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Arcademan:
WWE NXT Results: 3-7-12

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

1 - TAMINA SNUKA vs. MAXINE

Maxine pushes Snuka to challenge her, but Snuka pushes her down. Maxine runs in and twists around for a crucifix, but when Snuka doesn't go down, Maxine slides down and tries a schoolgirl, which gets one. Very fluid on Maxine's end of things. Maxine sends Snuka to the mat with a hair pull. Maxine eats a big chop after mocking Snuka, but slips out of the ring and jumps Snuka on the way back in. Mazine goes to work on Snuka in the corner, then locks in a tight chinlock. Maxine is looking really strong. Snuka tries to stand up, but Maxine puts her back down. Maxine to the top rope, but Snuka dodges a splash. Snuka with a Samoan Drop and up to the top rope for the Superfly Splash for the win.

WINNER: Tamina Snuka in 3:00. I am getting really tired of seeing booking just like this, where someone is doing great in a match, and one simple move knocks out that person long enough for the person losing the match to hit a finisher. This was a repeat from last week in a Justin Gabriel match, and I believe it hurts the loser. Maxine was looking like a #1 contender for two minutes and 50 seconds, and lost literally in ten seconds. That's silly and gets no one over.

2 - YOSHI TATSU vs. JOHNNY CURTIS

Curtis starts off this strong offense, but Tatsu comes out of the corner strong. Curtis to the outside and eats a slingshot splash.

Tatsu in control out of the break. A pair of Japanese armdrags and a dropkick from Tatsu gets two. Curtis yanks Tatsu onto the ropes, then tosses him into the ringpost. Curtis works the left wrist and settles into a nasty keylock. Regal praises Tatsu's skills. Tatsu tries to chop out, but Curtis chops back and nails a big suplex for two. Curtis with more vicious work on the arm. Regal promises not to abuse his power like he has in the past, and Matthews sounds doubtful. Tatsu finally gets a bit of separation.

Tatsu goes on the offensive, but is selling pain. Tatsu just lets loose and hits a high knee in the corner and follows up with a Shining Wizard for two. Tatsu calls for the end and whiffs the roundhouse, and Curtis shoves Tatsu in the corner. Curtis is selling heavy pain and hits a pair of headbutts, and puts Tatsu on the turnbuckle. Big slap and Curtis wants a superplex. Tatsu shoves him down, but Curtis dodges a spinning heel kick and follows him with his brutal dangerous buster for the win.

WINNER: Johnny Curtis in 6:30 Very good match; I really enjoyed it. Curtis has come so far with his ring work.

3 - JEY USO (w/Jimmy Uso) vs. DARREN YOUNG

Lock-up puts Jey in the corner after a struggle, but he uses speed to get out. Jey with some dance-like strikes, including a spinning heel kick for two. Big bodyslam from Jey for two. Young runs over Jey and lands a powerslam. Backbreaker from Young barely gets a count. Side suplex and Young gets a two count. Mathews asks Jimmy about training with Booker T before coming to WWE, which was a good way to give them talking points. Young mouths off to Jimmy, and Regal promises that Jimmy will get a chance for payback. Jimmy actually references redemption points.

Young with a catapult into the ropes and that's good for two. Young slows it down with body scissors, but Jey turns it around for a moment. Regal offers to hook The Usos up with his twin daughters. He references again that his daughters are conjoined. Jey hits a big uppercut from the corner to get back in control. Jey whiffs a stinkface, and Young capitalizes with a schoolboy for the win.

WINNER: Darren Young in 6:00. Basic match, but it didn't look bad. It gave Darren Young and The Usos something to do.

4 -PERCY WATSON vs. TITUS O'NEIL

O'Neil with Kicks and punches to start, but Watson fires right back with a corkscrew elbow. O'Neil kicks Watson in the gut on a corner leap, then methodically wears Watson down. Watson comes out of the corner, but O'Neil cuts him off. Mathews questions Regal's decisions around Reks and Hawkins. Backbreaker from O'Neil for two. Regal praises O'Neil for becoming more "deliberate" in his style. O'Neil fights hard for an abdominal stretch, which is the first time I've seen one that looks painful in a while. O'Neil says, "Come over here and count old man!" to ref Scott Armstrong, but he still can't get more than a two count despite multiple attempts. He asks the ref if he's incompetent.

Watson with a jawbreaker to reset the action, and he lands punches and a dropkick, followed by a big shoulder tackle. Watson with the Highsman to get two. O'Neil dodges a corner splash and tries the Clash of the Titus, but Watson double foot stomps out at the peak of elevation to escape. (He looked like M. Bison there.) Watson immediately responds with the Percycution for the win.

Arcademan:
WWE Superstars Results: 3-8-12

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

1 - JUSTIN GABRIEL vs. HEATH SLATER

Slater lounges in the corner to demand some space, then celebrates after escaping a headlock. Slater's getting some great crowd involvement here. Gabriel with an armbar, but Slater uses a fireman's carry to escape. Gabriel uses a test of strength to draw Slater in for a wristlock. Gabriel turns up the speed a bit, and a powerslam gets two. Gabriel with more wrist and arm control. Slater gets some space, but Gabriel blocks an armdrag and transitions into a monkey flip. Armdrag into an armbar and Gabriel retails control. Slater on top for a moment, but Gabriel chops out of the corner and moves back to the attack. Crucifix-like roll-up for two, then a jackknife for two and more armbars. They trade suplex attempts and Slater eventually tosses Gabriel onto the ropes crotch-first.

Slater controls with a side chinlock out of the break, and Gabriel can't get traction. Gabriel with a series of kicks to get a two count. Slater spins Gabriel from a fireman's carry and drops him face-first for a close nearfall. Gabriel counters a sideslam attempt with a tornado neckbreaker of sorts and follows with a springboard moonsault for a nearfall of his own. Striker is digging the action and so am I.

After a rest, Gabriel is on the attack in the corner. Slater dodges a corner elbow and plants Gabriel on the turnbuckle, then rips him off into a viscous neckbreaker. Another very close nearfall. Slater is incredulous. Slater picks Gabriel up for a powerbomb, but Gabriel punches him in the head, rolls down and through, and sends Slater face-first into the turnbuckle. Gabriel with a side kick out of the corner, then he goes up top for the 450 splash, which is good for the win.

WINNER: Gabriel in 10:30. This was, by far, the best match I've ever seen from Heath Slater, and one of Justin Gabriel's best, too. Very good match. There was back-and-forth, unique spots, some high-flying and hard-hitting. Slater's put on a touch of weight, which makes it easier to take him seriously. I know I've ridden Slater hard in the past for his in-ring work, but he really brought it here and proved that he's got what it takes.

2 - TED DiBIASE vs. JINDER MAHAL

According to Matt Striker, Mahal's turban case is "sanitary." DiBiase starts a "USA!" chant. Wonderful.

Mahal with a shoulder tackle, but DiBiase responds with a dropkick and ten punches in the corner and a suplex. Striker mis-quotes "Happy Gilmore," which is surprising. Mahal kicks DiBiase's legs out and with some quick offense for two. Mahal with hard offense, including trademark knee drops, leveraging the ropes. Mahal keeps working on Ted's injured wrist. Mahal holds DiBiase's head and knees it repeatedly. Mahal to the second rope for an axe handle, but DiBiase counters with a dropkick. DiBiase makes a strong comeback. Big spinebuster for two. DiBiase looks for Dream Street, but Mahal reverses. DiBiase with the turnaround clothesline. DiBiase off the second rope, but Mahal counters with a jumping knee lift. Mahal slaps on the Camel Clutch and DiBiase taps after a struggle.

WINNER: Jinder Mahal in 7:00. Enjoyable match. If this is when DiBiase hurt his ankle, you wouldn't know it. I just don't get the booking of Mahal here. Some weeks he gets squashed, some weeks he gets a clean win mid-ring.

3 - KOFI KINGSTON vs. DOLPH ZIGGLER (w/Vickie Guerrero)

This match has gotten a ton of buzz for a match that didn't make it to Raw. The video has a solid 15 minutes left, so it should be a good match. Pre-match, Ziggler gives announcer Scott Stanford his bright pink shirt off his rear, and Stanford is ecstatic. Vickie makes cougar motions to Stanford too.

Ziggler outwits Kingston a few times, giving him a chance to show off. Kofi shows some sweet mat-based technique early on. Kingston slips out of an early sleeper attempt. Ziggler in control with mat skills of his own. They go back and forth with increasing intensity until Ziggler slows it down and shows off some more. They trade rights but Kingston puts Ziggler in the corner, and connects with a monkey flip sending Ziggler into a full 450 spin. That's good for a two count. That was a beautiful move. Kingston gets crotched in the middle of a springboard move, sending the show to break.

They interrupted a hot match for a "Bending the Rules" ad? The crowd is hotter than I've ever seen for a Superstars match. Ziggler and Kingston trade high-impact moves and two counts. Ziggler with some berserk elbows on the mat and a nasty armbar. Kingston with a pair of rollups for two counts. They trade boots-to-faces and Ziggler gets two for the work. There is a strong "Let's Go Ziggler!" chant. Kingston punches Ziggler when he does his sit-up routine. This angers Ziggler, who goes back to the attack. Kingston dodges the corner elbow (does Ziggler ever actually hit that?) and they are both down on the mat.

Kingston gets up first and takes Ziggler down, but Ziggler dodges the Superman Punch and gets out of the SOS. Brief flurry of offense and Kingston gets a very close nearfall with the SOS. Kingston preps the Boom Drop and sticks Ziggler. Kingston calls for the Trouble in Paradise, but Ziggler grabs him in mid-air and counters with the inside-out powerslam for a nearfall. Vickie is losing her mind with worry.

The ref starts a double count, but Ziggler walks into a pendulum kick. Kingston to the top, but Ziggler punches him and then meets him up top. Ziggler preps a superplex, but Kingston blocks and punches out. Kingston whiffs a huge top rope cross-body and Ziggler follows up with the "Namedropper" leg drop, another tight nearfall. The crowd is going nuts. Ziggler tries a sleeper, but Kingston slips out and immediately gets the Trouble in Paradise for the win.

Winner: Kofi Kingston in 15:00. If you are a wrestling fan, you need to watch this match. It is likely to be considered a Top 10 WWE match for 2012... and it was buried on Superstars so The Rock could give history lessons. Scott Stanford felt so organic in the booth and Josh Mathews held back his usual snarkiness and cynicism to let Stanford do his job. This was a PPV-quality match for sure, and it reminds me of when gems find their way onto Superstars.

You can find the video to this match on YouTube or go to Neo-Geo Forum: Official WWE Thread Post #12,716 (direct link to post) to view it.

Arcademan:
TNA Impact Wrestling Results: 3-8-12

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

1 -- TNA Knockout Tag Team champions GAIL KIM & MADISON RAYNE vs. ODB & ERIC YOUNG -- Knockouts Tag Team Title match

Young and Kim started the match for their teams, but before anything could happen, ODB tagged herself in. ODB instantly got the Bronco Buster on Kim and then followed it up with a fallaway slam. Kim put the breaks on ODB’s offense and tagged Rayne in. Rayne choked ODB out in the corner as the crowd chanted her name. ODB made a comeback and slammed Rayne’s head into her crotch and followed up with a Thesz Press. Kim interfered on her team’s behalf, which cost ODB the offensive edge. The champions hit some double team offense on ODB for a two count. ODB hit a desperation move on Rayne, which was followed up with a hot tag to both team’s partners. Young got in and put Knockouts on the opposing team on his shoulders and spun around until he was dizzy for a one count on Kim. The champions tried to double team Young, but ODB quickly put a stop to it. Rayne was able to throw ODB into the ringside steps and followed up by hitting Young with a title belt from behind which planted him on top of Kim for the win.

WINNERS: Eric Young and ODB via pinfall to capture the KO Tag Titles at 5:46.

2 -- X Division champion AUSTIN ARIES vs. ZEMA ION -- X Division Title match

Ion went for a boot that was telegraphed by Aries, who took Ion down with a headlock. Aries showboated around the ring, bowing to the audience. Aries once again got the better of Ion with a senton over the ropes followed by an elbow for a two count. The wrestlers went to the outside, where Ion teased the same move that injured Jesse Sorenson, but Aries stopped him and tried a high-risk maneuver of his own that he missed. Ion tried to capitalize on the mistake with a pin attempt for a two count, and then went to the top rope for a missed 450 splash. Aries stopped Ion’s attempt at using his hair spray bottle on him and then proceeded to use it on him. The referee saw this and called for the disqualification. Afterward, Ion gloated about his victory, but Aries got in his face and raised the belt.

WINNER: Zema Ion via disqualification at 3:48.

3 -- TNA World Hvt champion BOBBY ROODE vs. BULLY RAY -- non-title match

The wrestlers stalled a bit until Roode got Ray into a headlock until Ray took Roode down with a few shoulder tackles. Roode slapped Ray across the face and quickly feigned regret as he kicked him in the gut and laid into him with chops, punches, and boots in the corner. Roode hit a flying neckbreaker off the second turnbuckle for a two count. Ray started “Hulking up” and laid some nasty sounding chops onto the chest of Roode. He started making an offensive comeback and got a close two count on Roode. Ray went for a big boot, but Roode dodged it and hit him with spear for another close two count. Roode grabbed Ray’s chain from ringside and charged at him with, but was met with a boot from Ray. Before Ray could capitalize on Roode, Storm chased him out of the ring and nailed a superkick on Roode as the crowed chanted “Cowboy.”

WINNER: The match ended in an apparent No Contest at 6:45.

4 -- TNA Television champion ROBBIE E. & ROBBIE T. vs. CRIMSON & MATT MORGAN -- #1 contenders match for the TNA Tag Team Titles

Robbie E. mouthed off to Crimson in the ring, which backfired, as Crimson hit him with t-bone suplex. Robbie E. tagged in Robbie T., who scoop slammed Crimson and nailed him with a shot to the back before Crimson fought back until Robbie E. hit him with a clip board from behind. Robbie T. tagged in Robbie E. and he hit Crimson with a knee off the second turnbuckle for a two count. As Crimson started to mount some offense, Robbie E. tagged Robbie T., and quickly put a halt to Crimson’s comeback. Crimson got a desperation maneuver in and a hot tag was made by both teams. Morgan came in and cleaned house. Morgan hit the Carbon Footprint on Robbie, and before he could go for the pin attempt, Crimson tagged himself to score the pin for his team.

WINNERS: Crimson & Morgan via pinfall at 4:03 to become number one contenders to the TNA Tag Team Titles.

5 -- GUNNER & KURT ANGLE vs. GARETT BISCHOFF & JEFF HARDY

The match began as Gunner and Angle double-teamed Hardy while the ref held Bischoff back in the corner. Angle and Hardy were left in the ring to fight for their respective teams. Angle and Gunner took some liberties choking Hardy before he made a comeback clotheslining Angle. As he went for the tag Gunner ran in and knocked Garett off the ropes and was tagged in by Angle to continue to put the boots to Hardy. Hardy’s offensive comeback was once against brought to a halt by Gunner.

Angle had Hardy in a sleeper hold as the crowd chanted “Angle sucks,” and “Hardy.” Hardy broke out of the hold and ran towards Angle only to be caught with an overhead belly-to-belly suplex. Angle tagged in Gunner, who got a close two count on Hardy after a clothesline. Angle was tagged back into the match and proceeded to throw Hardy to the outside where Gunner continued to do damage to Hardy by throwing him into the guard rail before throwing him back into the ring. Hardy tried to crawl through Angle’s legs to tag Garett, but Angle caught him in the anklelock. Angle eventually broke the hold, but the offensive dominance by Angle and Gunner on Hardy continued.

Hardy was able to get a small package on Angle, but the referee was distracted by Garett trying to get into the match. Hardy was finally able to make a substantial offensive comeback as he hit Gunner with the Whisper in the Wind, but Garett was to busy to receive a tag as he was busy with the referee. Hardy eventually was able to get the tag to Garett, who cleaned house and got a close two count on Angle that was broken up by Gunner. Garett his a double clothesline on Angle and Gunner which set up Hardy for a Swanton Bomb on Angle for the pin.

WINNERS: Garett Bischoff & Jeff Hardy via pinfall at 14:20.

Arcademan:
WWE Smackdown Results: 3-9-12

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

1 – SANTINO MARELLA vs. JACK SWAGGER – STEEL CAGE MATCH FOR THE UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP

During Santino’s entrance, they showed him winning the title on Monday night. During Swagger’s entrance, they showed the announcers at ringside, and Michael Cole had a picture of Laurinaitis’ face on a stick that he was waving around in front of his. It’s funny that Cole got on Booker for mispronouncing Laurinaitis as “Lare-an-itis” instead of “Lore-en-ite-is,” when Cole does that all the time. Swagger held the early advantage, and kept on trucking with a short-arm clothesline. Santino dodged a few clotheslines and tried to climb the cage. Top-rope cross-body, but Swagger caught him. He sent Santino face-first into the side of the cage. Santino was able to recover and set up for the Cobra. Dolph Ziggler tried to climb the cage, providing a distraction. Swagger tried a suplex, but Santino Cobra’d him on the way down. Ziggler tried to recover from Santino hitting his hand with the Cobra, and while doing so, was sent to the back by the ref. That left only Vickie Guerrero in Swagger’s corner as they cut to break at 3:58.

Back at 6:48 with Swagger once again in control. Swagger tossed Santino’s Cobra out of the ring. Santino tried a few desperation roll-ups, to no avail. Drop toe-hold by Swagger sent Santino into the corner. Swagger bomb found the mark for a two-count at 7:50. Swagger argued with the ref, then tried to climb the cage. Santino crotched Swagger and got a two-count. Santino then began to climb, getting to the top of the cage. Swagger grabbed his leg and tried to pull him back in. Swagger slapped Marella a few times as Santino sat on the top rope. He fired back with a Tornado DDT. He crawled to make the cover, but instead crawled over Swagger and to the door. Swagger pulled him back in but Santino kicked him off. Santino had most of his body out, but Swagger grabbed the ankle and applied the ankle-lock. Vickie tried to shut the door and argued with the ref. By the time she pried the door out of his hands, Santino had countered the ankle-lock and kicked Swagger into the doorway. Vickie didn’t see it and slammed the door on Swagger’s face. Santino then crawled out for the win.

WINNER: Santino, at 10:20. The cage match and extended time the match got makes the US Title seem a little more relevant.

2 – DREW MCINTYRE vs. HORNSWOGGLE

Bodyslam by McIntyre, but he pulled Horny’s head up at two. Another bodyslam, and again McIntyre pulled horny up at two. Back-breaker for Hornswoggle. The ref checked on Horny, then threw the match out.

WINNER: McIntyre, via ref stoppage, at 1:23. McIntyre didn’t exactly look smart pulling off the pin a few times – after all, he was fighting for his job. But it makes sense for Laurinaitis to basically give McIntyre his job back. Now how will he keep it once Long takes over again next week?

3 – EZEKIEL JACKSON vs. MARK HENRY

The announcers talked about Henry being inducted into the International Sports Hall of Fame this past week. They showed clips of him during his weightlifting days, then Henry accepting the award, all smiles. That really goes against how he’s been booked for the last several months. Takes you out of the moment of him being a killer heel. Jackson cornered Henry and pounded on him, but couldn’t get Henry up for the Rack. Henry, in a blue singlet, slammed Jackson after some trash talk. Jackson moved out of the way of an elbowdrop, then clotheslined Henry in the corner and delivered some body shots. Jackson charged the corner, but Henry charged at him, knocking Zeke down. World’s Strongest Slam for the pinfall.

WINNER: Henry, at 1:41. Beautiful. This is what they need to do if they want to rebuild him – start with some dominant wins over lower competition.

4 – JOHN LAURINAITIS vs. TEDDY LONG – IF LONG WINS, KANE FACES AKSANA TONIGHT

No music for Laurinaitis as he and Otunga walked to the ring. Laurinaitis wore spandex pants. Long wore a black WWE logo t-shirt. When the bell rang, Laurinaitis got the mic and asked if Long was really going to put Aksana in danger. Laurinaitis told Long to be a man and do the right thing. I feel like it wasn’t that long ago that we had a match where Long was forced to job. Laurinaitis told Long to lie down. Long refused. Laurinaitis called out Kane, whose fireworks went off. Long protected Aksana in the ring after Laurinaitis left. As Kane reached the apron, Randy Orton ran out and pulled him off, RKO’ing him. Laurinaitis was quite animated in his disdain for Orton’s actions. Long then rolled Laurinaitis up for the win.

WINNER: Long, at 2:27. Still an hour left on the show, plenty of time for Kane to recover and face Aksana…right?

Laurinaitis was still throwing a fit in the ring as the camera picked up Long and Aksana walked briskly through the backstage area, discussing dinner plans and likely leaving the arena. Back at ringside, Orton’s music played as he stood over Kane.

5 – KOFI KINGSTON & R-TRUTH vs. PRIMO & EPICO

Epico began the match against Kingston. Monkey flip by Kingston put Epico on his back. Quick tag to Truth and a double hip-toss by the faces. Truth did a lot of dancing before hitting a legdrop. More double-teaming, this time Epico leap-frogged Kofi only to get side-kicked by Truth. Kingston hit the ropes and while the ref was distracted by Truth, Primo pulled the ropes open, sending Kingston to the floor. Booker called it “a little underhanded,” but still complimented the heels for their illegal tactics. Double underhook slam by Epico for two. Booker talked about his tag team days, as part of one of the greatest teams ever. “Ebony and Ivory?” Cole asked, and Booker corrected him, saying, “The Ebody Experience.” False tag to Truth and the heels continued on Kofi. Kofi kicked away from Primo and finally made the tag at 4:25 of the match. Truth landed the corkscrew elbow on Primo, but Epico broke up the pin. Kingston got involved and Epico was backdropped to the floor. Rosa Mendes got on the apron but she couldn’t help her charges. Flip kick by Kofi, then Truth dropped Primo with a version of the Downward Spiral for the win.

WINNERS: Kingston and Truth, at 5:12. Basic tag-team booking and Primo and Epico still looked good by controlling the bulk of the match.

6 – SHEAMUS & BIG SHOW & RANDY ORTON vs. DANIEL BRYAN & CODY RHODES & THE MIZ

Sheamus and Rhodes began the match. Orton tagged in at 29 seconds of the match. He hammered away with rights in the corner on Rhodes. Clothesline by Orton as Cole bragged about how long Rhodes has held the Intercontinental Championship. Rhodes held Orton, allowing the newly-legal Bryan to kick Orton in the chest. Cole has become such a fan of Bryan that he even suggested he’s going vegan. Dropkick by Orton, then a tag to Show. Show headbutted Bryan to the mat. Miz tagged in and Miz stumbled backward when Show feigned a right hand. After a hard slap to the chest by Show, Miz retreated and tagged Rhodes. Rhodes stepped in and tagged Miz back in. Show brought Miz in the hard way as they cut to break at 3:36.

Back to the show at 6:33 of the match. Sheamus and Miz were in the ring, and Sheamus ran over Miz with a few Irish Hammers. Near-fall at 7:28 by Sheamus. Sheamus fought off Rhodes, then put Miz back down. Forearms to the chest of Rhodes, then an elbow to Bryan. Miz dropkicked Sheamus out of the ring, as the three-on-one was just too much. Bryan hit a flying knee to Sheamus off the apron. Bryan wanted the tag and got it. Sheamus fought back to his feet, but wasn’t there for long. Bryan dropped several knees across the chin and throat of Sheamus. Running boot by Miz after he tagged in. Rhodes also got a chance to work over Sheamus. Short DDT by Miz for a two-count. Side Russian leg sweep by Rhodes after he avoided a Celtic Cross. That got him a two-count at 11:33. Irish Curse backbreaker and the match reset at about 12:00. Both men made tags, with Orton showing a lot of energy against Miz. Show took care of Rhodes and chased him up the ramp. Orton gave Miz a rope-assisted DDT. He avoided a kick from Bryan and tried to give him the same DDT. Instead, Bryan brought Orton throat-first across the top rope. Sheamus knocked Bryan over the apron then over the barricade and into the timekeeper’s area. Orton avoided a Skull Crushing Finale and hit the RKO for the win.

WINNERS: Orton, Show, and Sheamus, at 13:33.

Arcademan:
WWE RAW Results: 3-12-12

Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Caldwell's complete report). Condensed to in-ring results along with my own two bits thrown in on the non-ring sequences.

- Thuganomics version John Cena came out and did some rap including some non-PG stuff. Nice to see thug John but also shows you can't turn back the clock.

1 -- SHEAMUS vs. DOLPH ZIGGLER (w/Vickie Guerrero)

Basic feeling-out process as Cole hyped Sheamus vs. World Hvt. champion Daniel Bryan at WrestleMania. Sheamus then knocked Ziggler to the outside and Zigs recovered on the floor as they cut to break at 2:00.

The match was back in the ring following the break. And, again, Sheamus knocked Ziggler over the top rope to the outside. Sheamus tried to follow up, but Vickie provided a distraction for Sheamus to crawl under the ring to the other side and sneak-attack Sheamus. Ziggler then smashed Sheamus into the announce table, nearly prompting Cole to curse to sell it. The camera zoomed in on Sheamus's back, which was cut up from the announce table.

Sheamus beat a ten count back into the ring, where Ziggler went to work with a methodical attack. Cole then relayed information that Daniel Bryan and A.J. are watching the match from a skybox. Josh Mathews was up in the skybox with Bryan and A.J. to discuss recent events. Bryan accused Mathews of judging their relationship. Bryan asked A.J. for comment, and A.J. gave a response that was essentially saying what Bryan wanted to hear.

From the skybox back to the ring, Sheamus made a comeback as Vickie tried to encourage Ziggler. Sheamus then blocked a top-rope attempt from Ziggler, but Ziggler rolled through the Celtic Cross into a crucifix pin for a nearfall. Sheamus then tried the power move again, but sort of awkwardly dropped Ziggler. It was good for a nearfall and the wrestlers talked a bit in the ring to reset. Ziggler then hit a Rocker Dropper, but Sheamus kicked out in time. The crowd came back to life after the botched spot and rallied behind Sheamus, who nailed the Brogue Kick out of nowhere. Sheamus with the pin for the win. Up in the skybox, Bryan wasn't impressed as A.J. stared straight ahead. Afterward, Cole and Lawler recapped high points from the match before noting the three count is how quickly the World Title count change hands at WrestleMania.

WINNER: Sheamus at 11:53. Solid match other than the pre-finish botch. (**)

2 -- U.S. champion SANTINO (w/Aksana) vs. MARK HENRY & DAVID OTUNGA -- non-title handicap match

After the bell sounded, Smackdown GM Teddy Long stomped out to the ring as everyone paused to watch Long approached the announce position. Before that, he grabbed Askana to make sure she was okay. Long then began arguing with Laurinaitis as the director cut back and forth between the announce position and the ring. Long gave Laurinaitis a light shove and Laurinaitis over-sold by spilling himself over the announce position. Back in the ring, Henry blocked Santino's Cobra and gave him the World's Strongest Slam for the pin and the win.

Post-match: The ref sold concern over Santino before the heels picked up Santino and slapped him around a bit. Kofi Kingston then stormed the ring and went after Henry, but a World's Strongest Slam took out Kofi. R-Truth then stormed the ring and was beaten down by Henry and Otunga. What happened to babyfaces who know how to make a save? Henry wasn't done with Truth, as he gave him a giant splash mid-ring. Laurinaitis then entered the ring and introduced the newest member of Team Laurinaitis, Mark Henry. Ringside, Long and Aksana sold concern over these developments as the heels stood tall in the ring.

WINNERS: Henry & Otunga at 1:33. What a giant cluster during the match. If Laurinaitis was intentionally acting completely lost and clueless (more so than usual), then he's the greatest actor of all-time. The post-match was effective for finally getting Henry back on track and setting up Long to find some new babyfaces. Kofi and Truth sure looked ineffective, though.

- A couple of backstage things involving Zack Ryder, Eve and Beth Phoenix, another with The Miz trying to get into WM XXVIII.

In-ring: Back from break, Jinder Mahal was on his way to the ring. Mahal placed his headdress into the protective case before the Funkasauras's music played. This brought out Brodus Clay and his dancers for Clay's first TV appearance in nearly two months. After Clay and Co. danced in the ring, they cut to a shot of Mahal indignant over these developments. Mahal then tried to jump Clay from behind and the ref pulled a TNA by calling for the bell.

3 -- BRODUS CLAY vs. JINDER MAHAL

Clay quickly shook off Mahal's attack and delivered a slam followed by a big running splash for the pin and the win. Afterward, Clay danced it up with the Funkettes. The post-match celebration lasted longer than the match. After a video replay, they returned to the ring for more dancing to stretch out the segment.

WINNER: Clay at 0:28.

- Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker face - face in the next segment. Taker vows to continue the streak and if HBK gets in the way win or lose, there will be hell to pay:
"The Streak will continue. And, I will officially end an era. But, if you don't do the right thing, I will officially end you."
Nice!

4 -- WWE champion C.M. PUNK vs. THE MIZ -- non-title match -- Miz makes Team Laurinaitis if he wins

Early on, Punk and Miz collided and sold the effects leading to a break after 40 seconds.

Back live three minutes later, Miz was in control as the announcers discussed Miz's recent rough patch. Punk then made a comeback with a swinging neckbreaker before landing a corner knee followed by a bulldog. Punk teased the GTS, Miz escaped, and Punk answered with a flying leg to the face. Miz came back with a kneeling and leaning DDT for a two count. Cole said Miz needs to calm down as they showed Miz looking toward the WM28 logo and trying to keep himself under control. Miz then went for a corner move, but Punk countered and slapped on his submission finisher. Miz fought the hold, but had to tap out. Roday made it official as Cole wondered if Miz's Mania dream is gone.

WINNER: Punk via submission at 6:15.

- Jericho come out on the Titantron and says he's dug into Punk's past and found out why he's straight edge; his dad was an alcolohic. Jericho will win, take his belt and take his sobriety and make him drink. Now...it's personal.

5 -- RANDY ORTON vs. JACK SWAGGER (w/Vickie Guerrero)

Vickie's voice was the only noise heard in the arena early on as Orton and Swagger felt each other out in the "comedown match" position. Orton flung Swagger to the outside, then followed up on the floor with more offense. Orton threw Swagger back into the ring and they cut to break with Orton still in control.

Back live, Swagger was working on Orton as Vickie screamed at Swagger to focus. Orton teased a comeback and the two men began trading right hands. Swagger then clipped Orton at the left knee and Vickie cackled from ringside. Swagger went to work on Orton to set up for the Anklelock, but Orton escaped and kicked Swagger away. Orton hobbled on one leg before dragging Swagger to the top turnbuckle for a superplex clear across the ring. Orton then went to That Place to get the crowd involved for the first time in the match, leading to a powerslam and spike DDT from the second rope. Orton then teased the RKO and he connected center-ring. Orton with the cover for the win.

WINNER: Orton at 8:32. Orton wasn't presented as a big deal here, which is either a product of WWE not planning in advance or WWE losing confidence in Orton as a top star. The finish was fine to give Orton a solid win pre-Mania, but, then again, Swagger lost to Santino twice last week, so a victory over Swagger doesn't mean much.

- The Rock comes out and sings the same song over and over with different words except for the last line 'Cleveland Rocks!' which makes the crowd happy but Rock please...stay away from singing. Two weeks in a row is two times too many.

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