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Arcademan:
3 -- World Hvt. champion DANIEL BRYAN vs. BIG SHOW vs. GREAT KHALI vs. IC champion CODY RHODES vs. WADE BARRETT vs. SANTINO -- World Hvt. Title match -- Smackdown brand Elimination Chamber match

As the bell sounded, Cole called this a weird match-up based on the participants (unlikely champion, "Cinderella story" Santino, and two giants). Show quickly smacked around Barrett to begin the match. Barrett briefly took control and the crowd became restless with this match-opening exchange. Show regained control and slammed Barrett onto the platform before walking over his chest.

At 5:05, IC champion Cody Rhodes was revealed as the third entrant. Rhodes stood in his pod, not wanting anything to do with Show. Rhodes eventually entered the ring and took a beating from Show. Show then sent Barrett into the Chamber wall before lawn-darting Rhodes into the wall. Barrett tried to run away, but he walked into a chokeslam, which Barrett blocked before landing a chopblock to Show's left knee. Barrett and Rhodes then went high-low on Show with a classic double-team move to continue working on Show. The heels turned on each other and Barrett smashed Cody into the Chamber wall. "Put it on that boy, Wade!" Booker shouted. Barrett continued to work over Rhodes as the crowd waited for something to get excited about.

At 10:15, the fourth entrant was revealed as Santino. Santino raised the roof, entered the ring, and delivered left hand jabs to Barrett. Santino followed with the Sailor's Salute before channeling Ultimate Warrior. Suddenly, Santino came face-to-face with Big Show. Santino tried a right hand, but Show tossed him around the ring. Cody then cut off Show from behind and scored a two count. Lawler offered an unintentionally comedic visual - Show needs eyes in the back of his legs in this match - before the heels double-teamed Show for a big chokeslam on the Chamber platform. Bryan, in his pod, shouted instructions to Barrett and Cody to dismantle Show, but they decided to attack each other again. Rhodes delivered a majestic top-rope moonsault, but Barrett kicked out in time. Rhodes then blasted away at Santino, who tried to re-enter the match.

At 15:35, the fifth entrant was revealed as Great Khali, so Bryan gets the final slot. Khali delivered some trademark offense, clearing the ring of all competitors except for Show. Khali then came face-to-face with Show and ate a spear. Show made a cover and Khali was gone.

*** Khali eliminated by Big Show at 16:31 ***

After Khali's elimination, Show simply stood in the ring staring down Bryan, who rocked back and forth inside his pod. Bryan smiled and mouthed, "Bring it," as Show stared through the glass toward Bryan. Show then got an idea to try to reach over the glass to grab Bryan, who egged him on. "Come on, big boy," Bryan said. Show then slowly ripped off the top of the Chamber pod as Bryan became frightened. Show then kicked through the top of the pod and landed inside the pod. Show popped the crowd by blasting away at Bryan, who had nowhere to go.

The countdown clock eventually expired at 19:40, officially entering Bryan in the match. The door was unlocked, Bryan thumbed Show in the eye, and tried to run away, but Show launched Bryan right through his Chamber pod to make a big, loud visual. Show then stalked Bryan and delivered a chokeslam. Barrett cut off Show before Show could pin Bryan, though, and Barrett blasted away at Show. Suddenly, Santino snuck up behind Barrett and scored a quick two count. On the platform, Cody smashed Show with a Disaster Kick and Show fell over the top rope back inside the ring. Rhodes hit a DDT, then Barrett came off the second rope with an elbow drop to Show. Rhodes made the cover and Show is gone.

*** Show eliminated by Rhodes at 22:37 ***

After the fall, Rhodes started a huge celebration as Show slowly rolled out of the Chamber. Santino then rolled up Rhodes from behind and Rhodes is gone.

*** Rhodes by Santino at 23:05 ***

Rhodes, shocked, stood up and delivered Cross Rhodes to Santino out of frustration. Barrett tried to capitalize a few moments later, but Santino kicked out of a pin attempt. Barrett then dumped Santino to the Chamber platform as the crowd tried to rally behind Santino. Barrett turned his attention toward Bryan, who countered with a submission into a crucifix pin for a nearfall. Bryan followed right up with a LeBell Lock attempt, but Barrett escaped. Bryan came back with rapid-fire kicks, but found himself crotched on the top rope before taking a left-arm lariat from Barrett in a spot that will bring back some ROH memoires.

At 27:00, Barrett took Bryan to a Chamber pod and tried to squeeze his head inside the pod door before slamming the door on Bryan's head. Santino tried to re-enter the action, but Barrett booted him off the top rope to the platform. Barrett continued the assault on Santino before Barrett turned around to take a flying knee to the head from Bryan. Bryan, now recovered and full of energy, continued to assault Barrett before the action moved up-top. Barrett took control and wanted top-rope Wasteland, but Santino broke it up. Santino then wanted a superplex, but Barrett blocked and shoved Santino to the mat. Barrett missed with a top-rope splash, though, and Bryan came off the top with a diving headbutt on Barrett. Santino made the cover on Barrett, and Barrett is gone.

***Barrett by Santino at 30:39 ***

With it down to Bryan and Santino, the crowd rallied behind Santino as Bryan laughed and smiled, thinking he has it easy now. Santino found a burst of energy, but Bryan quickly cut him off with a corner dropkick. Bryan followed with methodical kicks to the back, but Santino continued to stand up to Bryan, including kicking out of a kick to the head. Bryan then airballed a corner splash and Santino rolled up Bryan, but Bryan kicked out in time. Bryan went up top for a dive and missed.

The crowd popped as Santino yanked out the Cobra for a potential final strike. Santino measured Bryan for the Cobra strike and connected. Santino covered, but Bryan kicked out in time. Santino let up and seconds later, Bryan slapped on the LeBell Lock center-ring. Santino fought the hold as the crowd went nuts trying to encourage Santino to escape. Santino gave a final sign of hope, but Bryan re-applied the hold and Santino was forced to tap out, giving Bryan the win.

WINNER: Bryan via submission at 34:05 to retain the World Title. This started off very slowly, but turned into a great piece of WWE storytelling using the Bryan-Show feud, Santino underdog status, and the idea that Bryan had no chance to win the match to involve the crowd and finish very strongly. That is, if viewers could get past the idea of Santino competing for the World Title and The Cobra gimmick being involved in the finish of a World Title match. (***3/4)

4 -- U.S. champion JACK SWAGGER (w/Vickie Guerrero) vs. JUSTIN GABRIEL (w/Hornswoggle) -- U.S. Title match

The "comedown match" started with Swagger dominating Gabriel. He took a page from Ziggler by "showing off" with push-ups using Gabriel's back as a base. Gabriel had a few flashes of offense, but Swagger easily cut him off, applied the Anklelock, and Gabriel tapped out. Swagger gets a decisive win.

WINNER: Swagger via submission at 3:07.

Arcademan:
5 -- JOHN CENA vs. KANE -- Ambulance Match

The crowd started the dueling chants of "Let's Go Cena / Cena Sucks" before Cena took Kane to the outside. They fought up the entrance ramp to the staging area before Cena called for the ambulance. Kane quickly cut off Cena, though, and yanked a stretcher out of the ambulance. Cena cut off Kane, though, and pulled a backboard out of the ambulance to smash Kane with. This was all in the first two minutes of the match. Cena paused to listen to the dueling chants before the "match" returned to the ringside area.

Back in the ring, Kane blasted Cena with right hands to begin wearing down Cena. The crowd resumed another dueling chant as the two men traded bombs in the ring. Cena won the exchange before setting up for and delivering the Five Knuckle Shuffle. Cena teased the Attitude Adjustment, but Kane blocked and applied his face-squeeze/mandible claw-like maneuver. Cena sold unconsciousness after Kane eventually released the hold. Kane then tossed Cena to the floor.

On the floor, Kane pulled out a wheelchair and placed Cena inside the wheelchair to push him toward the ambulance. Cena tried to fight back half-way down the entrance ramp, then he used his strength (as documented in the earlier video package) to power out of the wheelchair and fight off Kane. They fought toward the ambulance, which Cena used as a weapon to slow down Kane. Cena then grabbed the wheelchair and smashed it into Kane's body as Kane leaned against the ambulance. Cena then placed Kane in the wheelchair and wheeled him clear across the staging area toward a bunch of production tables. Kane easily recovered and started throwing computers toward Cena. There's a mystery Raw GM joke somewhere.

The fight went through the crowd toward the technical area. Kane opted not to use more computers as weapons, instead using his fists to smack around Cena. The crowd cheered on the fight before Cena reversed a whip to send Kane flying over the guardrail to the ringside area. Cena then grabbed a mic and popped Kane in the face before asking Booker if he makes his Fave Five now. Cena then cleared the Spanish announce table, picked up a TV monitor, and popped Kane in the face with the monitor.

Ringside, Cena started re-arranging furniture before popping Kane in the face with ring steps. Cena turned toward a camera and asked no one in particular if it's time to have some fun. Cena then re-arranged more furniture before mocking Kane by asking if he still wants to hate. Another steps-to-the-face blow followed. Cena was done re-arranging furniture, then he stalked Kane for his next move. Cena hoisted up Kane, walked up his re-arranged steps, reached the top step, and wanted an AA through the table, but Kane blocked, grabbed Cena around the throat, and chokeslammed him through the announce table.

The chokeslam spot brought the crowd down before Kane reset by dragging a stretcher down to the ringside area. Kane scooped up Cena and placed him face-down on the stretcher before dragging Cena up the entrance ramp toward the ambulance. At the ambulance, Kane threw Cena inside the ambulance, then he tried to close the doors, but Cena kicked the right door in Kane's face. Cena fought out and made a Super Cena comeback, including smashing Kane into the side of the vehicle. Cena smashed Kane into the driver's side door before climbing to the roof of the vehicle. Cena egged on Kane, who followed him to the roof. They traded right hand bombs before Kane teased a chokeslam off the ambulance. Cena countered, though, and delivered an AA off the roof of the ambulance down to a separate area below. "Somebody better call 911!" Cole shouted. After a pause for Cena to climb down from the ambulance, Cena scooped up Kane, shoved him inside the ambulance, and shut the door. Cena wins.

WINNER: Cena at 21:22. A predictable spectacle match/angle that surely satisfied Cena fans and accomplished the goal of setting the stage for Cena-Rock at WM28. Was it PPV main event-worthy? That's debatable.

Arcademan:
WWE RAW Results: 2-20-12

Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Caldwell's complete report). Condensed here to mostly in-ring results with my comments in italics.

Eve admits to using Zack Ryder and will do the same with John Cena...whoops! Cena was standing behind her and heard everything. Both go to the ring. Cena rips Eve...Eve cries...hilarity ensues.

1 -- SHEAMUS vs. MARK HENRY

After a brief feeling-out process, Sheamus came off the top with a shoulder tackle for a two count. As WWE flashed a graphic announcing "#hoeski" is trending on Twitter, Lawler said he doesn't think he's ever seen anything like what opened in the opening segment. Cole noted Zack Ryder is watching Raw from home while recovering from last week's attack by Kane. In the ring, Sheamus blasted away at Henry with clubbing forearms, then kicks and stomps in the corner. Sheamus followed with a Brogue Kick attempt, but Henry blocked and delivered a clothesline. Henry then lifted up Sheamus for the World's Strongest Slam, but Sheamus slipped out and nailed the Brogue Kick. Sheamus with the pin for the win.

Post-match: Cole said he hopes D-Bryan was paying attention, as one Brogue Kick will end his title run at WrestleMania. After Henry rolled out of the ring and they replayed the finish, Sheamus was shown standing tall in the ring with the WM28 banner hanging over his shoulder.

WINNER: Sheamus at 3:13. Rule #1 for Smackdown heels: call in sick Monday nights. Obviously, the goal is to strongly build up Sheamus ahead of Mania, but using Henry to accomplish that after all of his hard work re-building his character and weeks of TV build-up is highly questionable.

2 -- WWE tag champions PRIMO & EPICO (w/Rosa Mendes) vs. R-TRUTH & KOFI KINGSTON -- non-title match

Lawler noted Primo & Epico should have the advantage since they were not in the Chamber match last night. Cole added that Truth and Kofi will be in the #1 contender battle royal featuring the 10 losers in the Raw and Smackdown Chamber matches. After the tag champs took the early advantage, Kofi hot-tagged into the match and delivered signature offense. Rosa then provided a distraction before the action broke down. It was no matter, as Kingston hit Trouble in Paradise on Primo for the pin and the win. Lawler suggested Kofi and Truth should be in-line for a Tag Title shot now.

WINNERS: Kingston & Truth at 2:23. Another finish that made sense, but hurt the loser(s). Kofi & Truth needed to look strong (a) if they're going after the Tag Titles and (b) because they're in a #1 contender match to the WWE Title later in the show, but what does it say about the tag champs that they lost in three minutes to two guys who were selling injuries after the Chamber PPV last night?

Ron Simmons will be inducted into the WWE HOF. Very deserving honor for him. Congrats!

3 -- EZEKIEL JACKSON (w/Teddy Long) vs. DAVID OTUNGA (w/John Laurinaitis)

Zeke shoved down Otunga and went on the attack, but Otunga cut him off as Cole and Lawler argued about Laurinaitis. The crowd was quiet as Jackson made his comeback before he missed with a corner splash. Otunga then lifted up Zeke with one hand for a power finisher. It was good for the win. Post-match, Laurinaitis bragged in Long's face as Long tried to check on Jackson. Cole stood up to congratulate Laurinaitis before Lawler told him to sit down.

WINNER: Otunga at 1:38.

Taker comes out and calls out Triple H. Trips initially says no but when Taker calls him a coward, all bets are off. Both will be in a 'Hell In A Cell' match at WM XXXIII.

4 -- World Hvt. champion DANIEL BRYAN vs. SANTINO -- non-title match

The crowd quickly picked up a "Santino, Santino" chant, like last night. Santino quickly yanked out The Cobra, but Bryan blindsided Santino to knock the Cobra away. Santino then tried a roll-up, but Bryan easily escaped and slapped on the LeBell Lock. "Tap, Tap!" Bryan screamed. Santino tried grabbing the Cobra, but he was forced to tap out.

WINNER: Bryan via submission at 0:56.

5 -- KELLY KELLY & AKSANA vs. BELLA TWINS

Back live, the Divas were already in the ring for a Divas tag match. As Kelly started things off for the faces, Cole noted he is still trying to figure out the relationship between Aksana and Smackdown GM Teddy Long. Another blink-and-you-missed-it match, as the Bellas pulled Twin Magic on Aksana for a quick win.

WINNERS: Bella Twins at 1:17.

John Cena comes out again, talking smack about The Rock...I mean Dwayne Johnson and how he's not around in the WWE but stays in Hollywood. This rant isn't really different than ones we've heard in the past.

6 -- CHRIS JERICHO vs. THE MIZ vs. IC champion CODY RHODES vs. DOLPH ZIGGLER (w/Vickie Guerrero) vs. WADE BARRETT vs. BIG SHOW vs. KOFI KINGSTON vs. R-TRUTH vs. GREAT KHALI vs. SANTINO -- #1 contender's Battle Royal -- winner faces WWE champion C.M. Punk at WrestleMania

Punk targeted Jericho on commentary as Cole tried to badger Punk with exaggerated claims. The entire crew ganged up on Show, but then turned toward Khali and eliminated him at 0:55. On the floor, Khali simply sat on his rump staring into the ring in disbelief before they cut to break.

Back live at 4:00, Punk introduced the show and reset the broadcast, interrupting Cole. The camera focused on Kofi and Miz battling to avoid elimination while Vickie screeched ringside. Barrett and Rhodes tried to eliminate Show, but Show fought them off.

Cole reset the show at the top of the hour. Kofi and Truth then double-dropkicked Miz, eliminating him from the match and ending his WrestleMania headline attempt. Show then double-chokeslammed Kofi and Truth, but Jericho dropped Show with a Codebreaker. Zig-Zag from Ziggler. Cross Rhodes to Ziggler. Winds of Change from Barrett to Rhodes. Barrett then tried to cut Santino, but Santino made a mid-air counter to eliminate Barrett. Truth was then eliminated by Santino. And, Ziggler ended it with a high-impact dropkick to Santino.

Show then press-slammed Ziggler over the top rope onto Barrett and Truth for a big visual. Barrett screamed and cussed like a sailor, selling that he injured his arm, which was taped to sell Chamber injuries. Cole said Ziggler may have been injured, which seemed like the storyline injury, and Lawler said Barrett may have injured his arm. Meanwhile, ref Scott Armstrong ran from ringside to the middle of the hard camera shot to give the "X" signal in the background. Back in the ring, Jericho eliminated Kingston as more refs came to ringside to check on the wrestlers ringside.

Now, a Final Four of Rhodes, Show, Jericho, and Santino. All four wrestlers paused in the ring as more medical personnel came to ringside to check on Barrett and Ziggler. They eventually started up the action with Rhodes, Jericho, and Santino trying to wear down Show. Santino then busted out The Cobra for Jericho and he connected. But, Rhodes clotheslined Santino over the top rope. Rhodes screamed that Santino's 15 minutes are over.

So, it was Rhodes and JeriShow. Punk noted Rhodes is against a former tag champion team. Show then double-suplexed Jericho and Rhodes before Show clotheslined Rhodes over the top rope. So, it was down to JeriShow. Show grabbed Jericho for a clothesline, but Rhodes grabbed Show's leg from the outside. The distraction gave Jericho an opening to try to pull Show over the top rope. Rhodes then snuck back to ringside and helped Jericho pull Rhodes over the top rope, giving Jericho the win. Cole noted Rhodes cost Show a match with major title implications two nights in a row.

WINNER: Jericho at 12:17 to become #1 contender to the WWE Title. Not exactly an emphatic victory for Jericho to set up Punk-Jericho for the WWE Title at Mania.

Arcademan:
WWE Smackdown Results: 2-21-12

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

1 – THE MIZ vs. SHEAMUS

Match was joined in progress out of break, as the announcers filled in the blanks of Long making this match after the last segment. Sheamus had Miz in a rest-hold, then rag-tagged him (thanks Booker!) in the chest with forearm blows. Cole talked of how Miz’s lack of a Wrestlemania match this year has started to get to him. Diving shoulder tackle by Sheamus for a two-count. Sheamus rammed the ring-post shoulder first, then Miz continued to work him over outside the ring. Single-arm DDT for a one-count back in the ring. Corner clothesline by Miz found the mark. He went to the high-risk district and came down with a double axe-handle. Top wrist-lock held by Miz, but Sheamus fought out. Irish Curse back-breaker for a near-fall by Sheamus. Miz came back with a back-breaker/neck-breaker combo for two. Brogue Kick missed and Miz rolled him up for a near-fall. Sheamus gave Miz Finlay’s Celtic Cross for the win..

WINNER: Sheamus, 5:52 shown. Sheamus is just building up quality wins to lead into Wrestlemania, which is a smart move on WWE’s part.

2 – KOFI KINGSTON & R-TRUTH vs. JACK SWAGGER & DOLPH ZIGGLER

Vickie Guerrero walked on stage to introduce Swagger and Ziggler. Ziggler once again had his t-shirt sticking out the back of his tights. Apparently Kingston has taken to Twitter to complain about Cole mis-identifying him in the Battle Royal last night, because Cole complained about it here. The heels got the early advantage and Ziggler wore Truth down with a rest-hold. Ziggler missed a splash in the corner, allowing Truth to tag Kingston. Kofi got great height on a springboard clothesline, then knocked Swagger off the apron for good measure. High cross-body off the top for a near-fall, with the pin broken up by Swagger. Truth got involved but Swagger low-bridged him. Vickie screamed at Truth outside the ring. Kingston clotheslined Swagger out and Vickie slipped and fell on her bottom as well. Inside the ring, a thumb to the eye by Ziggler (with the ref apparently looking toward Vickie to see if she was okay) led to the Zig Zag for the pinfall.

WINNERS: Swagger and Ziggler, at 2:44. You could tell in the first minute that this was going to be real short.

3 – THE GREAT KHALI vs. DREW MCINTYRE

McIntyre got the “already in the ring” treatment, but when being announced, was actually at ringside yelling at the commentators about having to face Khali. McIntyre shoved Khali, then tried to escape. Khali didn’t fool around, giving McIntyre the brain chop and the Khali Bomb in seconds.

WINNER: Khali, at :33. Long was on the verge of firing McIntyre weeks ago. What’s the storyline reason for him holding onto McIntyre now?

4 – MARK HENRY vs. THE BIG SHOW

Mathews talked about Long reinstating Henry and Cole said that it’s just Long caving to political pressure. Body shots to the torso of Henry from Show. He set up for the punch early on, but couldn’t connect. Henry clotheslined Show, knocking him to the mat. Headbutt by Henry to the back of Show’s head. Henry went for a cover and methodically worked over Show. Henry stood on top of Show and did some trash talking. “I’m the shot caller tonight!” he shouted. Show was whipped into the corner, but got his foot up on a charge. Show came back with clotheslines, then a spear. Show signaled for the chokeslam, but as he did so, Cody Rhodes walked out as his theme played. Rhodes said if Show is going to chokeslam someone, it must not be Wrestlemania. Rhodes brought up Show’s loss to Akebono at Wrestlemania 21, saying he made an *** of himself. On the TitanTron, Rhodes cued up a video package of Show’s “embarrassing Wrestlemania moment,” that being his sumo match with Akebono, complete with close-ups of Show’s bottom. After the video, Show walked into a World’s Strongest Slam and a splash. That only got two. Wow. Show then got to his feet and knocked out Henry. But instead of going for the pin, he went after Rhodes. Rhodes ran to the back as Show headed that way as well. They replayed the punch before the match even ended. Then they went to the announcers.

WINNER: Henry, presumably via count-out, at around 5:35 (no bell). Absolutely ridiculous to not acknowledge a finish. They probably wanted to protect both guys by not revealing a winner, but that does so much more damage by ignoring the fact that there was a match and an obvious count-out. It’s especially harmful because this was a match they had hyped since the show began.

5 – EZEKIEL JACKSON vs. DAVID OTUNGA

Teddy Long accompanied Jackson to the ring, while Laurinaitis brought out Otunga. Laurinaitis even danced like Long. Garcia flubbed the introduction of Laurinaitis, and Cole called her out on it. With both men in the ring, an inset interview aired with Jackson, saying he let down Teddy Long, but Otunga is going down tonight. Otunga went after Jackson, but Jackson showed a lot of fire in his comeback. He clotheslined Otunga in the corner, then splashed him. Sidewalk slam followed that, then the Torture Rack. Otunga got to the ropes however, and Otunga brought Jackson down throat-first over the top rope. Back in the ring, spinebuster by Otunga for the win.

WINNER: Otunga, at 1:20. Long really needs to hitch his wagon to someone else’s star.

6 – DANIEL BRYAN vs. CM PUNK

During Punk’s entrance, they showed the front page of TMZ.com on Cole’s laptop, which has the story of the Punk-Chris Brown feud, and Brown’s recent Twitter post in response to Punk’s video. Chain wrestling to start, with neither man getting the advantage. They went to break with both men getting back to their feet on opposite side of the ring, 1:26 in.

[Commercial Break]

Back at 4:47, with Bryan having Punk locked in a side headlock. Running knee-lift by Punk after breaking free. More back-and-forth, but Bryan cut off Punk’s momentum by dodging a top rope cross-body by Punk. Punk sold an injury to his left arm. Bryan dragged Punk to the middle of the ring and worked over the arm. Bryan kicked Punk in the chest, but Punk got to his feet and peppered Punk with forearms. Overhead suplex by Bryan, then he stomped Punk’s elbow. Counter by Punk and both men were down at 8:43. Punk started his comeback by using his feet, but Bryan got out of a Go To Sleep. LeBell Lock countered, and Bryan held the ropes on a kick attempt from Punk. Bryan asked for his title, but Sheamus ran out, grabbed Bryan, and tossed him back into the ring. Punk kicked Bryan in the head to pin him.

WINNER: Punk, at 9:52.

As Punk celebrated, John Laurinaits came out and said that due to outside interference, this match will continue. If he’s acknowledging the interference, shouldn’t it be a disqualification? The ref rang the bell to re-start the match, Laurinaitis got a chair to sit ringside, and they went to break a little more than 10:00 in.

Back at 13:10 of the restarted match. Bryan kicked Punk in the head as Punk was lying on the mat. They showed Punk mocking Bryan during the break by shouting “yes! yes!” after ramming him into the barricade. Bryan rolled Punk up and held the ropes to pick up the win.

WINNER: Bryan, at 13:49.

Teddy Long came out and said he saw what just happened. Long said he wasn’t going to allow it, as Laurinaitis protested. so they restarted the match again. The men traded standing switches, then Bryan was sent over the top and to ringside. Punk hit Bryan with a suicide dive, hitting his head on the barricade in the process. After recent injuries outside the ring in both TNA and WWE, I’m sure management is holding their breath on every move similar to that. Off the top came Punk for a two-count on Bryan. Bryan went back to working on the arm of Punk. Long and Laurinaitis were seated next to each other at ringside, Laurinaitis in a nice leather chair and Long in a steel chair. Dropkick in the corner for a two-count for Bryan. Bryan set Punk on the top rope. Hurricanrana, but Punk held on and rolled Bryan up for two. Bryan missed a kick and Punk rolled him up for two.

Bryan tried a LeBell Lock, to no avail. Monkey flip by Punk sent Bryan into the corner, then he connected with a kick to the head. Cover got two as Bryan put his foot on the bottom rope. Crowd chanted for Punk. Punk went to the top for an elbowdrop, but Bryan crotched him. Bryan grabbed Punk for a superplex, but Punk pushed him off. Bryan was able to go back to the top because Punk was in such pain, he couldn’t capitalize. Superplex, but as Bryan went for the pin, Punk grabbed a leg too. Both men’s shoulders were down and the ref counted three. He didn’t make an announcement though. Of course, both GM’s thought “their guy” won. Crowd was clear in their decision. Laurinaitis and Long argued, but Laurinaitis went into the ring and raised the arm of Daniel Bryan. Long did the same, raising Punk’s arm. Shouldn’t the ref have a say in this? The GM’s got animated in their discussion, with Laurinaitis throwing down his suit jacket and Long throwing his in Laurinaitis’ face. Long walked off as Bryan restrained an angry Laurinaitis as the show closed.

WINNER: None announced, 19:01.

Arcademan:
WWE NXT Results: 2-22-12

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

1 - TYSON KIDD vs. TYLER REKS

Quick schoolboy gets one for Kidd and Regal strongly talks up Kidd from the booth. Kidd controls Reks, but Reks punches out. Reks with strong power offense and then mat control. Interesting to see Reks dominating Kidd with holds. Kidd with a springboard arm drag to escape the wristlock. Reks rolls outside and Hawkins menaces Kidd, so the ref ejects Hawkins. Hawkins objects, so Kidd takes them both down with a dive.

False commercial break and Kidd is getting dumped over Reks's head into a turnbuckle. Reks with knee lifts and he dumps Kidd onto the ropes. Reks with a reverse chicken wing and more knee lifts. Reks looks cocky tonight, but a knee drop is only good for two. Kidd finally uses speed and smarts to gain control, and manages to back body drop Reks from the apron to ringside, then lands a knee from the apron to take Reks down. Reks back in the ring and a springboard missile dropkick from Kidd gets a nearfall.

Reks makes a comeback and lands a fallaway slam for a nearfall of his own. Reks goes to the second rope, but Kidd dropkicks his jaw. Kidd meets him up top looking for a superplex. Reks punches him, so Kidd drops to the apron and lands a big leaping enziguri. Kidd comes up the rope but Reks grabs him in a fireman carry, leaps off the turnbuckle and drops Kidd on the turnbuckle in one fluid motion. Reks rolls Kidd into the ring and covers for two.

Reks gets frustrated and lands a series of leg drops, but on the last one, Kidd grabs the leg and transitions into the Sharpshooter. Reks struggles for a bit and eventually taps like mad. The audience cheers big for Kidd and Regal favorably compares Kidd to Bret Hart.

WINNER: Tyson Kidd via submission in 10:00. Good match! Tyler Reks did a great job keeping up with the technical work of Kidd, and Kidd is sliding into the face role quite nicely. Good match all around with a number of well-done sequences. I would not mind seeing more of this.

2 - ALEX RILEY vs. TITUS O'NEIL

O'Neil immediately knocks Riley down and mock cheers for him. More power and mocking from O'Neil, but Riley sends O'Neil to the outside. Regal says that O'Neil's charity work is annoying, and that Riley is taking his mother to the Hall of Fame. Riley with a big clothesline, but O'Neil sends Riley to the outside. Young looks like he wants to get involved, but Percy Watson comes down to cheer on Riley from the outside.

Out of the break, Riley is stuck on the ground. O'Neil continues to dominate Riley, and gets frustrated with the ref for two counts. Riley with a STO to get some space. Regal tells Watson to get more aggressive. Riley with a huge spinebuster for a nearfall. Riley mounts O'Neil in the corner for ten punches, but O'Neil powerbombs on number nine, and covers with feet on the ropes for the pin. Watson complains to the ref, but it's too late.

WINNER: Titus O'Neil in 7:00. This match felt longer than it was. I know that both O'Neil and Riley can deliver in the ring, so I am really not sure why it lacked excitement.

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