babyface, and Hornswoggle, the babyface, argue about who should win.

6 – DANIEL BRYAN vs. MARK HENRY – STEEL CAGE MATCH FOR THE WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Formal ring introductions were handled by Chimel for this match. Cole relayed the message from Long that the winner of this match will defend against Big Show at TLC. Bryan tried to escape the cage early on, but Henry was able to bring him down. Bryan kicked at Henry’s legs, but Henry tossed him away. Henry sent Bryan into the side of the cage, then Henry squashed him against it. They went to break at 1:12 of the match. The show returned at 4:13. Henry was still in control. Henry shouted at Bryan that he had all day. Well, the show only has eight minutes. Nerve hold applied by Henry in the middle of the ring. Big knockdown by Henry. “Happy new year!” shouted Henry. He demanded the cage door be opened at 5:28. Bryan attacked Henry to prevent the win. Clothesline by Henry turned Bryan inside out. Henry knelt down and laid across Bryan for the cover, getting only two. Henry again asked that the door be opened, but Bryan grabbed Henry’s bad ankle. Bryan stomped the bandaged ankle over and over again. He worked over the leg on the ropes. Bryan tried to climb to the top of the cage, but Henry tripped him, crotching Bryan. Henry got a head of steam and clotheslined Bryan to the mat. A light “Daniel Bryan” chant. Henry couldn’t reach the cage door, but he stayed on offense and on a vertical base. Cole claimed that he felt sorry for Mark Henry. Henry limped around the ring and tried to slam Bryan but Bryan kicked the ankle again. He tried the LeBell Lock and hooked it. Henry rolled, breaking the hold. He tried to pick Bryan up by one arm, but Bryan locked in the ankle-lock, dragging Henry to the middle of the ring. Crowd really behind Bryan here, but Henry rolled through and kicked Bryan off. Bryan tried to climb out of the cage, but once again couldn’t. Henry took some people by surprise by scaling the cage, but Bryan hopped over him and got to the top. Henry pulled him back in by the arm. Bryan tried to hurricanrana Henry off the top rope, but couldn’t. He flipped himself back up and to the top of the cage again. Henry held onto the arm and headbutted Henry. Off the second rope, World’s Strongest Slam. Henry’s knees hit way before Bryan to the point that it looked like it could’ve seriously hurt Henry. Henry picked up the pinfall win.
WINNER: Henry, at 11:09.

Arcademan:
WWE NXT Results: 11-30-11

Yet another report courtesy through the good guys at PWTorch.com (direct link to James's complete report). Per usual, only in-ring matches are reported here. Click the link to read the whole thing and as a prize, get lovely pop-ups.

1 - PERCY WATSON vs. TYLER REKS

Reks with early control, but Watson makes a fast comebackl On commentary, Hawkins claims that the cane is doctor-prescribed. Tyler Reks with a slick reversal in the corner to send Watson face-first until the turnbuckle. Hawkins says that they were underused and underutilized and unbooked, which is why they needed to invade NXT. Wow, the crowd is rallying behind Watson a bit. Reks goes into the ringpost to let Percy get on top. Watson with a series of big dropkicks and his overhead throw, and gets the crowd fired up, then his standing jump into a lateral press for two. Watson gets distracted by Hawkins, and Reks takes him down, and goes to the top, but Watson dropkicks him in mid-air for the win. Post-match, Hawkins ambushes him with the cane.

WINNER: Percy Watson in 5:00. Okay match, but not given enough time. These guys are all just treading water, waiting for a slot on the main roster to open up.

2 - YOSHI TATSU & TRENT BARRETA vs. TYSON KIDD & JOHNNY CURTIS

Both of these teams could go far. Curtis could make a good mouthpiece for Kidd and Kidd can teach Curtis a lot. Also, Tatsu/Barreta could be a super-hot tandem.

Tatsu and Curtis lead off, with Tatsu using his speed to get early advantage and bring Baretta in. Barreta with a running flip dive and some rollups, but Kidd distracts Barreta so Curtis can take over. Curtis looks heelishly arrogant choking Trent in the ropes, and tags in Kidd.

Kidd with a springboard guillotine leg drop, then corner stomps, and the usual heel corner work. Barreta with his corkscrew moonsault to get Kidd off of him, and they both tag out. Tatsu with an armdrag, dropkick, and a back body drop, then hard chops against the ropes. Striker reminds viewers of the action figure-maiming story. Tatsu to the top rope, but Curtis dodges the spinning heel kick. Curtis with a nasty-looking sit-out brainbuster for the win.

WINNERS: Curtis & Kidd in 8:00. That match needed another five to ten minutes, but they delivered in the ring. Curtis's finisher looks absolutely devastating.

3 - ALICIA FOX vs. MAXINE

Why does Maxine wear a nightie and garters to the ring? Then again, why does Alicia Fox wear a Tanuki suit to the ring? Maxine starts off strong with her power offense, but Alicia shoves her away, then jumps a corner charge, and transitions the jump into a sunset flip for two, which was slick. Maxine with hand thrusts to the stomach and tosses Alicia by the hair. Maxine with a basement dropkick for two, and gets frustrated. Maxine retains control and moves to a chinlock. Derrick Bateman and his mom come out to cheer her own. Maxine with a Dragon Sleeper, but she's distracted, letting Fox throw her off and immediately hit her finisher. Post-match, Maxine blows up on Bateman.

WINNER: Fox in 3:00. Maxine dominated someone who was breathing on #1 contender status a few weeks ago for all but ten seconds. Maxine's reversal into the sunset flip was really innovative, but Maxine did a good job at getting herself over as a power threat in the ring.

4 - TITUS O'NEIL vs. DERRICK BATEMAN vs. DARREN YOUNG - Triple Threat match, winner gets a Smackdown match

Titus has his old new music (or is it new old music?) back.

Titus clears out Young then hits a big powerslam on Bateman, but Young breaks up the pin. Young chips Titus, who no-sells and gets mad, then chops Young a number of times. Titus is absolutely huge compared to Young. Young goes up top, but Titus grabs him and throws him to the mat. Bateman breaks up the pin and beats down Titus in the corner. Bateman chops Titus, but Titus chops back. Bateman tries a running sunset flip, but Titus shakes it off, picks him up and throws him into Young, then kicks Young and clubs Bateman. Bateman rolls outside and O'Neil goes to work on Young. He throws Young outside the ring and starts to bark. Bateman approaches Young to arrange and alliance.

Back from the break, Young and Bateman are double-teaming O'Neil. Young eventually ends the alliance with Bateman, who tries a pin, then Titus gets up, clotheslines them both, and beats them both down a bit. Striker says that "Big Deal Titus O'Neil" is the best choice for Smackdown. Titus tries pinning Darren, but Derrick breaks it up. Eventually, Bateman and Young start going at it again. Bateman with a running mid-height dropkick to Young in the corner. Bateman goes to the top and Young crotches him, then meets him up top. Tower of Doom spot with Titus powerbombing Young superplexing Bateman, Titus tries the pin, but Young kicks out.

Young with the fallaway slam when Bateman interferes. O'Neil with the scoop slam for two, then calls for the Clash of the Titus. Young rolls to the apron, but Titus goes to the apron too. Young surprises O'Neil with a kick to the crotch, and lands a neckbreaker on the apron, and O'Neil rolls into the ring. Bateman dropkicks Young to the outside and steals the pin.

Post-match, Bateman asks Maxine to come out and says that they are going back to Smackdown where they belong. Maxine's music hits and she fails to appear. Instead, Tamina and JTG come out. Tamina says that Maxine packed up her stuff and left with Johnny Curtis. Bateman makes some hilariously over-done faces here, which is in-line with his over-the-top character. Hey, Derrick Bateman has some fresh stitches on his head. They end the show.

WINNER: Derrick Bateman in 10:00

Arcademan:
TNA Impact Wrestling Results: 12-1-11

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

1 -- THE POPE & DEVON vs. INK, INC. (SHANNON MOORE & JESSE NEAL w/Toxxin) vs. MEXICAN AMERICA (HERNANDEZ & ANARQUIA w/Rosita and Sarita) -- three-way #1 contender match to the TNA Tag Titles

The match started with a flurry of six-way action that spilled to the floor and involved the Knockouts assembled ringside.

Time for a Twitter plug - who's going to win the three-way Roode-Styles-Hardy main event? In the ring, Mexican America worked over Pope as Ink, Inc. watched, unable to get involved. Devon eventually took a tag and teed off on Anarquia. In the background, Neal tagged himself into the match and speared Hernandez, but walked into a spinebuster from Devon. Devon pinned Neal for the pin and the win. Tenay noted Devon & Pope get the title shot against Matt Morgan & Crimson at Final Resolution.

WINNERS: Devon & Pope at 5:07 to become #1 contenders. Standard tag action. Neal taking the fall was expected.

2 -- ODB vs. MICKIE JAMES -- Street Fight -- #1 contender match to Knockouts Title

The fight started on the entrance ramp as soon as Mickie made her entrance. They took a brief detour into the ring before taking the fight backstage. Around and around they went backstage before returning to ringside. In the ring, they traded nearfalls before ODB confidently picked up a chair to smash Mickie, but Mickie superkicked the chair into ODB's face for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Mickie at 6:56 to retain #1 contender status.

3 -- TV champion ROBBIE E. (w/Rob Terry) vs. ROB VAN DAM -- TV Title match

Before the bell sounded, Taz about RVD's famous TV Title history in ECW, but without mentioning the letters. Robbie tried to taunt Van Dam early on, so RVD dumped him to the outside and posed in the ring. Van Dam then mocked Rob Terry and delivered Rolling Thunder to Robbie once Robbie returned to the ring.

RVD lost focus momentarily, allowing Robbie to take control of the match. RVD came back with a roundhouse kick to the face, but Robbie slipped Van Dam to the outside of desperation. Suddenly, Eric Young stormed ringside with possession of a fire extinguisher. Ref Hebner occupied himself with EY. Meanwhile, in the ring, Van Dam delivered a Five-Star Frog splash to Robbie. Daniels then snuck in the back door with Angel's Wings to RVD. Daniels draped Robbie on top of Van Dam, then Hebner returned to the ring to count Robbie's pin on Van Dam.

WINNER: Robbie at 4:03 to retain the TV Title. This one needed a screwy finish if RVD was going to lose to comedy heel act Robbie.

4 -- TNA World Hvt. champion ROBERT ROODE vs. A.J. STYLES vs. JEFF HARDY -- three-way non-title match

Roode bailed from the ring and told Styles and Hardy to go ahead and fight amongst themselves. Styles didn't take the bait, so he dropped to the floor to confront Roode. Hardy came around the other side, which put Roode in the middle of a punchfest. The punchfest resumed in the ring after Roode tried to call for a time-out. Styles and Hardy then double-clotheslined Roode to the outside. On the floor, Styles and Hardy took turns measuring Roode for offense before they cut to break.

Back from break, Roode had Styles isolated in the ring. Hardy then tried to break up a pin, but accidentally popped Styles. Roode then went to work on Hardy before turning his attention to Styles again. Hardy came back with offense on Roode, then Styles. Roode was finally able to pit Styles and Hardy against each other, setting off a scrap as Roode rested on the outside. Styles won an exchange with a snap dropkick for a two count on Hardy. Hardy came back with offense for a nearfall of his own.

Roode picked his spot to re-enter and ram Styles into a ringpost to clear him out of the picture. Roode then went to work on Hardy. Roode took his time wearing down Hardy as Styles took a while to recover on the floor. Styles then came out of nowhere with a springboard forearm followed by a back flip into reverse DDT. Styles measured Roode for the Clash, but Roode blocked. Styles tried to come back with a springboard, but Roode shoved Hardy into the ropes to crotch Styles. Roode followed with a Fisherman Suplex for the pin, but Hardy made a desperation save.

With Styles out of the picture, Hardy made a comeback on Roode with successive offense. Hardy hit Twist of Fate, then wanted a top-rope Swanton Bomb, but Jeff Jarrett showed up through the crowd to crotch Hardy behind the ref's back. In the ring, Roode made a cover on Hardy and Styles was a hair too slow to break up the pin. Roode gets the win.

WINNER: Roode at 14:29. Solid TV main event, and it seemed more like the match people would pay to see - over Roode vs. Styles one-on-one - since TNA hasn't done enough to enhance Styles's title quest. TNA also ran the risk of weakening Hardy and Styles being unable to put away Roode in a two-on-one situation, but TNA figures Hardy & Styles are established enough where they won't suffer as TNA tries to build up Roode's credibility as a top heel. (**1/2)

Arcademan:
WWE Superstars Results: 12-1-11

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

1 - TED DIBIASE vs. HEATH SLATER

Ted with an early advantage including a big backbody drop. Ted goes to the second rope for double knee drops. Slater cheap shots DiBiase around the ref, and goes on offense. Ted eventually dodges a corner charge and lands an atomic drop and a running high knee for turn, then the turn around clothesline. This sets up Dream Street, but Slates escapes, and Ted tries again and lands it for the win.

WINNER: Ted DiBiase in 5:00. Sustained offense from Heath Slater = boring. Slater does a really good job bouncing around for folks to get them over and getting enough heat that the audience is happy to see him lose, but his offense is just lacking.

2 - SANTINO MARELLA vs. JTG

Scott Stanford hilariously says that this "should be a terrific match" as it starts. JTG with a headlock to start things off. Santino takes him down and spins on his back like a breakdancer. JTG takes advantage of Santino's trumpeting and begins a plodding assault. Santino starts to Hulk Up as JTG poinds his face into turnbuckles and punches him. Santino with punches, the split, hip toss, and sailor salute headbutt, but JTG gets his knees up. JTG puts Santino in the corner for the Mugshot, but Santino holds the ropes, prepares the Cobra, and lands it for the decisive win.

WINNER: Santino Marella in 6:00. JTG still isn't good at putting on entertaining or realistic offense; it just feels like filler until the finishing sequence.

3 - WWE tag champion KOFI KINGSTON vs. PRIMO (w/Epico and Rosa Mendes)

Stanford explains that Mendes is managing Epico and Hunico. Well, I guess it gives her something to do. Primo outwits Kingston with an early armbar, but Kingston lands a pair of arm drags to get the advantage. Primo gets a break from the ref and uses it to reset and force Kofi to the mat, but Kofi reveerses into an armbar. It is neat to see Kingston with chain wrestling when paired with someone like Primo, he is so versatile. Primo with a headlock and a shoulder block to take Kingston down. Primo runs the ropes but Kofi hits a leaping back elbow, then a monkey flip out of the corner for two. Primo comes out of the cover fighting, but Kingston whiffs a roundhouse attempt and they cut to commercial.

Out of the break, Kingston is trying to fight out of a hold. Primo is on the ground as the crowd rallies Kofi to no avail. Primo's "filler offense" is very good; he always looks like he is trying to wear down his opponent and win a match, and doesn't overly rely on restholds while keeping up the pace. On the outside, Rosa plays the Vickie character. Kofi slips out of a suplex and turns it into a backslide for two, but Primo bounces right back. Stanford is doing a good job at filling in much-needed back-story for the heels. Primo tries a Camel Clutch and then stomps and feet in the corner. Primo mocks Kofi's call for the Trouble in Paradise, allowing Kofi to surprise him with a huracanrana to get some separation.

Kingston with punches and a dropkick, then his odd springboard crossbody for two. Superman punch, and Kingston hits the Boom Drop. Kingston calls for the Trouble in Paradise, but Primo ducks. Kingston with a springboard sunset flip, but it's only good for two. Kofi tries the springboard cross-body again, but Primo catches him and yanks him down into a Backtsabber for the win.

WINNER: Primo in 10:00. That's Primo's first win in who knows how long. I saw this live and I was entertained, and it played well on the broadcast, even though I knew the ending. That's a strong endorsement for a match. Primo is an extraordinarily undervalued asset. It's a shame that Kofi is in purgatory as Evan Bourne is suspended. I can definitely see some combination of Epico, Primo, and Hunico challenging Air Boom for the Tag Titles soon, and, if that is the case, I look forward to it. Then again, I harbor a fantasy that Brodus Clay will single-handedly win the Tag Titles after Johnny Ace enrages him enough with delays of his debut.

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[#] Next page

[*] Previous page