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

[Arcademan]

WWE RAW Results: 11-10-08

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

1 -- IC champion SANTINO MARELLA (w/Women's champion Beth Phoenix) vs. WILLIAM REGAL (w/Layla) -- Intercontinental Title match

Lillian Garcia handled the formal ring intros, with Regal clearly the babyface in his home country. Santino had a good mix himself. And ring the bell. Regal absolutely smashed Santino with a running knee lift about 30 seconds into the match, then he pinned Santino for the easy pin and the win. Beth was shocked, as was the crowd. Beth then helped Santino out of the ring and checked on his KO'ed boyfriend.

WINNER: Regal in 1:00 to capture the IC Title. Well, that was decisive. You could almost see that coming. Let's hope Regal can bring some prestige back to the IC Title and set up some nice title feuds. (n/a)

2 -- MIKE KNOX vs. D-LO BROWN

Michael Cole said the ECW brand was glad when Knox skipped town. We don't know how or why, but the ECW locker room said good riddance to the bearded mountain man. Knox with a high knee, then the Knox Out on Brown for a very quick win. All righty. Lawler said he had some things to say about Knox, but Knox didn't give him time to say much.

WINNER: Knox in 1:00. Welcome to Raw. Snitsky left his toothbrush by the door. (n/a)

3 -- REY MYSTERIO vs. KANE -- No DQ match

Rey with a quick kick to the leg, then he bailed to the floor to set up cat and mouse. Rey went for a flying splash off the apron, but Kane caught him in mid-air. Rey fought back with kicks, though, before nailing a moonsault off the barricade. Rey then ran back into the ring. And another commercial break a minute into the match.

Back from break, Kane booted Rey in the head before throwing him into the corner to land some haymakers. Rey then suddenly Kane in position for the 619, but Kane slipped to the floor and chucked Rey hard into the guardrail. That looked sick. Kane then went to work on Rey's left arm and shoulder to try to force him to give it up. Kane then exposed the corner turnbuckle and wanted a powerbomb, but Rey moved and kicked Kane in the chest before snapping off a huracanrana.

The match moved into the second hour with Rey making his comeback by kicking Kane over the top rope to the apron. Rey then yanked Kane's right arm across the top rope to avoid a clothesline. He tried to follow with a springboard splash, but Kane caught him in mid-air with an uppercut. Kane then pulled back the ringside mat to expose the concrete floor. He wanted a Tombstone, but Rey slipped out and countered into a weak DDT that kinda sent Kane to the concrete floor.

Rey then brought Kane back into the ring for a nearfall. Rey followed with the 619, then he landed the big splash. Suddenly, Kane reached up for a chokeslam to stop a pin attempt, but Rey escaped and sent Kane face-first into the exposed turnbuckle. Rey then came off the top with a leaping kick on Kane to score the pin and the win.

WINNER: Rey Mysterio in 12:00. Okay match. Had your usual take-it-or-leave-it spots in a Kane match that were a little off, but it was a fine conclusion to their feud. At the end of the day, Kane was elevated during this feud by re-gaining his killer instinct, while Rey benefited from just staying relatively health. (*1/2)

4 -- BATISTA vs. CODY RHODES (w/Manu and Randy Orton)

They started with a headlock, then Cody tried to target the left knee, but Batista punched him away. Batista teased a Batistabomb toward Orton, who had moved on stage, but Cody slipped out and landed a bulldog for a two count. Cody then took Batista into the corner with a drop toehold before Manu landed a cheap shot behind the ref's back.

Batista came back with a boot to the gut, then a hard forearm smash. Cody slipped out of a shoulderbreaker, but he ran into a spinebuster. Manu was knocked off the apron, then Batista set up for and connected with the Batistabomb in center ring. Batista made the cover for the win.

Afterward, Manu took a spear for good measure. Batista then stared up at Orton, who simply looked into the ring from the stage. Batista then walked out to the entrance ramp. He approached Orton, but Orton walked backward through the curtain to leave Batista on stage by himself.

WINNER: Batista in 3:00. That's one way to get around giving away a major Batista vs. Orton match without pre-show hype. Disappointing segment in the short-term, but we'll see how it plays out over time. (1/2*)

5 -- Women's champion BETH PHOENIX (w/Santino Marella) vs. MICKIE JAMES -- Women's Title match

A little off tonight with the in-ring chemistry. Finish happened after Mickie knocked Santino off the ring apron when he tried to interfere, then Beth rammed Mickie head-first into the corner turnbuckle. Mickie was KO'ed, then Beth dragged Mickie into the corner for the pin and the win. Santino, surprised, hopped up to celebrate over-the-top in the ring with Beth.

WINNER: Beth in 2:00 to retain the Women's Title. Unfortunately, this was a rushed match with only a few minutes allotted in the ring, leading to a below-average match. They just couldn't settle into any sense of flow. (1/2*)

6 -- World Hvt. champion CHRIS JERICHO vs. SHAWN MICHAELS -- non-title Last Man Standing match

The bell sounded 20 minutes before the top of the hour, so they have plenty of time tonight. They quickly went to the traditional last-man-standing spots in this one before moving to the floor and up the entrance ramp. Jericho landed a right hand smash on Michaels, who needed six seconds to stand up. They suddenly cut to break with Jericho approaching Michaels for another knock down blow.

Back from break, the men were brawling next to the traditional U.K. stage with the cab vehicle. Jericho rammed Michaels head-first into the cab, and Michaels made his feet at eight. Michaels then slingshot Jericho into a cheap-looking plastic mailbox. Not the greatest spot in U.K. set history. Jericho and Michaels then battled onto the hood of the cab where Jericho slapped on the Walls of Jericho. Michaels cried out in pain as Jericho kept it locked in, then Jericho threw down the hold and rolled Michaels off the hood to the ground below. Michaels made it back to his feet at nine, but the drama wasn't there with the audience taken out of the match based on how isolated they are fighting on the stage area.

Michaels then threw Jericho off the stage to the concrete below. Not much of a drop, then Michaels grabbed the camera rigged on a crane and rammed it into Jericho's face. Jericho made it to his feet before ten, then the brawl moved through the stands to the ringside area. Michaels then retrieved a ladder, but Jericho stole it and rammed it into Michaels's head. Michaels then avoided another ram shot before throwing Jericho onto the Raw announce table. Michaels set up a ladder, then he climbed the ladder, did a crotch chop, and nailed the big flying elbow smash that took Jericho through the table.

Both men then made their feet at eight while the fans booed for some reason. We found out why, as JBL then showed up ringside. Michaels ducked his attack, though, and dumped JBL into the front row. Jericho took advantage with a belt shot to the face and Michaels stirred at seven. The ref reached nine and Michaels reached his feet just barely. Michaels suddenly nailed Sweet Chin Music on Jericho, but JBL smashed Michaels with a (protected) steel chair shot to the head. Both men were down as ref Kiota made his count. Jericho reached his feet at nine, but Michaels couldn't get up, giving Jericho the win.

WINNER: Chris Jericho in 19:00. Just didn't quite meet the expectations built into the show based on the hype as the final encounter between these two. The crowd never really got into the match with so much action taking place on the floor and isolated from the audience. Both men put in commendable efforts, but there was just something off. The execution just didn't have the "it" factor tonight. (**1/2)

[Arcademan]

ECW on SciFi Results: 11-11-08

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

1 -- CRYME TYME (JTG & SHAD GASPAR) & TOMMY DREAMER vs. THE MIZ & JOHN MORRISON & JACK SWAGGER

After Swagger bailed from Dreamer, Striker went for Al Franken right off the bat, saying you don't send a funny man to do a serious job. JTG then dropped the "Timbs to the chin," as Striker called it, by landing a dropkick to Swagger's jaw. I'm glad I bailed on Timberland stock a few months ago before the price dropped like a rock. In any event, Shad dumped Swagger to the floor, then Shad clotheslined Miz and Morrison to the floor. Crowd pumped. Babyfaces in control. Shad then press-slammed JTG over the top rope onto Swagger. Dreamer followed with a cannonball dive onto JoMizzy on the floor to cap the first-half of the match before grabbing a break.

Back from break, the heels were shockingly in control. Striker went back to the politics on saying the voters got something right with Prop 8 in California. JTG finally escaped Morrison's grasp at 9:00 to make the hot tag to Dreamer, who cleaned house. Dreamer landed a bulldog on Miz, then took Morrison down with a pumphandle overhead slam for a two count. The action broke down, then Dreamer walked into the Moonlight Driver corkscrew neckbreaker after attempting a DDT. Morrison with the cover for the win.

WINNERS: Miz & Morrison & Swagger in 10:00. Nice way to get Miz & Morrison back in the game after the DX loss last Monday night. Good action to open the show. (*1/2)

2 -- MARK HENRY (w/Tony Atlas) vs. OLIVER BINEY

The local product, Oliver, took a beating before succumbing to the World's Strongest Slam in center ring for the easy pin. After a replay of the squash, Grisham found himself in the ring to chat with Henry. Henry didn't care to offer an opinion on who's winning Hardy vs. Finlay tonight. Henry then giggled in Grisham's direction before leaving the ring in a huff.

WINNER: Henry in 1:00. Nice, effective squash, followed by a great "what did you just say?" look from Henry toward Grisham. (n/a)

3 -- ECW champion MATT HARDY vs. FINLAY (w/Hornswoggle) -- ECW Title match

Great start to this with a collar and elbow tie-up, followed by an exchange of headlocks. Striker set the stage by saying the last European to hold a major World's title was Austria's Otto Wanz holding the AWA Title in 1982. Of note, Wanz held the belt from Aug. 29, 1982 to Oct. 9, 1982 in between Hulk Hogan and Nick Bockwinkel reigns. Hardy then heeled on Finlay by tossing Finlay over the top rope to the floor. Under the old NWA-WCW rules, we have a quick DQ. Finlay then sent Hornswoggle scurrying under the ring while he regrouped. Time for a break.

Back from break, Hardy was working over Finlay before nailing a bulldog for a nearfall. Suddenly, Hornswoggle hopped up on the apron. He tried to avoid the distraction, then Finlay rammed Hardy into the ringpost causing Hornswoggle to fall off the apron. Hornswoggle sold a right knee injury, then Finlay checked on his "son" before returning to a beating on Hardy. The action spilled back to the outside where Finlay landed a short-arm clothesline near where Horny was recovering. At 11:00, Hardy shoved Finlay off the ring steps, sending Finlay crashing into the guardrail. Finlay came right back with another short-arm clothesline, then they grabbed another break with both men fighting on the floor.

They returned from break with Finlay pinning Hardy...okay...not really. But, that would be something if a pinfall occurred during the long commercial break to make this seem more realistic. In any event, Hornswoggle waved off the trainers during the break. Hardy then came back on Finlay with the side effect for a close call to a chorus of boos. Hardy with another side effect for another two count. Hardy wanted a third, but Finlay escaped into a roll-up for a two count. He then nailed the rolling gut buster (Grisham called it the Celtic Cross), but Hardy kicked out in two. Hardy then went up top for a moonsault and he connected for a close two count.

At 20:00, Finlay and Hardy knocked heads and Finlay fell on top of Hardy, but Hardy put his foot on the bottom rope to break the count. Finlay then slowly picked up Hardy, who suddenly surprised Finlay with the Twist of Fate in center ring. Hardy made the cover and scored the pin for the win. Afterward, Hardy celebrated and Striker called it a Match of the Year candidate in his opinion. Finlay then stood up and shook Hardy's hand before giving him a bow. Hardy celebrated one more time before they embraced with a hug to close the show.

WINNER: Hardy in 21:00 to retain the ECW Title. The two long commercial breaks in the middle of the match knocked it down slightly, but this was still a very good ECW Title match. Finlay, as the veteran hand in the ring, kept a great pace for the match, while Hardy played his role effectively as the confident champion in the challenger's near-hometown turf. Very smart match with good commentary from Grisham and Striker to boot. (***1/4)

[Arcademan]

TNA Impact! Results: 11-13-08

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

1 -- Knockouts champion AWESOME KONG (w/Raisha Saeed) & RHAKA KHAN vs. ROXXI & TAYLOR WILDE

Bell sounded when Kong brought Taylor into the ring, then Kong tossed Taylor half-way across the ring by her hair extensions. Taylor eventually broke free from Kong at 2:00 and made the hot tag to Roxxi, who knocked around Kong before climbing on her back. Khan then entered the ring to break that up, setting off a four-woman brawl. Roxxi dumped Khan to the floor, which nearly resulted in a wardrobe malfunction, then Kong smashed Roxxi and gave her the implant buster in center ring for the win.

WINNERS: Khan & Kong in 4:00. About as expected with Khan in there - things fell apart at the end after some good energy in the ring. (*)

2 -- X Division champion SHEIK ABDUL BASHIR vs. ERIC YOUNG -- X Division Title match

Bashir was quickly on the offensive, then Young made his comeback at 2:00. This isn't Finlay vs. Hardy in terms of time allotted to the match. Bashir then ducked his head and Young powered up with a clothesline. He landed right hand blows to the head while Tenay said Young has never held the X Division Title. Young then shoved ref Shane away before walking into a low blow from Bashir. Shane then stopped short on his pin and wouldn't make the count because he maybe caught a glance of Bashir kicking Young between the legs. Bashir then shoved Shane down and Shane decided he had enough. Shane ripped off his ref t-shirt to a big pop after having a crazy look on his face. Shane fired off a dropkick on Bashir, then he smashed Bashir with a right hand that spun him into a Death Valley Driver. Young connected, then Shane made the pin for the win. Afterward, the TNA Originals including crazy old ODB joined the in-ring celebration. Ref Earl Hebner showed up to check on Shane, who was a shaking and a shivering and a convulsing. Joe and Styles then showed up in the ring apron to offer applause for Young's win.

WINNER: Young in 4:00 to capture the X Division Title. Well, now Shane is the most credible wrestler in the X Division. It doesn't get any worse for the X Division that Young was celebrating a completely tainted victory with the help of a referee that looked far more impressive than anyone currently in the division. (*)

3 -- SCOTT STEINER (w/Kurt Angle) vs. RHINO

Basic exchange early on with Angle hyping himself as the greatest wrestler today, then Steiner busted out a belly-to-belly suplex on Rhino for a two count. Angle then addressed work/shoot on Jeff Jarrett and he said it's real heat between them. He said he doesn't like working for Jarrett, but he loves this company. Geez. Back in the ring, Steiner ripped off some chops while Angle hyped their big welcoming party for Christian tonight. Rhino then came back with a modified TKO to set up his comeback on Steiner. He hit a mild belly-to-belly suplex, then called for the end. Suddenly, Angle left the announce table and held Rhino's foot to block the Gore. Steiner then took advantage with a belly-to-belly suplex on Rhino for the win.

WINNER: Steiner in 5:00. Rough match. Angle's over-the-top commentary made it bearable, but this was two men trying to find their pace in the ring trying to wrestle a fast-paced heavyweight match. Rhino could barely pop his hips to suplex Steiner and instead just gingerly dropped him on the mat. (1/2*)

4 -- TNA World Hvt. champion STING vs. JAY LETHAL -- TNA World Title match

Basic exchange early on to set a nice pace for the title match. Lethal then took Sting to the corner for a few punches before nailing a springboard smash for a nearfall. Sting ended up on the floor, then Lethal nailed a suicide dive to have Sting reeling, including selling a left leg injury. Is the title in jeopardy? Find out after the break.

Back from break, Sting was still favoring his knee but in control of the match. With Sting dominating Lethal on the floor, Shelley and Sabin decided to come ringside for a closer look at the action. They pumped up Lethal, who fought out of a chinlock with elbow smashes before nailing a flying forearm to make his comeback. Suddenly, there was a mid-ring collision. Shelley then jumped on the apron to distract the ref and Sabin tried to set up Lethal for some help on Sting, but Lethal, apparently not wanting to be Eric Young winning a title by nefarious means, wanted nothing to do with Sabin's help. He shoved Sabin out of the ring, then Sting took advantage by nailing Lethal with the Scorpion Death drop from behind for the pin and the win.

Afterward, Joe and Styles stormed the ringside area to confront the Guns on their interference. Joe piefaced Sabin setting off an argument, then Consequences Creed ran down to restore order. ODB and Young even joined the fracas. Lethal said he didn't need the Guns's help, then the show was interrupted by Spike's VGAwards.

WINNER: Sting in 8:00 to retain the TNA Title. Fine title match. Sting gave Lethal enough to elevate him a touch in the credibility department. It sets up the storylines to go a couple of different directions with the in-fighting among the Young Lions. (*1/2)

5 -- TNA tag team champions BEER MONEY (ROBERT ROODE & JAMES STORM w/Miss Jackie) vs. A.J. STYLES & SAMOA JOE -- TNA Tag Title match

Nice flurry from Joe to start things off, as he ripped off a sweet enziguiri kick on Storm. Styles then knocked Storm to the outside and Joe & Styles stood tall in the ring in total control. Team 3D decided to get a closer look at the action while they cut to break.

Brother Ray and Devon were on commentary out of the break as Beer Money worked on Styles in their corner. Devon was suddenly doing a lot of talking and Ray said I guess that's what happens with Obama in office. Ray said it's obvious Beer Money want no part of the 20-time world tag champions. After Storm came over for a word with Ray, they went back in the ring where Roode continued to work over Styles. Tenay asked 3D about the War and Ray said the Mafia has it right with the young punks today having no respect for them. He said he doesn't think the Mafia has it right either since they don't have the greatest tag team of all-time in their stable.

Styles pulled out the Pele kick on Storm to cut him off and make the hot tag to Joe, who came in to clean house with straight right hand jabs. Joe landed a running kick on Roode, then he nailed a corkscrew gutbuster out of the powerbomb position on Storm. Joe suddenly snapped off a powerslam on Roode, but it was good for a two count only. After the action broke down, Joe had the Musclebuster on Roode, but Jackie ran interference. 3D then got involved and Ray spewed beer in Storm's eyes to cause the match to be thrown out.

Afterward, 3D cleaned the ring except for Joe and Styles, who were not happy with them causing the match to be thrown out. They confronted Devon while Ray talked trash to Roode, who had a busted nose.

WINNERS: Match thrown out in 11:00. Good energy tag match. Definitely above-average with 3D offering some enhancing commentary to the action. They addressed the question of where 3D stands and let it play out a little this week to set up future storylines. Well done.

Impact Zone: The Mafia walked out to the ring, then Kurt Angle welcomed out Christian Cage to officially join the group. Angle clapped it up for Christian, who simply walked out in street clothes with his hands in his pockets. Steiner wanted to know where the suit is. Angle said when they give him a suit to wear, you wear it. All of them have had differences with Christian at some point, but they want to welcome him to the family. He said family is commitment. Angle went through all of the commitments from the other Mafia members, then he brought up Christian possibly going to WWE. He said the Mafia members had the same offer, but when it comes down to it, you're in the ring for a going-away party, not a welcoming party. Angle said once you abandon the Mafia and TNA, you abandon everyone. Angle threatened a beating, so Christian went for the first punch on Angle. That set off the Mafia, except Sting (who wasn't there), beating down on Christian. And beating down and beating down. They made their mark on Christian. End show.

[Arcademan]

WWE Smackdown Results: 11-14-08

Results courtesy of ProWrestling.net (direct link to Twilling's complete report)

1. Matt Hardy defeated Shelton Benjamin in 14:07. Hurricane popped up and said Benjamin's hair looked like he was the love child of Gary Coleman and someone else. I did not catch the second name. The first two minutes of the match saw Benjamin working Hardy over with some nice mat work.

Hardy turned the tides and did the same. Hardy focused his attack on the left arm of Shelton. When Benjamin attempted to come back, Hardy bested him with a series of deep, Ricky Steamboat like, armdrags...

The show came back from commercial unexpectedly quick. Hardy tried a left handed suplex, just like Jeff does, and Shelton countered to take the offensive advantage. Shelton worked heavily on the left leg and ankle of Hardy. Hardy came back with a side effect and bulldog for two separate nearfalls. Shelton hit a huge kick to the face for a nearfall.

Shelton, with Hardy in the corner, hit two Stinger splashes. He tried a third one but Hardy countered it with what looked like a side effect. Shelton came back and perched Hardy backward on the top rope. Hardy knocked him off and hit a moonsault for a very nearfall. Benjamin was able to lock in a single leg Boston Crab but Hardy reached the bottom rope. Hardy hit the Twist of Fate out of nowhere for the win...

Twill's Two Cents: Very good match. I like that they utilized logical mat work along with their superior athletic skills. I feel both men look strong coming out of the match. Two for two this week for Matt Hardy.

2. The Brian Kendrick (with Ezekiel Jackson) defeated Carlito (with Primo Colon) in 5:48. Some solid action between came to a head when Jackson knocked out Primo, distracting Carlito to the point to give Kendrick the opening to score the win...

Twill's Two Cents: This was a solid match and I'm guessing it is leading to a tag title program between these four. That would be just fine.

3. Kung Fu Naki defeated MVP in 1:21. Anyone notice that MVP always poses a split second after his pyro hits? I love how Naki is billed "from Japan." That is like anyone else being billed "from America." MVP knocked Fu Naki to the mat when The Great Khali's music hit. He came out with Ranjin Singh. The distraction allowed Naki to hit the Crane Kick for the win...

Twill's Two Cents: Well, at least MVP will get a Survivor Series bonus check and Fu Naki will not.

4. Michelle McCool defeated Maria to retain the WWE Diva's Championship in 1:37. Hurricane popped up and said, "Diva title, yeah. I'm just sayin'." They shook hands before the opening bell. Jesse and Festus came out to the ring. Festus has a teddy bear with him. Maria scored the first nearfall with an ensiguiri. Michelle locked in the heel hook and changed it up to an ankle lock to gain the quick submission victory.

After the bell rang, Festus went after Michelle. In the ring, Festus helped Maria up and gave her the bear. Maria thanked him as she recovered. Jesse and Festus helped Maria out of the ring...

Twill's Two Cents: That's it? Maria wins a number one contender's match a month ago and Michelle teases a heel turn, and we get a minute and a half? Wow.

5. Jeff Hardy defeated The Undertaker in an Extreme Rules match in 15:56. Hardy was fast from the opening bell. He closelined Taker to the floor and ran the railing to hit another closeline. He tried it again but Taker caught him and threw him into the steel steps...

Taker was on the offensive coming back from the break. He threw Hardy to the floor and whipped him forcefully into the guardrail. Taker positioned Hardy on the apron, placed a chair on top of him, and hit his signature leg drop. As Taker went for another chair, Hardy grabbed a kendo stick and nailed Taker with it multiple times.

He tossed Taker back into the ring and hit him again, but Taker countered with a big boot to Hardy's face. Taker picked up the kendo stick and hit Hardy in the back, knocking him to the floor. Taker followed him out and tried a running big boot, but Hardy moved. Taker crotched himself on the top of the guardrail.

Hardy fought back with about twenty hard right hands. Taker countered with one, sending Hardy to the mat. Hardy countered a move and slammed Taker into the steps. He then used the steps for Poetry in Motion and ended up on the floor in the crowd. Hardy recovered and both men traded shots on the floor before Taker threw him back into the ring.

The Undertaker went for Old School but Hardy crotched him on the top rope. Hardy went to the floor and underneath the ring. He brought a ladder out from the other side of the ring. He entered the ring with the ladder and ate the ladder via an Undertaker big boot. Taker threw the ladder into Hardy's face and sternum as he stood in the corner.

Taker set up the ladder and whipped Hardy into the corner. Hardy hit the Whisper in the Wind. Big Show hit the ring, disposed of Hardy, and hit a chokeslam on Taker. Hardy jumped at Show and was caught. He held onto him and Taker hit Show with a chairshot. Hardy then hit Taker with a chair. He set the ladder up and hit the leg drop from the top rope over the ladder for the pinfall...

Twill's Two Cents: I did not care for Show's interference but it made sense. The match was very good and very physical. JR and Tazz were on top of their game here, especially when JR referred to a ladder match between these two many years ago.

Hardy stumbled to the back and was met by Vickie and Chavo. Vickie applauded Jeff and told him he would be added to the championship match at Survivor Series if he could beat Triple H next week. Hardy said that was fair and he would beat Triple H. He warned Vickie that if she did not add him to the title match, he would go extreme on her...

[Arcademan]

WWE RAW Results: 11-17-08

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

1 -- KELLY KELLY vs. VICTORIA

Victoria, from Smackdown, is on the show tonight. Victoria seemed to make short work of Kelly after hitting a reverse torture rack slam, but Kelly kicked out in two. Kelly then spun over Victoria's shoulders into a roll-up for the quick pin and the win. After the match, Victoria played the sore loser role and jumped Kelly from behind. She then finished off Kelly with the Widow's Peak in center ring. Mickie James's music didn't like what happened, then Mickie, Candice Michelle, and Jillian Hall stormed the ring to run off Victoria. It's brand vs. brand diva drama at Survivor Series.

Things seemed to be done until Beth Phoenix ran down to the ring and threw Victoria back into the ring for her to take a beating. Beth put her up in the double wing slam and planted her to the mat before having a stare down with Mickie to play up their intra-brand feud. All feuds put aside for the good of the team, apparently.

WINNER: Kelly in 2:00. Match was pretty much inconsequential, but the crowd heat for this segment was pretty intense until Beth showed up and everyone was confused by her helping previous foes. (n/a)

2 -- BATISTA vs. MANU (w/Cody Rhodes)

A few seconds into the match, Randy Orton came out on stage for a closer look at the action. Manu dominated early on, working over Batista's left shoulder until Batista flung him head-first into the middle turnbuckle. Batista tried to follow with a corner smash, but Manu moved and Batista ate the turnbuckle. Manu followed with a big diving headbutt for a two count. Batista tried to come back with a Batistabomb, but Manu flipped out. Batista suddenly came back with a spear, then he finished off Manu with a Batistabomb in center ring for the win.

Afterward, Orton stared down into the ring to match eyes with Batista. Cody then feigned getting some of Batista again, but he opted to help Manu out of the ring. Batista then took the mic and said he's had to listen to Orton for three years. He's wanted to whoop him for three years, so Orton needs to stop worrying about John Cena and start worrying about him at Survivor Series this Sunday. Good intensity from Batista. Orton matched him with good facial expressions from the stage.

WINNER: Batista in 4:00. Nice match. It was abbreviated, but Manu had enough offense to show some hints of future success. Continuing the issues with Batista, Orton, and Priceless is good until Ted DiBiase returns. (*1/4)

3 -- THE MIZ & JOHN MORRISON vs. SHAWN MICHAELS & REY MYSTERIO

Hot start to this one, then Rey wanted 619 on Morrison, but Miz tripped Rey from behind. Michaels then followed with a slingshot plancha on Miz before Rey splashed Morrison on the floor with a dive of his own. Babyfaces standing tall in the ring. Hot crowd. Let's grab a break.

Back from break, Miz was working over Michaels until Miz missed with a turnaround leg drop. Michaels then made the hot tag to Rey, who landed a seated smash on Miz before following with a head scissors. Rey knocked Morrison off the apron, but Miz recovered and tossed Rey hard into the ringpost to re-gain the advantage for his team. Rey then rolled through on a sunset flip to escape Miz, but Morrison tagged in to cut off Rey. They continued to work over Rey until Rey blocked Morrison's springboard swing kick with a dropkick of his own. Rey then tagged in Michaels and Miz came in to accept the house-cleaning. Michaels unloaded with slams before going up top and nailing the HBK elbow smash. He then tuned up the band and the crowd came to life.

Miz ducked the superkick, but Michaels recovered and left-arm clotheslined Miz for a two count. Rey then knocked Morrison to the outside before nailing Miz with the 619 right into Sweet Chin Music. Suddenly, Morrison smashed Michaels with Sweet Chin Music when Michaels turned around. Oh my what a sequence. Morrison then knocked Rey to the floor, Miz fell on top of Michaels, and Miz scored a pin on Michaels with an arm draped over the chest for the win.

WINNERS: Miz & Morrison in 10:00. That was a heck of tag match with a nice finish to give Miz & Morrison a key victory. The finishing sequence was awesome and took advantage of the athleticism in the ring. (**1/2)

4 -- JBL & KANE vs. CRYME TYME (SHAD GASPAR & JTG)

Lawler quipped that JBL told him the stock market hit rock bottom two weeks ago, but it's still dropping now. Quick three-minute match with Kane doing a lot of damage on JTG after knocking Shad off the apron. JBL then smashed JTG with the Clothesline from Hell and made the pin on Kane's behalf. Kane didn't appreciate JBL taking advantage of his work, but JBL chuckled and left the ring to convey he's captain of their Survivor Series team.

WINNERS: Kane & JBL in 3:00. Quick match to focus on Kane and JBL's "relationship." Not much happening here with Cryme Tyme, as they barely had any offense. (1/2*)

5 -- ECW champion MATT HARDY vs. Intercontinental champion WILLIAM REGAL -- non-title match

The match spilled to the floor a few moments into the ring, then the ref applied a ten count while the men continued to brawl. Neither one paid attention, then the ref reached a ten count for a double count-out. Regal and Hardy paused to hear the decision rendered, then they continued to brawl on the outside until refs spilled out to the floor to break them up.

WINNERS: Double count-out in 2:00. Not exactly the best way to utilize Hardy in a brief match with no hype, but it was a good brawl for what it was worth to fill a segment. (n/a)

6 -- RANDY ORTON vs. C.M. PUNK -- Lumberjack match

Punk was the first man thrown into the ring right in front of Cody and Manu, but Punk quickly hopped back into the ring. Orton then shouted down at them for not doing anything to help him out. Orton was suddenly dropkicked to the floor in front of Matt Hardy, who quickly rolled him back into the ring. Orton found himself in the same spot, then he wanted a piece of Hardy, but the ECW babyfaces threw him back into the ring. Punk then found himself in Mark Henry's grasp where Henry slammed him onto the floor and put him back in the ring for Orton. They panned back while Orton was working on Punk to reveal an odd trio of Shawn Michaels, D-Lo Brown, and Hacksaw Duggan with an odd look on his face.

At 9:00, Punk wanted the Go 2 Sleep, but Orton slipped out and slammed Punk hard to the mat. Orton then went into full stalker position for the RKO, but Punk dropkicked him out of the ring into the lap of the heel lumberjacks. Miz and Morrison helped Orton up, then Punk went up top and splashed Orton on the floor in the lap of the heel lumberjacks. Regal then distracted Punk, and Orton suddenly slipped into the ring to nail Punk with the RKO. He then made the cover on Punk for the win.

WINNER: Orton in 10:00. Nice match. Orton looked crisp back in the ring, albeit with a few headlocks mixed in for an old school feel. Lumberjacks didn't take away from the match, but didn't really enhance anything other than Regal's distraction giving Punk an "out" for the loss. Just fine, but a wash on selling the PPV on Sunday since the traditional Survivor Series teams weren't made crystal clear by show's end. It was more about the captains warring, not necessarily the participants on the teams having anything to battle over. (**)

After the match, Orton wanted to punt Punk in the head, but Batista jammed into the ring, nearly popped the ref, and speared Orton. JBL and Shawn Michaels then charged into the ring to brawl. Kane got involved, then Rey dropkicked Kane. Oh, I thought that was over. And now cue up the giant brawl in and out of the ring to close out the show with Cole excitedly trying to plug Survivor Series on Sunday.

[Arcademan]

ECW on SciFi Results: 11-18-08

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

1 -- D.J. GABRIEL (w/Alicia Fox) vs. SAL RINAURO

Okay, first blush on Gabriel here is that he looks like my boy Colt McCoy, quarterback of the Texas Longhorns. Maybe I'm just thinking football tonight. In any event, Gabriel bounced around the ring working over Sal before nailing a sweet European uppercut from the second rope for the quick win. Alicia then bounced into the ring afterward and they danced us out to the replay.

WINNER: Gabriel in 2:00. Edited nicely here based on what we received from the HOLT report last night, but I like this gimmick from Gabriel. It's a different type of effective annoying like Jack Swagger. Nice debut. (n/a)

2 -- JACK SWAGGER vs. TOMMY DREAMER -- amateur wrestling match

Five minute round here with the amateur wrestling point system in play. Swagger had the headgear for this. Grisham wanted to know where the singlet is for Dreamer, who was in standard wrestling gear. Swagger scored a quick takedown, then another takedown for a quick 4-0 jump. Swagger with yet another takedown, then he got cocky and removed his headgear. Dreamer took advantage by taking down Swagger for a quick score.

Swagger was pissed, so he took Dreamer down and started to drive Dreamer's elbow into the back of his own head. Swagger let him up, then went into the referee position on all-fours on the mat. Dreamer decided he wanted no part of this, so he punted Swagger in the gut before nailing a DDT for a DQ. Afterward, Dreamer took the mic and offered no remorse for what happened by saying "Oops, my bad."

WINNER: Swagger via DQ in 4:00. Pretty much just continuing this feud to wherever it's leading to. Striker was awesome here calling this. It's tough keeping up with all of the great nuggets from Striker, so definitely watch this just for the commentary. (n/a)

3 -- ECW champion MATT HARDY & FINLAY (w/Hornswoggle) & World tag team champion KOFI KINGSTON vs. MARK HENRY & CODY RHODES & IC champion WILLIAM REGAL

Let's start it off with Finlay vs. Regal in a European battle with both men having U.S. roots in the Atlanta area. The action quickly broke down just a minute into the match, then they had a big stand-off between both sides leading to break.

Back from break, Cody blocked a hip toss from Kofi and dragged him into the heel corner for Regal to get a piece of Kofi. Striker pointed out that Layla is not present tonight to be at Regal's side. Suddenly, Finlay and Regal were in the ring battling with European uppercuts. Regal got the best of Finlay here by shoving him off the top rope hard onto the floor. Back in the ring, Regal went back to work on Finlay before tagging in Cody to get some of Finlay. Meanwhile, Striker gave us a history lesson on Regal's previous wrestling names. So great.

Finlay started to break free, but a certain Mark Henry got a tag to quickly cut off Finlay and start taking him apart. Finlay fought back on Henry at 9:00, but Henry cut him off with a big boot before bringing Regal back in to work on Finlay. Cody then tagged back in and, of course, Cody lost control of the match on Finlay. Kofi then got the hot tag and smashed Cody with various leg attacks. Grisham dropped "Jamaican Me Crazy," then Kofi dropped the boom-boom leg drop on Cody for a two count when Regal broke it up.

Hardy, who thankfully took the match off here to rest his knee, then took Regal to the floor for a battle off camera. Henry made a blind tag for himself, then Henry and Kofi battled only to have Henry catch Kofi in mid-air for the big ol' World's Strongest Slam. Henry took the air out of the building and Kofi, then he made the cover for the win. Regal and Cody celebrated with Henry to close the show.

WINNERS: Team Henry in 12:00. Standard WWE multiple-persons tag match. Just fine to set up Survivor Series with Henry dominant. Too bad Kofi keeps getting the short-end of the stick here, as he was also quickly squashed by Henry on the 800 episode Raw a few weeks ago. (*1/2)

[Arcademan]

TNA Impact! Results: 11-20-08

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

1 -- SONJAY DUTT (w/So Cal Val) & TANAHASHI vs. JAY LETHAL & CONSEQUENCES CREED

Val got on the apron less than 30 seconds into the match to distract Lethal, who took the bait, allowing Dutt to capitalize and attack Lethal from behind. Hey, look, ref Shane is back in the ring calling matches with no punishment or reprimand from TNA officials for placing himself in the middle of a title match last week. Finish was Creed blocking a reverse DDT from Dutt and nailing a powerslam for the pin and the win.

WINNERS: Lethal & Creed in 2:00. I have no idea what the point of this match was. Nothing on the line, just some highspots, and no one will remember this in five minutes. (1/2*)

2 -- CHRISTY HEMME & SOJOURNA BOLT vs. BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE (ANGELINA LOVE & VELVET SKY w/Cute Kip)

Your basic two-minute divas tag match here with Kip running interference so Angelina could finish off Christy with a distraction from Kip.

WINNERS: BP in 2:00. Good to see Christy back in the ring, but this was too short and formula to mean much. (1/2*)

3 -- A.J. STYLES & SAMOA JOE vs. MOTOR CITY MACHINEGUNS (ALEX SHELLEY & CHRIS SABIN)

We got a solid minute here with the Guns charging Joe & Styles to start a brawl. Styles then hit a flip dive onto the Guns on the floor. Let's grab a break.

Back from break, Guns were working over Joe until Joe came back with a hard chop to the chest. Styles then took a tag and nailed the flying forearm smash on Shelley. He wanted the Clash, but Sabin stormed the ring and nailed a step-up kick on Styles. Joe then came in for a two-part combo kick and punch on Shelley to knock him to the floor. The action broke down with the Guns then hitting a double team combo on Styles. They wanted to finish off Styles, but Styles hit the Pele kick on Sabin before Joe turned him inside out with a clothesline. Styles then dropped Shelley with the Clash and scored the pin for the win.

WINNERS: Styles & Joe in 8:00. Quick battle without much time to establish a memorable story in the ring here. Good while it lasted. (*)

4 -- Legends champion BOOKER T (w/Sharmell) vs. ERIC YOUNG -- Legends Title match

Booker dominated things here to start the match, then Young made his comeback. Booker tried to comeback with the axe kick, but Young ducked and hit the Death Valley Driver for a two count. Young was shocked to only get a two on his finisher. Sharmell then tripped Young from behind to distract Young, who turned around to take the axe kick from Booker. Booker with the cover for the win. ODB then jumped into the ring to check on Young.

WINNER: Booker in 5:00 to retain the Legends Title. Decent match. Young didn't have too much offense, but he had a convincing nearfall. Continue the storyline of the Young Lions being just a step behind the Mafia on the chess board.

5 -- KURT ANGLE & KEVIN NASH vs. MATT MORGAN & ABYSS

Here we go. An analogy for Morgan and Abyss: it's like Big Show and Kane - two goofs who don't mix well. Abyss wanted the Shock Treatment two minutes into the match, then he connected, and Angle kinda kicked out of a pin attempt with Abyss more or less pulling him up. Morgan then tagged in and the Blueprint entered the ring to miss with a clothesline before nailing the bicycle kick for a nearfall. Can Abyss and Morgan pull off the upset? Can Morgan find some trunks that fit? Will Abyss ever drop the janitor suit? Find out next!

One...two...again Kurt kicked out! Nash finally accepted a warm tag, bringing in the big man to battle against Morgan. Nash sniffed the air, slowly walked into the ring, tested the wind resistance, stared down Morgan, then went eye-to-eye. They had a brief conversation, then a few blows were exchanged. Morgan then fired off a few before Angle nailed Morgan in the knee from behind. Nash took advantage and started working over Morgan, focusing on the ribs and knees. Morgan tried to fight back, but Angle liked the knee attack again.

Suddenly, Beer Money came to ringside for a closer look at the action here. Abyss then accepted a tag and Nash waited for him to start cleaning house. Abyss the janitor cleaned house before splashing Nash with a big ol' running splash in the corner. He then dropped Nash with a sidewalk slam. The action predictably broke down, then Abyss dumped Angle to the floor. Morgan came in. Meanwhile, Abyss picked up a chat with Beer Money. All kinds of stuff happening here. Let's restore some order! Never mind, as James Storm smashed Abyss with a beer bottle while ref was distracted. Nash then hit a big boot on Abyss for the pin and the win.

WINNERS: Nash & Angle in 10:00. This was so clunky, slow, and needed to be watched in fast-forward to be entertained. Just the same formula TNA TV match. Cue up the "Cross the Line" video package right after this talking about doing the same thing over and over again. (3/4*)

[Arcademan]

WWE Smackdown Results: 11-21-08

Results courtesy of ProWrestling.net (direct link to Twilling's complete report)

1. Matt Hardy and R-Truth defeated Shelton Benjamin and Mark Henry (with Tony Atlas) in 12:31. Truth did his normal entrance and the crowd was not into it. Tazz plugged Team Batista vs. Team Orton. Truth and Benjamin worked together for awhile. Hardy tagged in and they knocked Benjamin to the floor with a double closeline.

Benjamin and Hardy were in the ring coming back from break. Henry tagged in and overpowered Hardy. Henry missed a butt splash in the corner and both men made tags. Truth went for an axe kick but Shelton countered with a Samoan Drop. Hardy took out Henry and Atlas, allowing Truth to hit the axe kick on Benjamin for the win...

Twill's Two Cents: Solid match and a nice way to start the show. Nice to see Truth get a pinfall on Benjamin, so maybe that program will pick back up.

2. John Morrison and The Miz defeated Jesse and Festus in 2:43. Morrison hit a springboard Shining Wizard on Jesse coming out of an Irish whip. Festus tagged in and Morrison rang the bell. Festus went catatonic and Miz hit the Reality Check for the win. After the match, Morrison hit the Moonlight Drive on Jesse. They walked away with the ring bell...

Twill's Two Cents: Did it seriously take that long for someone to figure that out?

3. Jeff Hardy defeated Triple H in a non-title match to earn his way into the WWE Championship match at Survivor Series in 15:45. Hardy has black and blue face paint across his eyes that resembles Repo Man's mask. Hardy extended his hand and Triple H accepted, but Hardy kicked H in the stomach to gain the early advantage.

Hardy scored the first nearfall at the 1:20 mark. He missed the delayed corner dropkick and Triple H immediately went for the Pedigree. Hardy countered with a slingshot. He went up to the top but came down when H rose to his feet. Hardy jumped at Triple H, missed, and crashed to the floor.

Triple H was in control coming back from the break. He scored a nearfall at just past the seven minute mark. H was walking gingerly. Tazz predicted if Jeff won tonight, he would win the title on Sunday. Is that the kiss of death? Oh well; I'm still picking Hardy.

Triple H slowed down the pace with an abdominal stretch. His front leg was on the ground. For those people that remember Gorilla Monsoon, he always used to point out that when the front foot was off of the ground, the move was not affective. H scored another nearfall and has been on the offensive for several straight minutes.

Hardy fought back with a sitting jawbreaker. The crowd is absolutely dead. Hardy went for a move but Triple H hit a Double A Spinebuster. Hardy fought out of the Pedigree for the second time. Hardy hit the Whisper in the Wind. He went to the other corner and hit it again for a long two count. Hardy scored a few more nearfalls.

Hardy whipped Triple H into the corner and H fell to the outside. Hardy followed him out and they were both back in the ring quickly. Hardy went for and missed the Swanton Bomb. Vladimir Kozlov came to the ring and Triple H knocked him off of the apron. Hardy then hit a somersault plancha on Kozlov. H tried to bring Hardy back into the ring and Hardy rolled him up for the win...

After the match, H and Hardy shook hands, but Kozlov attacked both of them. He impressively left both men lying in the ring...

Twill's Two Cents: Very good match between Hardy and Triple H. I would have liked to have seen it with a hotter crowd and I would have liked to have seen Hardy give a promo about how he has not been able to beat Triple H. Making Kozlov look strong after the match was smart booking. I liked the handshake between Hardy and Triple H because Triple H actually should respect and appreciate Hardy's new attitude.

4. The Brian Kendrick and Ezekiel Jackson defeated Carlito and Primo Colon in a non-title match in 3:45. Hurricane Helms popped up and asked Kendrick if Koko B. Ware knew he was doing the bird. Kendrick began the match but quickly tagged in Zeke, who rolled right through Carlito.

Kendrick tagged in and hit some stiff kicks and knees on Carlito. Primo tagged in and did what he does best, including hitting a very impressive Monkey Flip (aided by Kendrick getting some air). Jackson tagged himself in and hit his finisher on Primo for the clean win...

Twill's Two Cents: Would it have killed them to give these four ten or eleven minutes?

5. James Mason defeated MVP in 1:11. MVP was about to pin Mason but The Great Khali came out to ringside. Mason rolled up MVP for the win. After the match, Helms popped up and said he was running out of things to say...

Twill's Two Cents: Okay, can we end this now?

6. The Bella Twins defeated Victoria and Natalya in 3:43. After some serviceable action, Brie and Nikki pulled the switcharoo, allowing one of them to roll Victoria up for the win...

Twill's Two Cents: Decent match; hopefully they will focus on this division.

The Undertaker came out to the ring and gave his usual promo. There was a casket in the ring. Show, Chavo, and Vickie Guerrero came out to the ring. The lights went out and Taker placed Vickie in the casket. Show was scared to death.

Show threw Chavo into the ring to distract Taker. He then pulled Vickie out of the casket and both of them acted as if they had the cooties. Taker gave Chavo a tombstone and placed him in the casket as Show and Vickie retreated...

Twill's Two Cents: Does anyone else find a bit inappropriate that both Vickie and Chavo were in that casket so close to the anniversary of Eddie dying? The show was definitely heavy on in-ring work tonight.

[Arcademan]

WWE Survivor Series PPV Results: 11-23-08

Ongoing results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Caldwell's real time report). To view in-ring results, go to Neo-Geo Forum: Official WWE Thread Post #8388 and posts thereafter.

1 -- TEAM MICHAELS - SHAWN MICHAELS & CRYME TYME (SHAD GASPAR & JTG) & REY MYSTERIO & GREAT KHALI (w/Singh) vs. TEAM JBL - JBL & THE MIZ & JOHN MORRISON & KANE & MVP
WINNERS: Team Michaels in 18:00. Basic opening match to get the babyfaces off on the right foot tonight. Not a whole lot going on here. (**1/4)
Order of elimination:
JTG
MVP
Kane
Shad
The Miz
JBL
Morrison
HBK, Khali and Rey survived.

2 -- SMACKDOWN DIVAS - Divas champion MICHELLE MCCOOL & MARYSE & VICTORIA & NATALYA & MARIA vs. RAW DIVAS - Women's champion BETH PHOENIX (w/Santino Marella) & MICKIE JAMES & CANDICE MICHELLE & JILLIAN HALL & KELLY KELLY
WINNER: Team Beth in 10:00. That was pretty rough. Like an old school throwaway WWE cruiserweight battle royale of doom match with 18 pins in eight minutes. Just unrealistic pinfalls coupled with not-well-choreographed sequences. Beth was clearly the top diva in the ring tonight. (1/2*)
Order of elimination:
Victoria
Kelly
Michelle
Mickie
Natalya
Jillian
Maria
Maryse
Survivors: Beth Phoenix and Candice Michelle

3 -- THE UNDERTAKER vs. BIG SHOW -- Casket match
WINNER: Taker in 13:00. My goodness, that was rough. But, as always in life, remember to have a back-up casket just in case. (3/4*)

4 -- TEAM BATISTA - BATISTA & K-TRUTH & ECW champion MATT HARDY & World tag team champions KOFI KINGSTON & C.M. PUNK vs. TEAM ORTON - RANDY ORTON & CODY RHODES (w/Manu) & MARK HENRY (w/Tony Atlas) & U.S. champion SHELTON BENJAMIN & IC champion WILLIAM REGAL (w/Layla)
WINNERS: Team Orton in 17:00. Another hit-or-miss match before getting down to business at the end. Orton has a certain quality to him right now where fans are gravitating toward him. His character is fresh after being away from the ring for a while and fans are seeing something new to invest in. Good finish. (**1/2)
Order of elimination:
Regal
R-Truth
Kofi
Punk
Matt Hardy
Sheldon
Mark Henry
Batista
Survivors: Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton

5 -- WWE champion TRIPLE H vs. VLADIMIR KOSLOV -- WWE Title match
WINNER: Edge in 14:00 to capture the WWE Title. Crowd popped huge for Edge's title victory because they just wanted to see anything but what was happening in the ring. Crazy finish featuring low IQ mid-match stipulation changes, but the advertised Jeff Hardy appearance and an unexpected bombshell appearance from Edge. Wash it out. Edge, with a great new look, is new champ. Hunter back on the chase. (**)

6 -- World Hvt. champion CHRIS JERICHO vs. JOHN CENA -- World Title match
WINNER: Cena in 21:00 to capture the WWE Title. When ratings are dipping below 3.0, you pull the trigger on doing something new with Cena running the Raw brand. We'll see if they can bolster ratings over the long-haul, more than just tomorrow night to pop a quick rating with people tuning in to see how Survivor Series played out. Cena back on TV to set up a re-match with Jericho could deliver the quality TV that WWE needs on a weekly basis Monday nights. Match itself was good, but not great. Memorable, but for the title change, not necessarily the match. (***1/2)

[Arcademan]

WWE RAW Results: 11-24-08

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

1 -- SHAWN MICHAELS & REY MYSTERIO vs. THE MIZ & JOHN MORRISON

The match started, then they suddenly cut elsewhere where JBL sat down in his limo and told the driver to start driving. JBL Limo Cam revealed JBL telling the driver to take him to ringside now. A few moments later, JBL's music hit, then JBL emerged ringside while Morrison worked over Michaels and his injured eye.

Back from break, Rey was KO'ed on the floor while JBL was still watching from the stage. Michaels then looked for a tag to Rey, but Rey was still out cold on the floor. Rey finally came to at 7:00 and he accepted a tag from Michaels before beginning his "swashbuckling style" offense that Cole loves so dearly. Rey then hit a springboard splash on Miz before setting up the 619 and connecting. Rey went up top to finish the job, but Morrison grabbed his leg. Michaels then ran over to yank Morrison on the floor, setting up a battle. Back in the ring, Rey caught Miz up top and he nailed a sunset flip powerbomb on Miz for the win.

Afterward, Morrison grabbed Rey and tossed him into the ringpost for a post-match attack. Morrison then went after Michaels and completely snapped on Michaels with forearms and haymakers. JBL then entered the ring while Morrison continued to pound on Michaels before JBL stepped into the ring. He measured Michaels for a kick to the head, but then he turned to Morrison and gave him a huge boot to the face. Fans popped for that. Michaels had no idea what to make of it. Apparently JBL didn't like being on the losing team at Survivor Series.

WINNERS: Rey & Michaels in 10:00. Formula tag match. Great intensity from Morrison after the match. This has been quite an interesting start to the show. Fortunately, JBL explained himself afterward... (*1/2)

2 -- KOFI KINGSTON vs. KANE -- #1 Contender tournament first round match

Patterson plugged the IC Title DVD coming out tomorrow as one of the best DVDs WWE has ever produced. Meanwhile, Kane worked over Kofi to start things off. Kane teased the chokeslam at 2:00, but Kofi knocked him to the floor and hit a big splash on the floor. Both men came up hurting, though, then Kane yanked Kofi head-first into the ringpost. Kane then wrapped Kofi around the ringpost and the ref counted to five, but Kane wouldn't break the hold. Ref Armstrong then DQ'ed Kane, giving Kofi a win. Great, a DQ finish in the first tournament match.

Afterward, Kane brought the ring steps into the ring. He waited for Kofi to get up, then Kane smashed him in the face with the ring steps. Where's C.M. Punk? Ya know, the tag champion with Kofi? Stephanie McMahon then walked out on stage and gave Kane an option for next week: a match against John Cena. So, you're rewarded for doing bad on this show? Kane smiled and Stephanie smiled. Everyone's happy.

WINNER: Kofi Kingston via DQ in 3:00. A rather poor start to the tournament with the finish and a quick three-minute match. Stephanie's random appearance was quite random. (1/2*)

3 -- BATISTA vs. CHRIS JERICHO vs. RANDY ORTON -- #1 Contender match to World Hvt. Title

Each man had brief control early on, then Jericho missed with a Lionsault on Orton. Orton then got up and stalked Jericho for the RKO, but they cut to break for a cliffhanger...

Back from break, they showed a clip from during the commercial break of Batista yanking Orton out of the ring before Orton could strike on Jericho. Orton and Jericho then started to double-team Batista, but the snake eventually turned on the lion. Meanwhile, the animal made his comeback with a clothesline on the snake and a Black Hole Slam on the lion. Okay, I'll stop.

Batista fired off a clothesline on Orton before landing a powerslam for a two count. Batista then teased the Batistabomb on Jericho, but Jericho blocked, kicked Batista, and slapped on the Walls of Jericho in center ring. Batista fought it, then Orton broke up the hold. Orton stalked Batista, then he nailed the fallaway backbreaker before going to the ground to slither and slide and stalk Batista for the RKO. Batista slowly made his way to his knees, then Orton backed up and went for the punt, except Batista saw it coming and he nailed a spear. Batista had the cover, but Jericho kicked Batista in the head and Jericho covered Orton for the win.

WINNER: Jericho in 12:00 to become #1 contender. Nice win for Jericho to take advantage of his right place, right time persona. It continues Batista's frustrating journey back to the World Title, which makes for a good storyline. Orton had enough camera time on offense to remain credible despite taking the loss. Good match. (**1/4)

4 -- SANTINO MARELLA (w/Beth Phoenix) vs. GOLDUST

Santino slapped Goldust across the chest, then he comically wiped his hands from the gross feeling on his hands. Goldust did his mannerisms toward Santino, then toward Beth, setting off Santino for trying to kiss his girlfriend. Goldust fired off a round of clotheslines while Beth tried to shout encouragement, then Goldust busted out a spinning facebuster suplex for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Goldust in 3:00. Goldust lowered the bar for his return last month when he looked way out of shape, so he looked halfway impressive here by sheer comparison. Still, this is going nowhere if it's merely Goldust re-living an old gimmick that's as stale and rehashed as the current WWE TV formula. (1/2*)

5 -- C.M. PUNK vs. SNITSKY -- #1 Contender tournament first round match

Regal, on commentary, said he hopes Punk wins this tournament because he believes they're capable of a feud for the ages. In the ring, Snitsky instantly targeted Punk's lower back. Lawler prompted a conversation with Regal about "dreadful dental hygiene" from some of his fellow Englishman. Snitsky had Punk's back twisted forever, then Punk suddenly caught Snitsky on his shoulders and nailed the Go 2 Sleep on Snitsky. He made the cover for the win. Afterward, Regal gave Punk a light golf clap while Punk nodded in his direction. Regal stood up a little to continue his applause, then Punk slipped through the ring to pick up the conversation with Regal.

WINNER: Punk in 5:00. Rough match with Snitsky slowing things down in classic Koslov fashion. Just not interesting to watch, unfortunately, but Regal provided good commentary to balance the in-ring work from Snitsky. (3/4*)

6 -- CANDICE MICHELLE & MELINA & MICKIE JAMES vs. Women's champion BETH PHOENIX & KATIE LEA & JILLIAN HALL

Slow pace here, then Melina took a hot tag and brought some energy to the match. Melina busted out a sick modified Canadian Destroyer on Katie, then Beth broke up the pin. The action broke down, then Melina finished off Katie with a leg sweep splits drop for the pin and the win.

WINNERS: Team Melina in 3:00. Well, Melina was quite impressive busting out that modified Destroyer. Otherwise, this was completely forgettable. (1/2*)

Cena confronts Jericho at the conclusion of the show and basically beats the holy crap out of him.

[Arcademan]

ECW on SciFi Results: 11-25-08

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Arcademan]

TNA Impact! Results: 11-27-08

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

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

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


WINNER: Rhino in 3:00.


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

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

WINNER: Shelley in 4:00.

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

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

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

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

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

WINNER: Christy Hemme in 4:00.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Arcademan]

WWE Smackdown Results: 11-28-08

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Arcademan]

WWE RAW Results: 12-1-08

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

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

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

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

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

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

2 -- MELINA vs. JILLIAN HALL

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

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

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

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

3 -- BATISTA vs. DOLPH ZIGGLER

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Arcademan]

ECW on SciFi Results: 12-2-08

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Arcademan]

TNA Impact! Results: 12-4-08

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

1 -- Legends champion BOOKER T (w/Sharmell) vs. SAMOA JOE -- Legends Title match -- Street fight

Tenay and West took us back to Victory Road in July when the Joe vs. Booker main event led to the start of Sting's quest to beat respect into the Frontline. Yes, the worst-ever main event ending to a show I've ever seen live in person. In any event, the action quickly spilled to the floor where Joe nailed a series of chops before they cut to a break.

Back to action where they traded control until Booker caught Joe flush in the face with a leaping leg whip for a two count. Suddenly, we have Sharmell running interference on the apron distracting the ref. Joe ducked the axe kick and slapped on the rear naked choke, which Booker tapped out, but the Beautiful People ran down to ringside and sprayed their spray in Joe's eyes. Joe ran around in the ring covering his eyes, but then he settled right into position for Booker to nail the axe kick for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Booker in 9:00 to retain the Legends Title. Just the usual TNA "main event" TV match with plenty of interference and ref incompetence. (*)

2 -- SCOTT STEINER & Knockouts champion AWESOME KONG (w/Raisha Saeed and Rhaka Khan) vs. CHRISTY HEMME & A.J. STYLES

A bit rough early on between Steiner and Styles, then Steiner knocked down Styles with a straight right hand to the face. Styles then ducked a punch and nailed the leaping dropkick that sent Steiner to his corner. Kong then entered the ring and Styles accepted a chop before wanting to punch Kong, but ref Slick Johnson held him back per the rules of man on man only. Styles then knocked Steiner to the floor and he wanted a splash on Steiner, but Kong yanked him down hard on the apron. Back in the ring, Steiner took control as they cut to break.

Back to action where Kong and Hemme battled with Hemme slapping on a chokehold until Steiner tried to get involved. Styles then got involved and knocked Steiner off the apron to the floor before nailing a slingshot plancha. Back in the ring, Kong stalked Hemme to give her a beating. She then turned her attention to Styles and nailed a big splash. Kong tried the Awesomebomb on Hemme, but Hemme slipped out. Styles then helped Hemme get in position for a big tornado DDT on Kong and she connected while Styles held off Steiner to give Hemme the pin on Kong for the win.

WINNERS: Hemme & Styles in 8:00. Fine match to put Hemme in position as a threat to Kong at the PPV. Styles and Steiner didn't seem to fit into the scenario, but it was fine. (*)

3 -- JIMMY RAVE & SONJAY DUTT (w/So Cal Val) & X Division champion SHEIK ABDUL BASHIR vs. CONSEQUENCES CREED & ERIC YOUNG & JAY LETHAL

Referee Shane is back to refereeing, so the focus of the match was Shane and Bashir, who decided to duck out of the ring and point at Mike Tenay. He asked for a headset. Now. Bashir said he's not in a match with ref Shane or Eric Young because it ain't fair. He said this isn't his time or place. In the ring, the match was set up for Creed's hot tag and house-of-fire entry before he ran into a big boot from Jimmy Rave. Creed then came back on Rave with a fallaway TKO from the fireman's carry position for the pin and the win.

Post-match: Sheik bolted from the broadcast position and attacked Young, but Young fought back on Sheik on the floor. The cameras had a tough time keeping up with the action, then Sheik backed down on the entranceramp to escape Young, who stole the X Division Title and entered the ring to hold it up with Creed and Lethal.

WINNERS: Team Creed in 4:00. Standard X Division throw-it-at-the-wall match before the post-match set up a PPV match. (*)

4 -- TNA World Hvt. champion STING vs. RHINO -- non-title match

The action predictably moved to the floor in the opening minute, then Rhino wanted a Gore into the guardrail, but Sting moved and Rhino ate the guardrail head-first. He then came up bleeding from the forehead with a glazed-over look in his eyes as they cut to break.

Back from break, Rhino and Sting traded control until Kurt Angle stormed ringside to cheer on Sting. A.J. Styles then came down to ringside to take a closer look at the action in Rhino's corner. Angle jumped on the apron, but Rhino knocked him off. Rhino then backed into a clothesline from Rhino. Sting had the Scorpion on Rhino, but Angle and Styles battled on the floor to distract Sting. Sting then turned around and took the Gore from Rhino and Rhino made the pin for the win. Afterward, Angle put his hands on his head and told Sting he's sorry, man. Frontline then celebrated with a blood-soaked Rhino to close the show.

WINNER: Rhino in 6:00. Well, more seeds planted for dissension in the Mafia involving Sting, as Angle essentially cost him the match there. Match wasn't much; just the typical TNA fare leading to a PPV with tons of people involved and plenty of interference. (*)

[Arcademan]

WWE Smackdown Results: 12-5-08

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

1 -- EDGE vs. FUNANKI

Edge walked to the ring with Vickie Guerrero. Ross said "WWE higher ups" intervened and put both Hardy and Triple into the title match at Armageddon. Funaki jump-started the match and even hit a big DDT off the second rope for an early pin attempt. He scored two more two counts with leverage pins before Edge was able to gain his composure. Funaki hit a crane kick and scored another two count. Edge had enough and nailed Funaki with a boot to the face, then finished him with a spear. Ross said regarding Edge: "The eyes of that man tell a very dangerous, complex story."

WINNER: Edge in 2:00.

2 -- MICHELLE MCCOOL vs. MARIA

Maria took a bump by doing the splits mid-ring. Ross said, "That hurt me just looking at it." McCool applied a bodyscissors and sleeper mid-ring at 2:00. Maria fought out of it within 20 seconds and delivered a jaw-jacker. She elbowed McCool as she charged her, then clotheslined her twice. Her clotheslines do not look good. Maria ducked a McCool round kick and schoolgirled her for the win.

WINNER: Maria in 3:00.

3 -- MVP vs. HURRICANE HELMS

Helms has a new entrance song. He's grown his hair out. Ross said it's been a year since we've seen him in the ring. He said he had serious neck surgery. His new look includes a much less cut physique. Tazz observed that MVP seemed a lot less confident and cocky than before. The crowd chanted, "I'm just saying." Well, I should say about five or six fans near a ring mic. It didn't catch on. Helms hit a deep armdrag and then applied a cross armbreaker. MVP grabbed the top rope right away to force a break. MVP came back with a big boot to the head. Then he applied a cool mat hold where he wrapped up Hurrican'es arms with his legs and then applied a headlock. The back and forth action continued for a minute with Helms hitting MVP on the back with his spin round kick. Tazz pointed out he wasn't even sure where he caught him because it didn't look good. Helms pointed to the sky afterward, surely a signal to his mom and step-mom, both of whom died in the last year. He seemed to get a bit choked out. In all honesty, not an impressive return for him. His timing didn't seem right and the flabby belly is something that doesn't go over well with Vince McMahon.

WINNER: Helms in 4:00.

4a -- TRIPLE H & JEFF HARDY vs. ZACH RYDER & CURT HAWKINS

Ryder and Hawkins are still with the promotion? Man, did they drop off the face of the promotion. Ross noted again that WWE higher-ups intervened in last week's controversy and forced the three-way match at Armageddon. Triple H tagged himself in. Hardy didn't like that. Ryder jumped Triple H right away, but Triple H gave him a spinebuster seconds later. He then gave him a Pedigree for the apparent win. Hardy, though, dove off the top rope with a Swanton. Triple H had to move. Hardy landed on Ryder. Hardy got up and had a brief staredown with Triple H. Hawkins ran into the ring, so Hardy cut him off as Triple H went for the pin. They shoved each other, but the music of Miz & John Morrison began.

WINNERS: Triple H & Hardy in 2:00.

4b -- TRIPLE H & JEFF HARDY vs. MIZ & JOHN MORRISON

The match was joined in progress with Hardy beating up Miz. The fact that wrestlers trust each other to just lie there as their opponent drops a knee toward their forehead is one of the most amazing aspects of being a pro wrestler. It cost Bret Hart against Goldberg, and Steve Austin against Owen Hart, and Droz against D-Lo Brown among other screw-ups, but it's relatively rare. After a couple minutes without disputes between Triple H and Hardy, Ross said we shouldn't get a false sense of security about their ability to continue to coexist peacefully. Miz and Morrison were able to double-team Triple H for several minutes, tagging in and out while isolating Hunter. Hardy didn't seem bothered by Hunter being on defense for so long.

At 8:00 Hunter hot-tagged Hardy. He cleaned house on both heels. Ross wondered aloud how things would have gone at Survivor Series had Hardy participated as scheduled. Four-way action broke out. Hardy launched himself onto all three others on the floor, taking both opponents and his partner down to the floor hard. Hunter recovered and attacked Hardy. He threw him into the steel steps and then the ringside barrier. Several referees came out from the back to try to restore order. Hardy reversed Hunter into the steps. The referees pulled them apart. Several security members joined in.

WINNERS: Miz & Morrison via countout at 10:00.

STAR RATING: *1/2 -- Solid action. The heels were just extras as the real purpose of this match was to build tension between Hunter and Hardy - which it did with success. Well done segment, and it's nice to see Miz & Morrison not sacrificed for Triple H. When Triple H is given a chance to plow through several tag teams, he usually seizes the opportunity.

5 -- CHAVO GUERRERO vs. MATT HARDY

Ross said regarding Hardy, "Of course, we see him on Tuesday nights." That's about as far as WWE goes these days in acknowledging the soft brand split that sorta still exists but barely. They ought to just have ten exclusives with each brand and then let everyone else float from brand-to-brand. It'd at least explain why some wrestlers appear on multiple shows despite "belonging" to a single specific brand. Hardy hit an early bulldog for a one count. One counts are nice because they make two counts more dramatic. Ross began talking about Randy Orton vs. Batista. He said he can't wait to see that match, years in the making. Too bad it's a supporting match when it finally happens rather than the centerpiece main event for a world title. At 3:00 the reason for this oddly pointless match existing became clear as Vladimir Kozlov charged into the ring and gave Hardy a boot to the face. He knocked Chavo out of the ring, then tied Hardy's arms in the ropes. He headbutted him viciously and then trash-talked him in Russian. Several zebras entered the ring and magically talked Kozlov into leaving in peace. Kozlov returned to the back. They showed Hardy pointing at his chest and gasping for breath as medics tended to him.

WINNER: No contest in 3:00.

6 -- THE BIG SHOW vs. UNDERTAKER -- Cage Match

This was the least hyped mega-match ever on Smackdown. They just didn't do a good job providing the proper sense of this being a big deal during the show. Other than that Show soundbite earlier, you'd hardly know it was scheduled. When Taker entered the ring after his elaborate ring entrance, Show smiled and looked as eager to play as Kevin Garnett just before tipoff. Show powered Taker into the corner as soon as the bell rang and pounded him with headbutts and body blows. This started with 18 minutes left in the show, plenty of time for a memorable TV main event if they're up for it and booked for it. Show set up Taker for a corner swing splash. Taker moved, although Show's legs still caught Taker. Show struggled to get up. Taker recovered and got to his feet at the same time. Taker punched Show against the cage. Then he tested the strength of the cage walls by taking running starts with a body check and a big boot. On the third charge, Show caught him with an elbow. Show threw Taker into the side of the cage.

Show remained on offense after the break, throwing Taker into the cage. At 6:00 Taker showed signs of a comeback. At 8:00 Taker went to the top rope for his walk-the-rope spot, but Show punched out of it and hit a superplex. By 9:00 they both climbed to the top rope and exchanged punches. Taker eventually hit Show with a barrage of short jabs to Show's face. Show was unsteady and teetered for a dramatic few seconds before collapsing to the mat. Taker climbed to the top of the cage, did the cut-throat gesture, and then rolled his eyes backward. Then rather than climb to the floor to win, he went for a top rope legdrop. Show moved. Taker landed with a thud. Show made the cover, but Taker rolled his left shoulder up just before three. A minute later Taker countered a chokeslam attempt with a DDT. He made the cover. Show kicked out just before three. At 13:00 Show went for a chokeslam. Show powered out and chokeslammed Taker. Show fell backward afterward, but then crawled over for the cover. Taker powered out just before three. Taker blocked a right hand megapunch by Show. When e charged at Show seconds later, Show KO'd him with his megapunch. Just as Tazz declared Taker knocked out unconscious, Taker sat up. Show grabbed him by the throat. Taker slipped on his Heaven's Gate submission. Show struggled to escape, but eventually tapped out. Ross called it an amazing confrontation between two rivals. The show ended as Taker celebrated the win.

WINNER: Undertaker in 15:00.

STAR RATING: **1/2 -- Some big spots and good near fall drama, but pretty plodding and slow paced most of the time, so it's neither a must see classic nor a total bomb.

[Arcademan]

Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Caldwell's ongoing report). To view ongoing in-ring results only, go to Neo-Geo Forum: Official WWE Thread Post #8430 and posts thereafter.

1 -- FEAST OR FIRED match
WINNERS: Lethal, Homicide, Hernandez, and Curry Man in 13:00. Okay opener with some highspots, but the usual forgettable spots and guys just going through the motions. (**)

2 -- ROXXI & TAYLOR WILDE & ODB vs. SHARMELL & BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE (ANGELINA LOVE & VELVET SKY w/Cute Kip)
WINNERS: Team Taylor in 7:00. Just-there match building toward the ODB vs. Sharmell confrontation ... that never happened in the ring after much teasing. One of those matches with no real sense of rules with Kip running in the ring at will. (*)

3 -- X Division champion SHEIK ABDUL BASHIR vs. ERIC YOUNG -- X Division Title match
WINNER: Young in 8:00 to capture the X Division Title. Good match. Another tainted victory for Young, though. The belt doesn't mean anything anyways since TNA hasn't presented the title seriously in two years and they've recently booked Ref Shane > X Division. (**1/4)

4 -- Knockouts champion AWESOME KONG (w/Raisha Saeed and Rhaka Khan) vs. CHRISTY HEMME -- Knockouts Title match
WINNER: Hemme via DQ in 6:00; Kong retains Knockouts Title. Good post-match to make up for the non-finish. Match was just fine for what it was worth. (*1/4)

5 -- TNA tag team champions BEER MONEY (ROBERT ROODE & JAMES STORM w/Miss Jacqueline) vs. MATT MORGAN & ABYSS -- TNA Tag Title match
WINNERS: Storm & Roode in 11:00 to retain TNA Tag Titles. The same finish we've seen over and over. Just take the TNA tag team formula template and insert Morgan & Abyss as the opposition. Cut and paste. Cut and paste. Slice and dice. Insert here and there. Switch a few things around. Throw in the brass knucks. Boom, there's your match. (**)

6 -- KURT ANGLE vs. RHINO -- Mick Foley as special ringside enforcer
WINNER: Angle in 14:00. Fine match. Angle couldn't get a four-star match out of Rhino like he did Abyss last month, but it was fine. Heavy on storyline and another re-appearance by a former Attitude era wrestler fit the classic TNA over-booked semi-main event match. (***)

7 -- FRONTLINE -- A.J. STYLES & SAMOA JOE & BROTHER RAY & BROTHER DEVON vs. MAIN EVENT MAFIA -- TNA World champ STING & Legends champion BOOKER T & KEVIN NASH & SCOTT STEINER -- Sting's TNA World Title on the line for Styles to win only
WINNERS: Main Event Mafia in 22:00. From last month, they continued the Joe-Nash program of Nash only being able to find himself on a winning side with the dirty tactics on Joe. Match was good. Not memorable, but serviceable in the main event slot heavy on star power. Joe and Styles carried this athletically, then the end of the story was Sting apparently questioning himself for using an "any means to an ends" approach of retaining the title. Pick it up on Impact. (***1/2)

[Arcademan]

WWE RAW Results: 12-8-08 including the 2008 WWE Slammy Awards

Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Caldwell's complete report). To view condensed in-ring results plus the Slammy winners list, go to Neo-Geo Forum: Official WWE Thread Post #8440.

Slammy Awards Winners List shown below.

1 -- World tag team champion C.M. PUNK vs. JOHN MORRISON -- Final Four match in #1 Contender to IC Title tournament
WINNER: Punk in 8:00 to advance to the finals. Heck of a match. Great finish, starting with the sick top-rope huracanrana, then a couple of really great nearfalls at the end. If Morrison stays on schedule, 2009 will be his year. (**1/4)

2 -- MVP vs. MVCHARLIE
WINNER: MVC in 3:00. Nice, simple match continuing MVP's losing streak. Rollins's involvement was well-done as he wasn't completely over-the-top playing his role. (*)

3 -- JEFF HARDY vs. CHRIS JERICHO
WINNER: Jericho in 6:00 of TV time. That's quite the surprise to see Hardy lose clean to Jericho. I suppose you just wouldn't expect to see two #1 contenders booked in a TV match with a clean finish six days before a PPV. But, it certainly made Jericho look strong heading into the match against Cena. WWE apparently decided a strong heel Jericho was more important than a strong babyface Hardy for selling a PPV. (**)

4 -- SANTINO & Women's champion BETH PHOENIX vs. FINLAY & HORNSWOGGLE
WINNERS: Finlay & Hornswoggle in 2:00. A bit, well, a lot unbelievable with Hornswoggle scoring the pin. But, Santino's greatness in this segment > suspension of disbelief. (n/a)

5 -- World tag team champion KOFI KINGSTON vs. REY MYSTERIO -- Final Four match in #1 Contender to IC Title tournament
WINNER: Rey in 3:00. Surprisingly short match with a surprise finish that caught me off guard. Kofi is still trying to find his groove on Raw where the writers don't seem to know what to do with him. (*)

6 -- TRIPLE H & BATISTA vs. RANDY ORTON & MANU & CODY RHODES
WINNERS: Team Orton in 10:00. Heck of a finish from Orton. They were playing right into the traditional (insert Batista or Hunter) formula match of beating a stacked deck following a furious finish, but WWE pulling the rug out from under the audience with Cody surprisingly competent and Orton picking up the win worked really well. All those stacked-deck wins actually led to something in this match. (**1/4)

7 -- DOLPH ZIGGLER vs. R-TRUTH
WINNER: Dolph Ziggler via countout in 4:00. Tough spot to be in on the card, but Ziggler looked equally-impressive as last week. Crowd was into the character enough to boo him post-match, so that's much better than standard silence. Good development. (*)

8 -- World Hvt. champion JOHN CENA (Raw) vs. WWE champion EDGE (SD) -- non-title champion vs. champion match
WINNER: No Contest in 8:00. Hot finish led to an expected non-finish leading to the PPV. Post-match took precedence here... (**)

SLAMMY WINNERS:

Tag Team of the Year: Morrison and The Miz
Best Finishing Move: Evan Bourne (Shooting Star Press)
Most Extreme Moment: Jeff Hardy (diving from top of TitanTron onto Randy Orton)
Announcers of the Year: Striker & Grisham
Couple of the Year: Edge & Vickie Guerrero
OMG Moment of the Year: C.M. Punk (beating Edge to win the World title)
Match of the Year: Shawn Michaels vs. Ric Flair from WM 24
Damn! Moment of the Year: Khali Kiss Cam
Superstar of the Year: Chris Jericho
Best WWE.com Exclusive: The Miz & John Morrison present "The Dirt Sheet"
Best Musical Performance: R-Truth's entrance (SmackDown, Sept. 15)
Breakout Star of the Year: Vladimir Kozlov

[Arcademan]

ECW on SciFi Results: 12-9-08

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

1 -- THE MIZ & JOHN MORRISON vs. JIMMY WANG YANG & KUNG FU NAKI

The bell sounded and Miz did some mockery karate moves. Funaki tried not to crack up laughing, then Miz gave him a playful shove. Funaki answered with a quick kick to the gut then one below the chin for a two count. Striker with a quick Jumping Bomb Angels reference from old school WWF women's wrestling. Morrison and Yang then took tags and Yang busted out a leg sweep and standing moonsault for a two count.

Funaki re-entered and wanted a dive on the floor on the heels, but Morrison slingshot him throat-first across the top rope. Morrison then went on the attack as they cut to break.

I like Grisham filling in the blanks on Funaki's gimmick change that he didn't feel he was "getting it done" as Smackdown's no. one announcer, so he made the change. Back in the ring, Funaki worked out of a chinlock from Miz, then worked into a sunset flip pin for a two count. Miz then went back on the offensive, knocking Funaki's black belt off his waist before nailing a big running clothesline in the corner. Great double team work from Miz and Morrison with a combo elbow smash while Funaki was on Miz's knees. Morrison then posed in front of Funaki before nailing a running knee smash for another two count.

At 10:00, Morrison grounded Funaki as the fans tried to rally for a hot tag. No dice until 12:00 when Yang finally got the tag and came off the top with a big splash on Morrison. Yang fired up with a clothesline before sweeping Morrison and hitting a leaping back kick. Yang then monkey-flipped Morrison out of the corner and the action completely broke down as the ref tried to gain control. Morrison then wanted the Midnight Drive on Yang, but Yang slipped out and wanted the top rope moonsault, but Morrison ducked. Yang was caught at his knees and Morrison hit his springboard back kick on Yang for the pin and the win.

WINNERS: Miz & Morrison in 13:00. Really nice match. Great athleticism throughout the match and a nice finish giving Morrison more momentum to regain his heat after the loss last night to Punk in a great match. (**1/2)

2 -- THE BOOGEYMAN vs. SCOTT REID

Boogeyman charged Reid in the corner to start things off. Striker described the worms as cold spaghetti mixed with dirt. One fan was chanting, "Reid, Reid, Reid" as the poor guy took a hard whip to the corner. Boogeyman with a lift-up slam on Reid for the win. Afterward, Boogey grabbed his bag of worms and shared with Reid. Grisham said don't invite him to a potluck dinner.

WINNER: Boogeyman in 1:00. Crowd was pretty quiet for this one. Not sure how to react after such a lengthy absence.

3 -- FINLAY & HORNSWOGGLE vs. MARK HENRY & TONY ATLAS

Hornswoggle found himself in peril in the corner and the kids screamed as Henry set up for a Vader Bomb on Horny, but Finlay pulled Horny out of the way just in time before they cut to break.

Back from break, Finlay was a little dizzy as Grisham gave us a definition check on the word underdog. 'preciate it. Henry continued to work on Finlay as Hornswoggle held the tag rope tightly awaiting a tag. Atlas then tagged in setting up a round of in-and-out tags to slow things down working on Finlay. Henry caught Finlay coming off the second rope and he nailed a big boot to make a cover for a two count. Horny was begging for a tag here, but Finlay continued to take a beating until the crowd tried to pump him up at 10:00.

Finlay came to his feet out of a chinlock, then he used a jawbreaker to escape. Finlay avoided a splash, then he stomped on Henry before nailing a half-DDT for a two count. Henry then knocked Finlay out of the ring and he took the chance to grab Hornswoggle and scoop slam him into the ring. Henry then wanted a big splash on Horny, but Finlay took the bullet and shoved his son out of the way to take the splash. Henry then scooped up Finlay and gave him the World's Strongest Slam for the pin and the win. Henry and Atlas celebrated to close the show while Hornswoggle looked on with concern.

WINNERS: Henry & Atlas in 12:00. Slow, plodding match before the somewhat-of-a storyline advancement at the end with Hornswoggle in jeopardy. After watching great athleticism in the opening match, this was a little tougher to sit through. (*1/2)