The show started off with a Christmas Party hosted by Eric Young who was waiting for Santa Claus. Did I just see a Bushwhacker? Hey Matt Morgan, Don Johnson wants his look back.
The first match involved many of the top names in TNA all squaring off in a Christmas Chaos Cage match. Rock & Rave Infection, James Storm, and Robert Roode took on LAX, Scott Steiner, and Booker T. The six sides of steel looked very festive with bows and lights strung up throughout. James Storm came out dressed as the big man from the North Pole which wouldn’t be the last time we would see this during the program. However, this was the only drunk Santa that came out. The TNA Knockouts were looking good in their Christmas attire. Five of them were at ringside standing by their man, except for Ms. Brooks. All I want for Christmas is Big Poppa Pumps biceps. Can you imagine? I liked the mix of athletes that they put together in this match, but it definitely was a letdown considering the potential. The faces controlled most of the match and nobody took any hard shots on the cage. Not to mention, a cage match without blood doesn’t really live up to the hype.
Next up was Team 3D along with Johnny Devine taking on Black Machismo and The Motor City Machineguns. Again, more Santa Claus imposters. However, Johnny Devine’s elf suit cracked me up. What would Christmas be without midgets? First Hornswaggle and now this? What is going on? Team 3D in an Ultimate X match at the next PPV? Better have some strong cables. I would have like to see the plate glass table match. Kevin Nash just brings it. Big Sexxy still has his way with the ladies. Karen Angle comes to the Christmas Party with the Lita look. Kurt Angle, you are a lucky man.
Next on tap was a No DQ Knockout Match involving the better looking half of TNA. Involved in the bout were ODB, Roxxi Laveaux, Jackie Moore, Christy Hemme, Tracy Brooks, Awesome Kong, Angelina Love, Velvet Sky, and Gail Kim. Gail Kim must have a death wish going right after Kong to open the action. This was the best match of the night so far. I was hoping to see some more rear no chokeholds if you know what I mean. Man, Samoa Joe really needs to lighten up.
And now for the darker side of TNA. It was Abyss vs. Rellik vs. Black Reign vs. Sharkboy. What the heck was Sharkboy even doing in this type of match? Whoever thought up the barbed wire Christmas tree is brilliant. The way Abyss swung that barbed wire bat; he belongs on the Mitchell report. Man, can Abyss absorb pain. Rellik finally gets a win in TNA! Judas Masias continues to scare me. Is Joe going heel? Why does he have to be such a Scrooge?
The main event between Kaz and AJ Styles was easily the match of the night. Why is it ladder matches always deliver? On top of that, they look so painful. Thank you TNA for this early Christmas present. What a match! Styles loses again and has to wear yet another ridiculous costume. AJ is definitely a good sport. However, the 10 minutes they wasted with AJ putting on the Rudolph outfit, I could have done without. Kurt Angle beats up on Old St. Nick and they show a little girl crying. What has this world come to? Cage vs. Angle is really starting to heat up. This one is far from over.
I’d have to say this was another disappointing show put on by TNA. It seems that they are more focused on comedy now than action. I agree with Samoa Joe on at least one thing, let’s get back to wrestling. Comic relief is good, but just not for an entire show. I give the show a C for this week. Let’s hope big things are in store for 2008. By the way, I want to wish all of you a Happy Holiday season and New Year.
Friday, December 21, 2007
WWE ECW on Sci Fi (12.18.07) Results
They opened with Joey Styles and Tazz plugging ECW champion C.M. Punk vs. U.S. champion MVP on the show tonight.
John Morrison's music hit to start the live action. The Miz came out next, then they recapped Miz and Morrison's victory over Jimmy Wang and Shannon Moore last week. They're doing a re-match this week because the match was so close last week.
1 -- ECW tag champions THE MIZ & JOHN MORRISON vs. SHANNON MOORE & JIMMY WANG YANG -- non-title match
Styles with a nice touch to start the show that Shannon and Jimmy had a chance to go over the tape the past seven days to get a better feel for their opponents. That used to be a great sports element used in pro wrestling storytelling, but no one really touches on that anymore. Good to hear that from Styles. The babyfaces from Smackdown went for quick pins in the opening minute on Miz, but Miz escaped a pinfall. Morrison tagged in and took a mind-boggling multiple revolutions head scissors from Yang. Miz took a tag and took a hard chop to the chest from Yang. Yang then shoved Morrison off the apron and dumped Miz to the floor. The babyfaces went for dual baseball slide dropkicks, but the champs yanked them hard to the floor. The heels returned to the ring to get the heat in a change of formula with the babyfaces not in control going to break.
[Commercial Break]
They returned with the heels still on control. Morrison missed with a corner splash on Yang, who made the tag to Shannon. Morrison walked into a boot to the face, then Shannon got caught in the corner. Morrison went for a superplex, but Shannon shoved him to the mat. Miz covered for his partner and shoved Shannon off the top turnbuckle to the mat. The heels then worked over Shannon for a few minutes while Yang called out for a tag. Yang finally got that tag at 12:00 and cleared Miz to the floor. Shannon then cleared Morrison to the floor. He went up top and landed a sort of twisting splash/dive onto Morrison. Back in the ring, Miz nearly rolled up Yang for a three count. Morrison hopped up on the apron and tried to nail Yang with a spin kick, but Yang ducked and Miz ate the kick. Shannon cleared Morrison to the floor, then Yang came off the top rope with a moonsault onto Miz for the pin and the win. Styles said Yang and Moore may have just earned a title shot opportunity.
WINNERS: Yang & Moore in 15:00. Really nice tag match action. Nice to see them follow up on a hot match from last week to keep the program going. Like I wrote last week, ECW is a good show for underutilized wrestlers to have a chance to earn some points with viewers. A good deal for Yang and Shannon here, while giving Miz and Morrison good competition for the belts. Well done. (**1/4)
They showed footage from Armageddon when Big Daddy V squashed C.M. Punk's ribs at the PPV on Sunday. They cut backstage with a shot of the ECW Title belt around Punk's waist before focusing on Punk warming up for his match against MVP.
[Commercial Break]
Tazz was in the ring with Shelton Benjamin and a jobber out of the break. Tazz asked him what his name is. He said his name is Collin Delaney... and he's from Rochester, N.Y. Colin said he went to Eastridge High School, which got some boos. He admitted he's a little nervous right now. Colin sheepishly said this is his first match. Shelton looked at him like he was hungry for a snack.
2 -- SHELTON BENJAMIN vs. COLLIN DELANEY
Shelton quickly dropped Collin with an overhead supex and Collin sold a back injury. Collin, um, accidentally hit Shelton in the face, so Shelton smashed him with a kick to the face. Shelton gave him a running powerbomb into the corner turnbuckle. He finished young Collin off with a leaping DDT for the easy win.
WINNER: Shelton in 2:00. They're transitioning the Chris Masters program onto Shelton, which is fine for now because we at least know Shelton is capable of great things in the ring once he gets some quality opponents. (n/a)
Afterward, Shelton took the mic and shouted, "Ain't no stopping me, no!" His music hit again and he smiled for the camera.
[Commercial Break]
A new Kofi Kingston promo aired. They showed some guy in the background stealing items from a guy tanning and not paying attention. Kofi said there must be trouble in paradise. They showed people reacting to Kofi apparently beating up the thief. Kofi smiled for the camera after retrieving the stolen goods.
Kenny came out with Victoria looking a bit nervous. Nunzio then came out dressed as an elf. He took candy out of his toy bag and tossed candy into the audience. Just weird, but in line with Nunzio's previous re-enactment of Dracula for Halloween. Tazz said he must have a fetish for costumes.
3 -- KENNY DYKSTRA (w/Victoria) vs. NUNZIO
The bell sounded and Nunzio offered Kenny some candy, but Kenny delivered a boot to the gut. Kenny landed a delayed vertical suplex, then Kenny heeled on Nunzio by dumping the bag of candy on him. At least there weren't thumbtacks or worms in the bag. By the way, why is Boogeyman still in the intro video? Kenny settled into a chinlock on Nunzio that left plenty of light, then Nunzio powered to his knees and broke free. Kenny dropped him with a back body drop, though. Victoria called out random encouragement to her man, who dropped Nunzio with a pancake from the top turnbuckle. Kenny then went up top and landed his leaping guillotine leg drop for the pin and the win.
WINNER: Kenny in 3:00. Man, that guillotine leg drop reminds me of when Kenny actually meant something on TV, as part of the Spirit Squad. Don't take for granted what you have because you'll miss it when it's gone. (1/2*)
They aired a video package on MVP being a big ballin' star. MVP rhymed about how amazing he is, then Styles plugged MVP vs. Punk tonight. Nice video on MVP. Main event is next.
[Commercial Break]
The Raw Rebound focused on Ric Flair's promo and count-out victory over Umaga, then Vince booking Flair vs. Triple H on the Dec. 31 Raw show.
MVP's music hit as Styles plugged Flair vs. Hunter on the next live Raw. MVP made his entrance and looked focused on the match. He took the mic and re-introduced himself to the audience. MVP said he is Smackdown's MVP and the United States champion. He said that in a few moments, he will face Punk in a champ vs. champ match. MVP said Punk will get an opportunity to rub shoulders with Smackdown's highest-paid entertainer and find out why he is better than him. Punk came out and surveyed the crowd with a big grin on his face. He talked some trash to MVP while posing in the corner. Each man held up his respective title before they cut to a break.
[Commercial Break]
4 -- ECW champion C.M. PUNK vs. U.S. champion MVP -- champion vs. champion non-title match
They returned with the match in progress with MVP locking Punk in a chinlock. MVP took Punk down with a fireman's carry takedown into a quick pin attempt for a nearfall. They had a mat-based exchange with Punk getting a slight advantage before landing a big dropkick to the face. Nice mat-work early on. MVP then came back with a quick overhead release suplex. He followed with a charging boot to the head for a two count. MVP started toying with Punk, who came back with a hard slap to the face. MVP then avoided a dropkick and gave Punk another boot to the face at 6:00. MVP landed clubbing forearm blows before nailing a discus punch. He went back to a mat hold to stretch Punk's upper body. Punk started to power to his feet and he took MVP into the air before landing a falldown slam to break the hold. MVP tried to land a suplex, but Punk kicked him in the face to prevent the hold. Punk with a knee lift for a nearfall, then he smashed Punk in the corner with a running knee. After landing a bulldog, he nailed a springboard clothesline for a nearfall. Punk missed with a kick strike, though, and MVP scored a close two count with a German suplex. Punk came right back with an enziguiri kick to the head at 10:00.
Punk then went up top for a moonsault, but Punk crotched him and Punk hung upside down. MVP stomped on him repeatedly, which drew admonishment from the ref. MVP started pounding on Punk with forearm blows, but he didn't stop at the ref's five count. The ref called for the bell, DQ'ing MVP.
After the match, MVP measured Punk and landed a charging big boot to the face for the exclamation point on the show. He went to the corner and grabbed his title belt to leave. Suddenly, Chavo Guerrero slid into the ring and gave Punk a brainbuster suplex. He kicked Punk around before picking him up for another brainbuster suplex. Chavo looked at Punk's fallen body before going up top to land a frog splash. He screamed down at Punk as the announcers asked what the reasoning is behind this.
WINNER: C.M. Punk via DQ in 11:00. I liked the mat-based action early in the match. It didn't play well with the live crowd and didn't make for great TV to appeal to a mass audience, but I thought both wrestlers believed in the mat-based wrestling and did their best with it. The problem is that C.M. Punk is not a credible champion right now. Time and time again, he ends up getting beat down at the end of a show. He's rarely in a position of control on this show. Fans aren't fools. They see him as a cool babyface, but they don't buy into him as a champion to invest emotions in because he's getting his ass kicked by the end of the match. So, the poor crowd reaction during the match was a combination of the mat-based action and Punk losing credibility as a weak champ. Bringing Chavo in to feud with Punk could be OK. We'll see. (*3/4)
John Morrison's music hit to start the live action. The Miz came out next, then they recapped Miz and Morrison's victory over Jimmy Wang and Shannon Moore last week. They're doing a re-match this week because the match was so close last week.
1 -- ECW tag champions THE MIZ & JOHN MORRISON vs. SHANNON MOORE & JIMMY WANG YANG -- non-title match
Styles with a nice touch to start the show that Shannon and Jimmy had a chance to go over the tape the past seven days to get a better feel for their opponents. That used to be a great sports element used in pro wrestling storytelling, but no one really touches on that anymore. Good to hear that from Styles. The babyfaces from Smackdown went for quick pins in the opening minute on Miz, but Miz escaped a pinfall. Morrison tagged in and took a mind-boggling multiple revolutions head scissors from Yang. Miz took a tag and took a hard chop to the chest from Yang. Yang then shoved Morrison off the apron and dumped Miz to the floor. The babyfaces went for dual baseball slide dropkicks, but the champs yanked them hard to the floor. The heels returned to the ring to get the heat in a change of formula with the babyfaces not in control going to break.
[Commercial Break]
They returned with the heels still on control. Morrison missed with a corner splash on Yang, who made the tag to Shannon. Morrison walked into a boot to the face, then Shannon got caught in the corner. Morrison went for a superplex, but Shannon shoved him to the mat. Miz covered for his partner and shoved Shannon off the top turnbuckle to the mat. The heels then worked over Shannon for a few minutes while Yang called out for a tag. Yang finally got that tag at 12:00 and cleared Miz to the floor. Shannon then cleared Morrison to the floor. He went up top and landed a sort of twisting splash/dive onto Morrison. Back in the ring, Miz nearly rolled up Yang for a three count. Morrison hopped up on the apron and tried to nail Yang with a spin kick, but Yang ducked and Miz ate the kick. Shannon cleared Morrison to the floor, then Yang came off the top rope with a moonsault onto Miz for the pin and the win. Styles said Yang and Moore may have just earned a title shot opportunity.
WINNERS: Yang & Moore in 15:00. Really nice tag match action. Nice to see them follow up on a hot match from last week to keep the program going. Like I wrote last week, ECW is a good show for underutilized wrestlers to have a chance to earn some points with viewers. A good deal for Yang and Shannon here, while giving Miz and Morrison good competition for the belts. Well done. (**1/4)
They showed footage from Armageddon when Big Daddy V squashed C.M. Punk's ribs at the PPV on Sunday. They cut backstage with a shot of the ECW Title belt around Punk's waist before focusing on Punk warming up for his match against MVP.
[Commercial Break]
Tazz was in the ring with Shelton Benjamin and a jobber out of the break. Tazz asked him what his name is. He said his name is Collin Delaney... and he's from Rochester, N.Y. Colin said he went to Eastridge High School, which got some boos. He admitted he's a little nervous right now. Colin sheepishly said this is his first match. Shelton looked at him like he was hungry for a snack.
2 -- SHELTON BENJAMIN vs. COLLIN DELANEY
Shelton quickly dropped Collin with an overhead supex and Collin sold a back injury. Collin, um, accidentally hit Shelton in the face, so Shelton smashed him with a kick to the face. Shelton gave him a running powerbomb into the corner turnbuckle. He finished young Collin off with a leaping DDT for the easy win.
WINNER: Shelton in 2:00. They're transitioning the Chris Masters program onto Shelton, which is fine for now because we at least know Shelton is capable of great things in the ring once he gets some quality opponents. (n/a)
Afterward, Shelton took the mic and shouted, "Ain't no stopping me, no!" His music hit again and he smiled for the camera.
[Commercial Break]
A new Kofi Kingston promo aired. They showed some guy in the background stealing items from a guy tanning and not paying attention. Kofi said there must be trouble in paradise. They showed people reacting to Kofi apparently beating up the thief. Kofi smiled for the camera after retrieving the stolen goods.
Kenny came out with Victoria looking a bit nervous. Nunzio then came out dressed as an elf. He took candy out of his toy bag and tossed candy into the audience. Just weird, but in line with Nunzio's previous re-enactment of Dracula for Halloween. Tazz said he must have a fetish for costumes.
3 -- KENNY DYKSTRA (w/Victoria) vs. NUNZIO
The bell sounded and Nunzio offered Kenny some candy, but Kenny delivered a boot to the gut. Kenny landed a delayed vertical suplex, then Kenny heeled on Nunzio by dumping the bag of candy on him. At least there weren't thumbtacks or worms in the bag. By the way, why is Boogeyman still in the intro video? Kenny settled into a chinlock on Nunzio that left plenty of light, then Nunzio powered to his knees and broke free. Kenny dropped him with a back body drop, though. Victoria called out random encouragement to her man, who dropped Nunzio with a pancake from the top turnbuckle. Kenny then went up top and landed his leaping guillotine leg drop for the pin and the win.
WINNER: Kenny in 3:00. Man, that guillotine leg drop reminds me of when Kenny actually meant something on TV, as part of the Spirit Squad. Don't take for granted what you have because you'll miss it when it's gone. (1/2*)
They aired a video package on MVP being a big ballin' star. MVP rhymed about how amazing he is, then Styles plugged MVP vs. Punk tonight. Nice video on MVP. Main event is next.
[Commercial Break]
The Raw Rebound focused on Ric Flair's promo and count-out victory over Umaga, then Vince booking Flair vs. Triple H on the Dec. 31 Raw show.
MVP's music hit as Styles plugged Flair vs. Hunter on the next live Raw. MVP made his entrance and looked focused on the match. He took the mic and re-introduced himself to the audience. MVP said he is Smackdown's MVP and the United States champion. He said that in a few moments, he will face Punk in a champ vs. champ match. MVP said Punk will get an opportunity to rub shoulders with Smackdown's highest-paid entertainer and find out why he is better than him. Punk came out and surveyed the crowd with a big grin on his face. He talked some trash to MVP while posing in the corner. Each man held up his respective title before they cut to a break.
[Commercial Break]
4 -- ECW champion C.M. PUNK vs. U.S. champion MVP -- champion vs. champion non-title match
They returned with the match in progress with MVP locking Punk in a chinlock. MVP took Punk down with a fireman's carry takedown into a quick pin attempt for a nearfall. They had a mat-based exchange with Punk getting a slight advantage before landing a big dropkick to the face. Nice mat-work early on. MVP then came back with a quick overhead release suplex. He followed with a charging boot to the head for a two count. MVP started toying with Punk, who came back with a hard slap to the face. MVP then avoided a dropkick and gave Punk another boot to the face at 6:00. MVP landed clubbing forearm blows before nailing a discus punch. He went back to a mat hold to stretch Punk's upper body. Punk started to power to his feet and he took MVP into the air before landing a falldown slam to break the hold. MVP tried to land a suplex, but Punk kicked him in the face to prevent the hold. Punk with a knee lift for a nearfall, then he smashed Punk in the corner with a running knee. After landing a bulldog, he nailed a springboard clothesline for a nearfall. Punk missed with a kick strike, though, and MVP scored a close two count with a German suplex. Punk came right back with an enziguiri kick to the head at 10:00.
Punk then went up top for a moonsault, but Punk crotched him and Punk hung upside down. MVP stomped on him repeatedly, which drew admonishment from the ref. MVP started pounding on Punk with forearm blows, but he didn't stop at the ref's five count. The ref called for the bell, DQ'ing MVP.
After the match, MVP measured Punk and landed a charging big boot to the face for the exclamation point on the show. He went to the corner and grabbed his title belt to leave. Suddenly, Chavo Guerrero slid into the ring and gave Punk a brainbuster suplex. He kicked Punk around before picking him up for another brainbuster suplex. Chavo looked at Punk's fallen body before going up top to land a frog splash. He screamed down at Punk as the announcers asked what the reasoning is behind this.
WINNER: C.M. Punk via DQ in 11:00. I liked the mat-based action early in the match. It didn't play well with the live crowd and didn't make for great TV to appeal to a mass audience, but I thought both wrestlers believed in the mat-based wrestling and did their best with it. The problem is that C.M. Punk is not a credible champion right now. Time and time again, he ends up getting beat down at the end of a show. He's rarely in a position of control on this show. Fans aren't fools. They see him as a cool babyface, but they don't buy into him as a champion to invest emotions in because he's getting his ass kicked by the end of the match. So, the poor crowd reaction during the match was a combination of the mat-based action and Punk losing credibility as a weak champ. Bringing Chavo in to feud with Punk could be OK. We'll see. (*3/4)
WWE RAW (12/17) Results
Event: WWE Monday Night RAW
Airdate: Monday, December 17th, 2007 (USA Network)
Location: The HSBC Arena in Buffalo, N.Y.
Report by: James Caldwell, PWTorch.com
The show opened with a recap of two weeks ago when Stephanie McMahon warned Vince McMahon about getting beat up on the 15-year show. They went to last week when Vince announced himself the greatest Raw superstar before getting beat up by Foley, Taker, and Austin.
Jim Ross introduced the show by talking about last week's 15-year anniversary show. Ross and Lawler talked about the big matches on the card tonight. Apparently the PPV last night didn't happen yet.
They started with divas in Santa's helpers outfits. Jillian Hall led out Layla, Melina, and Victoria for a big eight-diva match. Jillian wanted to give us a song first to promote her album on iTunes. Mickie James's music interrupted, then Mickie led out Kelly Kelly, Maria, and Michelle McCool.
1 -- KELLY KELLY & MARIA & MICHELLE McCOOL & MICKIE JAMES vs. JILLIAN HALL & MELINA & VICTORIA & LAYLA
Lots of screaming early on as the divas battled in their Christmas-themed outfits. Ross said last week's show was seen by over 6.0 million people. Michelle tagged in and Lawler talked about her date with Jamie Noble on this week's Smackdown. Michelle worked out of the heel corner and tagged out to Mickie, who came off the top with a splash on Victoria while maintaining the funky hat on her head. Mickie then dropped Victoria with a swinging DDT for the win.
WINNERS: Babyface divas in 4:00.
Afterward, a full brawl broke out. Lawler said he would be right back to help out. Ross kept him in line, then the babyfaces sent all the heels into each other to cleaned them from the ring. The babyface divas posed in the ring as Vince McMahon slowly limped toward the ring with no music. The fans booed as McMahon took his time getting into the ring. The divas bailed, then Vince took the mic with a scowl on his face. He said he was supposed to be celebrating one of his greatest creations last week, but there was no celebration. He was beat up, knocked out cold, and humiliated. Big pop from the audience. He said that while he was unconscious with beer covering him, everyone entered the ring to celebrate. Vince didn't understand how anyone could celebrate while he was KO'ed. He didn't get how everyone could enjoy his anguish. He said he's not an animal or a monster. No, that would be Batista and Big Daddy V.
Vince paused, then quietly said his feelings are hurt and his heart is broken. He said he's a human being. Good heat for this. Vince looked up to survey the audience. Suddenly, Jeff Hardy's music hit and the place exploded. Vince looked toward the stage with disdain while Hardy strolled out with a confident gait. Hardy entered the ring and slowly approached Vince, who waited a moment before muttering something. Hardy took the mic away from him, then said he can explain it like this: Vince is going to Iraq next week where the people partied when Sadaam Hussein was overthrown. Hardy said they don't want to hate on him, but Vince doesn't give them a choice. He said Vince doesn't give a damn about them, which is why they don't give a damn about him. Vince turned his back and bit his lip in thought. He choked back on tears before slowly lowering himself to the corner turnbuckles. He winced in pain as Hardy looked at him with new concern. They faded to commercial with Vince still wincing. Weird, but quite interesting to see where this is going.
[Q2]
[Commercial Break]
They returned with Vince McMahon still sitting in the corner. William Regal and a referee tried to talk to Vince, who didn't want to move or do anything. He continued to choke back on tears, then Triple H's music hit and the place exploded again. Hunter came out in jeans and a leather jacket dressed for a night on the town. He slowly entered the ring and looked down at Vince. He told Regal that he could handle this. Hunter got in close to Vince and called out his name. No response. He did Cena's "Can't see me" hand signal, but still nothing. Hunter made a proclamation at 8:21 p.m. CST: "Vince McMahon has officially flipped." He said he knows what Vince wants. Hunter sat down and put an arm around Vince to console him. He said, "I'm sorry." Hunter said he's sorry he came out on the show and made out his daughter, made jokes about Vince having sex with old, hairy men, and poured beer down on him with Vince's illegitimate son. Nice. My bad, he said.
Hunter told Vince to get out of the ring before they cancel the show. That got a laugh. Regal came back in the ring and said he has a better idea. He told Hunter to leave the instantly and give McMahon a moment of compassion. Hunter got right up and got in Regal's face. He threatened to have security throw Hunter out of the building, which Hunter smiled at the prospect of. Regal went back to Vince and asked if he likes that idea. Vince gave no reaction. He then tilted over to his side and pulled himself up to his feet. Vince grabbed the mic and muttered something. He channeled Delirious here and told Regal to get Coach. Hunter leaned in close and laughed. Vince didn't want security. Like Mr. Burns on the Simpsons, he told Regal to team with Coach against Hunter. Vince said he hopes something bad happens tonight. He said he hopes something bad happens to each and every one of the fans in the audience. He slowly pointed his finger around the building while Regal and Hunter stared each other down. Vince peered back down at the floor while Hunter looked at him like he was nuts. Ah, c'mon, how does something so intriguing lead to Coach in a wrestling ring?
[Commercial Break]
[Q3]
Hunter pulled off his jacket and waited in the ring while Coach and Regal unfurled their coats. Ross and Lawler said this might be the weirdest half-hour of Raw to start the show ever.
2 -- TRIPLE H vs. WILLIAM REGAL & THE COACH
This looked like some office workers getting drunk after work and fighting with a rough customer with funny facial hair in a bar. The match quickly moved to the floor where Regal slammed Hunter head-first into the ring steps. Regal continued to land left hand blows on Hunter before running into a big boot in the corner. Hunter then knocked the starch out of Coach's dress shirt before going after Regal. Coach stumbled around the ring while Regal went to the floor and grabbed some brass knucks. Hunter dropped Regal with a spinebuster, though, and posed to the crowd. Regal managed to slip the knucks to Coach behind Hunter's back, then Coach slowly looked up to find Hunter standing over him. Coach slowly took the knucks off and handed them to Hunter. He tried to explain himself, but Hunter bonked him on the head in Three Stooges style. Hunter then dropped Coach with the Pedigree in center ring. Hunter with the pin and the win.
WINNER: Hunter in 5:00. Well, the least damaging handicap victory in Hunter's career. Thank goodness it wasn't the tag division opposite HUnter. Regal put up a good fight here. The action was fine when it was between Hunter and Regal. The strangest opening two matches ever. I have no idea what the purpose of this is right now, but I'm at least intrigued to find out. (3/4)
Afterward, Hunter and Regal stared each other down. Ringside, Ross and Lawler talked about Chris Jericho seemingly having the WWE Title won last night until JBL interfered. They showed a video package and still photos from the title match. Jericho had Orton in the Walls of Jericho, but JBL ran in and kicked Jericho in the head to stop the match.
They showed a graphic with Jericho inviting JBL to Raw tonight for a confrontation.
[Commercial Break]
They recapped the tag title switch to Holly and Cody Rhodes on last week's show.
3 -- World tag champs CODY RHODES & HARDCORE HOLLY vs. CADE & MURDOCH -- Tag Title match
The former tag champs got their re-match and quickly went to work on Cody before Holly tagged in and ripped the flesh off Cody's chest with chops. Holly teased the Alabama Slam on Murdoch, but Cade broke it up and they landed a double-team kick to the face on Holly. Cade and Cody then battled, with Cody landing a running bulldog on Cade. Murdoch broke up the pin, leading to a brawl in the ring. Holly then took Murdoch to the floor and battled. In the ring, Cody landed a DDT on Cade for the pin and the win.
WINNERS: Cody & Holly in 3:00 to retain the tag titles. Basic tag match. Crowd was more into the action this week with the wrestlers not having to follow all kinds of nostalgia segments last week. (3/4*)
[Q4]
Ross and Lawler plugged HBK & Hardy vs. Randy Orton & Mr. Kennedy later tonight. They plugged Ric Flair's retirement angle and talked about Flair vs. Umaga.
[Commercial Break]
Ric Flair came out to dressed to wrestle. Ross put him over big, then Flair took the mic and said, "I repeat, I repeat, I will never retire." He said that even though Vince McMahon has put an ultimatum on him, he doesn't want to see me get hurt on his watch. Flair shouted, "Are you kidding me?" He said he doesn't get hurt. Flair said he's been in the business for 35 years and he loves the business. He put over the fans, then said he loves being the Nature Boy. Flair said he's sacrificed a lifetime to be who he is; walking away is not an option in his life. He said his entire family has sacrificed, as he's been the most selfish man alive trying to be Ric Flair. He said behind these curtains are men who he's traveled with for 30 years: Dusty, Arn, Barry Windham, Ricky Steamboat. But, he's also traveled with today's stars like Triple H, Shawn Michaels, Undertaker, and Batista. He said he cherishes their friendship and the memories they've created. Flair said it's up to him to give the fans what they've believed in. He said he has to be Ric Flair.
"I've got to be the Nature Boy!" he said. Flair said there are guys half his age in the locker room who believe in him. He said he respects each and every one of them because they are the future. Flair said he's not ready for the journey to take him to the second-half of his life. He said he has the human bulldozer, Umaga, tonight. Flair said that he knows if he loses, then it's all over. He promised that when he walks down the ramp, he's going to give the fans the best he's got. Flair said he wants everyone he faces to bring their A game because eh wants to beat the best every night. He said he has to be The Man. "I will not get beat in that ring without the fight of my life!" he said. "If I lose tonight, thank you," he said. Wow. Now that's a promo with a story to set up a pro wrestling match. Put that on a show to sell a PPV and you have people lining up to drop $40.
[Commercial Break]
[Q5 -- Second Hour]
4 -- RIC FLAIR vs. UMAGA
Flair did a quick strut when Umaga sent him off to the ropes. He then landed chops that Umaga purposefully didn't sell. Umaga then shoved Flair hard into the corner and landed a right hand blow. He shot Flair off to the ropes and landed a big foot to the face for a nearfall. Flair made a brief comeback at 3:00, but Umaga cut him off with a clothesline. Flair made another comeback with hard chops, but he ran into a Samoan Drop in center ring. Umaga went to work on Flair for some time, but there was a little anticipation in the air for when Flair would make his big comeback. Umaga went up top for a diving headbutt, but Flair moved out of the way. Umaga then knocked Flair to the outside and rammed him into the ringpost at 7:00. Suddenly, Umaga tried to whip Flair into the guardrail, but Flair reversed the whip and Umaga crashed through the guardrail. Flair then struggled to his feet and slid into the ring at a nine count. The ref then counted to ten with Umaga still out on the floor.
WINNER: Ric Flair in 8:00 via count out. Looks like the story of the retirement program is going to be Flair winning by the skin of his teeth so the wrestlers he beats don't look too bad for taking a loss to a near-60-year-old man. I'm fine with this finish. It's Flair simply being smart to win a match. (*3/4)
After the match, Flair took the mic and said one last thing. "Whoo!" He dropped the mic and left the ring. Lawler said Flair will never retire. Ross said somewhere, sometime, Flair will lose.
They showed Chris Jericho walking backstage with a bright shiner over his eye. He had a more-determined look on his face than we've seen since his return. Good to see.
[Commercial Break]
Ross hyped the Armageddon PPV last night. He thanked the viewers for joining them last night. Comcast Sucks. Chris Jericho's music hit and Jericho came out on stage in jeans and a t-shirt. He strolled to the ring and looked around the crowd before entering the ring. One of Jericho's stronger crowd receptions since returning. Jericho took the mic as the fans chanted, "Y-2-J". He said that last night, he beat Randy Orton, so he should be feeling pretty good about himself. But, he beat Orton by DQ which doesn't mean squat. Jericho asked for footage from last night when JBL KO'ed him with a big boot to end the title match.
Jericho said that he stands here tonight without a title belt, but with a whole lot of questions. He said he asked JBL to show up to answer some questions, but JBL didn't show up. Jericho said he's going to Smackdown this week, in that case. JBL then appeared on the videotron via satellite. Jericho laughed at that. JBL said he has too many responsibilities to deal with Jericho's silliness. He said there's no way he would come to...Buffalo. JBL said Jericho is very low on his list of priorities. Simple explanation is that Jericho put his hands on him last night. Jericho said guys ringside get beat up all the time, but they don't storm into the ring and attack someone during a match. JBL said he's not in the same category with lowly timekeepers and camera people ringside. He said Jericho needs to stop disrespecting him. Jericho said he's coming to Smackdown this week to beat an answer out of the crying baby, JBL.
JBL then said he talked to Vince McMahon last night and they decided Jericho will never get another title shot, and he won't be in the Royal Rumble match if he comes to Smackdown. Jericho looked dejected, then said that must be it. He said it must be all over. Jericho then challenged JBL's manhood. Jericho called him soft. He said he's lost his edge and become a fat cat. Jericho said JBL must have sold his balls on Wall Street. Great line. Jericho said JBL used to be in the category with Eddie, Batista, and Taker. Now he's categorized with O'Reilly, Hannity, Cavuto, Styles, and Cole. JBL pursed his lips in frustration. Jericho said JBL is no longer a wrestling god because he's irrelevant. He's a wrestling afterthought.
JBL said it's not enough for him to sit at the announce table and try to put over matches with guys who can't even lace his own boots, but now Jericho is questioning his toughness. JBL told Jericho to write it down: JBL is coming to Raw. He told Jericho to find a way to save Raw because he ran roughshod on Smackdown as the highest-rated champion in TV history. Or something like that. JBL closed that Jericho will soon find out that he is a wrestling god. JBL's music hit as Jericho and JBL went into a distant glare at each other.
JC: A strong segment. Jericho needed a few moments to get warmed up against JBL, but he really hit his stride in the closing remarks about JBL losing his edge and selling his manhood on Wall Street. JBL can hold his own with anyone on the mic, so this should be a great series of confrontations once Jericho knocks the rust off and gets back to cutting killer promos. JBL gets two hours of practice every week on Smackdown, so he's at a distinct advantage right now.
[Commercial Break]
[Q6]
Santino's music hit and I smiled. He came to the ring with Maria. They're doing a wrestling match with Santino. Ugh. No mic time for Santino, apparently. Double ugh. Carlito came out next and checked out Maria, which Santino didn't seem to notice. Kendrick and London came out as the opposition.
5 -- SANTINO MARELLA (w/Maria) & CARLITO vs. KENDRICK & LONDON
Santino and Carlito couldn't figure out who should start, so Santino firmly told Carlito to step off and let him start. Santino then walked into a hard slap to the face from Kendrick. London hopped in and they dropped Santino with a double hip toss. Lawler couldn't figure out how Santino is Maria's boyfriend. Carlito then took a tag and slammed London into the corner. Ross said Carlito was amazing last week against Jeff Hardy. Suddenly, London popped up to his feet and dropped Carlito with a huracanrana. Kendrick took a tag and came off the top with a cross body block on Carlito for a nearfall. London chased Santino around ringside, then Santino shoved Maria in the way. Kendrick was distracted in the ring, allowing Carlito to hit a back stabber on Kendrick for the win.
WINNERS: Santino & Carlito in 3:00. Pretty good action in a limited amount of time. Like I wrote about in the Torch Newsletter last week, I think it's time to split up Kendrick and London to let them pursue singles runs. WWE just isn't not doing anything with them as a tag team, so give them individual identifies and see if one or both can break out on Raw, SD, or ECW.
After the match, Santino took a mic. Yes! He said they are the new sensation. Santino said it's the first time for an Italian and a Colombian together. Carlito said he's Puerto Riccan. "Yes!" Santino said, not paying attention to Carlito. Santino said they're great teaming together - it's him and the guy who swaps spit with men who want to be cool. Oh wow. Ross and Lawler tried to correct Santino, but he just kept going. Santino then did a mock trumpet blowing, as if he were leading a parade in the ring. Carlito just looked at him as if he were nuts. Santino smiled it up. Maria did a curtsey. Ah, what a great Raw.
[Commercial Break]
Tomorrow night on ECW, it's C.M. Punk vs. MVP. Finally, a decent match with Punk.
Backstage, Randy Orton was interviewed by Todd Grisham. Orton quickly cut down Jericho, then said Jeff Hardy must be feeling pretty good after beating Triple H last night. Orton said that's no matter since he beat Hunter and many others like John Cena. Orton said Hardy might think winning the WWE Title is a dream come true, but beside being a legend killer, he's also a dream killer. Orton said Hardy will regret being against him when they meet in the tag match later in the show.
They went backstage where some guy on a headset talked to Ric Flair in the locker room area. Triple H walked in and headset guy bailed. Hunter told Flair to just keep bringing the Naitch every week. Suddenly, Vince McMahon strolled in with his jacket in his hand. He slapped Flair on the shoulder and got in real close to Flair. Vince told Flair that two weeks from tonight, Flair's career is on the line. Flair vs. Triple H. Hunter scowled. Flair didn't sell, but he wasn't happy. Vince's delivery was pitch perfect right here. "Happy New Year," Vince grumbled toward Hunter before looking back to Flair. Vince's eyebrows lifted with joy as he looked at the concern on their faces. So great when two distinct storylines come together for a confrontation. Flair's retirement vs. Hunter trying to regain his edge after losing to Jeff Hardy. That's a pro wrestling match.
[Commercial Break]
[Q8]
Jeff Hardy's music hit and he walked out for the main event tag match. Ross put in the plug for the New Year's Eve Raw that will feature Hunter vs. Flair with Flair's career possibly being over before the start of 2008. Shawn Michaels came out second and sported a cowboy hat. Mr. Kennedy came out for the heels and he sold a left hand injury from the match last night. Ross said that Michaels put over Kennedy when he talked to him after the match. A nice, subtle touch from Ross to help get Kennedy's heat back after taking the loss. Randy Orton came out last and slowly circled the ring before holding the WWE Title belt up in the ring.
6 -- IC champion JEFF HARDY & SHAWN MICHAELS vs. WWE champion RANDY ORTON & MR. KENNEDY
Hardy and Orton started things off for a title match preview at the Rumble. Orton had enough and tagged out to Kennedy. Hardy instantly went to work on Kennedy's injured hand and he landed a drop kick to the gut. Hardy hit a cross body block for a nearfall, then Orton tried to get himself some, but Hardy cleared him to the floor. Michaels cleared Kennedy to the floor. They landed dual planchas on the floor leading to the break.
[Commercial Break]
They returned with, shockingly, the heels in control. Hardy took a tag from Michaels, though, and missed with the Whisper in the Wind on Kennedy. Orton then took a tag and worked over Hardy with right hand blows. Hardy made a comeback with forearm blows, then Michaels took a hot tag and ran over Kennedy. Michaels yanked Orton into the ring and had control before Kennedy took his head off with a big clothesline at 7:00. Kennedy sat against the ropes and admired his work on Michaels. Nice build from Michaels leading to Kennedy taking the air out of the building. Kennedy and Orton went back to work on Michaels, who started selling a left knee injury.
[Q9 -- over-run]
Michaels fired back on Kennedy with a hard chop, then Kennedy fired back with stomps in the corner. He then charged Michaels for a running boot to the face that got more air than flesh, but Michaels sold it like a pro. Kennedy maintained his boot on Michaels's face for several moments for added effect. He made a cover in center ring, but Hardy broke up the count. Michaels then came up with a superkick attempt out of nowhere, but Kennedy avoided the move. Michaels fought him off, then made a hot tag to Hardy. Orton tagged in and Hardy dropped Orton in the corner turnbuckles. He fired up on Orton with clotheslines before nailing a lift-up pancake suplex. The action broke down in center ring and Michaels cleared Kennedy to the floor. Hardy measured Orton in center ring and went for the Twist of Fate, but Orton blocked and went for the RKO. Hardy blocked the RKO, though, and hit the Twist of Fate. Crowd was red-hot for the exchange. Hardy then went up top and nailed the Swanton Bomb on Orton. He made the cover for the win as the crowd exploded big for the finish.
Ross said you can't get any hotter than Jeff Hardy right now. Michaels returned to the ring and shook Hardy's hand before Hardy posed in the corner. The announcers recapped the finish to the match, then Michaels shook Hardy's hand again. Michaels pointed at Hardy to acknowledge his work in the match. Ross gave a final plug for the Tribute to the Troops show next week.
WINNERS: Michaels & Hardy in 13:00. Heck of a main event. Crowd was hot. Action was totally non-stop. Kennedy showed good fire. Everything clicked for the match, setting up Hardy's improbable run to the WWE Title.
Airdate: Monday, December 17th, 2007 (USA Network)
Location: The HSBC Arena in Buffalo, N.Y.
Report by: James Caldwell, PWTorch.com
The show opened with a recap of two weeks ago when Stephanie McMahon warned Vince McMahon about getting beat up on the 15-year show. They went to last week when Vince announced himself the greatest Raw superstar before getting beat up by Foley, Taker, and Austin.
Jim Ross introduced the show by talking about last week's 15-year anniversary show. Ross and Lawler talked about the big matches on the card tonight. Apparently the PPV last night didn't happen yet.
They started with divas in Santa's helpers outfits. Jillian Hall led out Layla, Melina, and Victoria for a big eight-diva match. Jillian wanted to give us a song first to promote her album on iTunes. Mickie James's music interrupted, then Mickie led out Kelly Kelly, Maria, and Michelle McCool.
1 -- KELLY KELLY & MARIA & MICHELLE McCOOL & MICKIE JAMES vs. JILLIAN HALL & MELINA & VICTORIA & LAYLA
Lots of screaming early on as the divas battled in their Christmas-themed outfits. Ross said last week's show was seen by over 6.0 million people. Michelle tagged in and Lawler talked about her date with Jamie Noble on this week's Smackdown. Michelle worked out of the heel corner and tagged out to Mickie, who came off the top with a splash on Victoria while maintaining the funky hat on her head. Mickie then dropped Victoria with a swinging DDT for the win.
WINNERS: Babyface divas in 4:00.
Afterward, a full brawl broke out. Lawler said he would be right back to help out. Ross kept him in line, then the babyfaces sent all the heels into each other to cleaned them from the ring. The babyface divas posed in the ring as Vince McMahon slowly limped toward the ring with no music. The fans booed as McMahon took his time getting into the ring. The divas bailed, then Vince took the mic with a scowl on his face. He said he was supposed to be celebrating one of his greatest creations last week, but there was no celebration. He was beat up, knocked out cold, and humiliated. Big pop from the audience. He said that while he was unconscious with beer covering him, everyone entered the ring to celebrate. Vince didn't understand how anyone could celebrate while he was KO'ed. He didn't get how everyone could enjoy his anguish. He said he's not an animal or a monster. No, that would be Batista and Big Daddy V.
Vince paused, then quietly said his feelings are hurt and his heart is broken. He said he's a human being. Good heat for this. Vince looked up to survey the audience. Suddenly, Jeff Hardy's music hit and the place exploded. Vince looked toward the stage with disdain while Hardy strolled out with a confident gait. Hardy entered the ring and slowly approached Vince, who waited a moment before muttering something. Hardy took the mic away from him, then said he can explain it like this: Vince is going to Iraq next week where the people partied when Sadaam Hussein was overthrown. Hardy said they don't want to hate on him, but Vince doesn't give them a choice. He said Vince doesn't give a damn about them, which is why they don't give a damn about him. Vince turned his back and bit his lip in thought. He choked back on tears before slowly lowering himself to the corner turnbuckles. He winced in pain as Hardy looked at him with new concern. They faded to commercial with Vince still wincing. Weird, but quite interesting to see where this is going.
[Q2]
[Commercial Break]
They returned with Vince McMahon still sitting in the corner. William Regal and a referee tried to talk to Vince, who didn't want to move or do anything. He continued to choke back on tears, then Triple H's music hit and the place exploded again. Hunter came out in jeans and a leather jacket dressed for a night on the town. He slowly entered the ring and looked down at Vince. He told Regal that he could handle this. Hunter got in close to Vince and called out his name. No response. He did Cena's "Can't see me" hand signal, but still nothing. Hunter made a proclamation at 8:21 p.m. CST: "Vince McMahon has officially flipped." He said he knows what Vince wants. Hunter sat down and put an arm around Vince to console him. He said, "I'm sorry." Hunter said he's sorry he came out on the show and made out his daughter, made jokes about Vince having sex with old, hairy men, and poured beer down on him with Vince's illegitimate son. Nice. My bad, he said.
Hunter told Vince to get out of the ring before they cancel the show. That got a laugh. Regal came back in the ring and said he has a better idea. He told Hunter to leave the instantly and give McMahon a moment of compassion. Hunter got right up and got in Regal's face. He threatened to have security throw Hunter out of the building, which Hunter smiled at the prospect of. Regal went back to Vince and asked if he likes that idea. Vince gave no reaction. He then tilted over to his side and pulled himself up to his feet. Vince grabbed the mic and muttered something. He channeled Delirious here and told Regal to get Coach. Hunter leaned in close and laughed. Vince didn't want security. Like Mr. Burns on the Simpsons, he told Regal to team with Coach against Hunter. Vince said he hopes something bad happens tonight. He said he hopes something bad happens to each and every one of the fans in the audience. He slowly pointed his finger around the building while Regal and Hunter stared each other down. Vince peered back down at the floor while Hunter looked at him like he was nuts. Ah, c'mon, how does something so intriguing lead to Coach in a wrestling ring?
[Commercial Break]
[Q3]
Hunter pulled off his jacket and waited in the ring while Coach and Regal unfurled their coats. Ross and Lawler said this might be the weirdest half-hour of Raw to start the show ever.
2 -- TRIPLE H vs. WILLIAM REGAL & THE COACH
This looked like some office workers getting drunk after work and fighting with a rough customer with funny facial hair in a bar. The match quickly moved to the floor where Regal slammed Hunter head-first into the ring steps. Regal continued to land left hand blows on Hunter before running into a big boot in the corner. Hunter then knocked the starch out of Coach's dress shirt before going after Regal. Coach stumbled around the ring while Regal went to the floor and grabbed some brass knucks. Hunter dropped Regal with a spinebuster, though, and posed to the crowd. Regal managed to slip the knucks to Coach behind Hunter's back, then Coach slowly looked up to find Hunter standing over him. Coach slowly took the knucks off and handed them to Hunter. He tried to explain himself, but Hunter bonked him on the head in Three Stooges style. Hunter then dropped Coach with the Pedigree in center ring. Hunter with the pin and the win.
WINNER: Hunter in 5:00. Well, the least damaging handicap victory in Hunter's career. Thank goodness it wasn't the tag division opposite HUnter. Regal put up a good fight here. The action was fine when it was between Hunter and Regal. The strangest opening two matches ever. I have no idea what the purpose of this is right now, but I'm at least intrigued to find out. (3/4)
Afterward, Hunter and Regal stared each other down. Ringside, Ross and Lawler talked about Chris Jericho seemingly having the WWE Title won last night until JBL interfered. They showed a video package and still photos from the title match. Jericho had Orton in the Walls of Jericho, but JBL ran in and kicked Jericho in the head to stop the match.
They showed a graphic with Jericho inviting JBL to Raw tonight for a confrontation.
[Commercial Break]
They recapped the tag title switch to Holly and Cody Rhodes on last week's show.
3 -- World tag champs CODY RHODES & HARDCORE HOLLY vs. CADE & MURDOCH -- Tag Title match
The former tag champs got their re-match and quickly went to work on Cody before Holly tagged in and ripped the flesh off Cody's chest with chops. Holly teased the Alabama Slam on Murdoch, but Cade broke it up and they landed a double-team kick to the face on Holly. Cade and Cody then battled, with Cody landing a running bulldog on Cade. Murdoch broke up the pin, leading to a brawl in the ring. Holly then took Murdoch to the floor and battled. In the ring, Cody landed a DDT on Cade for the pin and the win.
WINNERS: Cody & Holly in 3:00 to retain the tag titles. Basic tag match. Crowd was more into the action this week with the wrestlers not having to follow all kinds of nostalgia segments last week. (3/4*)
[Q4]
Ross and Lawler plugged HBK & Hardy vs. Randy Orton & Mr. Kennedy later tonight. They plugged Ric Flair's retirement angle and talked about Flair vs. Umaga.
[Commercial Break]
Ric Flair came out to dressed to wrestle. Ross put him over big, then Flair took the mic and said, "I repeat, I repeat, I will never retire." He said that even though Vince McMahon has put an ultimatum on him, he doesn't want to see me get hurt on his watch. Flair shouted, "Are you kidding me?" He said he doesn't get hurt. Flair said he's been in the business for 35 years and he loves the business. He put over the fans, then said he loves being the Nature Boy. Flair said he's sacrificed a lifetime to be who he is; walking away is not an option in his life. He said his entire family has sacrificed, as he's been the most selfish man alive trying to be Ric Flair. He said behind these curtains are men who he's traveled with for 30 years: Dusty, Arn, Barry Windham, Ricky Steamboat. But, he's also traveled with today's stars like Triple H, Shawn Michaels, Undertaker, and Batista. He said he cherishes their friendship and the memories they've created. Flair said it's up to him to give the fans what they've believed in. He said he has to be Ric Flair.
"I've got to be the Nature Boy!" he said. Flair said there are guys half his age in the locker room who believe in him. He said he respects each and every one of them because they are the future. Flair said he's not ready for the journey to take him to the second-half of his life. He said he has the human bulldozer, Umaga, tonight. Flair said that he knows if he loses, then it's all over. He promised that when he walks down the ramp, he's going to give the fans the best he's got. Flair said he wants everyone he faces to bring their A game because eh wants to beat the best every night. He said he has to be The Man. "I will not get beat in that ring without the fight of my life!" he said. "If I lose tonight, thank you," he said. Wow. Now that's a promo with a story to set up a pro wrestling match. Put that on a show to sell a PPV and you have people lining up to drop $40.
[Commercial Break]
[Q5 -- Second Hour]
4 -- RIC FLAIR vs. UMAGA
Flair did a quick strut when Umaga sent him off to the ropes. He then landed chops that Umaga purposefully didn't sell. Umaga then shoved Flair hard into the corner and landed a right hand blow. He shot Flair off to the ropes and landed a big foot to the face for a nearfall. Flair made a brief comeback at 3:00, but Umaga cut him off with a clothesline. Flair made another comeback with hard chops, but he ran into a Samoan Drop in center ring. Umaga went to work on Flair for some time, but there was a little anticipation in the air for when Flair would make his big comeback. Umaga went up top for a diving headbutt, but Flair moved out of the way. Umaga then knocked Flair to the outside and rammed him into the ringpost at 7:00. Suddenly, Umaga tried to whip Flair into the guardrail, but Flair reversed the whip and Umaga crashed through the guardrail. Flair then struggled to his feet and slid into the ring at a nine count. The ref then counted to ten with Umaga still out on the floor.
WINNER: Ric Flair in 8:00 via count out. Looks like the story of the retirement program is going to be Flair winning by the skin of his teeth so the wrestlers he beats don't look too bad for taking a loss to a near-60-year-old man. I'm fine with this finish. It's Flair simply being smart to win a match. (*3/4)
After the match, Flair took the mic and said one last thing. "Whoo!" He dropped the mic and left the ring. Lawler said Flair will never retire. Ross said somewhere, sometime, Flair will lose.
They showed Chris Jericho walking backstage with a bright shiner over his eye. He had a more-determined look on his face than we've seen since his return. Good to see.
[Commercial Break]
Ross hyped the Armageddon PPV last night. He thanked the viewers for joining them last night. Comcast Sucks. Chris Jericho's music hit and Jericho came out on stage in jeans and a t-shirt. He strolled to the ring and looked around the crowd before entering the ring. One of Jericho's stronger crowd receptions since returning. Jericho took the mic as the fans chanted, "Y-2-J". He said that last night, he beat Randy Orton, so he should be feeling pretty good about himself. But, he beat Orton by DQ which doesn't mean squat. Jericho asked for footage from last night when JBL KO'ed him with a big boot to end the title match.
Jericho said that he stands here tonight without a title belt, but with a whole lot of questions. He said he asked JBL to show up to answer some questions, but JBL didn't show up. Jericho said he's going to Smackdown this week, in that case. JBL then appeared on the videotron via satellite. Jericho laughed at that. JBL said he has too many responsibilities to deal with Jericho's silliness. He said there's no way he would come to...Buffalo. JBL said Jericho is very low on his list of priorities. Simple explanation is that Jericho put his hands on him last night. Jericho said guys ringside get beat up all the time, but they don't storm into the ring and attack someone during a match. JBL said he's not in the same category with lowly timekeepers and camera people ringside. He said Jericho needs to stop disrespecting him. Jericho said he's coming to Smackdown this week to beat an answer out of the crying baby, JBL.
JBL then said he talked to Vince McMahon last night and they decided Jericho will never get another title shot, and he won't be in the Royal Rumble match if he comes to Smackdown. Jericho looked dejected, then said that must be it. He said it must be all over. Jericho then challenged JBL's manhood. Jericho called him soft. He said he's lost his edge and become a fat cat. Jericho said JBL must have sold his balls on Wall Street. Great line. Jericho said JBL used to be in the category with Eddie, Batista, and Taker. Now he's categorized with O'Reilly, Hannity, Cavuto, Styles, and Cole. JBL pursed his lips in frustration. Jericho said JBL is no longer a wrestling god because he's irrelevant. He's a wrestling afterthought.
JBL said it's not enough for him to sit at the announce table and try to put over matches with guys who can't even lace his own boots, but now Jericho is questioning his toughness. JBL told Jericho to write it down: JBL is coming to Raw. He told Jericho to find a way to save Raw because he ran roughshod on Smackdown as the highest-rated champion in TV history. Or something like that. JBL closed that Jericho will soon find out that he is a wrestling god. JBL's music hit as Jericho and JBL went into a distant glare at each other.
JC: A strong segment. Jericho needed a few moments to get warmed up against JBL, but he really hit his stride in the closing remarks about JBL losing his edge and selling his manhood on Wall Street. JBL can hold his own with anyone on the mic, so this should be a great series of confrontations once Jericho knocks the rust off and gets back to cutting killer promos. JBL gets two hours of practice every week on Smackdown, so he's at a distinct advantage right now.
[Commercial Break]
[Q6]
Santino's music hit and I smiled. He came to the ring with Maria. They're doing a wrestling match with Santino. Ugh. No mic time for Santino, apparently. Double ugh. Carlito came out next and checked out Maria, which Santino didn't seem to notice. Kendrick and London came out as the opposition.
5 -- SANTINO MARELLA (w/Maria) & CARLITO vs. KENDRICK & LONDON
Santino and Carlito couldn't figure out who should start, so Santino firmly told Carlito to step off and let him start. Santino then walked into a hard slap to the face from Kendrick. London hopped in and they dropped Santino with a double hip toss. Lawler couldn't figure out how Santino is Maria's boyfriend. Carlito then took a tag and slammed London into the corner. Ross said Carlito was amazing last week against Jeff Hardy. Suddenly, London popped up to his feet and dropped Carlito with a huracanrana. Kendrick took a tag and came off the top with a cross body block on Carlito for a nearfall. London chased Santino around ringside, then Santino shoved Maria in the way. Kendrick was distracted in the ring, allowing Carlito to hit a back stabber on Kendrick for the win.
WINNERS: Santino & Carlito in 3:00. Pretty good action in a limited amount of time. Like I wrote about in the Torch Newsletter last week, I think it's time to split up Kendrick and London to let them pursue singles runs. WWE just isn't not doing anything with them as a tag team, so give them individual identifies and see if one or both can break out on Raw, SD, or ECW.
After the match, Santino took a mic. Yes! He said they are the new sensation. Santino said it's the first time for an Italian and a Colombian together. Carlito said he's Puerto Riccan. "Yes!" Santino said, not paying attention to Carlito. Santino said they're great teaming together - it's him and the guy who swaps spit with men who want to be cool. Oh wow. Ross and Lawler tried to correct Santino, but he just kept going. Santino then did a mock trumpet blowing, as if he were leading a parade in the ring. Carlito just looked at him as if he were nuts. Santino smiled it up. Maria did a curtsey. Ah, what a great Raw.
[Commercial Break]
Tomorrow night on ECW, it's C.M. Punk vs. MVP. Finally, a decent match with Punk.
Backstage, Randy Orton was interviewed by Todd Grisham. Orton quickly cut down Jericho, then said Jeff Hardy must be feeling pretty good after beating Triple H last night. Orton said that's no matter since he beat Hunter and many others like John Cena. Orton said Hardy might think winning the WWE Title is a dream come true, but beside being a legend killer, he's also a dream killer. Orton said Hardy will regret being against him when they meet in the tag match later in the show.
They went backstage where some guy on a headset talked to Ric Flair in the locker room area. Triple H walked in and headset guy bailed. Hunter told Flair to just keep bringing the Naitch every week. Suddenly, Vince McMahon strolled in with his jacket in his hand. He slapped Flair on the shoulder and got in real close to Flair. Vince told Flair that two weeks from tonight, Flair's career is on the line. Flair vs. Triple H. Hunter scowled. Flair didn't sell, but he wasn't happy. Vince's delivery was pitch perfect right here. "Happy New Year," Vince grumbled toward Hunter before looking back to Flair. Vince's eyebrows lifted with joy as he looked at the concern on their faces. So great when two distinct storylines come together for a confrontation. Flair's retirement vs. Hunter trying to regain his edge after losing to Jeff Hardy. That's a pro wrestling match.
[Commercial Break]
[Q8]
Jeff Hardy's music hit and he walked out for the main event tag match. Ross put in the plug for the New Year's Eve Raw that will feature Hunter vs. Flair with Flair's career possibly being over before the start of 2008. Shawn Michaels came out second and sported a cowboy hat. Mr. Kennedy came out for the heels and he sold a left hand injury from the match last night. Ross said that Michaels put over Kennedy when he talked to him after the match. A nice, subtle touch from Ross to help get Kennedy's heat back after taking the loss. Randy Orton came out last and slowly circled the ring before holding the WWE Title belt up in the ring.
6 -- IC champion JEFF HARDY & SHAWN MICHAELS vs. WWE champion RANDY ORTON & MR. KENNEDY
Hardy and Orton started things off for a title match preview at the Rumble. Orton had enough and tagged out to Kennedy. Hardy instantly went to work on Kennedy's injured hand and he landed a drop kick to the gut. Hardy hit a cross body block for a nearfall, then Orton tried to get himself some, but Hardy cleared him to the floor. Michaels cleared Kennedy to the floor. They landed dual planchas on the floor leading to the break.
[Commercial Break]
They returned with, shockingly, the heels in control. Hardy took a tag from Michaels, though, and missed with the Whisper in the Wind on Kennedy. Orton then took a tag and worked over Hardy with right hand blows. Hardy made a comeback with forearm blows, then Michaels took a hot tag and ran over Kennedy. Michaels yanked Orton into the ring and had control before Kennedy took his head off with a big clothesline at 7:00. Kennedy sat against the ropes and admired his work on Michaels. Nice build from Michaels leading to Kennedy taking the air out of the building. Kennedy and Orton went back to work on Michaels, who started selling a left knee injury.
[Q9 -- over-run]
Michaels fired back on Kennedy with a hard chop, then Kennedy fired back with stomps in the corner. He then charged Michaels for a running boot to the face that got more air than flesh, but Michaels sold it like a pro. Kennedy maintained his boot on Michaels's face for several moments for added effect. He made a cover in center ring, but Hardy broke up the count. Michaels then came up with a superkick attempt out of nowhere, but Kennedy avoided the move. Michaels fought him off, then made a hot tag to Hardy. Orton tagged in and Hardy dropped Orton in the corner turnbuckles. He fired up on Orton with clotheslines before nailing a lift-up pancake suplex. The action broke down in center ring and Michaels cleared Kennedy to the floor. Hardy measured Orton in center ring and went for the Twist of Fate, but Orton blocked and went for the RKO. Hardy blocked the RKO, though, and hit the Twist of Fate. Crowd was red-hot for the exchange. Hardy then went up top and nailed the Swanton Bomb on Orton. He made the cover for the win as the crowd exploded big for the finish.
Ross said you can't get any hotter than Jeff Hardy right now. Michaels returned to the ring and shook Hardy's hand before Hardy posed in the corner. The announcers recapped the finish to the match, then Michaels shook Hardy's hand again. Michaels pointed at Hardy to acknowledge his work in the match. Ross gave a final plug for the Tribute to the Troops show next week.
WINNERS: Michaels & Hardy in 13:00. Heck of a main event. Crowd was hot. Action was totally non-stop. Kennedy showed good fire. Everything clicked for the match, setting up Hardy's improbable run to the WWE Title.
WWE Armageddon (12.16.07) Results
Event: WWE Armageddon Pay-Per-View
Airdate: Sunday, December 16th, 2007 (Live On PPV)
Location: The Mellon Arena in Pittsburgh, Pa.
- The WWE promo hits.
- A video package airs looking at the WWE Championship Match tonight between Randy Orton and Chris Jericho and the Triple Threat for the World Heavyweight Championship between Batista, Edge and The Undertaker.
- A graphic opening then welcomes us to Armageddon as we go live to the Mellon Arena. A display of pyro goes off as Michael Cole and JBL open the show.
- Rey Mysterio defeated MVP via countout; MVP retains the WWE United States Championship. Early in the match, Mysterio took out MVP with a dive over the top rope right over the top of the referee to the floor. MVP countered a huricanranna attempt and sent Mysterio into the turnbuckle. Mysterio finally takes out MVP with a huricanranna, but MVP quickly responds with a quick kick to the face. The finish saw Mysterio hit another huricanrana on MVP on the floor. MVP then walked off and took the countout finish. Mysterio gets the win, but MVP retains the United States Title.
- Backstage, Todd Grisham was with WWE Intercontinental Champion Jeff Hardy. Hardy said tonight was his time to take it to the next level against Triple H.
- Big Daddy V & Mark Henry defeated ECW Champion CM Punk & Kane. They let this match go a lot longer then I'm sure many expected considering most of these guys haven't worked the best together recently on ECW. Early in the match, Big Daddy V and Henry exchanged tags and worked on Punk in the corner. Kane eventually got the hot tag and took out both Henry and Big Daddy V. The finish saw Punk hit a springboard off the ropes, Big Daddy V caught him on his shoulders and then hit a big samoan drop to get the pinfall.
- Vickie Guerrero is ready to throw Edge a victory party tonight after his World Title Match against Batista and The Undertaker.
- Shawn Michaels defeated Mr. Kennedy. Very good match between these two. Before the match, Mr. Kennedy got on the mic and said it didn't matter if he liked, hated or respected HBK, the only thing that matters is if he beats him and promised it would happen tonight. Kennedy was very aggressive with HBK early on in the match with a series of offense. HBK then took out Kennedy, chop blocking him and then going to work on his arm. Kennedy speared HBK to the outside. HBK responded by stomping on Kennedy's hand over the steel steps. Back in the ring, Kennedy sent HBK into the corner. The finish saw Kennedy attempt an STO, but Michaels got to the ropes. Kennedy attempted a DDT, HBK countered, Kennedy with a big left, Kennedy holds his hand in pain and then HBK connects with Sweet Chin Music to get the pinfall.
- A promo for the Royal Rumble on January 27 airs.
- Backstage, Todd Grisham was with WWE Champion Randy Orton. Orton promised to shut down Jericho tonight.
- WWE Intercontinental Champion Jeff Hardy defeated Triple H in a #1 Contendership Match to earn a shot at the WWE Title at the Royal Rumble.The story early on in the match was that Hardy held back hitting Triple H and Triple H yelled at him to bring it. Hardy eventually slapped Triple H across the face and Triple H smiled. The action spilled to the outside where Triple H sent Hardy into the steel steps. Back in the ring, Hardy takes out Triple H with a crossbody and a Whisper in the Wind for two close two counts. Twist of Fate attempt by Hardy, but Triple H counters and hits a quick DDT. Hardy with a Swanton Bomb attempt, but Triple H moves, Hardy hits the ring, Triple H covers, but only gets a two count. The finish saw Triple H go for the Pedigree, but Hardy counters into cradle pin for the win.
- The Great Khali cut a promo about his match with Finlay backstage.
- Finlay defeated The Great Khali. The story with this match was that Khali dominated throughout the match. Khali had a nerve hold on Finlay when Hornswoggle interfered. Khali threw Hornswoggle off the ring apron and then started to remove the top turnbuckle. With the referee distracted, Hornswoggle low blowed Khali with a shillelagh and then Finlay hit Khali with the shillelagh to get the pinfall.
- Promo for "Tribute to the Troops" on USA airs.
- Chris Jericho defeated Randy Orton via DQ; Orton retains the WWE Championship. Lots of quick aggressive offense by Jericho early on in the match on Orton. Orton finally got back in it with a big DDT on Jericho followed by a big dropkick. Both were knocked out when they hit each other near the corner. Both were up by the eight count of the referee. Some more back and forth action between the two with Jericho hitting Orton with an uppercut and Orton taking out Jericho with a clothesline. Jericho countered an RKO attempt into a quick backslide for a two count. Jericho went for the Lionsault, but Orton got his knees up, attempted the RKO, Jericho shoved him away and then finally connected with the Lionsault. They brawled to the outside and Orton threw Jericho on the Smackdown announce table right into JBL. Jericho shoved JBL away when he got off the table as the action spilled back into the ring. Orton countered a Codebreaker attempt by Jericho into a powerbomb in the corner. The finish saw Jericho get the Walls of Jericho applied. He pulled Orton to the center of the ring when JBL got in and kicked Jericho in the face causing the DQ finish. Orton retains his title. After the match, JBL yelled at Jericho and then Orton hit him with an RKO.
- Before the match, Jillian Hall came out and plugged her Christmas album on iTunes. She started to sing "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" when Mickie James' music cut her off.
- Beth Phoenix defeated Mickie James to retain the WWE Women's Championship. Phoenix overpowered James early in the match. James tried to bulldog and send Phoenix into the ropes, but each were met by counters from Phoenix. Phoenix took out James later with a quick powerbomb that resulted in a two count. Phoenix gets taken down by James with a Lou Thesz Press. James took out Phoenix with another followed by a big dropkick. The finish then saw Phoenix catch James with a kick to the gut followed by her Fisherman's suplex to get the pinfall and retain her title.
- Tazz joins Michael Cole on commentary as JBL left after attacking Jericho.
- A preview video is shown for the main event.
- World Title Triple Threat Match: Batista (c) vs. Edge vs. Undertaker. This match is all over the place to start. All three men are going at it on the floor as there are no count outs or DQ's. Taker locked in the triangle choke on Batista. Edge rang the bell which broke the hold. Taker thought he had won but obviously he hadn't. Edge nailed Taker with spear for a new fall. This is a very good match thus far. A phony Edge enters the ring and takes a Chokeslam. The real Edge comes in from behind and nails Undertaker with 3 chairshots for the win.
The show ends with the real Edge holding the World title as the fake Edge's crawl away. New champ.
Airdate: Sunday, December 16th, 2007 (Live On PPV)
Location: The Mellon Arena in Pittsburgh, Pa.
- The WWE promo hits.
- A video package airs looking at the WWE Championship Match tonight between Randy Orton and Chris Jericho and the Triple Threat for the World Heavyweight Championship between Batista, Edge and The Undertaker.
- A graphic opening then welcomes us to Armageddon as we go live to the Mellon Arena. A display of pyro goes off as Michael Cole and JBL open the show.
- Rey Mysterio defeated MVP via countout; MVP retains the WWE United States Championship. Early in the match, Mysterio took out MVP with a dive over the top rope right over the top of the referee to the floor. MVP countered a huricanranna attempt and sent Mysterio into the turnbuckle. Mysterio finally takes out MVP with a huricanranna, but MVP quickly responds with a quick kick to the face. The finish saw Mysterio hit another huricanrana on MVP on the floor. MVP then walked off and took the countout finish. Mysterio gets the win, but MVP retains the United States Title.
- Backstage, Todd Grisham was with WWE Intercontinental Champion Jeff Hardy. Hardy said tonight was his time to take it to the next level against Triple H.
- Big Daddy V & Mark Henry defeated ECW Champion CM Punk & Kane. They let this match go a lot longer then I'm sure many expected considering most of these guys haven't worked the best together recently on ECW. Early in the match, Big Daddy V and Henry exchanged tags and worked on Punk in the corner. Kane eventually got the hot tag and took out both Henry and Big Daddy V. The finish saw Punk hit a springboard off the ropes, Big Daddy V caught him on his shoulders and then hit a big samoan drop to get the pinfall.
- Vickie Guerrero is ready to throw Edge a victory party tonight after his World Title Match against Batista and The Undertaker.
- Shawn Michaels defeated Mr. Kennedy. Very good match between these two. Before the match, Mr. Kennedy got on the mic and said it didn't matter if he liked, hated or respected HBK, the only thing that matters is if he beats him and promised it would happen tonight. Kennedy was very aggressive with HBK early on in the match with a series of offense. HBK then took out Kennedy, chop blocking him and then going to work on his arm. Kennedy speared HBK to the outside. HBK responded by stomping on Kennedy's hand over the steel steps. Back in the ring, Kennedy sent HBK into the corner. The finish saw Kennedy attempt an STO, but Michaels got to the ropes. Kennedy attempted a DDT, HBK countered, Kennedy with a big left, Kennedy holds his hand in pain and then HBK connects with Sweet Chin Music to get the pinfall.
- A promo for the Royal Rumble on January 27 airs.
- Backstage, Todd Grisham was with WWE Champion Randy Orton. Orton promised to shut down Jericho tonight.
- WWE Intercontinental Champion Jeff Hardy defeated Triple H in a #1 Contendership Match to earn a shot at the WWE Title at the Royal Rumble.The story early on in the match was that Hardy held back hitting Triple H and Triple H yelled at him to bring it. Hardy eventually slapped Triple H across the face and Triple H smiled. The action spilled to the outside where Triple H sent Hardy into the steel steps. Back in the ring, Hardy takes out Triple H with a crossbody and a Whisper in the Wind for two close two counts. Twist of Fate attempt by Hardy, but Triple H counters and hits a quick DDT. Hardy with a Swanton Bomb attempt, but Triple H moves, Hardy hits the ring, Triple H covers, but only gets a two count. The finish saw Triple H go for the Pedigree, but Hardy counters into cradle pin for the win.
- The Great Khali cut a promo about his match with Finlay backstage.
- Finlay defeated The Great Khali. The story with this match was that Khali dominated throughout the match. Khali had a nerve hold on Finlay when Hornswoggle interfered. Khali threw Hornswoggle off the ring apron and then started to remove the top turnbuckle. With the referee distracted, Hornswoggle low blowed Khali with a shillelagh and then Finlay hit Khali with the shillelagh to get the pinfall.
- Promo for "Tribute to the Troops" on USA airs.
- Chris Jericho defeated Randy Orton via DQ; Orton retains the WWE Championship. Lots of quick aggressive offense by Jericho early on in the match on Orton. Orton finally got back in it with a big DDT on Jericho followed by a big dropkick. Both were knocked out when they hit each other near the corner. Both were up by the eight count of the referee. Some more back and forth action between the two with Jericho hitting Orton with an uppercut and Orton taking out Jericho with a clothesline. Jericho countered an RKO attempt into a quick backslide for a two count. Jericho went for the Lionsault, but Orton got his knees up, attempted the RKO, Jericho shoved him away and then finally connected with the Lionsault. They brawled to the outside and Orton threw Jericho on the Smackdown announce table right into JBL. Jericho shoved JBL away when he got off the table as the action spilled back into the ring. Orton countered a Codebreaker attempt by Jericho into a powerbomb in the corner. The finish saw Jericho get the Walls of Jericho applied. He pulled Orton to the center of the ring when JBL got in and kicked Jericho in the face causing the DQ finish. Orton retains his title. After the match, JBL yelled at Jericho and then Orton hit him with an RKO.
- Before the match, Jillian Hall came out and plugged her Christmas album on iTunes. She started to sing "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" when Mickie James' music cut her off.
- Beth Phoenix defeated Mickie James to retain the WWE Women's Championship. Phoenix overpowered James early in the match. James tried to bulldog and send Phoenix into the ropes, but each were met by counters from Phoenix. Phoenix took out James later with a quick powerbomb that resulted in a two count. Phoenix gets taken down by James with a Lou Thesz Press. James took out Phoenix with another followed by a big dropkick. The finish then saw Phoenix catch James with a kick to the gut followed by her Fisherman's suplex to get the pinfall and retain her title.
- Tazz joins Michael Cole on commentary as JBL left after attacking Jericho.
- A preview video is shown for the main event.
- World Title Triple Threat Match: Batista (c) vs. Edge vs. Undertaker. This match is all over the place to start. All three men are going at it on the floor as there are no count outs or DQ's. Taker locked in the triangle choke on Batista. Edge rang the bell which broke the hold. Taker thought he had won but obviously he hadn't. Edge nailed Taker with spear for a new fall. This is a very good match thus far. A phony Edge enters the ring and takes a Chokeslam. The real Edge comes in from behind and nails Undertaker with 3 chairshots for the win.
The show ends with the real Edge holding the World title as the fake Edge's crawl away. New champ.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
WWE SMackdown! (12.14.07) Results
BOSTON – The city of Boston’s “Beantown” moniker accurately describes what happened to Rey Mysterio on Friday Night SmackDown.
With his Armageddon opponent, United States Champion MVP, looking on as a guest commentator, Mysterio took on Kenny Dykstra. SmackDown’s self-proclaimed “future Hall of Famer” put up a valiant fight against Mysterio, but the Master of the 619 was able to Drop the Dime on Dykstra for the victory.
After the bout, MVP entered the ring, congratulating Rey on his impressive win. While he had called Mysterio “half a man” on commentary only minutes earlier, the Ballin’ Superstar told Rey that he is an “amazing” competitor and requested a handshake; Mysterio was understandably leery, but the champion brushed it off, as if he understood.
Moments later, however, Mysterio understood just how heavy the U.S. Championship truly is. Mid-sentence, MVP reacted to Dykstra staggering to his feet behind Rey, and when the Master of the 619 turned to see what spooked MVP, the Ballin’ Superstar took the opportunity to clobber him in the back of the head with the gold. The champion then cockily walked away, smirking as Mysterio lay prone in the ring.
Has MVP gained the psychological advantage heading into his showdown with Mysterio at Armageddon, or will this attack further fuel Rey’s quest to teach SmackDown’s Franchise Playa some respect, and become United States Champion?
Punjabi tea party
Boston has a high population of Irish-Americans, but Friday was a bad night in Beantown for pure-bred Irishman, Finlay. As ordered, Assistant General Manager Theodore Long announced a Raw – and Survivor Series – rematch between Hornswoggle and The Great Khali. Once again, however, the match never reached its conclusion.
This time, Finlay made his way out – with shillelagh in hand – to protect his little buddy. His onslaught was effective momentarily, but a quick-thinking Ranjin Singh would be his undoing. Khali’s translator grabbed a hold of Hornswoggle, threatening to hurt the littlest McMahon if Finlay didn’t stop his assault on Khali.
The ornery Irishman quickly took care of that threat – clobbering Singh and tossing him out of the ring – but that gave the Punjabi giant time to recover and crack Finlay with a giant chop to the head. He then nailed Finlay with a Khali Bomb, leaving him decimated for the second straight week.
What will happen when these two finally lock up one-on-one at Armageddon?
More trouble in paradise
Michelle McCool wouldn’t have to come to Kelly Kelly’s aid on SmackDown like she did Tuesday night on ECW; this time, the Divas were side-by-side as they took on Victoria & Layla in tag team action.
Unfortunately, much like last week’s contest between Michelle’s friend, Chuck Palumbo, and Jamie Noble, an accidental distraction cost the beautiful blondes the match. When Kenny Dykstra – who was at ringside with Victoria & Layla – tripped McCool, Palumbo roared out on his motorcycle to chase Dykstra. However, this distracted Michelle momentarily, allowing Victoria to roll her up from behind and score the pinfall.
Moments later, Michelle caught up with an again-furious Palumbo in the locker room; she tried to calm him down, but after lamenting over his recent streak of bad luck, the motorcycle enthusiast punched a hole through the wall before stomping away, still mad.
The revved-up Superstar couldn’t have been any happier after seeing what Noble did for McCool later in the night. As she and Kelly entered their locker room, they happened upon quite an array of roses and gifts left by Noble in preparation for next week’s date. Michelle actually seemed flattered by Noble’s advances; what will happen when they finally have their date?
Last Hoo-rah?
Jesse & Festus finally got the upper hand on WWE Tag Team Champions The Miz & John Morrison this week, as Festus defeated Miz in singles action. Jesse & Festus had lost two straight tag team matches to the Extreme champions in recent weeks, but it was a different story when the self-proclaimed “chick magnet” had to fly solo.
While Festus had Miz up in a fireman’s carry, Morrison tried to help his partner. Instead, the burly “grizzly bear” (as color commentator JBL called him) used Miz to knock the Shaman of Sexy down to the arena floor before dropping to the mat with a flapjack to pick up the victory.
Triple Threat Theatre
Although wheelchair bound and sporting a neck brace as a result of Undertaker’s attack weeks ago, SmackDown General Manager Vickie Guerrero returned to her duties this week. In her first act back, she announced that all three participants in the Triple Threat Match at Armageddon – World Heavyweight Champion Batista, Undertaker and the love of her life, Edge – would see singles action just 48 hours before their big night.
Once again, however, the Ultimate Opportunist seemed to be the only one to escape the night relatively unscathed. While Edge made quick work of Funaki, The Animal and The Phenom had a much tougher time with three of WWE’s biggest Superstars – Batista in a Last Man Standing Match with Kane, Undertaker in a Handicap Match against Mark Henry & Big Daddy V – as well as the pesky Rated-R Superstar.
With his Armageddon opponent, United States Champion MVP, looking on as a guest commentator, Mysterio took on Kenny Dykstra. SmackDown’s self-proclaimed “future Hall of Famer” put up a valiant fight against Mysterio, but the Master of the 619 was able to Drop the Dime on Dykstra for the victory.
After the bout, MVP entered the ring, congratulating Rey on his impressive win. While he had called Mysterio “half a man” on commentary only minutes earlier, the Ballin’ Superstar told Rey that he is an “amazing” competitor and requested a handshake; Mysterio was understandably leery, but the champion brushed it off, as if he understood.
Moments later, however, Mysterio understood just how heavy the U.S. Championship truly is. Mid-sentence, MVP reacted to Dykstra staggering to his feet behind Rey, and when the Master of the 619 turned to see what spooked MVP, the Ballin’ Superstar took the opportunity to clobber him in the back of the head with the gold. The champion then cockily walked away, smirking as Mysterio lay prone in the ring.
Has MVP gained the psychological advantage heading into his showdown with Mysterio at Armageddon, or will this attack further fuel Rey’s quest to teach SmackDown’s Franchise Playa some respect, and become United States Champion?
Punjabi tea party
Boston has a high population of Irish-Americans, but Friday was a bad night in Beantown for pure-bred Irishman, Finlay. As ordered, Assistant General Manager Theodore Long announced a Raw – and Survivor Series – rematch between Hornswoggle and The Great Khali. Once again, however, the match never reached its conclusion.
This time, Finlay made his way out – with shillelagh in hand – to protect his little buddy. His onslaught was effective momentarily, but a quick-thinking Ranjin Singh would be his undoing. Khali’s translator grabbed a hold of Hornswoggle, threatening to hurt the littlest McMahon if Finlay didn’t stop his assault on Khali.
The ornery Irishman quickly took care of that threat – clobbering Singh and tossing him out of the ring – but that gave the Punjabi giant time to recover and crack Finlay with a giant chop to the head. He then nailed Finlay with a Khali Bomb, leaving him decimated for the second straight week.
What will happen when these two finally lock up one-on-one at Armageddon?
More trouble in paradise
Michelle McCool wouldn’t have to come to Kelly Kelly’s aid on SmackDown like she did Tuesday night on ECW; this time, the Divas were side-by-side as they took on Victoria & Layla in tag team action.
Unfortunately, much like last week’s contest between Michelle’s friend, Chuck Palumbo, and Jamie Noble, an accidental distraction cost the beautiful blondes the match. When Kenny Dykstra – who was at ringside with Victoria & Layla – tripped McCool, Palumbo roared out on his motorcycle to chase Dykstra. However, this distracted Michelle momentarily, allowing Victoria to roll her up from behind and score the pinfall.
Moments later, Michelle caught up with an again-furious Palumbo in the locker room; she tried to calm him down, but after lamenting over his recent streak of bad luck, the motorcycle enthusiast punched a hole through the wall before stomping away, still mad.
The revved-up Superstar couldn’t have been any happier after seeing what Noble did for McCool later in the night. As she and Kelly entered their locker room, they happened upon quite an array of roses and gifts left by Noble in preparation for next week’s date. Michelle actually seemed flattered by Noble’s advances; what will happen when they finally have their date?
Last Hoo-rah?
Jesse & Festus finally got the upper hand on WWE Tag Team Champions The Miz & John Morrison this week, as Festus defeated Miz in singles action. Jesse & Festus had lost two straight tag team matches to the Extreme champions in recent weeks, but it was a different story when the self-proclaimed “chick magnet” had to fly solo.
While Festus had Miz up in a fireman’s carry, Morrison tried to help his partner. Instead, the burly “grizzly bear” (as color commentator JBL called him) used Miz to knock the Shaman of Sexy down to the arena floor before dropping to the mat with a flapjack to pick up the victory.
Triple Threat Theatre
Although wheelchair bound and sporting a neck brace as a result of Undertaker’s attack weeks ago, SmackDown General Manager Vickie Guerrero returned to her duties this week. In her first act back, she announced that all three participants in the Triple Threat Match at Armageddon – World Heavyweight Champion Batista, Undertaker and the love of her life, Edge – would see singles action just 48 hours before their big night.
Once again, however, the Ultimate Opportunist seemed to be the only one to escape the night relatively unscathed. While Edge made quick work of Funaki, The Animal and The Phenom had a much tougher time with three of WWE’s biggest Superstars – Batista in a Last Man Standing Match with Kane, Undertaker in a Handicap Match against Mark Henry & Big Daddy V – as well as the pesky Rated-R Superstar.
TNA Impact! (12.13.07) Results
There are several news items to report from Thursday's "iMPACT!" broadcast on SpikeTV as TNA Wrestling heads towards the Sunday, January 6 "Final Resolution" Pay-Per-View event.
- Going into Thursday's broadcast, Christian Cage promised he would get revenge on The Angle Alliance for what they did to him. A bout was signed featuring Cage and a partner of his choice vs. Kurt Angle and Robert Roode, but "The Instant Classic" couldn't get anyone to agree to be his partner (Kaz, Kevin Nash, Samoa Joe and Booker T all turned Cage down). In the end, Cage went it alone in the bout - but the odds were against him. Cage lost the match and suffered another beating afterwards at the hands of Angle and Roode. AJ Styles came down to ringside and looked as though he was going to help his former mentor, but he backed off and never entered the ring.
- By winning the "Feast Or Fired" four-way bout on the broadcast, Scott Steiner was offered a unique opportunity: A $50,000 check or the chance to switch cases with either BG James, Christopher Daniels or Petey Williams. Steiner chose to switch his case and took Petey's case, which he believed had the shot at the TNA World Heavyweight Championship.
- The "Feast Or Fired" cases were opened later in the broadcast, and here are the results: Petey Williams earned the TNA World Heavyweight Championship shot, BG James earned the TNA Tag Team Title shot (although he was non-committal if Kip James would be his partner for the contest), Scott Steiner got the X Championship shot (much to his anger) - but the big news is that Christopher Daniels found out his case (which he won from Senshi) contained the slip revealing he had been fired! TNA security escorted Daniels from the ring as "The Fallen Angel" said his final goodbyes to the fans. Daniels is no longer a part of the TNA roster.
- During an in-ring confrontation, manager James Mitchell threatened Abyss that he would reveal yet another secret he knows about his former protege. However, Abyss eventually snapped and mauled Mitchell - leading to the return of Judas Mesias! Mesias wrapped a piece of barbed wire around Abyss' neck and bloodied his nemesis while Mitchell watched on.
- Kaz defeated the maniacal newcomer Rellik, but Black Reign hit the ring after the bout join in on an assault on Kaz. Later in the broadcast, Black Reign's alter-ego Dustin Rhodes was interviewed by Crystal. He claimed he couldn't be held responsible for Reign's actions, but Kaz disagreed as he attacked Rhodes during the interview for what happened earlier.
- Velvet Sky and Angelina Love defeated Ms. Brooks and an intoxicated Jackie Moore in women's tag team action. After the bout, Robert Roode berated Brooks, leading to Sharmell hitting the ring to confront Roode about his treatment of women. Roode had some choice words for Sharmell, which brought out Booker T. Before Booker could hit the ring, Roode bailed out and talked trash with his nemesis from the entrance ramp. Speaking of Booker T, he beat "Wildcat" Chris Harris in singles action on the broadcast.
- In a Lumberjack Strap Match, X Division Champion "Black Machismo" Jay Lethal defeated Johnny Devine, getting his revenge on the X turncoat. After the bout, members of the X Division hit the ring and poured on the punishment on Devine. After the beating, Team 3D came out and talked trash with the Motor City Machineguns.
- Going into Thursday's broadcast, Christian Cage promised he would get revenge on The Angle Alliance for what they did to him. A bout was signed featuring Cage and a partner of his choice vs. Kurt Angle and Robert Roode, but "The Instant Classic" couldn't get anyone to agree to be his partner (Kaz, Kevin Nash, Samoa Joe and Booker T all turned Cage down). In the end, Cage went it alone in the bout - but the odds were against him. Cage lost the match and suffered another beating afterwards at the hands of Angle and Roode. AJ Styles came down to ringside and looked as though he was going to help his former mentor, but he backed off and never entered the ring.
- By winning the "Feast Or Fired" four-way bout on the broadcast, Scott Steiner was offered a unique opportunity: A $50,000 check or the chance to switch cases with either BG James, Christopher Daniels or Petey Williams. Steiner chose to switch his case and took Petey's case, which he believed had the shot at the TNA World Heavyweight Championship.
- The "Feast Or Fired" cases were opened later in the broadcast, and here are the results: Petey Williams earned the TNA World Heavyweight Championship shot, BG James earned the TNA Tag Team Title shot (although he was non-committal if Kip James would be his partner for the contest), Scott Steiner got the X Championship shot (much to his anger) - but the big news is that Christopher Daniels found out his case (which he won from Senshi) contained the slip revealing he had been fired! TNA security escorted Daniels from the ring as "The Fallen Angel" said his final goodbyes to the fans. Daniels is no longer a part of the TNA roster.
- During an in-ring confrontation, manager James Mitchell threatened Abyss that he would reveal yet another secret he knows about his former protege. However, Abyss eventually snapped and mauled Mitchell - leading to the return of Judas Mesias! Mesias wrapped a piece of barbed wire around Abyss' neck and bloodied his nemesis while Mitchell watched on.
- Kaz defeated the maniacal newcomer Rellik, but Black Reign hit the ring after the bout join in on an assault on Kaz. Later in the broadcast, Black Reign's alter-ego Dustin Rhodes was interviewed by Crystal. He claimed he couldn't be held responsible for Reign's actions, but Kaz disagreed as he attacked Rhodes during the interview for what happened earlier.
- Velvet Sky and Angelina Love defeated Ms. Brooks and an intoxicated Jackie Moore in women's tag team action. After the bout, Robert Roode berated Brooks, leading to Sharmell hitting the ring to confront Roode about his treatment of women. Roode had some choice words for Sharmell, which brought out Booker T. Before Booker could hit the ring, Roode bailed out and talked trash with his nemesis from the entrance ramp. Speaking of Booker T, he beat "Wildcat" Chris Harris in singles action on the broadcast.
- In a Lumberjack Strap Match, X Division Champion "Black Machismo" Jay Lethal defeated Johnny Devine, getting his revenge on the X turncoat. After the bout, members of the X Division hit the ring and poured on the punishment on Devine. After the beating, Team 3D came out and talked trash with the Motor City Machineguns.
WWE ECW on Sci FI (12.11.07) Results
ECW on Sci Fi
December 11, 2007
Boston, MA
Commentators: Joey Styles & Tazz
Kane & CM Punk v. Deuce & Domino
Punk and Domino started things off and after a few kicks, Kane came bounding in and started flattening him with rights and lefts before going for an elbow drop and a quick cover attempt. Punk tagged in and went for the old springboard clothesline, but missed by a mile and a half and crashed to the mat.
Deuce went for a cover and began pummeling Punk on the mat before hitting a nice side kick to Punk’s mid section and hanging the champion up on the ropes. Domino tagged in and hit a flying axe handle for a quick two count, before laying Punk out with a sloppy looking back breaker.
Domino tried to stretch Punk out on his knee but ate a few knees to the face.Punk crawled to his corner but got clotheslined before he could reach it. Domino missed a charging something or other and clattered to the floor while Punk fought his way to the corner.
Kane tagged in and the big red machine began cleaning house. Punk hit a back body drop before booting the oncoming Deuce. Kane hit a pair of running clotheslines and a side slam before scaling the ropes and delivering the flying lariat. Kane signaled for a clothesline and caught both men. He passed one to Punk who hit GTS. Kane hit a choke slam on Domino and that’s all she wrote.
Winners: CM Punk & Kane via pin fall
Morrison & Miz are up next!
****Commercial****
Shelton Benjamin is talkin’ about gold. He was going somewhere, then it got weird, then he starts talking about shovels and digging and hey, he gets an A for effort. No seriously, it’s the best Benjamin promo ever, but that’s like being the shiniest terd in the toilet.
The Miz & John Morrison v. Jimmy Yang Wang & Shannon Moore
Miz got the early advantage on the smaller Moore trying to impose his strength on the wee man before Moore fired back with a slap. Miz took Exception and laid in a series of forearms but missed a clothesline and ate a couple of arm drags and a neck breaker for a one count.
Wang tagged in and he and Moore hit a fun little drop kicky thingy before Miz fought him off and tagged in the Shaman of Sexy. Wang cut him off and hit a standing moonsault before hitting a chop and tagging Moore back into the match. Moore almost got the cover on a sunset flip before yanking away on the arm of Morrison.
Wang tagged back in and grabbed another arm bar and dropped some knees into the elbow before moving into a hammer lock. Morrison hit a stingy back elbow and followed Wang to the corner where he flat backed him with a European uppercut. Morrison missed a follow up in the corner and got arm dragged again and what do ya know, Wang is hanging with him.
Moore tagged back in and the two hit a nice double suplex for a one and a half count. Moore went right back to the arm and tagged Wang right back in who came bounding into the ring with a kick but was yanked into the corner and ate some buckles. Morrison tried another charge and slammed into the ring post. Moore and Wang both hit dueling asai moonsaults on the outside and the heel champs are in trouble.
****Commercial****
The heels are now in control and Wang fights off Morrison and here comes Moore. Moore nailed Miz with a spinning heel kick and ascended the ropes, but got ripped off by Miz. Miz didn’t waste much time getting Morrison back into the match and the Guru of Greatness began stomping away at the back of Moore.
Miz tagged in and hit some sort of springboard thing off Moore’s back and snapped his head off the middle rope. Miz slapped on a rear chin lock and it’s REST HOLD~! Time.
The crowd rallied Moore who tossed Miz off but got clocked with a clothesline in return. Morrison tagged in and he and Miz hit a crazy looking face buster for a two count. Morrison beat Moore down in the corner and tagged Miz back in. A lot of M’s in this match. Miz went for a cover but only got a two count.
Moore fought back and back body dropped Miz but just couldn’t get to Wang. Morrison came in and went for a back suplex, but Moore wiggled out and made the tag. Wang came in a house of fire and dispatched of Miz before hitting a hellacious axe kick. Wang hit a sick monkey flip that flipped Morrison like 90 times for a two count. Moore dispatched of Miz and it’s Morrison and Wang one on one. Wang missed the moonsault and Morrison almost got the roll up with the hand full of tights but Moore caught him.
Miz tossed Moore aside and hanged up Wang, who bobbled back to the middle of the ring and got nailed with the corkscrew neck breaker and that’s all she wrote.
Winners: John Morrison & The Miz via pin fall
****Commercial****
A promo for Kofi Kingston aired.
Layla & Victoria v. Kelly Kelly
Kelly’s all decked out in Sox gear and she’s getting beat up pretty bad. Kelly hit a head scissors on Victoria before laying on some clubbing in the corner. Doesn’t last long though. Victoria makes her die with a clothesline and then scoop slams her. Layla tags in and drops a leg drop before yanking some locks.
Layla tossed Kelly to the side of the ring by the hair before hitting a snap mare anda boot to the back. Layla slapped on a good old arm bar while telling everyone to shut up. Kelly fought out and cat fight or something. Victoria tags in and this is going to suck for Kelly.
Victoria tossed her to the mat a few times before Layla tagged in and hit another leg drop before a nifty double team wheel barrel splash for a two count. Kelly’s still fighting. The double team backfires and Kelly uncorks some clotheslines before tossing Layla like yesterday’s meat. Kelly went for a cover but got nailed with a double drop kick to the head. She tags in to make her all legal like and hit a brutal knee to the face before leaving the scraps for Layla. Layla hit’s a boot to the grill and that’s that.
Winners: Layla & Victoria
The girls began some silliness after the match before Michelle McCool came in to make the save.
****Commercial****
The Raw rebound aired. Hey, I was there.
Big Daddy V and Mark Henry are with Matt Striker. Henry’s ‘run’ promo is ok with me. Henry rules.
Tazz and Styles go down the Armageddon card.
Elijah Burke is in the ring cutting a promo. He says ECW is his turf and Batista will fall to the Elijah Experience.
****Commercial****
Batista v. Elijah Burke
The match started quickly with Batista hammering Burke all over the ring until Burke avoided a charge in the corner and sent the champion clattering into the ring post. Burke kept it up with the short but stinging offense mixed in with some rest holds to wear the Animal down.
Batista was able to power out of the hold and then crushed Burke with a standing spine buster. He whipped Burke to the corner and followed up with a clothesline before laying the boots to the black pope in the corner.
Burke fired back and tripped Batista up in the corner and set up for the Elijah Express. Batista turned around and absolutely split Burke in half with a SUPER HUGE spear. Burke is totally dead. No like seriously dead. Batista gathered him and Batista bombed him on his head and that’s that.
Winner: Batista via pin fall
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Show Thoughts-- I like the general direction that WWE has decided to take with ECW in recent weeks, and that’s more of a showcase show for the stuff they just don’t have the opportunity to ever get to. Sure, it may SEEM like ECW would be a dumping ground to many, but it’s great to see the tag titles getting attention. It’s great to see Henry and Big Daddy V getting a little attention. It’s even a place where someone like Shelton Benjamin can learn and grow as a wrestler.
Strangely enough, I’ve been really impressed with Batista since April and now I’m really beginning to come around on him in terms of his stuff in the ring. Throughout 05 and in late 06, he was darn near unwatchable at times, stumbling from spot to spot and worst of all, trying feats of strength that are just kind of stupid to attempt.
Instead, he’s grounded himself, works at a good pace, and focuses on his natural athletic gifts. While I don’t think you’ll see anyone, myself included, call him ‘fast’, he’s a lot like Mark Henry where it’s the short, small bursts of quickness that are really impressive. They’ve worked him around to the point where the difficulty in beating him doesn’t come from his strength, it’s the fact that he can hit any one of his big time moves out of anywhere. The Spine buster isn’t bionic, now it’s standing, but it makes it more dangerous and again, the other guy isn’t running around making him look slow. The spear can be hit out of nowhere and both set up for the lights out Batista bomb. He struggles in some areas, but seems to finally have gotten over the injury from last year, and has actually shown a great deal of improvement in the ring this year. It deserves a tip of the cap.
Miz and Morrison parading around with the tag belts is a fantastic idea. They’re consistently in a great match every week and it’s a good way to kind of make the belts and getting a shot at the belts, a big deal. Sure, they’re slapped together, but for whatever reason, and I’m sure I’m not in the majority in this sentiment, it doesn’t really bother me.
My one bone of contention is the lack of their using Alejandro Estrada more. Really, he’s a suped up version of Don King and him doing the constant promotion of the brand would really help I think. Showcasing him champions, coming to other brands and telling them to put up or shut up. Heck, do what they did with Morrison and Miz and have ‘em steal a few titles.
There isn’t a lot to say about tonight’s show, because like I said, it’s more of a showcase deal now, but always entertaining in a way. It’s like a televised house show to give guys who need camera time, well, camera time. Fun show again, but nothing that’s going to blow your mind yet.
December 11, 2007
Boston, MA
Commentators: Joey Styles & Tazz
Kane & CM Punk v. Deuce & Domino
Punk and Domino started things off and after a few kicks, Kane came bounding in and started flattening him with rights and lefts before going for an elbow drop and a quick cover attempt. Punk tagged in and went for the old springboard clothesline, but missed by a mile and a half and crashed to the mat.
Deuce went for a cover and began pummeling Punk on the mat before hitting a nice side kick to Punk’s mid section and hanging the champion up on the ropes. Domino tagged in and hit a flying axe handle for a quick two count, before laying Punk out with a sloppy looking back breaker.
Domino tried to stretch Punk out on his knee but ate a few knees to the face.Punk crawled to his corner but got clotheslined before he could reach it. Domino missed a charging something or other and clattered to the floor while Punk fought his way to the corner.
Kane tagged in and the big red machine began cleaning house. Punk hit a back body drop before booting the oncoming Deuce. Kane hit a pair of running clotheslines and a side slam before scaling the ropes and delivering the flying lariat. Kane signaled for a clothesline and caught both men. He passed one to Punk who hit GTS. Kane hit a choke slam on Domino and that’s all she wrote.
Winners: CM Punk & Kane via pin fall
Morrison & Miz are up next!
****Commercial****
Shelton Benjamin is talkin’ about gold. He was going somewhere, then it got weird, then he starts talking about shovels and digging and hey, he gets an A for effort. No seriously, it’s the best Benjamin promo ever, but that’s like being the shiniest terd in the toilet.
The Miz & John Morrison v. Jimmy Yang Wang & Shannon Moore
Miz got the early advantage on the smaller Moore trying to impose his strength on the wee man before Moore fired back with a slap. Miz took Exception and laid in a series of forearms but missed a clothesline and ate a couple of arm drags and a neck breaker for a one count.
Wang tagged in and he and Moore hit a fun little drop kicky thingy before Miz fought him off and tagged in the Shaman of Sexy. Wang cut him off and hit a standing moonsault before hitting a chop and tagging Moore back into the match. Moore almost got the cover on a sunset flip before yanking away on the arm of Morrison.
Wang tagged back in and grabbed another arm bar and dropped some knees into the elbow before moving into a hammer lock. Morrison hit a stingy back elbow and followed Wang to the corner where he flat backed him with a European uppercut. Morrison missed a follow up in the corner and got arm dragged again and what do ya know, Wang is hanging with him.
Moore tagged back in and the two hit a nice double suplex for a one and a half count. Moore went right back to the arm and tagged Wang right back in who came bounding into the ring with a kick but was yanked into the corner and ate some buckles. Morrison tried another charge and slammed into the ring post. Moore and Wang both hit dueling asai moonsaults on the outside and the heel champs are in trouble.
****Commercial****
The heels are now in control and Wang fights off Morrison and here comes Moore. Moore nailed Miz with a spinning heel kick and ascended the ropes, but got ripped off by Miz. Miz didn’t waste much time getting Morrison back into the match and the Guru of Greatness began stomping away at the back of Moore.
Miz tagged in and hit some sort of springboard thing off Moore’s back and snapped his head off the middle rope. Miz slapped on a rear chin lock and it’s REST HOLD~! Time.
The crowd rallied Moore who tossed Miz off but got clocked with a clothesline in return. Morrison tagged in and he and Miz hit a crazy looking face buster for a two count. Morrison beat Moore down in the corner and tagged Miz back in. A lot of M’s in this match. Miz went for a cover but only got a two count.
Moore fought back and back body dropped Miz but just couldn’t get to Wang. Morrison came in and went for a back suplex, but Moore wiggled out and made the tag. Wang came in a house of fire and dispatched of Miz before hitting a hellacious axe kick. Wang hit a sick monkey flip that flipped Morrison like 90 times for a two count. Moore dispatched of Miz and it’s Morrison and Wang one on one. Wang missed the moonsault and Morrison almost got the roll up with the hand full of tights but Moore caught him.
Miz tossed Moore aside and hanged up Wang, who bobbled back to the middle of the ring and got nailed with the corkscrew neck breaker and that’s all she wrote.
Winners: John Morrison & The Miz via pin fall
****Commercial****
A promo for Kofi Kingston aired.
Layla & Victoria v. Kelly Kelly
Kelly’s all decked out in Sox gear and she’s getting beat up pretty bad. Kelly hit a head scissors on Victoria before laying on some clubbing in the corner. Doesn’t last long though. Victoria makes her die with a clothesline and then scoop slams her. Layla tags in and drops a leg drop before yanking some locks.
Layla tossed Kelly to the side of the ring by the hair before hitting a snap mare anda boot to the back. Layla slapped on a good old arm bar while telling everyone to shut up. Kelly fought out and cat fight or something. Victoria tags in and this is going to suck for Kelly.
Victoria tossed her to the mat a few times before Layla tagged in and hit another leg drop before a nifty double team wheel barrel splash for a two count. Kelly’s still fighting. The double team backfires and Kelly uncorks some clotheslines before tossing Layla like yesterday’s meat. Kelly went for a cover but got nailed with a double drop kick to the head. She tags in to make her all legal like and hit a brutal knee to the face before leaving the scraps for Layla. Layla hit’s a boot to the grill and that’s that.
Winners: Layla & Victoria
The girls began some silliness after the match before Michelle McCool came in to make the save.
****Commercial****
The Raw rebound aired. Hey, I was there.
Big Daddy V and Mark Henry are with Matt Striker. Henry’s ‘run’ promo is ok with me. Henry rules.
Tazz and Styles go down the Armageddon card.
Elijah Burke is in the ring cutting a promo. He says ECW is his turf and Batista will fall to the Elijah Experience.
****Commercial****
Batista v. Elijah Burke
The match started quickly with Batista hammering Burke all over the ring until Burke avoided a charge in the corner and sent the champion clattering into the ring post. Burke kept it up with the short but stinging offense mixed in with some rest holds to wear the Animal down.
Batista was able to power out of the hold and then crushed Burke with a standing spine buster. He whipped Burke to the corner and followed up with a clothesline before laying the boots to the black pope in the corner.
Burke fired back and tripped Batista up in the corner and set up for the Elijah Express. Batista turned around and absolutely split Burke in half with a SUPER HUGE spear. Burke is totally dead. No like seriously dead. Batista gathered him and Batista bombed him on his head and that’s that.
Winner: Batista via pin fall
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Show Thoughts-- I like the general direction that WWE has decided to take with ECW in recent weeks, and that’s more of a showcase show for the stuff they just don’t have the opportunity to ever get to. Sure, it may SEEM like ECW would be a dumping ground to many, but it’s great to see the tag titles getting attention. It’s great to see Henry and Big Daddy V getting a little attention. It’s even a place where someone like Shelton Benjamin can learn and grow as a wrestler.
Strangely enough, I’ve been really impressed with Batista since April and now I’m really beginning to come around on him in terms of his stuff in the ring. Throughout 05 and in late 06, he was darn near unwatchable at times, stumbling from spot to spot and worst of all, trying feats of strength that are just kind of stupid to attempt.
Instead, he’s grounded himself, works at a good pace, and focuses on his natural athletic gifts. While I don’t think you’ll see anyone, myself included, call him ‘fast’, he’s a lot like Mark Henry where it’s the short, small bursts of quickness that are really impressive. They’ve worked him around to the point where the difficulty in beating him doesn’t come from his strength, it’s the fact that he can hit any one of his big time moves out of anywhere. The Spine buster isn’t bionic, now it’s standing, but it makes it more dangerous and again, the other guy isn’t running around making him look slow. The spear can be hit out of nowhere and both set up for the lights out Batista bomb. He struggles in some areas, but seems to finally have gotten over the injury from last year, and has actually shown a great deal of improvement in the ring this year. It deserves a tip of the cap.
Miz and Morrison parading around with the tag belts is a fantastic idea. They’re consistently in a great match every week and it’s a good way to kind of make the belts and getting a shot at the belts, a big deal. Sure, they’re slapped together, but for whatever reason, and I’m sure I’m not in the majority in this sentiment, it doesn’t really bother me.
My one bone of contention is the lack of their using Alejandro Estrada more. Really, he’s a suped up version of Don King and him doing the constant promotion of the brand would really help I think. Showcasing him champions, coming to other brands and telling them to put up or shut up. Heck, do what they did with Morrison and Miz and have ‘em steal a few titles.
There isn’t a lot to say about tonight’s show, because like I said, it’s more of a showcase deal now, but always entertaining in a way. It’s like a televised house show to give guys who need camera time, well, camera time. Fun show again, but nothing that’s going to blow your mind yet.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)