Category Archives: Results

WWE Smackdown recap for 12/03/2010

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Hello readers, I’m Sunny K and welcome to the Smackdown recap of 12/03/2010. I can’t give a quick rundown of what happened last week on Smackdown because I didn’t see it. Sorry. Now, onto the show.

The question of “What will the stipulation at TLC be for the Edge/Kane match?” is the main focus of the opening video. As usual, top notch production. I still don’t care about the actual feud though.

Rey makes his entrance to kick off the show. He gets in the ring, which is completely surrounded by TLC’s and brings up Sheamus winning the KOTR. He says he would’ve loved to win the tournament but he didn’t get the opportunity thanks to Alberto Del Rio. They show clips ADR costing Rey his KOTR qualifying match. He says it doesn’t matter though, because he took care of business. He sure did. They show a clip of Rey costing ADR his match in the KOTR semifinal match against Morrison. Mysterio says being a king is about being a fearless leader and climbing so high that you aint afraid to fall. He said that he sees that ADR likes to ride around in fancy cars, but he prefers to fly. Cue ADR’s music. He rolls in in a Rolls Royce. Weird sentence there. Read it again. Del Rio pays a security guard to watch his car. It’s rented, don’t worry Alberto. Just pay the extra few bucks for insurance next time. ADR tells Rey that he’s not on the same level he is. He brings up the last time Rey was around chairs and ADR, he ended up injured in the hospital. Rey says he’s been injured by people who are twice the man ADR is. Rey says he’s 100 % and since they’re both out there, maybe they should take care of business right now. Crowd pops. ADR declines, calls him an ambitious Chihuahua and says it’s not happening. Rey stops him mid sentence and starts speaking Spanish. I hate when wrestlers do that. Sorry, superstars. Rey says he spoke to Teddy Long and at TLC it’s ADR vs. Mysterio 1 on 1. Del Rio says he has no reason to fight him, because he’s already beaten him. Rey knocks ADR off the ladder, but Del Rio remains on his feet and pushes Rey off the ladder. He stomps on Mysterio a bit but Rey gets up, fights back and hurricanas him over the top rope and ADR lands on a table. Rey jumps off the apron and legdrops ADR’s through the table as we go to commercial break. Good segment that hypes the match that will probably steal the show at TLC.

Dolph and Vickie are walking around backstage. Vickie says she’s happy NXT is over because that means Kaitlyn’s gone. They bump into Kaitlyn backstage and she tells them she’s Smackdown’s newest diva. Vickie gets pissed off and leaves. Dolph tries to hang around and talk to Kaitlyn but Vickie yells at him and drags him away. What a c-block.

Kaval and MVP vs. Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre

This is MVP’s last match as he recently was released from his contract. I don’t know how I feel about him leaving. He’s been complaining for a long time now and admitted that he personally asked for his release a la Matt Hardy. Drew and MVP start things out and MVP gains control and hits a kneedrop. He tags in Kaval and they double team Drew a bit. Cover by Kaval gets two. Kaval hits a hard kick to the face. He tags out to MVP. MVP hits a dropkick on a seated Drew. Drew hits MVP with a kick to the gut as MVP tries bouncing off the turnbuckle. Drew tags Ziggler in but he’s quick to get his ass kicked by MVP. He throws Dolph to the outside. Drew and Dolph are standing around outside while MVP tags in Kaval. Kaval dives over the top rope onto both of them. He knocks them both down as we go to commercial break.
Commercial
We come back from commercial and Dolph is working over MVP. MVP makes a comeback by hitting a few clotheslines and a flapjack type of maneuver. He hits the ballin’ elbow but can’t go for the cover because Drew distracts the ref. Dolph clips MVP’s knee and tags out to Drew. Drew comes in and immediately goes after MVP’s knee. He hits a knee to the face and tags Ziggler back in. Ziggler gets a two count and goes right after the knee. He grapevine’s the leg and tags out to Drew. McIntyre comes in and continues working the softened up knee. Tag out to Ziggler. MVP finally gets the tag to Kaval as he goes nuts on Ziggler. A couple of kicks to the face and then a flying kick off the top rope. Kaval covers but only gets two as Drew interrupts the count. MVP knocks Drew out of the ring as Ziggler goes for a sleeper. Kaval fights out. Dolph goes for a vertical suplex but Kaval beautifully floats over and hooks in a dragon sleeper! Vickie interferes as Kaval lets go of the hold. Ziggler hits a quick zig zag and gets the three count. Post match, Kane comes out and chokeslams MVP and Kaval.

Analysis: ** It was okay. They followed the tag team match formula to a tee. The suplex reversal into that dragon sleeper was sweet. I wish MVP luck. I personally think he should’ve stuck around. He was doing pretty well as a babyface. TNA will probably offer him a deal somewhere down the line. That’s where most of Vince’s ex employees end up anyway. Modern day WCW.

Kane gets on the mic and demands that Edge hand his father back to him. Edge shows up on the big screen and says Kane, you have a point and Paul probably wants to go home too. He tells Kane that he’s not going to play anymore games and that if he wants Paul Bearer, he’s in the loading alley.

Video package recapping the happenings surrounding John Cena’s impromptu return in order to destroy Nexus is shown

Kane is walking around backstage now looking for Paul Bearer. He spots Edge pushing Paul’s wheelchair in the distance and starts running towards them. Too slow though, as they’ve gotten away. Kane continues looking and spots the wheelchair once again. He sees the wheelchair parked behind an open truck as a large piece of equipment FALLS ON PAUL BEARER!! Kane runs up and realizes that it’s not Paul. Nope, just a dummy. Kane looks relieved as Edge pushes Paul’s wheelchair around in the distance as Paul continues to scream out. This was hilarious. You could hear the crowd actually laughing, which doesn’t happen very often anymore.

# 1 Contender for IC Title
Kofi Kingston vs. Jack Swagger

They lockup and Jack takes him down to start. Another lockup, but this time Kofi’s not going down so easily. Kofi hits a codebreaker type move but Jack quickly gets back on his feet. They lock up again. Go behind by Swagger is reversed by Kofi. Swagger goes for an ankle lock but Kofi doesn’t let him slap it on as he kicks him away. Too early for that. Both men are up again. Striker is making comparisons between Swagger and Sheamus on commentary. I don’t see any similarities other than the fact that their both really tall. Sheamus is brute strength and Swagger is finesse. As smart as Striker is sometimes, some of those lines that Vince feeds him are very stupid. Anyway, back to the match. Both men are up again. This time Jack doesn’t go for another lock up. He goes straight in and begins pounding on Kofi’s back, grabs his hair and throws him down. He chokes him with his boot in the corner. Kofi, back on his feet now gets some kicks in. He runs the ropes and hits a dropkick. Are those boos I hear for Kofi? Swagger, back on his feet now takes a few punches. Kofi goes up top but gets thrown off HARD by Swagger. A cover by Swagger gets two as Kingston gets a foot on the rope. Grisham sends us to commercial.
Commercial
We come back from the break and Swagger has Kofi locked into a submission. He tries to keep him grounded but Kofi fights his way to his feet. Kofi hits the ropes in hopes of hitting an aerial move, but Swagger clips his knee. Goodbye comeback. Swagger, still in firm control of the match now takes Kofi to the corner and chokes him a bit. He hits a few forearm shots to the back and chokes Kofi over the bottom rope. Another pinfall attempt by Swagger gets two. Swagger with an armbar now. Kofi, on his feet while still locked in an armbar, hits a few punches and fights out. Kofi hits the ropes but Swagger catches him quickly and locks him in an abdominal stretch. Kofi Kingston’s comeback attempts keep getting thwarted. Jack releases the hold and starts pounding on Kofi’s back some more. Jack ends up outside and tries pulling Kofi out by the ankle. Kofi fights out and jumps on Swagger to the outside. He does an awesome spot where he jumps over the ringsteps whilst holding Swagger and smashing his head into the steps. Kofi then jumps back over the steps and hits a flying forearm on Swagger. Really good spots there. The ref is counting now. Kingston in at 8. Swagger at 9. That was close. Both back in now, Kingston with punches and a dropkick. Swagger tries to make a comeback but Kofi hits the SOS. That gets a two count. Both men back on their feet now. Swagger whips Kofi into the ropes and attempts a gutwrench powerbomb but Kofi keeps trying to flip out of it. Swagger keeps Kingston’s hips locked but Kofi finally flips out, gets on his feet but runs into a huge boot. Pinfall attempt by Jack gets another long two count. Swagger, frustrated now throws Kofi by his hair about halfway across the ring and runs towards him. Kofi trips him and Swagger eats turnbuckle. Kofi jumps on Swagger in the corner, hits 3 punches and Swagger tries to powerbomb him off. Kofi avoids it and lands on his feet. Jack goes after him but gets draped over the top rope. Kofi goes up top and hits a beautiful crossbody that gets a close two count. The commentators sound like they are genuinely loving this. Kofi goes for trouble in paradise but Swagger ducks it. He tries it again but this time Swagger grabs his leg and tries to lock in an ankle lock. Kofi fights out and jumps to the outside the ring as Swagger grows more frustrated. He’s tried to lock it in about four times now and still can’t get it, can you blame him? Swagger reaches over to grab Kofi but gets hit with trouble in paradise. Kofi covers him for three after over 15 minutes. What a match.

Analysis: ***1/2 Loved this match. So did the crowd. Swagger showed some great intensity here much like he did at the Survivor Series. He’s really come into his own as of late. The more I watch him, the more he reminds me of Kurt Angle. Absolutely loved the frustration he showed when Kofi repeatedly broke free from his ankle lock attempts. Kingston was good here as well, although it was Jack Swagger who really impressed. The outcome makes sense. Swagger doesn’t need an IC title match. It would do nothing for him at this point. He needs to move up the card and get himself into the main event scene. So is it Kingston vs. Ziggler at TLC? Meh. It’s not fresh, but as a ladder match it would be really good.

More Kane/Edge/Bearer stuff. Paul Bearer “falls down” arena steps in the lobby. Kane runs to check up on him but realizes that again, it’s a dummy. Kane looks pissed. Edge and Bearer at the top of the steps as Bearer screams out for Kane. And they roll out.

Commercial

Chris Masters vs. Cody Rhodes

Layla’s boyfriend starts out with a flurry of punches. Masters throws him in the corner and winds up to punch him. Cody protects his face and tries to exit the ring but gets caught in a masterlock. The ref breaks it and Cody drapes Masters over the top rope to take control of the match. He hits a Russian leg sweep and covers for two. Cody throws a punch, a kick and slaps on an arm wringer. Masters tries to fight out but gets taken right down and hooked in wristlock. Masters uses his strength and fights out. He slams Cody and then chops him. Isn’t that banned? That got some “woo’s”. Masters bounces Rhodes off the ropes and hits a back bodydrop. He takes him to the corner and chops him again (wtf). He whips him into the opposite turnbuckle but Cody reverses it and hits a beautiful disaster, followed up by the Cross Rhodes. Rhodes covers and gets three.

Analysis * Just a quick TV match. It went about 3 minutes. Nothing really noteworthy aside from the fact that Chris Masters chopped Rhodes twice. I thought they weren’t allowed to do that in WWE anymore.

Video package highlighting the Kane/Edge feud. This kidnapping angle is really silly albeit being pretty funny at times. The Rated R superstar has officially gone PG.

Rosa Mendes vs. Layla

Rosa is hot. That theme music needs to go though. Could it be more stereotypical? Laycool mock Rosa during their entrance. Layla dances around mocking Rosa to start but Rosa kicks her in the ass. Layla punches her but eats a couple of slaps. Michelle gets on the apron and Rosa throws Layla right into her. Layla quickly regains control, however as she hits the Lay-up.

Analysis: NR. Short and to the point. Layla goes over. Rosa is jobber woman.

Post match Hornswoggle jumps in the ring but gets mocked by Laycool. Beth Phoenix comes out and beats up Laycool as Hornswoggle applauds. Swagger’s Soaring Eagle comes out next! He dances around and slaps Hornswoggle. He signals that he wants to fight and boots Hornswoggle in the face. The eagle starts dancing again but turns right around into a Glam Slam. Horny gets up and hits a tadpole splash. Beth and Horny celebrate. Poor bird. What a fail of a segment.

Highlights of The Miz/Lawler match from Raw are shown. I liked the match. It was actually surprisingly good.

Edge vs. Kane

Before Kane’s entrance, Cole says that he will address his actions from Raw on Monday night. A huge “Cole sucks” chant starts up. Michael Cole: Epic heel. Anyway, the winner of the Kane/Edge match will decide the stipulation they will wrestle under at TLC. Kind of stupid, no? It’s TLC! It’s either going to be a tables match, a ladder match, a chairs match, or a FREAKING TLC MATCH! I wonder which one the crowd will pop more for. The match starts and Edge starts out on fire, going right after Kane. They end up outside and Kane slams Edge’s back into the ring apron. Kane throws Edge back in and hits a few punches, walks away, comes back and hits more punches. He throws Edge to the opposite turnbuckle and runs into and elbow. Kane goes for a boot but Edge ducks it and knocks him down. Edge stomps on him a bit as both men go outside. Edge runs at Kane but eats a throat thrust. Kane tosses Edge back in and covers for two. Kane kicks Edge and then drops a couple of elbows. Kane runs the ropes and hits an elbow drop. Kane drapes Edge’s head over the ropes and chokes him with his boot. Headlock/armbar combination by Kane now. Edge tries to fight out with punches but gets thrwated. Kane whips Edge into the ropes and Edge ends up tossing Kane out. Kane gets on the ring apron but Edge hits a Spear through the ropes as Kane ends up back outside as we go to commercial.
Commercial
Back from commercial now and both guys are standing on the top turnbuckle. Edge knocks Kane off and tries to jump on but gets struck with a right hand on the way down. Kane locks in a headlock/armbar move again. It looks kind of like a chickenwing but it’s not. Edge fights out with punches, runs the ropes and hits a flying forearm. Edge tries to go for it again but gets tossed to the outside. Kane goes out after him and scoops him up, but Edge floats over and pushes Kane into the steps. Edge throws Kane back in but Kane grabs Edge by the throat before he can get back in. Edge goes up top and hits a forearm on the way down. That gets a two count. Edge whips Kane off the ropes but Kane reverses. Neckbreaker by Edge and he goes for a cover but only gets two. Kane tries to pick up Edge for a tombstone, but Edge floats over and hits a reverse DDT (Killswitch I think?) like move. He covers for two. Both men up now and Kane hits a sidewalk slam. Kane goes up and nails Edge on the way down. He goes for a chokeslam, but Edge slides out and hits a DDT. Edge covers for a close two count. Edge waits for Kane to get up as he looks like he’s getting into spear position. Kane gets up and clotheslines him. Paul Bearer shows up on the tron screaming for Kane to come and get him and that he can’t take it anymore. Kane exist the ring as the ref begins to count. He gets to a count of 9 before Kane gets back in the ring and immediately eats a huge spear. Edge covers and gets three! Edge wins.

Analysis: ** Well, it was better than their outing at Survivor Series. But it still wasn’t very good. It went about 13 minutes but it felt a lot longer than that. At least they’ll have a stipulation to work under at TLC. Speaking of that…

Post match, Edge gets on the mic and says that at TLC their match will be…A TLC MATCH! Kane looks pissed. Why? Would a simple ladder match suit his style better? Edge leaves and tells Kane that he’ll give Paul Bearer back now. He leaves a wheelchair on the ramp with a fat guy sitting in it. Kane runs up with a huge smile on his face until he realizes that the fat guy in the chair isn’t Paul so he proceeds to beat the shit out of him. The real Paul Bearer shows up on the tron with his wheelchair sitting on the back of a truck. Kane goes backstage and finds him but Edge drives the truck away as Smackdown goes off the air.

Wrapping Up

This was a one match show. Kingston vs. Swagger was great but there wasn’t much else here in terms of actual wrestling. Smackdown is typically better than Raw but this week was an exception. Raw did get to play host to the King of the Ring, so I guess it’s not that big of a surprise. I did enjoy the show though. The ADR/Rey segment to open the show was good and I actually did laugh a little bit during all the Edge/Kane stuff. If you didn’t see it, check out the Swagger/Kingston match.

RAW Report 2/14/11 Anaheim, California

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RAW this week starts with pyro, then Josh talks about who might be announced to host WM. Cole goes on to talk up the matches of the night.

John Cena Vs. CM Punk – There MUST be a winner!

Cena out to the ring, cameraman chasing him making his entrance bouncy and a bit nauseating. Video of Cena hitting a low blow on Punk last week, then getting a chair from King and taking out Nexus. Cena says, thanks to King. Appreciate the assist. Second, look at this crowd! He sees guys smiling, some guys sweating. Can only mean it’s Valentines Day. Nothing says, “I love you honey!” like a pair of WWE tickets (I so agree with Cena on this!)! Love’s in the air, but so is WM! Tonight will be big. We’ll find out who’s going to host WM! “Rocky!” chants fill the arena.

As we can see, there’s many theories. After the Grammy’s they decided anyone brave enough to show up in an egg should be brave enough to host, so Lady Gaga’s a front runner. Sammy left The Shore, so she’s not doing too much. But all the theories, his is the most Rock solid. The host is Cole! Cena says he’s equally upset. But VKM said “last night” (doesn’t he mean last RAW?), it’s a man who’s experienced a special moment. Someone who has extraordinary attraction, someone who’s been involved in something never been seen before. Cole has a special moment every night he gets a email from the RAW GM. Cole glares. We’re talking about special attraction, Cole has that to both A-Ri and Miz. That’s a love triangle. Something that’s never been seen before. Cole is all over that. We’ve never seen proof Cole’s actually a man.

Cole gets pissed. Cena tells Cole not to stand up, will be like looking at a Ken doll. Cole’s pissed. Tonight will be big, Sunday will be bigger. Tonight we find out who hosts, Sunday we’ll find out who goes to WM. After they hear he’s had, he needs this one. At one point he was a slave, working for a radical group. Then he was fired. At one point he was living on powdered milk and Crayola crayons. Was ugly. When he came back he still had to deal with Nexus. The great thing about the Elimination Chamber is, only one man from that group will be in there. Punk will be the only one in there, so -

Punk’s music. He comes out with a mic in hand. Punk says he doesn’t need to listen to this anymore. Like he doesn’t need Nexus to defeat Cena. It’s in the history books. Punk 2, Cena 0. He doesn’t need Nexus to beat him or listen to him run down a good Samaritan like Cole. He doesn’t need the people of Anaheim like Cena does. He is a good person. Cena, trust him, even here good things happen to good people. Off comes Cena’s shirt, then Punk’s.

They lock up, Punk backed into a corner. The ref breaks it. Punk runs out pissed, but Cena ducks. Punk whipped, but moves and Cena hit’s the post. Cena falls from the ring. Cena to his feet but Punk was waiting. Punk off the apron with a huge clothesline.

- Commercial

Punk kicks Cena in the upper chest, then pins for two. Nice suplex from Punk for two. Arm hold on Cena who has the fans chanting for him. Cena flipped Punk off his body, but then Punk ducks Cena’s attack and pins him for two. Body scissors and an arm hold on Cena in the center of the ring. Cena muscles out of Punk’s hold and tries to roll into the STF, but Punk to the ropes and punches Cena. Punk stands on Cena’s back and the back of his head until the ref make shim get off. Upper cut, then punches to Cena who can’t seem to fight back.

But then Cena to his feet, couple punches, then shoulder blocks. Punk’s slammed to the mat by Super Cena! Five Knuckle Shuffle, then Punk up, but he wiggles out and a drop kick to Cena’s face for two. Punk is panting, Cena selling, then Punk puts the body scissor on, but Cena wiggles out and gets up with Punk on his shoulders. Gut wrench to Punk for two. Cena up, but Punk rushes up and kicks Cena in the back of the head. Punk rushes Cena in the corner with a high knee in what Cole calls ‘vintage’ Punk! Cena ducks the bulldog, hits a drop toe hold and sets up for the STF, but Punk wiggles out and hits a swinging neck breaker for two.

Punk gets Cena up, but Cena wiggles out and rolls Punk up for a long two. A kick to Cena’s gut, then another. Kick to the back of Cena’s head. The announcers say Cena’s out, but he kicks out of the attempt. Punk climbs through the “Cena” chants. Punk flies in a cross body, but Cena rolls through and picks Punk up. Punk grabs the ropes and slides out of the ring. On the apron Punk gets a shoulder block to the floor. A hand with a chair slides out from under the ring. The upper arm is clad in a Nexus armband. Punk slides the chair into the ring. Out comes a wrench. The ref deals with the chair, behind his back Punk uses the wrench on Cena who sticks his head out through the ropes. Punk gets Cena up and hit’s the GTS for three.

Winner – Punk

Cole and Josh argue loudly as the video package from the match plays. Josh says Punk can’t beat Cena without Nexus. Cole talks about how clever Punk is. Josh has fallen into King’s role beautifully in this time of needs.

To announce and Cole explains why King isn’t there. My heart goes out to King and his family at this time. I’m sorry for their loss. Cole says King will be there for the Elimination Chamber PPV.

- Commercial

WWE Slam Of The Week – RAW, two weeks ago when Alberto Del Rio celebrated, then got in Edge’s face. Edge attacked, but Alberto got the guitar shot on Edge, then the cross arm breaker.

Justin announces Ricardo who got some heat and rolled his eyes at it. Alberto came out in a 2009 Bentley Continental convertible. Alberto is in a black suit jacket with a brick red striped shirt and the ever present scarf. Alberto tells us who he is, but we know that. This Sunday it doesn’t matter who wins the SD Elimination Chamber Match. Just like it was his destiny to win the Royal Rumble Match, it’s his destiny to be World Heavyweight Champion!

Edge’s music hits and he comes out to cut Alberto off. Edge in a soft, buttery brown leather jacket and tan shirt. Edge says he’s been so busy beating Dolph, he almost forgot Alberto attacked him with a guitar. Alberto mocks strumming a guitar. Edge into the ring. He says Alberto comes in and talks about his destiny. He has this destiny, right? Edge has one too. Does Alberto want to know what that is? Edge spears Alberto, then beats on his. Off comes that beautiful leather jacket, then Edge pulls back the hair. Ricardo up on the apron, but is clotheslined for it. Alberto rolls out. Edge goes toward Alberto, but Alberto hits Edge through the ropes. Alberto up on the apron and eats an Edge spear.

EXCUSE ME!! EXCUSE ME!! EXCUSE ME!! Vickie says this Sunday we’ll have the World Heavyweight Champion Match. But first she’s here to present to you – EXCUSE ME!! She’s there to present the new World Heavyweight Champion, Dolph Ziggler! Dolph out in a nice dark suit and a vibrant turquoise shirt. Video of Edge spearing Dolph twice last week. Clay Matthews came out and tapped the three for Edge to retain. Vickie says she’s told him over and over and over again that if he uses the spear, he pays the consequences. This Friday on SD they’ll have the coronation of Dolph as the new World Heavyweight Champion. Edge lost his Title last Friday night and he’s about to lose something else, his job. She has proof that Edge is the one who assaulted Teddy Long! Vickie cackled very loudly as Cole joined in the happiness

Backstage, split screen, Eve in red and gold, Natalya in black and pink, heading for the ring for their Championship Match.

They play the 2/21/11 raining, boots promo.

- Commercial

Lumberjill Match – Divas Championship – Eve © Vs. Natalya

Natalya in the ring. The Bellas on one side, Kim and Tamina on the other Maryse, Melina and Fox are on a third side. Eve out to the ring with a very Wonder Woman vibe to her.

The bell rings and they shake hands. Side headlock takeover on Eve who reverses into head scissors on the mat. Natalya kicks out. Eve hits a side headlock takeover and Natalya puts on the head scissors on the mat. Ever kicked out. Drop kicks at the same time. They slap hands, lock up. Natalya rolls ever through for two. Eve flips Natalya by an arm, keeps the hammer lock on. Natalya to her feet, into a corner, floats over. Natalya sets up and bows ever back. Eve muscles up and out. Eve pins Natalya for two. Side headlock on Eve. Natalya runs the ropes into a elbow. Eve hits a flipping double leg drop. Natalya comes back with a roundhouse clothesline.

Natalya sent outside and they heels attacked her hard! The faces, Kim and Tamina run to her rescue. Eve flies out of the ring taking out most of the heels at one time. Back in the ring Natalya and Eve knock heads and are down. Natalya rolls Eve up. Eve counters, Natalya’s shoulders are down for three.

Winner – Eve

Natalya looks upset, then speak for a moment, then shake hands. Video of the high points in the match. Natalya leaves with Kim and Tamina. Eve nods and smiles out at Natalya.

- Commercial

Rev Theory in the front row.

The Bellas are all up in Eve’s face. They says she’s weak, doesn’t deserve it, never faced them. They attack Eve. Kim and Natalya rush in to make the save.

Cole and Josh talk about HHH’s new movie. They go to video of The Chaperone.

Mark Henry Vs.

Henry almost to the ring and Sheamus attacks from behind. Sheamus calls for Justin’s mic. He says to every fella in the Elimination Chamber, that’s a reminder of what he’s capable of, watch to see what he does to Orton tonight. Brogue kick to Henry, then Sheamus showboats.

Backstage, Miz in ring gear, A-Ri in a black suit and shirt, gold tie, head for the ring. Miz knocks a staff member out of the way and leaves him lying as they both smile grandly.

- Commercial

WWE Rewind – Last Monday Miz and Ted faced King and Bryan, A-Ri and Cole on announce. King went up, strap came down, King dropped his punch and got the three. Cole and A-Ri about had a fit over King’s showing off.

The Miz w/ A-Ri Vs. Daniel Bryan

Miz and A-Ri to the ring as Cole crows about the best day of his career will be this Sunday when he gets to announce King losing to the Miz. King should be at announce calling the action, not in the ring. A-Ri over to announce and verbally attacks Josh. Cole gets in on verbally abusing Josh. Says Josh should treat his mentor, Cole, better than that. Josh says Cole shoulder treat King, a HOF’er, better than that! Bryan out to the ring through all this.

Miz rushes Bryan and they lock up. Side headlock to Bryan. Miz runs the ropes and shoulder blocks Bryan to the mat. They lock up and push around the ring until Bryan sends Miz flying. Arm drag to Miz. Miz runs the ropes and into two drop kicks. Miz telegraphs and is kicked for it. Bryan then runs into a big boot and hits the mat. Kicks, then an elbow to Bryan’s chest.

Miz locks in a modified cobra clutch. Bryan up and elbows out. Miz and Bryan screw up quite a bit, then Bryan locks on a hold, but Miz grabs the ropes to free himself. Blows to Miz until Bryan runs into a back elbow for two. Chinlock on Bryan on the mat. Bryan up and elbows out. Blows to Miz, then back to Bryan and more on Miz. Bryan into a corner, runs up, flips over Miz. Bryan ducks Miz and hits his own clothesline. Miz into a corner and then a drop kick to Miz in that corner for two. Miz begs, but then on Bryan with blows. Bryan elevates Miz over the top and out.

Bryan rushes Miz who moves out of the way. So Bryan to the apron and flies onto Miz, knee to Miz’s jaw and Miz into the barrier. Back in the ring Bryan hits a beautiful missile dropkick on Miz for two. Bryan locks on his la belle lock, but Miz to the ropes. Knee to Bryan’s head through the ropes. Miz then hit’s a neck breaker onto the apron through the ropes. Bryan then flops to the floor.

- Commercial

Bryan up top, Miz climbs. Bryan hits a sunset flip from up top for two, then both are down. Bryan kicks at Miz’s chest over and over and over, but then somehow ends up in a school boy by Miz for two. Small package from Miz for two. Miz for a neck breaker but Bryan reverses into a suplex! A huge kick to Miz’s chest for two. A-Ri thought it was over there.

Bryan again goes for his submission, but can’t. Bryan with an elbow to Miz’s face. Bryan ends up on Miz’s shoulders and Miz drops him face first to the mat. SCF and Miz gets the three.

Winner – Miz

Cole and A-Ri on their feet for their golden boy who can’t do wrong. Cole laughingly rips on Bryan and King through the video replay of the match. Miz gets a mic and asks if they all saw what he did to the US Champion Daniel Bryan. They all saw, but there’s one who didn’t see, Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler. Kings not there because his mother passed away. Therefore he’d like to take this moment to offer his sincere condolences. However, he hopes Jerry doesn’t use this as an excuse as to why he loses at the Elimination Chamber PPV. The only thing he wants King to hear is that Miz will still be WWE Champion. Because he’s the Miz, and he’s – awesome! A-Ri into the ring to raise Miz’s arm high.

- Commercial

McGillicutty & Otunga w/ Ryan Vs. JoMo & R-Truth

Nexus in the ring already. R-Truth at the bottom of the ramp. JoMo out to the ring in his slo-mo way. Video of JoMo winning last Monday, then getting an eyeful of spray from Miz. Cole says during the commercial the RAW GM changed what was supposed to be JoMo Vs. R-Truth into this tag match after what happened to JoMo last week.

Side headlock on R-Truth. R-Truth pushes out but into a shoulder block. Drop kick to McGillicutty, then hip tosses to McGillicutty. JoMo’s eyes looks very red and blotchy. A bit hip toss to McGillicutty. Otunga on the other side of the ring, so Ryan grabs R-Truth from the ring. Big kick to R-Truth’s ribs. McGillicutty out and slams R-Truth back first into the apron. In the ring McGillicutty pins R-Truth for two. Otunga tags un, whips McGillicutty off the ropes so he’d come back slamming into R-Truth. Otunga then slams into R-Truth before he puts a chinlock on R-Truth. R-Truth, after a bit, wiggles free and suplexes Otunga to the mat.

JoMo tags in. Otunga on him, but JoMo slams Otunga back to the mat, then blows. A sick spine buster on Otunga! Many blows on Otunga on the mat. Otunga got a tag before rolling out. JoMo pulls McGillicutty in over the top. Tons of blows on McGillicutty, then some kicks to McGillicutty’s ribs. McGillicutty screams in pain. JoMo then stomps away at McGillicutty until the ref pulls JoMo off. JoMo rushes Ryan who’s outside. Big boot to Ryan who flops to the floor.

R-Truth rushes JoMo. JoMo helps R-Truth sling over the ropes and onto Ryan. JoMo yells, “I hope you’re watching Punk!” JoMo rushes McGillicutty with a huge kick to the chest for three.

Winners – JoMo & R-Truth

Ryan rushes into the ring and JoMo attacks him with blows, R-Truth joins right in. Ryan flees as the ref works to hold JoMo and R-Truth back.

Josh and Cole talk about Jericho’s new book Undisputed which is out this coming Wednesday. We’ll find out who’s hosting RAW very soon.

- Commercial

Did You Know? The Elimination Chamber weighs of 16 tons – heavier than two adult male elephants and heavier than the combined weight of every WWE Superstar.

Justin announces a co-star of Modern Family and the new movie The Chaperone, Ariel Winter. She gets a tiny bit of pop. She’s all excited to be in the ring on Monday night RAW. In The Chaperone her father is played by the awesome HHH! Not only is it Valentines Day, it’s time for the Khali Kiss Cam! Cole rips on Winter for yelling so loud. Josh tells Cole to shut up, she’s a kid!

Winter dances in the ring and is TINY compared to Khali! Khali says Happy Valentines Day! Then he goes to his native tongue. Singh translates. Tonight Khali won’t be smooching. It will be in the audience and backstage. A cute couple in the crowd kisses. Then it’s Santino and Tamina. Vickie and Dolph kiss. Maryse puts a hand up in Ted’s face. She then turns and kisses Yoshi who about falls over. Then, on the kiss cam, it’s Ryder and Regal! Ryder’s babbling along, so Regal kisses him on the cheek and flees. Hornswoggle comes from under the ring with a heart of candy and gives it to Winter. She leans down and kisses him on the cheek. He picks her up, hands under her bum and spins her! She looks a bit shocked, then accidentally spills chocolates all over the place!

- Commercial

Again they show the 2/21/11 promo, further spurning questions from the fans.

Sheamus Vs. Orton

Sheamus out to the ring. Video of Sheamus attacking Henry earlier. Sheamus is all smiles in the ring in his corny King regalia. Orton comes out to huge pop. Sheamus checks over his shoulder on the way down the ramp. Sheamus paces in the ring.

They lock up, push struggle. Sheamus down on his back, Orton on top in a corner. The ref breaks them up. Orton rushes in but is kicked at by Sheamus. Sheamus runs the ropes into a Thesz press. Knee drop on Sheamus, but Sheamus moves and Orton hits mat. Shoulder block to Orton, then blows on the mat. Forearm to Orton. Orton comes back with a neck breaker on Sheamus. Orton drops his knee, then a heel pin for two. Orton after Sheamus, but pulled face first into a corner buckle. Clothesline to Orton for two. Sheamus chokes Orton with a foot while holding the ropes. Knee to the back of Orton’s head as he’s on the second rope. Sheamus with forearms over Orton’s shoulder onto his chest. Sheamus on the apron and nails Orton with a knee to the head. Sheamus in over the top with a shoulder block to Orton for two.

A chin/arm hold on Orton that drops him to the mat. Orton back up with punches on Sheamus. Sheamus backed into a corner, then whipped to the other corner. Orton into a boot, but then hits clotheslines and that sick power slam. Sheamus telegraphs and is kicked, but comes back with a back breaker on Orton for two. Blows to Orton, then Sheamus sets him up top, puts his legs out and climbs.

Sheamus executes Orton’s father’s move, the superplex. Out of nowhere Orton hits an RKO on Sheamus for three.

Winner – Orton

Out of nowhere comes Punk and Nexus. They attack Orton and beat him down on the mat, stomp him. Out comes JoMo to help. The R-Truth! They gain some control over Nexus and out comes Cena to help the melee. RKO to Otunga. Then an RKO to McGillicutty. Orton Ryan. Cena and Orton double clothesline Ryan from the ring. Punk gets Orton up for a GTS, but Orton gets free and Cena grabs Punk for an AA. Nexus is all laid out on the ramp as Orton and Cena circle the ring together.

Backstage a limo pulls in. A very sexy foot steps out wearing a black patent stiletto Louboutin. Another follows and she walks away, camera staying on those sexy shoes.

- Commercial

Justin announces the host of WM27. It gets very bright and strange music hits. Justin leaves the ring. Lights go out one by one. The Elimination Chamber logo even goes out, leaving the arena in blackness. Sky shots over the tron, then the lights out again.

Then Rock’s music hits and he comes out in a ‘I bring it’ shirt! We all knew, but the way the fans went wild when his music hit was awe inspiring. It wasn’t the return of the Deadman, but it was up there.

Rock finally heads to the ring, slapping a little boy’s hand in the prime seat on his way by. Rock poses on a corner, nose in the air as if it was just last week he was there, not so long ago. Yes, I’m kind of marking out here as I write this. Even JR is marking out on Twitter with us! Rock with a mic, but then has to wait for the fans who are wild for him.

Rock, sunglasses still on, poses with the mic. “After 7 long years, finally, finally, finally, The Rock has come back to Anaheim!” “Which means The Rock has come back to Monday night RAW!” The fans go wild all over again. “Which mean finally, the Rock has come back home.” Tears are welling behind his glasses, he looks a bit shocked. “Before The Rock gets back to that. Before we electrify. Before we turn this out tonight. For those of you who don’t know, The Rock has many nicknames. The Great One. The Most Electrifying Man In Sports Entertainment. The People’s Champion. But he wants to tell us something important to him. He needs to take a moment and tell us something as Dwayne.” Off comes the sunglasses. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been back. 7 years to be exact. But I want to take this moment in the middle of this ring to tell you why I’m back. It’s not because of the money. It’s not to promote a movie. I’m back in the middle of this ring because of you.” The fans go wild for this. “When I left the WWE 7 years ago, I dreamed big and you dreamed with me. You helped me accomplish my goals, accomplish my dreams because you never left my side. I want to take this moment to tell you all here, millions watching around the world, I want to tell you thank you, I love you and it is because of you I’m back in this ring and I’m never ever going away.”

“Rocky! Rocky! Rocky!” chants.

“Simply put ladies and gentlemen, I’m back! The Rock is back because he wanted to do something unprecedented. Something no man has done before. I wanted to host WM! So it happened. The Rock called VKM. VKM says he knows why the Rock is calling. The Rock knows I need a host for WM! The Rock is the only man electrifying enough to host WM. Rock, there’s only one man who can captivate the world. Rock, that man can only be Justin Bieber!” The fans don’t like that!

“But I told VKM, no, the Rock knows Justin, he’s cool. Cool kid. But VKM, there’s only one man who can host WM. That man is the jabroni beating, pie eating, trail blazing, eyebrow raising, step off the brake, put your foot on the gas, always ready to whoop some ass (yes, he was bleeped). The Rock!”

The fans are wild!

“The Rock is going to WM. The Rock will host WM. And at the drop of a hat the Rock with layeth the Smackdown at WM! But, to who? That’s the question? Could it be the WWE Champion, The Miz?” Fans go wild! “He’s the one who goes around saying I’m the Miz and I’m awesome. I’m awesome. I’m awesome! I hear that all the time. The Rock isn’t a scientist, but there’s one formula that’s a fact. If you have to run around shooting off about how awesome you are, it means you absolutely, undoubtedly, undeniably 100% suck! But there’s one more man who the Rock wants to see. One more man the Rock is gonna see. And that man -”

Ding-Ding! HUGE heat! Cole really gloats about this one. “You suck!” chants. Before Cole can even get on the podium Rock cuts him off. Rock tells Cole if he takes one more step toward that computer, the Rock will slap the taste so far out of Cole’s mouth he’ll never get it back! Rock tells Cole to shut up! Cole actually thinks he’s going to interrupt the Rock. You think anyone of them give a damn what the GM has to say? Cole is getting hot under the collar. Rock smiles.

“Rocky! Rocky! Rocky!” chants. Rock asks if Cole thinks – Cole starts to talk but Rock cuts in with, “It doesn’t matter what you think!” The fans are even wilder. Rock tells Cole to sit down, take off his headset and not say another word. And I quote, Cole needs to know his damn role and shut his damn mouth! Because if he doesn’t, Rock will have some pretty good pictures to paste on his FaceBook tonight. Does anyone here want to contribute to the Rock’s FaceBook tonight? Rock gives his FaceBook addy. If Cole doesn’t do as he say, there will be a beautiful picture of Rock leaving this ring, going over to that computer. Some of you might know where the Rock is going with this. The Rock will shine it up real nice, turn that sumbitch sideways and shove it straight up Michael Cole’s candy ass!

The fans love this!

Rock told Cole to sit down, he looks like a drunk hobbit. “Rocky!” chants. He says there’s one man the Rock is going to see. There’s one man the Rock has to see. A guy Rock met. A guy he thought was a cool guy. Wished him well, happy for his success, then out of the blue he starts talking trash about the Rock. He don’t know why and don’t care. He’s back now. We might have heard of him. His name is John Cena. Rock wants to get this straight. The WWE has gone from the powerful Austin 3:16 to the powerful and iconic, do you smell what the Rock is cooking? All the way to the ‘you can’t see me.’ ‘You can’t see me’, what are we playing pee-a-boo? We all can see you! A blindfolded sleeping stuck in the basement Stevie Wonder can see your monkey ass! How do you think we can miss? You come out here with your brat ass purple shirt. Before that your bright green shirt. Before that your bright orange shirt. You run around here looking like a big fat bowl of Fruity Pebbles.

John Cena, the Rock will see you at WM. Just like the Rock will see the Miz at WM. Just like Rock will see everyone at WM. Just as sure as the Rock turns WM into the most epic WM of all time. Just as sure as anything can happen at WM. Just as sure as Cena walks around here looking like he just got shot out of Barney the Dinosaur’s anus, is just as sure as the Rock gauran-damn-tees three things. The Rock guaran-damn-tees that he will show the world he is the most electrifying man in all of entertainment. The Rock guaran-damn-tees, at the drop of a dime, just like that, to layeth the smacketh down on all their candy asses. And the last thing and most important, the Rock and the millions – he said it’s not good enough, so starts again. Then starts again. He is the people’s champ, Anaheim the world is listening. When the millions, and millions of Rock’s fans go to WM and electrify WM and the world like no one else can.

If you smelllllll what the Rock is cookin’? He holds that mic up there for quite a time, the ‘Rocky’ chants start again. Is cookin’? Rock poses on a corner and the fans are hot!

I’m sorry this is later than normal, but I wanted to really get it all down as it’s quite the historic return. By the way, Rock posted his return on FaceBook and has over 2,200 comments and more than 5,000 likes as I post this.

Biggest pop
Rock

Interesting new heat
Cena

WWE Raw recap for 12/20/2010

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Hello again readers and welcome to another weekly edition of the Raw Recap! WWE’s schedule this week is absolutely insane, with 4 shows in a row. I’ll be covering tomorrow night’s Smackdown but I won’t be recapping the Tribute to the Troops show. Four recaps in four days is pretty hectic, nahwhadimean? Anyway, I watched Raw live last night but I felt that it was so good that I gave it a second viewing early this morning, . That and the fact that my boy Dolph Ziggler played a pretty big role on last night’s Raw. That just makes it awesome by default. Let’s roll.

The Miz comes out to open the show. He tells everyone that they better get used to hearing, “STILL WWE Champion, The Miz!” The Miz was in full-out cocky heel mode here. He’s interrupted by Alex Riley coming out playing the role of “The Ghost of Christmas Past.” Riley’s dressed in an olden-style robe with thick chains around his neck. He tells The Miz he wants to show him the error of his ways. He then directs our attention towards the tron which shows The Miz beating Lawler a few weeks ago in the TLC match. The Miz says he doesn’t regret beating up Jerry Lawler but then he’s interrupted by Michael Cole playing the Ghost of Christmas Present. He dropped the “And I quote” line while speaking in a spooky voice. He tells The Miz he should be ashamed for defeating Orton last night by nefarious means. The Miz then says Orton underestimated him and he ended up beating him because of that. THEN we get an image of “The Miz girl” playing the part of the ghost of Christmas future on the tron with obvious painted on lips telling The Miz that he needs to be wary of the # 1 contender – John Morrison. The Miz says he was the future and then drops his “awesome” line. Morrison’s music hits and he enters to a massive pop. John Morrison just called the whole “Christmas past/present/future shit” stupid. Even for The Miz. I agree. He points out that he is the new # 1 Contender and said that sometime soon he’s going to take on The Miz for the title. He brought up that the fact that he beat Miz in the past, present and will also defeat him in the future. The Miz answered with “really” about 5 times and said he begs to differ. Alex Riley then gets in Morrison’s face but gets his ass kicked as The Miz bails in a hurry. Sheamus came out and kicked Morrison’s weak knee to knock him down while Morrison was all over Riley. Meanwhile, on the outside Alex Riley got in Lawler’s face but got decked for it. GM email time! He makes a match for later tonight. A six man tag pitting The Miz, Alex Riley and Sheamus against John Morrison, Jerry Lawler and Randy Orton. Orton then comes out of nowhere and clotheslines The Miz on the entrance ramp to a big pop. Pretty decent opening segment with the exception of all the Christmas past/present/future shit. It wasn’t very funny but I can understand why they did it. It just didn’t go over as well as they thought it would. I liked the Morrison/Miz face off. Morrison = main eventer. Even JR thinks so.

# 1 Contenders Match
Melina vs. Alicia Fox vs. Eve

Natalya joined the announce team before the match. Rumor is that Melina’s going heel. Fine by me. She sucks as a babyface IMO. Alicia Fox came out to her vintage porno music and planned a wedding on her way down the ramp. The start of the match was pretty disjointed. There were a sequence of nearfalls followed by a sweet powerbomb by Fox on Melina. That was followed by Eve taking control and hitting a standing moonsault on Alicia Fox! The finish saw Alicia and Eve trying to hit the DOOMSDAY DEVICE on Melina but Melina rolled through and pinned Alicia for three as Eve completely missed the flying clothesline off the top. Great finish. Post match, Natalya went in the ring to congratulate Melina but got slapped in the face to HUGE heat! Heel turn complete. Natalya looked on shocked as Melina exited the ring and walked to the back.

Analysis: ** One of the better 3 minute matches I’ve seen. Loved the finish. It should’ve got more time but it’s a divas match on Raw. Nobody’s going to book one for more than five minutes. The Melina heel turn was done perfectly.

The Bellas were backstage talking up Daniel Bryan. He entered and they locked arms with him while escorting him to the ring. Michael Cole flipped out as usual.

Daniel Bryan vs. William Regal

Regal looked he gained quite a few pounds. Bryan could barely get him up during some parts of the match. They start it out with some nice chain wrestling, with both of them hitting some sweet looking armdrags in the process. Regal takes Bryan down and kicks him in the back a few times but Bryan gets uber pissed, gets up, knocks Regal down and does the same thing. He kicks the shit out of him in the corner a bit but gets clotheslined down. Regal continued his strike-fest with forearms to the face, followed by a few knees. Regal then hooks in a seated full nelson, which Bryan fights out of. Awesome spot with both guys exchanging European uppercuts. The crowd really got into it as well. A backslide is reversed into a regal stretch, which Bryan counters. Bryan then, very awkwardly, counters a double underhook suplex into the Lebell Lock for the submission victory after five minutes. Post match, the Bellas kissed Daniel Bryan.

Analysis: **1/4 Solid five minute encounter here. Both guys are great technicians so I’m not one bit surprised. Regal’s still got it. Bryan is a wrestling machine.

They showed John Morrison and Randy Orton backstage. Orton said he’ll be coming after Morrison should he beat The Miz for the title. JoMo said he’ll be ready and then said, “I trust you’ll be ready too.” Orton said not to trust him. What a viper. Pretty cool confrontation. Orton/Morrison on pay per view would be really good but I don’t think it’s happening. Not anytime soon anyway.

Tamina was backstage stepping on Santino’s back to work the kinks out of it. Maryse came in and started arguing with her. She got on Santino’s back to get in Tamina’s face as Santino screamed in pain. Security broke it up.

Mark Henry and Gail Kim were shown backstage talking about something. I walked away for a second so I’m not sure about what. He was probably telling her that he plans on injuring a main eventer soon. Her reply was most likely something along the lines of, “I wish I were in TNA.”

Mixed Tag Match
Santino & Tamina vs. Ted DiBiase & Maryse

Teddy and Santino started things out with Ted gaining the advantage early. He hit a beautiful Orton-like dropkick in the early going. Santino ended up gaining momentum and making a comeback. He set up to go for the Cobra, but Teddy tagged in Maryse. He stopped himself from hitting her with it and she twisted his hand around and hit him in the throat with his own Cobra. That sounded really weird. Anyway, Tamina ended up getting tagged. She beat up Maryse and hit her father’s trademark Splash off the top and pinned Maryse for three.

Analysis: ½* for the finish. Too short to garner a higher rating. I’m talkin’ like two minutes short. Post match, Tamina carried Santino out.

John Cena comes out and hugs a guy in the crowd with a “We hate Cena” shirt. Cena sure loves his haters. He says The Nexus is history and did a little dance and sang a little song. He showed footage of him dropping 23 chairs onto Wade Barrett from last night four times in different camera angles and in slow motion. CM Punk thinks it’s stupid. I do too. Cena looks happier than usual here. I don’t blame him. He can finally move on from the stupid Nexus angle. He calls Nexus a bunch of turdburglars and says he’s going to win the Rumble and go to Mania. He’s interrupted by Vickie and Dolph F’n Ziggler who garners HUUUUUUGE heat with her “Excuse Me” line. I know my pbp is awesome and just by reading it you feel like you’re right there in the moment, but you HAVE to watch what happens next. Vickie keeps trying to talk but the crowd keeps drowning her out with a chorus of “boos”. I can’t explain how rabid the crowd is here. Again, you have to watch it for yourself. Cena kept replying with, “I can’t hear you” every time she tried to talk. I really don’t think he could. He tells the crowd that this just made the all-time greatest moments of Raw highlights. After what seems like forever, Vickie is FINALLY able to talk, but the crowd was STILL going rabid. She tells Cena that Dolph Ziggler also won his match last night. Crowd is on fire right now. Vickie wants to play a clip from the Slammy’s where Lawler made fun of her weight. Vickie says she wants an apology from Lawler and if he refuses, Dolph Ziggler is going to beat him up. Of course, the crowd is still drowning her out with boos all the while so Cena has to relay the message to the King. Dolph says, “Yeah that’s right, I’m gonna beat you up!” That was so junior high school-ish, but so awesome at the same time. Lawler and Cena then traded fat jokes about Vickie. The funniest of which was Lawler’s about Vickie’s bathtub having stretch marks LOL! John Cena said that, “Vickie is so fat that her baby pictures were taken via satellite!” Vickie screams for Cena and Lawler to stop and Dolph intervenes. He says that Vickie is beautiful inside and out but Cena shot back with, “I was talkin’ to you a little while ago when you called Vickie a double bagger! That means you gotta put a bag over your head just incase the one on her head breaks” WOW! That wasn’t PG at all. He made a few more fat jokes about Vickie before she ended up slapping him. Dolph got in Cena’s face as the GM buzzed in with an email. He makes Dolph Ziggler vs. John Cena! For right now! It’s definitely worth mentioning that this entire segment, from top to bottom, was absolute GOLD! Did I mention the crowd was amazing? Yeah, watch it!

John Cena vs. Dolph Ziggler

Nice feeling out process as both guys try some chain wrestling. Ziggler fools Cena with a test of strength attempt and kicks him down. Cena ends up coming back early with a bulldog though. Huge “Let’s go Cena” chant started up early as Dolph went for a kick to the gut, which Cena counters and follows it up with a fisherman’s suplex. Cena whips Dolph, but runs himself into the turnbuckle, giving Ziggler the advantage. Ziggler dazes Cena with punches, goes for a pinfall but only gets two. More offense from Ziggler ensues, but he gets too cocky and ends up getting gutwrench suplexed. Whip and a duck by Cena results in him almost getting his head kicked off. Cena counters a headlock into the AA, but Ziggler counters that an X-factor. Pinfall attempt by Ziggler gets two as we go to commercial.
Commercial
A big collision happens after the break and both guys go down in a heap. Dramatic double count spot and Ziggler’s first. Jawbreaker by Ziggler into a cover only gets two. Vickie is going CRAZY on the outside right now. Sweet dropkick by Ziggler connects. Punk says Ziggler “one hell of a competitor.” Fuckin’ right! Another dropkick attempt by Ziggler is swatted down and is followed by vintage Cena offense. You know, a bunch of shoulderblocks. Cena hits the five knuckle shuffle and picks Ziggler up in AA position but it’s countered into a sleeper! Cena throws Ziggler off and Dolph runs right into an STF. Vickie distracts the ref as Dolph taps out. Ref didn’t see it. Match aint over! Cena goes to tell Vickie to fuck off, turns around and eats a fame-asser! Cole called it the Zig Zag. Idiot. Dolph hooks the leg and covers. One..two…KICK OUT! Damn you, Billy Gunn! You can sense Punk’s animosity towards Cena at this point. I wasn’t paying attention to it much during my first viewing because I was so into the match. Dolph, frustrated now, takes the padding off the turnbuckle in the corner. As the ref goes to put it back on, Dolph grabs the IC title and tries to nail Cena with it. He swings wildly, Cena ducks it and hits the AA on Dolph. He covers and gets three after nearly 14 minutes. Post match, Cena celebrates and CM PUNK jumps in the ring and attacks him with a chair! Cole is shocked! Sewing the seeds for an AWESOME feud! I guess Punk’s cleared to wrestle again.

Analysis: ***1/2 Really good match that was hot all the way through. They got a good amount of time and worked very well together. Punk attacking Cena after the match was great. Cena no selling it and getting up after a couple of seconds was not. I look forward to that feud. We can expect some great mic work from those two. On another note, how many good matches has Dolph had in the past 3 months? Too many! I know there’s people out there complaining that Cena didn’t put Dolph over. To them I say, “Are you out of your fucking mind?!” Cena is THE guy on Raw. He may suck in the ring and all, but he just needed to go over here. Don’t shit on the booking, folks. Dolph is a midcard heel on the B show. The guy’s great and one of my favorite wrestlers, no doubt, but by even losing to Cena in a near 15 minute *** + match is a big enough rub for Ziggler at this point. It’s not all about wins and losses. Just ask Chris Jericho.

Josh Matthews gets a word with CM Punk and asks why he did what he did to Cena. Punk says Cena brutalized Wade with a steel chair and tonight, he just gave him a taste of his own medicine.

Sheamus and Lawler face off backstage. Sheamus says he’s the real king and “The king is dead” followed by “Long live the KING!” Huh?

Vickie and Dolph argue backstage. Dolph challenges Cena to a rematch tomorrow night on Smackdown. Yes! Vickie says she can make it happen, but then adds herself to the match as a part of Dolph’s team so now it’s a handicap match. Fuck!

The Miz, Alex Riley & Sheamus vs. John Morrison, Jerry “The King” Lawler & Randy Orton

It looks like Orton and Riley are going to start things out. Orton hits him with uppercuts and drops the knee. He tags JoMo in as all the girls scream. Look out, John Cena. Morrison goes to work on Riley, hitting him with punches and locking him into a front facelock as he tags in The King. Lawler just hit a dropkick! Impressive. Riley comes back with punches and tags in The Miz. Lawler reverses Miz’ strike and decks him. Lawler tags Orton in and Miz dashes out of the ring. Here comes Sheamus as we go to commercial break.
Commercial
We come back to Sheamus working over Lawler. Sheamus charges at Lawler but he misses and nails the ringpost. Tag to Morrison. John goes right after Sheamus with strikes. John Morrison is limping, still selling the knee from last night. John hits a beautiful springboard kick on Sheamus and goes for Starship pain but Sheamus hits the injured knee while Morrison is up top. Nice spot there. Morrison sells it like crazy
Tag in to The Miz. He stomps away on JoMo. Sheamus gets tagged back in and works the knee. Huge “Morr-i-son” chant starts up. Man it must be hard to chant that over and over! “Nitro” would’ve been so much easier. Riley is in now and he’s also working the knee. He drags Morrison towards his corner and tags in The Jizz. He punishes Morrison’s knee by bouncing off the ropes and sitting on it twice. He goes for it a third time but Morrison kick’s him right out of the ring. John crawls over to his corner and reaches for a tag but Miz pulls him back. Sheamus gets tagged back in now and clubs away at Morrison’s chest. A cover gets two. Sheamus puts pressure on the knee as he bearhugs it. Morrison uses his good leg to kick Sheamus in the head a few times. He tries an enziguri but misses wildly. Half crab by Sheamus as Morrison is trying to drag the 270 pound Sheamus so he can get to his corner and tag. Hold is broken by outside interference but Sheamus is still in control. Sheamus gets cocky and taunts Orton. He goes to pick Morrison up and eats a kick to the face. Sheamus quickly tags The Miz as Morrison gets the hot tag to Orton. Two clotheslines followed by a powerslam on The Miz. The Viper hits an Angle Slam and DDT’s The Miz. Orton covers but Sheamus interrupts the count at two. Morrison clotheslines Sheamus out. Orton sets up to RKO The Miz but Riley runs towards him. RKO to Alex Riley instead. This gives The Miz enough time to recovery and hit Orton with a boot to the face. Orton falls in his corner and Lawler tags himself in. He punches The Miz but Miz reverses a second strike into SCF position. The ref is pre occupied with Alex Riley, trying to get him out of the ring and Orton runs in to RKO The Miz. Lawler covers and gets three after about 15 minutes to get his revenge on The Miz! Post match, Lawler and Orton celebrate in the ring. I’m assuming John Morrison is licking his wounds outside the ring. The GM chimes in and makes Orton vs. The Miz for tomorrow night on Smackdown. The Miz runs in to hit the SCF on Orton but Randy sees it coming. Orton decks Riley and The Miz bails once again.

Analysis: ***1/2 I loved this match. No bullshit DQ or “schmozz” finish. It was very smartly booked, in that it kept Orton looking strong even after his loss last night and gave Lawler his revenge on The Miz, even if Orton did the leg-work for him, which kept Miz’ credibility. Great effort by everyone involved and a great way to end the show.

Wrapping Up

This was definitely one of the better Raws I’ve seen recently. Match quality was way up there without sacrificing good promo time. The Cena/Vickie in ring promo was just incredible and was enough to carry the talking aspect of the show. This felt like a very good edition of Friday Night Smackdown. Speaking of Smackdown, I’ll be covering tomorrows show. See ya then.

Quick WWE TLC Recap

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What’s up readers?! So after a pretty solid Smackdown this past Friday, I’m back with what you’ll probably consider a very quick recap of last nights TLC pay per view. I watched the show this morning instead of live last night and I was fairly surprised with the quality of some of the matches. Of course, there are always disappointments, and then there’s the good ol’ John Cena match on the card that we never have ANY expectations for whatsoever. Here we go.

Dolph Ziggler def. Kofi Kingston & Jack Swagger in a Triple Threat Ladder Match (*3/4)

Was it just me, or did the majority of this 9 minute opener feel dry. Nothing really happened in between the big spots. Swagger locked in an ankle lock while Kofi was climbing the ladder, which looked sweet. Ziggler then locked in a not so cool looking sleeper hold on Kofi some time later. Simply put, it needed more time. What could’ve been a possible show stealer turned out to be nothing more than an extremely underwhelming experience. I did like the finish though, with Ziggler grabbing the title on its way down after both Kofi and Swagger had unhooked it.

Natalya & Beth Phoenix def. Laycool in a Tag Team Tables Match (**1/4)

I was pleasantly surprised by the work in this match. There were some really innovative, cool looking spots throughout. By far, the double sharpshooter spot was my favorite. The finish didn’t go exactly as planned. Michelle and Layla were supposed to fall off the top turnbuckle and break through the table I presume. Instead, the table didn’t break and thankfully, Natalya improvised and hit a splash off the top to break the table. Much like everyone else, I thought the Beth heel turn was coming here. It didn’t happen. I guess WWE wants to very slowly build towards it.

Santino & Kozlov def. The “Lexus” for the Tag Team Titles (1/2*)

This really should’ve been left off the card. Was it even booked for TLC? Santino’s pre-match stickwork was funny. He said that TLC stood for “Totally Lethal Cobra” and some other pretty hilarious stuff. As for the match itself, it was like 7 minutes and ended when Michael McGillicutty jumped in the ring to nail Santino just as he was about to hit the Cobra. Post match, Wade Barrett came out to beat the shit out of the tag champs with a chair. Honestly, the whole point of putting the match on the card was probably to give Wade Barrett some actual heat going into his match with Cena later in the evening. As you and I both know, the feud has gone from one of the best on Raw to an absolute afterthought. The whole “firing angle” seriously KILLED this feud.

John Morrison def. Sheamus in a Ladder Match to become the # 1 Contender for the WWE Championship (****1/4)

Wow. This was just utterly AWESOME in every sense of the word. I’m glad they booked it to go 20 minutes. 10 or 15 wouldn’t have been enough. This was one of those matches that I just did not want to end. The story of the match was of course, John Morrison’s knee. Sheamus had really destroyed it early in the match and Morrison, unlike John Cena, actually sold it beautifully throughout the entire bout. Both guys looked more motivated than ever here. Loved the finish. It’s been said to death but these guys have GREAT chemistry together. IMO, this is how main event level feuds should be booked. Let the in ring action do the talking. Sheamus took a nasty bump when he fell perched up on a ladder on the inside of the ring onto a ladder locked between the ring apron and the announce table. The ladder cracked in half! We’ve seen the bump before but I never thought Sheamus would agree to something like that so kudos to him. As expected, JoMo went over and I’m happy for him. It’s just sad that he’ll be the first guy to lose clean to The Miz. He’s a much better worker than his former tag team partner. On the bright side though, he’ll actually get to main event a pay per view (I’m assuming the Morrison/Miz match happens at the Rumble) and once you do something like that, it’s not that easily forgotten.

The Miz def. Randy Orton in a Tables Match to retain the WWE Championship (*3/4)

It went 15 minutes. In retrospect, this really should’ve been a regular one on one match. I understand that they wanted to book the whole “fluke finish for Miz” here but once the bell rung, this match got boring in a hurry. I have to admit though, I liked the false finish. If they had just left it at that, The Miz would’ve become even more hated. That’s exactly what you want when you have a heel champion. Instead, the ref restarted the match with Orton going through a table at the hands of Riley just a minute later. Was there even a point in restarting the match then? As Orton would say, “STUPID!”

Edge def. Alberto Del Rio, Rey Mysterio & Kane in a Fatal 4-Way Ladder Match to win the World Heavyweight Championship (****)

Boy am I glad they changed the World Championship match to a Fatal 4-Way! This was awesome! All four guys (yes, even Kane) worked their asses off here. The bump that ADR took off the gigantic ladder near the end of the match was nasty. Jeff Hardy nasty. Star of the match in my opinion. The kid is going to be a champion very soon. There wasn’t really a slow point in the whole match. It had a great flow and for a 23 minute match, it didn’t feel so long. These guys fought from inside the ring to the entrance ramp and back. This match was literally all over the place! My guess is that Edge feuds with ADR after this. Their pre-match face-off backstage was definitely sewing the seeds for a possible future feud. With the lack of main eventers on Smackdown at this point, it’ll probably happen sooner rather than later.

Cody Rhodes came to the ring and cut a promo on fat people in Houston. What do you do when you’re desperately trying to get a pretty-boy character over? Rip on fat people. Always works. I liked when he said, “Houston, YOU are the problem.” His awesome fat people flame-fest was followed by Big Show coming out dressed as Santa Claus, handing out free copies of Knucklehead. I’m surprised nobody threw it back. The segment ended when Show stripped Rhodes down to his underwear.

John Cena def. Wade Barrett in a Chairs Match (*)

So yeah. What the fuck? These guys got nearly 20 minutes (I think it was 19 to be exact but I’m not 100 % sure), and they couldn’t even work a half-decent match. Some of the crowd reactions seemed extremely forced, as if everyone “felt bad” for Cena. Hey, the guy sucks. Cheer for him to make him feel better. And why did this go on last? Nobody cares about this feud anymore. I actually at one point forgot that this match was even on the card. They even tried the whole chair shot sword fight spot. It fell flat. These two had a better match back at Night of Champions because of all the heat their feud had generated by then. In retrospect, it really should’ve ended then. Nexus disbanding was the condition if Cena had won. Ah well, whatever. I’m glad it’s over now. Now John Cena can “achieve his boyhood dream” and win the fucking Royal Rumble. Fuck.

Wrapping Up

The two **** + carried this show. That was exactly what I was expecting anyway. This was a very enjoyable PPV and a lot better than last month’s Survivor Series. Honestly, it was probably better than more than half the shit WWE produced this year. WrestleMania was probably a tad better but not by much. The only thing that annoys me is that they put Cena/Barrett on last. That snoozer should’ve been buried in the midcard somewhere. Anyway, watch the show. You’ll be pleased with the quality of some of the matches. Skip the last one. Even I’m trying to pretend it never happened.

WWE Smackdown Recap for 12/17/2010

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What’s up readers and welcome to yet another Smackdown recap! After the train wreck that the Slammy Award edition of Raw was, I’m reluctant to watch SD this week. Let’s hope it’s good. And by that I mean there’s a Dolph Ziggler match on the show. Let’s get to it.

Edge comes out first as Tony Chimmel further enunciates the “SUPERstar” part of his name. It gets worse every time. Cole is sitting at the announce table holding his Slammy’s and tells his colleagues to “Be jealous.” Anyway, Edge gets on the mic and says the last four weeks have been the most bizarre of his career. Hey Edge, what about when you started banging Lita and got Matt Hardy fired? Wasn’t that bizarre? Actually, bizarre isn’t the word for it. Awesome is! Fuck Matt Hardy. He says there aren’t words to describe how bizarre exactly they have been so he directs our attention to the tron for a video. Great. They play some goofy music and show clips of Edge’s kidnapping shenanigans over the past few weeks. Well, that was hilarious. And I mean that in the absolute most sarcastic way possible. After the video, Edge says that Kane is evil and ruins people’s lives for his own amusement. He brings up how Kane terrorized the entire Smackdown locker room for attacking Undertaker even though it was Kane all along. He said that if he knew he’d be facing Kane, he would have to play Kane’s own game. Fight fire with fire. He said maybe he went too far, but now he’s in Kane’s head. He said the master of the evil mental mind game has been one-upped. He says he’s going to win their match at TLC and become a 10 time World HEAVYWEIGHT Champion. I don’t think Edge is a heavyweight anymore btw. Dude’s looking under 200 pounds these days. Just saying. Anyway, good promo by Edge hyping the SD main event at TLC. He’ll probably win the title this Sunday. Kane’s main event run = over.

They show clips of The Miz on Jimmy Fallon. The Miz vs. Rey Mysterio later on tonight.

Commercial

Teddy Long and Edge are shown backstage. Long is scared for Edge and says that he doesn’t even know if Kane is showing up at TLC. Edge says he doesn’t want to win the title by forfeit. So much for the ULTIMATE OPPORTUNIST, huh? In walks Alberto Del Rio. Del Rio says he’ll be happy to destroy Edge. Rey comes into the picture and says he wants the title shot and him and ADR proceed to argue in Spanish. Long says that just incase Kane doesn’t show up at the ppv, it will be Edge/ADR/Mysterio in a triple threat TLC match for the title. ADR asks what will happen if Kane shows up and says he doesn’t want to get shafted if Kane does end up showing. Long says then in that case it will just be a Fatal 4-way TLC match with the four of them. I like the Fatal 4-Way stip WAY better. I’m rooting for Del Rio but it’ll probably still be Edge winning. I’m guessing Rey costs ADR the match somehow. They’ve got a nice feud going and I’d hate to see it end. Keep it going and let ADR go over in the end.

Tag Team Match
Kofi Kingston & Kaval vs. Dolph Ziggler & Jack Swagger

Jack Swagger goes to work on Kaval’s back right as the bell rings. Irish whip by Swagger, Kaval flips and somersaults off the ropes but Swagger catches him. Kaval fights out, backs up into the corner and hits a low spinning kick to knock Swag down. Kaval hits a beautiful hurricanrana as Ziggler runs in but Kofi tosses him out. In an amazing looking spot, Kofi dives out on top of Swagger as Kaval dives to the outside on top of Ziggler. They both did their respective dives on opposite sides of the ring. Looked freakin’ sweet. They’re all on the outside now, which is Matthews’ cue to send us to commercial.
Commercial
We come back and Swagger’s working over Kaval’s arm, which turns into a nerve hold. Kaval hits Swag’s knees to fight out but Swagger punches Kaval back down. In comes Ziggler and hits his patented elbow drop. Pinfall attempt by Dolph gets two. Dolph with a chinlock now. Kaval steps on Dolph’s foot to get out of it but gets knocked right back down. Tag to Swagger and he comes in to hit an elbow drop followed by a Vader bomb. Cover by Swagger gets two as Dolph yells, “YOU think I’m gonna tag YOU?!” at Kaval. Well, that was weird. Swagger with a chinlock and then a german suplex but Kaval lands on his feet! Swagger pulls Kaval back before he can recover and make the tag. He brings him back to his corner and tags Dolph. Ziggler beats up Kaval a bit and tags Jack back in. Swagger chokes Kaval on the ropes but breaks at four to avoid the DQ. He pounds on Kaval’s back some more and goes for a gutwrench powerbomb but Kaval flips out and sunset flips over. He hits a legdrop to Swagger’s nuts and leaps to tag Kofi. In come Kingston. He hits a few chops and a dropkick. Flying forearm shot by Kofi followed by the Boom drop! He goes for the TIP but Dolph ducks out. Ziggler, still dazed though turns right around into the SOS! He goes for the pin but Swagger breaks it up. Kaval comes in and Swagger clotheslines him out, taking himself out as well. Dolph is up now, he runs at Kofi to take him down but misses. Dolph turns around and gets hit with Trouble in Paradise! Cover, 1-2-3!

Analysis: *** Very good 11 minute TV match. That’s not surprising though, given the participants. A match like this on Raw would barely get five minutes. Thankfully, Smackdown recognizes that on a wrestling show, wrestling is the priority. Kofi looked really motivated here. Nice change of pace from STUPID!

Post match, Swagger decks Ziggler and Vickie goes APESHIT on him. Honestly, I can’t put into words how annoying her screaming is. Swagger is barely holding back his laughter.

We cut backstage to a Miz interview and he asks why he’s here on Smackdown. He does a Rock-like bit where he rips on the interviewer. He runs through what he did throughout the week. Alex Riley tries to interrupt with a joke but The Miz stares a hole through him.

Commercial

Str8 Outta Brooklyn with JTG. He says that Sheamus has a restraining order against the sun. He makes fun of ADR for renting cars. He mentions that Justin Beiber hasn’t hit puberty. That was…different. I kinda like it though. It gives JTG something to do.

They show what happened earlier this week. Drew tells Kelly Kelly he was disgusted about what Tyson Kidd said to her on Raw. He hits on her a little bit more and says he wants to get to know her better. Kaitlyn cockblocks and says Kelly has plans.

Grooming tips time! This week the dashing one demonstrates how to properly blowdry your hair. Thanks Cody. My brother just said, “Hey I learn so much from this guy!” I was going ignore it but I thought I’d share.

Commercial

“Dashing” Cody Rhodes vs. Chris Masters

They should give Masters’ back his old music. Generic rock is just so TNA. Rhodes’ pushes Masters and Chris goes to slap him but Cody ducks to protect his face. Masters slaps his back hard instead. He slaps Cody in the face and beats on him in the corner. Irish whip into the turnbuckle followed by a Gorilla Press. Masters chops Cody and hits 4 punches while mounted on Rhodes’ on the second turnbuckle before Cody kicks him off. Cody grabs Masters and hits the Cross Rhodes to get the pinfall victory at less than two minutes.

Analysis: ¼* Quick match, Raw style.

Commercial

Rey Mysterio vs. The Miz

They circle each other as the bell rings. The Miz goes for a kick but Rey dodges it. They lock and Rey takes him down. He jumps on Miz’ back but he grabs the ropes to break it. They both back up. Lock up again and Miz grabs a chinlock. Rey whips Miz out of it as Miz comes back with a shoulderblock. They run the ropes and it ends in a Miz clothesline. Cover by The Miz gets two. Irish whip by the Miz but Rey comes back with a sweet headscissors. He stomps Miz in the corner and then hits a low dropkick to the face. Rey goes up top and as soon as he gets into moonsault position, Miz shoulderblocks the ankle and knocks Rey off. Miz stomps on Rey and the ref breaks it up. A-Ri nails Rey while the ref is distracted. The Miz ‘s back runs his knees into Mysterio. A Miz cover gets two. Headlock by The Miz now. Rey fights his way to his feet and armdrags him over but runs right into an elbow. The Miz goes for a kick on a grounded Mysterio but misses. Mysterio runs the ropes and ducks a few clotheslines. He knocks Miz into 619 position but Alex Riley pulls his buddy out. Rey runs the ropes and hits a slide under the ropes to knock Miz down and Riley starts helping Miz to his feet. Rey’s on the apron now and pounces on A-Ri. The Miz, who has now regained his composure, nails Rey on the outside to knock him down as we get sent to commercial break.
Commercial
Back from the break now as Mysterio has just fought out of a submission but he runs right into one of The Miz’ trademark moves. The Miz whips Rey into the turnbuckle but runs into a kick . Rey tries something in the corner but gets caught in running powerslam position. The Miz spins Rey around but gets DDT’d on Rey’s way down. Both men get up at six before they’re counted out and exchange punches. Rey bounces off the ropes, ducks a clothesline and hits a springboard crossbody that gets a two count. Rey knees The Miz in the face and misses a kick as Miz pushes him face first into the second turnbuckle to capitalize on Rey’s mistake. The Miz kicks away at Mysterio in the corner and then hits his trademark running clothesline in the corner. Miz goes up top but gets kicked in his face on the way up. Rey climbs up and hits a hurricanrana off the tope rope. Cover by Rey gets two! Rey kicks Miz into 619 position as Riley gets on the apron to distract the ref. Rey bounces off the ropes but ADR is there to trip him. He came outta nowhere. RKO style. Miz gets a roll-up for two! I thought that was it! Rey kicks Miz in the head and dropkicks ADR. Rey tries a splash off the top rope but Miz gets the knees up and covers for three at the 13 minute mark!

Analysis: *** Leave it to Rey Mysterio to deliver the goods and give a new main eventer his first good match as world champion. This does make up for their shitty Raw match, but it wasn’t epic or anything. Just felt like something was missing. The interference from ADR really pissed me off since the same thing happened on Raw. Out of two matches in 1 week, they couldn’t have ONE clean finish? Bullshit. Still very solid though. The Miz showed some promise here, but he’s got a ways to go.

Post match, Del Rio starts beating Rey but Edge makes the save. The Miz tries to punch Edge but gets knocked out of the ring for his trouble. Teddy Long comes out and announces a tag team match between Edge & Mysterio vs. Miz & ADR for later tonight.

Commercial

Laycool are in the ring and protesting their tables match for this Sunday at TLC. They call the match barbaric. Layla’s busting out her thousand accents. They call themselves flawless. Same old shit. Here comes Natalya with a table wrapped up as a present with a bow on it. Seriously, what the fuck is this? Beth Phoenix is with her. Nattie says that Laycool doesn’t make the rules. McCool says that a tables match doesn’t say “Diva”. She tells Beth and Nattie they look like men. Beth Phoenix tells Michelle the jokes are getting old. I agree. Beth says nobody’s laughing and that at TLC, they won’t be laughing. Laycool act like bitches a little more. Beth rips the wrapping paper off the table to reveal a graphic of Laycool that displays Michelle as an anorexic and Layla as a redheaded dwarf? Laycool attacks, they beat them up and set up to suplex Layla through the table but Michelle makes the save. I guess we’re going to have to wait until Sunday. I fucking hate Laycool. Putting them through a table just isn’t enough.

Santino and Kozlov are shown backstage possibly walking to the ring as we’re sent to commercial.

Tag Team Match
Santino & Kozlov vs. Chavo Guerrero & Tyler Reks

Reks is just absolutely HUGE. Never noticed how big he truly is. Now all he needs to do is stop sucking in the ring. Santino grabs a headlock but gets irish whipped and shoulderblocked by Reks. Kozlov gets tagged in and eats a few punches and gets scooped slammed. Kozlov, now on his feet, hits a few headbutts, irish whips Reks and ducks but gets kicked and knocked down. Chavo tags himself in, much to the dismay of Reks and dropkicks Vlad. He covers but only gets one. Chavo runs right into a powerslam and gets thrown into the corner. Santino comes in and hits a headlock takedown on Chavo. He goes for his patented “salut” forearm drop but Chavo sits up. Chavo, smirking now, starts pounding on Chavo. He tags Reks in and Reks slugs away at Santino. Shortarm clothesline by Reks and a pinfall attempt gets two. He tags Chavo back in and Chavo goes for a scoop slam, which is reversed into a split-legged stunner by Santino. Santino reaches for the tag while Chavo is holding him by the leg and gets it. Kozlov comes in and beats Chavo up. Chavo gets a surprise eye gouge, but he gets whipped into the turnbuckle. Kozlov runs into a boot, Chavo goes up and flies onto Kozlov but gets pushed down. Santino gets tagged in and hits the most devastating finisher of all time – The Cobra! He pins Chavo for the win at three minutes.

Analysis: ¾* Another win for Santino and Kozlov. Good for them! Like I’ve said before, they’re great as a team. Pretty basic match here though. Tyler Reks looked like he could do the basics and Chavo jobbed to Santino & Kozlov again. I’m guessing this is an ongoing thing where Chavo picks a mystery partner on a weekly basis but never wins. I’m a fan of Chavo so if this is what keeps him on TV, then I’m all for it.

Commercial

Ezekiel Jackson promo vid. He’s comin’ to Smackdown! You know Taker vs. Jackson is inevitable now, right? That’s not a good thing by the way.

Raw rebound! Or is it recall? I don’t know, who cares. John Cena faced David “Marlon Wayans” Otunga. Otunga ended up losing and beat up after the match. Barrett had Nexus walk out on Otunga.

Main Event Tag Match
Alberto Del Rio & The Miz vs. Edge & Rey Mysteri

Edge and Miz start things out. Stiff long lock up into a headlock by Edge. Miz whips him but Edge bounces off and hits a shoulderblock and goes right back to the headlock. He has Miz grounded now. They get vertical and Miz corners Edge. Knee shot and a punch to the head by Miz who tags in Del Rio. ADR hits a kick and a scoop slam. He covers and gets a short two count. Del Rio gets Edge in a chinlock, but quickly releases and drives his knee into Edge’s back. Del Rio tags Miz back in. He whips Edge but its reversed. Clothesline by Edge followed by a tag to Rey. Rey runs the ropes, gets propelled by Edge and legdrops The Miz. Rey covers for two. The Miz, in the corner now plays possum and moves out of the way as Mysterio runs towards him. Rey’s shoulder hits the ringpost. Cover by Miz gets two. Tag to Del Rio and ADR kicks Rey in the ribs. ADR drives his knee into Rey’s back and covers for two. ADR keeps his knee in Rey’s back while pulling his head back. Rey fights to his feet with elbows but takes a forearm shot to the back and goes down again. Del Rio throws Rey out of the ring and follows him out to kick him. ADR throws Rey back in and covers for two. He tags in The Miz who continues the punishment. Rey kicks The Miz and runs towards him but Miz hits a drop toe hold to ground him once again. Another tag to ADR. This is really boring by the way. ADR hits a knee to Rey’s gut, runs the ropes and sunset flips over. Rey rolls through though, gets up and kicks ADR in the head. Rey gets the hot tag to Edge who clotheslines The Miz and hits a flapjack. Edge looks like he’s setting up for the spear but Alex Riley distracts him. The Miz grabs Edge in SCF position, but Edge reverses it into a DDT. He covers but ADR interrupts the count at two. They show a few guys lying around backstage. I can only assume that it is Kane’s doing. Back in the ring, Rey hits a 619 on The Miz followed by a Spear by Edge. Kane’s pyro hits and he comes out to duke it out with in the middle of the ring. Is the match over? I didn’t hear a bell. Out comes the ENTIRE Smackdown locker room to break up the Kane/Edge fight. The separate the two and try to hold them back. Edge and Kane are punching through the crowd of guys and trying to pull them apart. Kane chokeslams some Trent Baretta and Edge Spears Kane immediately after to end the show.

Analysis: *1/4 The actual match was pretty boring. It started with a beatdown on Edge, which led to a hot tag to Rey. Then a beatdown on Rey, which resulted in the hot tag to Edge. Edge did his thing and Kane was out there a few moments later. I guess the whole point of the match was to have Kane interfere in it. The pull apart fight at the end was cool. You don’t see that often, but I’m not too sure that it should’ve been used in a feud like this. It’s got little heat and to be honest, nobody really cares for it.

Wrapping Up

Okay, so the last show before TLC was fairly enjoyable and did a good job at building towards Sunday. Even the Intercontinental Title picture got some attention on this show which was nice. I still don’t think Jack Swagger should be fighting for the IC title, but that’s just my opinion. I think he’s better than that. It’ll probably be either him or Kofi Kingston winning it at TLC though, which is unfortunate. Dolph has been an excellent IC champion thus far. Maybe it’s time to move him up to the main event scene? I know. I’m dreaming. Just give him a match with Daniel Bryan at Mania and I’m a happy camper. I’ll be covering TLC this Sunday so make sure you check out my recap. I’ll have it up Monday morning. See ya then. Ciao.

WWE Raw Recap for 12/13/2010

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What’s up Pwrestlingnews readers and welcome to this weeks Raw Recap. I’ve recently come down with a disgusting cold, which is why I’m posting this later than usual. I didn’t watch Raw live. Instead, I’m streaming it off some site without reading any spoilers or results so it certainly does have that “live” feel. This weeks Raw is 3 hours. Will I get through it with this horrendous sickness? I hope so. Dear WWE, please don’t make this suck.

Raw kicks off with a video package hyping the show. Slammy Awards 2010 tonight.

Cole, Punk and Lawler welcome us to the show. Lawler tells Cole he wants to punch him but Cole says that’ll get him fired. Punk tells them both to “chillax”.

The greatest WCW Champion of all time DAVID ARQUETTE is our host tonight. He brings up the fact that he was the champion and says he beat Eric Bischoff. His throat seems really sore. He hypes a movie called “Ready 2 Rumble”. Haven’t heard of it. Crowd boos. Lawler says that Arquette is horrible. I agree. Shocker of the year award is up first. The nominees are:
1. Miz cashes in MITB
2. Debut of Nexus
3. Paul Bearer turns on Taker
4. Orton punts Jericho

Hey, what gives? What about Daniel Bryan’s return at SummerSlam?! Anyway, the Nexus debut wins and Wade Barrett comes out to accept the slammy and give a speech. Punk says “Maybe David Arquette can join Nexus.” Barrett rambles on about Nexus being the most powerful group in WWE. He says that he is the one man with the power to re-hire John Cena. Oh yeah, that angle. Almost forgot. He mentions that if he doesn’t re-hire Cena, he will be ex-communicated by the group that he created. He said he’ll be making his decision about whether or not to hire Cena back before the night is over. GM email time. Punk asks if he can do it but Cole ignores him. The GM puts Barrett in a match against Big Show right now! Out comes Show. He grabs Wade’s slammy and walks down to the ring with it. Barrett follows him. Big Show gets in the ring and taunts him. CM Punk makes a fat joke about Big Show.

Wade Barrett vs. Big Show

First time we’re seeing these two lock up. Wade stalls at the start. He bails to the outside and walks around the ring to huge boos. Wade gets back in the ring and tries stalling some more. Show kicks him in the gut and chops him in the corner. Wade sells it like he’s dying. Show tries to chop him again but Wade rakes the eyes. Show, momentarily blinded, gets kicked in the knee multiple times. Big “Cena” chant starts up. Why WWE Universe? Show comes back with forearms to the back. Show throws Wade to the outside and chops his chest as Cole freaks out. Shut up, Cole. Wade grabs his Slammy and starts to walk up the aisle and to the back. Barrett’s counted out after 4 minutes.

Analysis: NR. What a shitfest. Thankfully, it was kept short in order to preserve everyone’s sanity.

Commercial

Kelly Kelly and Tyson Kidd are out to present the “Despicable Me” award. Kidd’s huge bodyguard comes out with him. Tyson introduces his bodyguard, Jackson Andrews. He makes fun of Kelly being an idiot. He says the actual shocker of the year is that she pronounced the word “treachery” properly. Kelly Kelly says “Congratulations Tyson, you talked more tonight than you have in your entire career! Two words – Super Cuts.” Hey, I go there. Don’t knock Supercuts. Anyway, the nominees for the award are:
1. Drew making Teddy get on his knees, no homo
2. Kane buries Undertaker alive
3. Mr. McMahon kicks Bret in the family jewels
4. CM Punk sings “Happy Birthday” to Rey’s daughter

And the winner is – CM PUNK! Awesome. Punk high fives Cole as he wins his third slammy ever. Punk approaches the podium and says that if you work hard and believe in yourself, you can make all your dreams come true. He says he did what he did because Rey Mysterio wronged him. He says that there is another individual backstage who has wronged him. He says that he will get even and says “Watch your back because I hold grudges and do not forget.” He ends his speech with “You haven’t seen anything yet.”

Interpromotional Tag Team Match
Kofi Kingston & Daniel Bryan vs. Dolph Ziggler & Ted DiBiase

We get sent to commercial before the match and when we come back Dolph has Bryan in a headlock. Bryan fights out but eats a fameasser. Ziggler tags in DiBiase who goes to work on Bryan. Sneeze attack, brb. Okay, back. Ziggler just hit a beautiful snapmare a la Mr. Perfect. He covers for two. DiBiase is back in now. He scoop slams Bryan and covers for two. Ted locks Bryan into a headlock. Bryan elbows his way out of it, runs the ropes and goes for a crossbody but Teddy does the exact same move. They collide and knock eachother down. Bryan reaches over and tags Kofi in. Controlled frenzy time. Kofi hits the boom drop on Ziggler. Kingston goes for the Trouble in Paradise and nails it! He covers Ziggler and gets three as DiBiase tries to break up the count to no avail.

Analysis: * Really short tag match. I wish this one had gone longer. These four could’ve had an incredible match. It was like five minutes. Three of those minutes were commercial time. Lame.

Santino and Kozlov come out to the podium to present the next award. Santino makes some jokes about McGruber. Who? Kozlov is mad at Santino. Santino apologizes and kisses him. Okayyyy. The nominees for “Guest Star Shining Moment of the year” award are:
1. Mike Tyson knocks out Jericho
2. Pee Wee Herman. I fucking hate Pee Wee Herman btw.
3. Wayne Brady gets RKO’ed (BREAK YO’SELF)
4. William Shatner singing all those theme songs

Santino says, the “salami” goes to PEE WEE HERMAN! Pee Wee Herman couldn’t be on Raw so we get a pre-taped speech. Pee Wee thanks Miz and Show as I proceed to mute the rest of his speech.

Wade is backstage. His fellow Nexus compadres join him with Otunga leading them. Dave says that if Cena is hired back, Nexus is fine but Wade isn’t. Wade says “Thank you for opening my eyes David. Now I know exactly what I need to do.”

Commercial

Mark Henry vs. “Dashing” Cody Rhodes

Cody stalls at the start. Henry messes up Rhodes’ hair. Henry throws Cody and clotheslines him. He throws him down face first and Cody complains. Rhodes dropkicks big Mark’s leg and beat on him before applying a headlock. Henry fights out, Cody goes for a kick but Mark knocks him down. Henry hits three clotheslines and whips Cody into the turnbuckle. Henry runs at him and hits him with his ass. He tries it again but Cody moves and hits the Beautiful Disaster. Henry doesn’t fall though. Cody knees him in the leg and Henry goes down. Cody goes up top and comes down with a knee into Mark’s spine. Cody covers and gets three.

Analysis: ½* That “Beautiful Disaster” move looked sweet. The rest? Typical three minute Raw match. The announcers called it an upset.

Up Next – Holy Shit move of the year award will be presented.

Commercial

Lawler and Vickie Guerrero are presenting the “Holy Shit move of the year” award. Lawler says he was up all night with his pet lizard. Vickie asks what happened. Lawler says, “Reptile dysfunction.” Lawler says the moves shown during this next award usually produce a holy “you know what” reaction. Vickie says that that’s the reaction she had when Cole cost Lawler a WWE title two weeks ago. Lawler shoots back with, “That’s probably the same reaction Dolph Ziggler has when you model some new lingerie for him.” Vickie says, “Excuse me.” He makes a fat joke and Vickie says that she’s lost weight. Lawler says, “You’ve lost weight? Look around, I think you’ll find it.” This was funny. Lawler was his old self here. No auto pilot tonight. Onto the award, the nominees are:

1. John Morrison dives onto The Miz and Daniel Bryan
2. Kofi Kingston boom drop through the table
3. John Cena’s AA on Batista off the car and onto the floor
4. Evan Bourne gets “Air KO’d”

And the winner is…JOHN CENA! Lawler says that Cena is fired and he can’t be here tonight, but Wade interrupts. Barrett accepts the award on Cena’s behalf and says that “If Cena wants it, he can come and get it.” Barrett walks to the ring and says he’s about to make his decision concerning Cena’s future. He waits and lets the crowd chant “Cena”. Wade says that his decision is…and goes silent. He looks down and thinks for a while as the crowd continues chanting Cena’s name. Wade says, “You know what, I’m not even going to make my decision unless Cena comes to this ring and faces me.” Here comes Cena, through the crowd again decked out in purple. Wade tells Cena to keep his distance and says he’s had to think long and hard about his decision because it affects everyone. Nexus comes out and surrounds the ring. Wade waits for seems like eternity and says, “Cena, you’re officially rehired…on TWO conditions!” The first one is that Cena agrees to face him at TLC in a chairs match and the second condition is that tonight Cena agrees to go one on one with David Otunga. Wade exits the ring as Nexus stand on the apron surrounding Cena. They jump in and beat the shit out of Cena. Barrett comes back in with a chair and smacks it twice across Cena’s back. Nexus leaves as Cena remains on the mat writhing in pain. I hope that their TLC match puts an end to this feud. The Nexus/Cena angle lost its steam a long time ago.

Commercial

We come back from the break and they show clips of Nexus beating up Cena along with a recap of the Slammy award winners so far.

Arquette comes out wearing something new. He says he’s opening a theater somewhere. Probably a plug. He calls the crowd cheap and gets booed. The next award is “WWE Universe fan reaction of the year.”

1. Weird kid reacting to Cena joining Nexus
2. Loser crying when HBK’s career ended at WrestleMania 26
3. Dumbstruck moron (?)
4. Angry demon girl reacting to Miz beating Orton

And the Slammy goes to…Angry Miz girl and she actually comes out! She gives a speech and thanks her dad and sister. Cue Miz’ music! HA. A heel promo on a nine year old kid. This is gonna be great! Miz gets down on one knee and tells her she looks so pretty. He’s talking to her as if you’d speak to a child; very softly. He asks her if he can look at her Slammy. He tells her that he should take it for safe keeping as Punk says, “Is he gonna sing happy birthday to her next?” The Miz asks the girl to her the face again. He makes the demon face and walks away and up the ramp. He talks about his accomplishments in 2010 alone. He tells the crowd to tune into TLC where he will put Orton through a table. He rambles on as the GM interrupts with an email. Cole apologizes for the interruption and reads the email. The GM puts The Miz in a match with Rey Mysterio!

The Miz vs. Rey Mysterio
The Miz kicks Rey right when the bell rings. Miz pounds on Rey in the corner and whips him into the turnbuckle but Rey bounces of and hits a headscissors on Miz and knocks him to the outside. Rey dives onto Miz on the outside as we’re sent to commercial break.
Commercial
We come back from the break and Rey hits a headscissors. He goes for it again but Miz reverses and tries to pick him up. It’s botched. Rey kicks Miz into 619 position as ADR’s music hits. Rey goes after him but suddenly realizes he wants to finish the match. He runs back towards the Miz but gets hotshotted into the ring apron. Miz throws Rey in and covers for two. Miz is now in control as he perches Rey up on the turnbuckle. The Miz goes for a superplex but Mysterio punches him off. Rey hits a seated senton followed by a beautiful crossbody and covers for a two count. Miz gets up and kicks Rey. He rolls up him but Rey rolls through and remains on his feet and kicks Miz in the head. The Miz runs towards Rey but gets knocked into 619 position. ADR gets up on the apron as Miz runs at Rey but Rey ducks and he nails Del Rio instead. Rollup by Rey only gets two. The Miz is knocked into 619 position yet AGAIN but ADR nails Rey in the head as Riley distracts the ref. Cover by The Miz gets three. Post match, Rey chases ADR to the back.

Analysis: ** Like every other match tonight, it was too short to be any good. They really tried to make the most of it within the 7 minute timeframe. The story of the match was Del Rio’s multiple interference attempts, which ended up determining the outcome and causing Rey to lose.

After the match, the GM buzzes in with an email. Cole apologizes to The Miz yet again for the interruption. GM says that later tonight Randy Orton will compete in a handicap match against Alex Riley and former WCW Champion, David Arquette! Please RKO David Arquette.

Commercial

If WWE made these three hour Raw’s even remotely entertaining, I’d have a blast covering them. They’re not though. As such, I’m bored. Here comes Edge. He makes fun of Kane and says that he’s winning the World Heavyweight Title at TLC. He says he needs a co presenter for the next award. He says he needs someone that he has chemistry with and has known over the years. Out comes CHRISTIAN! I take back what I said about Raw not being good earlier. Christian’s out wearing a sling. He says that he hopes ADR wins the award tonight. He says he hasn’t forgotten that Del Rio is the reason he’s injured. The nominees for “Oh Snap Meltdown of the year” are…
1. Big Show destroys Jack Swagger’s trophy
2. Alberto Del Rio destroys Rey’s arm
3. Edge destroys a computer
4. Batista quits

The winner of the Slammy is….EDGE for destroying a computer. Edge says that he’s always been calm but then goes off and starts ranting about the Raw GM again. The GM buzzing sound starts going off ON CHRISTIAN’S PHONE! Christian says he’s received an email from the Raw general manager. Edge says “You’re kidding, right?” Christian says he is just kidding and tells Edge that he’s having another meltdown and to relax. Edge says that he’s been in WWE a lot of years but one thing has largely remained the same. He tells Christian to play the GM buzzing sound into the mic and says, “And I quote, Michael Cole is still a massive tool!” Indeed he is. Cole snaps at the announce table and Punk tells him to calm down. This was great. Best part of the show so far right here. It was nice to see Christian and Edge together again. If you’re Canadian, you understand.

Sheamus vs. John Morrison

They lock up and Sheamus beats Morrison into the corner with punches and kicks. The ref breaks it up and John tackles Sheamus. Ref breaks it up again. Sheamus goes at Morrison again and takes him down and starts kicking his ass. Morrison rolls over and starts pounding on Sheamus as the ref calls for the bell. The match is ruled a double DQ as the crowd chants, “Let them fight!” Massive heat in this feud. I love it.

Analysis: NR The match was over before it even started. The ref called for the bell after like 30 seconds.

Post match, GM buzzes in as Cole reads the email. Cole says Morrison vs. Sheamus will happen at TLC and the winner of that match will be a # 1 Contender’s Ladder Match. That should be awesome. Easily my most anticipated match at TLC. Sheamus goes outside and grabs a ladder as officials tend to Morrison. Morrison gets up and Sheamus rams the ladder into Morrison’s ribs. He goes back inside and clotheslines JoMo down. Sheamus picks Morrison up in a firemans carry position and throws him over the top rope and onto the ladder outside the ring! Ouch! That really looked like it hurt. Commercial time.

JTG and William Regal are presenting the “Knucklehead moment of the year” award. JTG still has a job? He talks jive with the crowd a bit as Regal looks on confused. Anyway, the nominees are:
1. CM Punk gets unmasked
2. Mae Young
3. Beth Phoenix eliminates The Great Khali from the Royal Rumble
4. Santino and Kozlov dance off

And the winner is…Laycool beating Mae Young? Stupid JTG said it wrong. It was supposed to be Mae Young beating Laycool. Laycool come out to accept the award and say some annoying shit. They say that they’re going to win the Diva of the year award. They make their way to the ring as we head to commercial. The Diva battle royal is next. I’ll try not to fall asleep while covering it.

Battle Royal to determine Diva of the year

The Divas surrounded Laycool before the bell rings. It rings and they beat the shit out of Layla and Michelle. Someone got eliminated. Don’t know who. Does it matter? Lots of screaming and punching going on right now. There goes a Bella twin. And there goes the other Bella. Natalya eliminates Maryse by scoop slamming her over. Michelle tries to powerbomb Kelly Kelly over but Kelly tries to hurricana her over. Layla makes the save and knocks Kelly out. Beth GLAM SLAMS Melina over the top. Layla jumps on Beth’s back but gets slammed down. Beth kicks her and she goes through the ropes. I guess Layla’s elminated. Michelle knees Beth out and then dropkicks Natalya out. Michelle wins. Whatever.

Analysis: NR This was WWE’s way of giving the Slammy to Laycool. They knew the fans wouldn’t vote for them to win so they booked them win this bogus battle royal. The match sucked by the way.

The GM interrupts Laycool’s music and Cole reads out the email. The GM makes a Divas tag team tables match at the PPV. It’s Laycool vs. Beth Phoenix & Natalya.

Commercial

Edge vs. Jack Swagger

Cole tells us that at TLC there will be a triple threat ladder match for the Intercontinental Championship between Swagger/Kingston/Ziggler. Should be solid. I think it may be overkill with the ladder matches though. Onto the match, Jack takes control early and slams Edge down. Knee shots to the ribs by Swagger now. He chokes Edge on the middle rope and rams Edge’s head into the turnbuckle. He whips Edge into the opposite turnbuckle and taunts. Edge gets up and starts punching. Edge hits the ropes but runs into a stomach breaker. Swagger covers but Edge kicks out at two. Jack locks in an arm wringer on a grounded Edge. Edge fights his way to his feet and hits the ropes but runs right into a bit boot. Swagger covers for another two. He picks Edge up into the powerslam position and starts running but Edge hops out and hits the killswitch. Edge hits a clothesline and hits a “nice move” as described by Lawler. It’s modified facebuster. Swagger gets up and hits a belly to belly suplex. Jack goes for a vader bomb but Edge tried to counter by getting his knees up. Jack saw it coming and grabs the ankle. Edge counters it into a pin attempt but only gets two. Swagger gets up and goes for a gutwrench powerbomb but it’s reversed into a DDT by Edge. Edge waits for Jack to get up and nails him with a spear once he does. Cover by Edge gets three.

Analysis: *1/2 Another rushed match here. It was just okay at a hair under five minutes. They’re capable of MUCH better, which they had a few months back on PPV.

The Miz and Alex Riley are backstage and Riley’s complaining about Arquette being his partner tonight. Arquette interrupts and says that The Miz is a lot like him, because they’re both awesome. Arquette leaves and The Miz says he has one goal in mind – to put Randy Orton through a table. Oh, the suspense.

Commercial

The Big Show comes out to present the Slammy for “WWE Moment of the year.” Show brings up some legendary moments in WWE history. I’d rather be watching those right now than this boring edition of Raw. The nominees are as follows.
1. Free or Fired at Survivor Series
2. “Sheam-ful” Act – Sheamus attacks Triple-H
3. Super-sized Spear at WM 26
4. Streak vs. Career

And the winner is…Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels in what was HBK’s final match. They show Shawn “Live via satellite”. Right. He thanks the fans and says it was a tough moment for a lot of people. He says he doesn’t miss being in WWE but does miss all his fans. We miss you too HBK. Nice to see Shawn after such a long time.

Commercial

2 on 1 Handicap Match
Randy Orton vs. David Arquette & Alex Riley

Arquette does some kung-fu shit on the ramp as him and Riley enter. The Miz comes out with them. My guess is the same as The Miz’ – Orton is going through a table after this match. A-Ri and Orton start things out as Orton punches and uppercuts away. CM Punk says that Arquette appears to be wearing Clubber Lang’s gi. Huge “RKO” chant starts out as Alex Riley takes control with a boot to the face. He tags Arquette in as Arquette tries to hit a grounded Orton. Orton gets up and kicks Arquette. Arquette tags Riley back in quickly as Orton vipers up. Orton beats on Riley and misses a knee. Riley hits a back suplex and covers but gets two. He pound on Orton while he’s down. Orton gets up and comes back with punches. He whips Riley into the ropes but it’s reversed. Knee to the gut by Riley. Riley throws Orton into the turnbuckle and then distracts the ref as Arquette chokes Orton in the corner. Alex Riley kicks Orton but runs right into a clothesline. Orton hits a powerslam and then Kurt Orton hits an Angle Slam A-Ri. He vipers it up and hits an RKO, covers and gets three. The Miz jumps in the ring right after the bell and nails Orton from behind. He sets up a table with the help of David Arquette. They try to hit a double team suplex through the table but Orton fights out. Orton tries to powerbomb Miz through the table but Arquette hits Orton so Miz can escape. Randy kicks Arquette and then POWERBOMBS David Arquette through the table. Good shit, Randy. Orton and Miz have a long staredown as Miz makes his way up the aisle. David Arquette does a stretcher job.

Analysis: ¼* Match was whatever. The highlight was the post match powerbomb on David Arquette through the table.

Commercial

We come back from the break and they show the updated card for TLC. It looks stacked so far. As I said earlier though, I think there are too many ladder matches. Three of them in one night is overkill IMO.

Cole is up to present the next award. The “And I Quote” Line of the year. They show a long video package showing some of the more funny lines from the year. The Titus O’Neil one was epic. “If you gonna make it a fail, make it a fail.” Okay, that’s not what he said. Also of course, Eli Cottonwood’s mustache speech LOL! They show Mae Young calling Laycool sluts and bitches and end it with Ron Simmons’ “Damn” line from WrestleMania 26. Cole announces himself as the winner and takes out a prepared speech. Lawler says he wants to see that envelope as Cole starts reading. The Raw theme plays to cut Cole off but he continues talking. Superstar of the year award is up next.

Commercial

Teddy Long is out to present the final award of the night. The nominees for Superstar of the Year are:
1. Edge
2. The Miz
3. Kane
4. John Cena
5. Rey Mysterio
6. Randy Orton

And the winner of the award and Superstar of 2010 is…JOHN CENA! John comes out to accept the award and thanks the fans for not giving up on him. He says he finds it amazing that he won because up until an hour ago he didn’t have a job. He says the only thing that came from him joining The Nexus was him peeing in Wade Barrett’s coffee. He gets a cheap New Orleans pop. He says he’s now back full time on Raw and he will continue to be a man of his word. He says he’s taken out every member of Nexus except two – Otunga and Barrett. He says that tonight, David Otunga will get hurt. He says that after he takes out Otunga, only Barrett will be left and at TLC he’s going to destroy Wade Barrett.

John Cena vs. David Otunga

This has been a LONG show. Holy shit. Please let Smackdown go three hours next time, WWE. Barrett gets on the mic during Otunga’s entrance and directs everyone’s attention to the tron. He shows Nexus beating Cena down and the chairshots he delivered from earlier tonight. Cole fucks up and says they’re having a tables match on Sunday. It’s a chairs match, actually but who cares. Otunga slaps hands with his crew before the match and gives Barrett a nod. The Nexus guys slowly walk away as Otunga makes his way to the ring. Ah, déjà vu. Barrett is the last to walk away. This is exactly like last week when it happened to Wade Barrett. Cena throws Otunga into the ring and beats on him to start. Cena hits a gunwrench throw and hits a running clothesline. He irish whips Otunga into the turnbuckle and runs into him but misses. Otunga takes advantage, mounts Cena and punches. He hits a clothesline and covers for a one count. Otunga goes for a scoop slam but Cena floats over and hooks in the STF for the tapout victory.

Analysis: NR One minute. Literally. The wrestling on this show has been awful.

Post-match, Cena drives a chair into Otunga’s ribs and then smacks it across his back as Wade Barrett stands at the top of the ramp watching. Otunga is screaming for Wade to help him but Barrett doesn’t budge. Cena hits Otunga with the chair about five more times. Otunga is finally able to escape by rolling out to the outside. Cena poses with the chair to end the show.

I cannot put into words how much I absolutely hated this weeks show. On paper, it probably looks great but the execution was horrible. David Arquette was awkward, the re-hiring of John Cena was anti-climatic and there wasn’t even one good match on the show. I understand that Smackdown is widely renowned as the “wrestling” show but that doesn’t give WWE the right to riddle Raw with bullshit promos and movie plugs that we don’t care about. The focal point of the show was the never-ending John Cena/Wade Barrett storyline, which has lost all its steam by now. The only enjoyable part of the show was Edge and Christian presenting an award together. This is why I enjoy writing about Smackdown MUCH more than I do for Raw. I’ll see you Saturday morning for the Smackdown recap.

WWE Smackdown Recap for 12/10/2010

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Video package hyping tonight’s main event is show. Kane & Alberto Del Rio vs. Rey Mysterio & Edge

Kane comes out to kick off the show. The announcers say that he is angry, emotional and distraught. I say he’s boring, past his prime and needs to lose that belt, but hey, that’s just me. Kane grabs a mic and says that this has gone on for way too long and all he wants is his father back. He tells Edge that he’s treating Paul Bearer like a toy and neither him or Paul deserve this. Kane says that despite all the things he’s done in the past, he’s not a monster. He says he has feelings and this whole Paul Bearer thing is tearing his heart out. Kane, getting increasingly emotional says, “I am begging you. Please, please give my father back.” He says it has to end tonight. Edge comes up on the tron and says it may end tonight but he disagrees. He says to him, “It ends at TLC: Tables, Ladders and Chairs.” Thanks Edge. He shows Paul in the wheelchair next to him and the camera pans out showing Edge with a chair in hand. He says it’s been a while since he’s been in a TLC match so maybe he should brush up on his skills. He winds up but stops a couple of times and then nails the back of Paul’s wheelchair with it. Kane, looking pissed as hell, exits the ring and goes backstage. He finds Edge with what seems to be Paul Bearer. Edge says, “don’t take another step.” Kane takes a step and Edge bashes the chair onto a fallen Paul Bearer. Kane runs up to the aid of what he thinks is Paul Bearer but much like last week, it’s just a dummy. The camera shows Paul is safe and with Edge and we go to commercial.

Jack Swagger vs. Kaval

They lock up with Swagger gaining the advantage. He punches away at Kaval and kicks him in the gut. Whip into the turnbuckle but Kaval bounces off and kicks him off. Cover by Kaval gets two. Swagger on his knees now gets kicked in the chest. Kaval tries an irish whip but Swagger hangs on. Kaval jumps up on Swag’s shoulders but Jack throws him off and Kaval lands awkwardly on his ankle. Legit injury there. Looks like Kaval’s leg is in bad shape. Swagger goes after the leg and drops an elbow on it. He rams Kaval’s knee into the mat and covers for two. Swagger is now working over the leg but Kaval kicks him in the calf to break free. Swagger goes right back after the leg, tying it up in the ropes to put pressure on Kaval’s knee. Kaval chops Swag. Swagger goes for a gutwrench powerbomb but Kaval punches Swagger while he’s on his shoulders and Swagger falls. Kaval is really favoring that ankle. Swagger runs at Kaval and gets kicked in the temple. Kaval goes after Jack but gets kneed in the gut. Vertical suplex attempt by Jack is thwarted. Kaval into the ropes now comes back with a kick to the head. Another cool looking kick to top of Jack’s head. Kaval screams. No reaction. Please stop doing that Kaval. You’re not Ken Shamrock. Kaval goes up top and comes down with a knee to Jack’s temple. Kaval covers for two. Kaval tries going up top but his ankle gives out. Swagger shoulder tackles Kaval’s knee, brings him to the middle of the ring and locks in the ankle lock. Kaval taps out after about 5 minutes.

Analysis: *3/4 Pretty good for only five minutes. I hope Kaval’s not seriously injured.

Post match, Jack gets on the mic and says that is how it’s done. He spells out his name. He says what happened last week was a travesty. He says Kofi should not be the # 1 Contender. He shows a video of last week’s match and points out that Kofi hit him while Jack was under the top ropes, which is illegal. Jack says Kofi cheated to get the victory. He says he is protesting the outcome of the match.

Up next is Hornswoggle vs. The Eagle. Fuck.

Hornswoggle vs. The Soaring Eagle

Michael Cole points out that this is a PG show and Hornswoggle can’t flip the bird. Clever. Horny grabs a paper bag and throws some bread on the mat. The Eagle tries to resist, but nothing comes between a bird and some bread so he goes to grab it and Horny kicks him. Horny throws salt on the Eagle’s leg and takes a bite out of it. He jumps on the Eagle’s back and then slaps him. Cole cheers on the eagle as The Eagle knocks horny down and stomps him a bit. The Eagle hits the BALLIN’ ELBOW! Horny gets up and takes Eagle down. Tadpole spash! 1-2-3. Matthews says “Thank God.” Couldn’t have said it any better, Josh.

Analysis: NR. This match served two very important purposes. A) entertain the kids and B) piss break for the adults.

Commercial

Teddy Long is with the new tag champs Santino & Kozlov. Santino sings “We are the champions!” while Kozlov gets his lighter up. Chavo interrupts and says he’s going to get a partner and wants a shot at the titles. Santino accepts his challenge. Chavo leaves while singing, “We will rock you!” Santino sings out the “No Time for Loser’s” line as Chavo leaves. This was not very funny.

They show a Kofi Kingston video package before the match. What was the point in that?

Grish interviews Dolph before the match. Dolph cuts an excellent promo saying people can relate to Kofi because they can relate to failure. He says after their match, Kofi will still just be a contender and not a champion like he is. You da man, Dolph!

Kofi Kingston vs. Dolph Ziggler for the Intercontinental Championship

If I ever ran into Kofi on the street I know exactly what I’d ask him. What is wrong with your chest, man? Kofi’s a pretty well built guy, don’t get me wrong. His chest is just…weird. It’s like he’s missing a pec or something. Ah well. Onto the match. This should be great. Cole says Dolph is the future. I agree, Cole. Despite all the stupid things you say, I agree with you. They lock up and Dolph backs Kofi into the corner. Quick schoolboy attempt by Kofi. Dolph lands a kick in the gut and elbows him in the back of the head. Early pinfall attempt doesn’t even get a 1 count. Dolph goes after Kofi and hits the Mr. Perfect-like snapmare. Chinlock by Dolph. Kofi elbows out of it. Dolph irish whips Kofi but Kofi comes back with a quick monkeyflip. Kingston builds some momentum but Dolph bails to the outside as we go to commercial break.
Commercial
We come back from the break and Dolph has Kofi in a chinlock. Elbow drop and a cover by Ziggler gets two. Dolph hits his patented elbow drop and grabs Kingston in a headlock. “Kofi” chant starts up as Kofi elbows out of it. Ziggler though, keeps the advantage by hitting a quick neckbreaker. Cover by Ziggler gets two. Back to a headlock now. Kofi gets back up to a vertical base. Another “Kofi” chant by the crowd. Kofi elbows and kicks his way out of it. Dolph attempts a dropkick but Kofi catches him and slingshots him into the corner as Vickie complains. Kofi hits a couple of chops followed by a brisk dropkick. He tries to hit a flying forearm but Dolph dodges. Clothesline by Kofi followed by a scoop slam. Kingston goes for the boom drop but Dolph moves. Kofi notices that Dolph’s out of position and kicks him in the ribs. Kingston tries hitting Dolph in the corner but misses. Dolph runs at him but eats a kick. Kingston comes off the top with a dropkick. Kingston covers for a long two count as Vickie is screaming. Fuck. Shut up! Why can’t they accelerate the Kaitlyn/Dolph storyline so she can escort Dolph to the ring now. I hate Vickie. They’re both on their feet now and Kofi eats a huge kick to the face. Kofi goes up and hits a beautiful cross body on Dolph. He covers for another long two. That looked sweet. Kofi goes for a vertical suplex but Dolph floats over and locks in a sleeper hold. Kofi tries to fight out and Dolph smartly throws him shoulder first into the ringpost. Dolph goes after Kofi but Kingston hits a quick trouble in paradise! Kofi covers but Jack Swagger comes out and pulls Kofi out of the ring to break the count and cause a DQ. Swagger locks in the ankle lock on Kingston. He walks away as Kofi favors his ankle. Match was over at about 12 minutes.

Analysis: ***1/4 Very good despite the stupid finish. That crossbody near the end was awesome. Kofi continues to impress while Dolph was awesome as always. It’s Dolph Ziggler. Did you expect any less? As you can tell, I’m a huge Dolph Ziggler fan. The guy is going places.

We cut to Edge and Kane backstage. Edge throws another dummy off a ledge onto a table and then proceeds to roll away with Paul Bearer. End this tonight, please.

Masterlock Challenge
Cody Rhodes comes out and sanitizes the chair he’s supposed to sit in. Then he starts giving himself a manicure. Masters slaps him and Cody freaks out for touching his face, which leads to Masters grabbing Rhodes’ nose and twisting it. Cody throws a tantrum, even dropping a Ric Flair elbow in the process. He yells at Masters for grabbing his nose. He kicks the chair away and tells the camera crew guys to bring his jacket over so he can check his face in the mirror. Masters locks in the masterlock from behind and Cody is OUT after about ten seconds. I’m guessing this leads to another match between the two. Masters push v2! At least he’s decent in the ring this time around.

Santino & Kozlov vs. Chavo and ???

Cole says “I love these guys” as Santino and Kozlov make their entrance. Shit Cole, are you a heel or a face commentator? Stop confusing us! Chavo introduces Drew McIntyre as his mystery partner. He is indeed, the chosen one. Everyone chooses him as their tag team partner. What a demotion he has received. I took a piss at the start of the match so I ended up missing the first part. I came back to Chavo working over Kozlov in the corner. Chavo locks in a headlock. Kozlov reaches for a tag but he’s too far. Vladmir ends up powering his way out of the headlock and throwing Chavo over. He tags in Santino as Chavo tags out to Drew. Santino punches Drew, hits an armdrag and then misses a headbutt. Drew picks him up for the future shock DDT but Chavo slaps Drew’s back to tag himself in. Chavo goes up top for a frog splash but misses. Chavo gets up and walks right into a cobra. Roll-up by Santino gets three. Post match, Drew hits the future shock DDT on Chavo before leaving.

Analysis: NR I saw less than half of it, so I can’t really rate it. Short match. It was like two minutes. Raw style. Good win for the champs.

Commercial

They show clips of Edge’s tricks on Kane from earlier tonight as Matt Striker narrates.

Video package highlighting stuff between Orton/Miz is shown

Natalya vs. Layla

Beth Phoenix follows Natalya out. I know it’s been said to death, but a WrestleMania match between Nattie and Beth would be awesome. I hope that’s what they’re building to. I’m guessing Laycool will get pushed to the side soon. Onto the match, Layla goes after Natalya. She hits a kick and runs the ropes. Nattie grabs Layla and hits the squatting suplex. Nattie covers but Michelle pulls Lay out . Natalya punches Michelle down. Michelle gets up and looks like she’s about to hit Natalya but Beth intimidates. Back in the ring, double clothesline spot. Natalya hooks in the sharpshooter for the tapout victory.

Analysis: ½* I’m guessing Beth & Natalya tag together to take on Laycool at the PPV. Things are looking up for the women’s division. I’m still not calling it “Diva’s” division.

Rey Mysterio & Edge vs. Alberto Del Rio & Kane

I heard Rey’s working through a torn deltoid or something. This guy needs to take some more time off after TLC. He’s ALWAYS working through injuries. Kane’s music hits but he doesn’t enter. Teddy Long comes out and announces that it’s now a handicap match. So, the worst worker’s been removed from the match. Fine by me. On a sidenote, every time Teddy’s music hits, I wait for Rodney Mack to come out. Does this happen to anybody else? Anyway…Rey and ADR start things off. Rey kicks him a few times and hits a snapmare. Rey hits a quick legdrop and kicks the arm. He tags Edge and they double team ADR a bit. Spear in the corner by Edge is followed by a running dropkick by Rey. Edge picks Del Rio up but Del Rio kicks him and attempts an irish whip which is reversed. Flapjack by Edge on ADR. Some more double team stuff by Edge and Rey. Rey’s in now and hits a few punches. He whips ADR, ADR reverses and ducks but gets kicked. Mysterio knocks him into 619 position but ADR bails to the outside. Here comes Kane. Edge meets him in the aisle and they exchange blows. Punches, not blowjobs. Edge boots him and runs to the back. Kane follows. So now it’s just ADR and Rey in the ring. ADR attacks Rey from behind to gain the advantage. ADR whips Rey hard into the turnbuckle. Del Rio picks Rey up and hits a stomach breaker. Pinfall attempt gets two by Del Rio. ADR locks in a body scissors. Rey gets to his feet and hits an enziguri. ADR somehow throws Rey in the corner though (I missed a couple of seconds) and hits his patented kick. They go outside and ADR beats on Rey a bit. Back in now, ADR and Rey are both on the top turnbuckle. Superplex attempt by Del Rio. Rey beats him off (Lol) with headbutts. Rey jumps on ADR and knocks him down. Rey runs the ropes but ADR catches him. Rey slams his head into the mat, though. Rey runs the ropes but gets caught in a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker. ADR covers for two. Sunset flip attempt by ADR but Mysterio rolls through and dropkicks Del Rio in the face. Rey kicks ADR into 619 position. He nails it! Rey goes up top and splashes on top of ADR, covers and gets three.

Analysis: ** Decent match. They obviously didn’t want to do too much since they’ll be hookin’ up at TLC. Can’t give the match away for free. I didn’t time it but it felt like it was around 10 minutes.

Edge is backstage talking to Paul Bearer who’s wheelchair is sitting on top of two ladders next to each other. Kane runs in and looks like he’s going to push the ladders down. He’s not falling for the dummy tricks anymore! Edge says, “I wouldn’t do that if I were you…” Kane pushes the ladders down and Paul Bearer lands like 50 feet below on concrete. It wasn’t a dummy this time. Goodbye Paul Bearer. I guess this is WWE’s way to write him off TV.

Smackdown this week felt really “blah”. Nothing really exciting happened and wrestling-wise, Kofi and Dolph had the only good match. Most, if not all of the backstage segments involved Edge and Kane, unfortunately. The storyline is extremely dumb but with the TLC stipulation added to their match at the pay per view, I think we can expect some solid stuff from these two. I’ll go with Edge to win it. Kane can go back to being a monster midcard heel after this. Slammy Awards next week! See ya then.

TNA Impact Spoilers for December 16th

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“*Robert Roode pinned Chris Sabin with a spinebuster.

*Matt Morgan cut a promo saying that he had the chance to have a fat paycheck for the rest of his career from Ric Flair and Fortune and walked away from that to do the right thing and he knows he did the right thing. He said he’s scheduled to team with Mr. Anderson against Jeff Hardy and Kazarian tonight and now he can’t protect Anderson because it’s on him and he wants to know if Anderson is ready to return. Anderson comes out and says that he’s appreciative of everything Morgan did for him but he’s a big boy and wrestlers can take care of themselves. Morgan wants him to look him in the eye and tell him Anderson is good to go. Jeff Hardy comes out and asks them if they are trying to propose to each other. He asks Anderson if he is really sure Morgan isn’t still with Immortal and tells him to stop listening to the crowd and think for himself, like Jeff is doing. He tells them to be ready.

*Jay Lethal regained the X Division championship from Robbie E. During the match, Cookie tried to interfere so Christy Hemme came out and handcuffed herself to Cookie.

*Orlando Jordan and Eric Young defeated Generation Me. They did a comedy bit where Young thought it was a Battle Royal
and started tossing people out of the ring.

*Tara and Madison Rayne defeated Mickie James and Miss Tessmacher to advance in the Knockouts Tag Team title tournament. Tara was clearly favoring her bad arm.

*Rob Van Dam pinned Rob Terry with the Five Star Frog Splash.

*Jeff Jarrett does his MMA Invitation and offers $100,000 to anyone who can make him tap. They pull one of the Los Ben Dejos tag guys out of the crowd and makes him tap.

*TNA champion Jeff Hardy & Kazarian defeated Matt Morgan and Mr. Anderson. There was a referee bump and Rob Terry came out to shove Anderson off the ropes. Morgan knocked Terry off the apron but turned into the Twist of Hate and was pinned.

Impact 1/6/10:

*Immortal with Eric Bischoff, who noted it was three days before Genesis, brought out all of the current champions and told them they were all expected to have great matches at the PPV this Sunday. He tells X Division champion Jay Lethal that tonight he’ll be wrestling Abyss, that TV champion Douglas Williams will be wrestling Rob Terry and that Tag Team champions The Motor City Machineguns that they will face AJ Styles and Kazarian so they can prepare for their PPV bout. Immortal jumps the four of the them and Rob Van Dam hits the ring for the save. Van Dam says he’s tired of all the garbage and demands to know who he will face at the PPV.

*TNA Tag Team Champions The Motor City Machine Guns defeated AJ Styles & Kazarian. Beer Money laid out the champions after the match.

Xplosion:

*Angelina Love defeated Sarita.

*Ink, Ink defeated Okada & Kiyoshi.”

Thanks to Pwinsider for the spoilers.

TNA Impact Spoilers for the 9th December

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“- Thanks to Eric for the following spoilers from tonight’s TNA iMPACT tapings, airing this Thursday on Spike:

* Tara opens the show singing her song with Generation Me as dancers. Mickie James comes out and attacks. Tara goes at it with her until Eric Young comes out. Mickie and Tara fight until they’re broken up. Mickie proposes a steel cage match with Tara tonight.

* Eric Bischoff is furious with Fortune over Dixie Carter’s latest actions with her lawyers and for AJ Styles losing the TV Title. Rhino comes in wanting a contract but gets drug out by Fortune.

* Immortal, minus Jeff Hardy and Hulk Hogan, come out. Bischoff then introduces Hardy and calls out Matt Morgan. Bischoff says Morgan didn’t have a chance because of a bad referee. Morgan vs. Mr. Anderson in a #1 contender’s match is announced. Morgan talks about Anderson not being cleared to wrestle yet. Bischoff doesn’t care.

* Backstage segment with Brother Ray ranting about Team 3D.

* Brother Ray and a fake Brother Devon lose to Ink Inc. Ray attacks the fake Devon after the match.

* The Motor City Machineguns beat Gunner and Murphy by DQ when Murphy used a nightstick.

* Backstage segment with Angelina Love and Velvet Sky. Wynter appears and wishes them luck. Velvet Sky is finally able to see her.

* Segment with Mr. Anderson and Matt Morgan. Anderson says he’s going to wrestle and Morgan doesn’t approve of it.

* Velvet and Angelina beat Daffney and Sarita in a Knockouts Tag Team Title tournament match.

* The Pope’s casket is brought out to the ring. A light shines out of it and a gospel chorus comes out to sing. The Pope, who isn’t seen but can be heard, says Final Resolution was just the beginning and cuts a good promo.

* Douglas Williams defends the TV Title against Abyss. AJ Styles attacked Williams on the stage after the match.

* Jeff Harrett holds a MMA invitational and talks about Final Resolution. Jarrett offers $100,000 to anyone to make him tap out. A man is picked from the crowd but Jarrett makes him tap out. Fans are wanting at Jarrett including one big guy who almost made it in but security stopped him.

* Brother Ray and the fake Devon vs. Ink Inc. is re-taped with the same finish. This time, Brother Devon runs out when Ray attacks the fake Devon after the match.

* Gunner and Murphy vs. The MCMG is also re-taped with the same DQ finish. The Guns beat up Gunner and Murphy with the nightsticks after the match.

* Mickie James defeats Tara in a main event cage match with a Thesz Press off the top of the cage. Great main event but Mickie looked injured. Trainers help them both to the back.

* The Guns, Matt Morgan and Rob Van Dam vs. Beer Money, Jeff Hardy and Abyss is up next. Ric Flair, Immortal and Rob Terry comes out next and Flair cuts a promo. Flair says Terry can be their bodyguard. Eric Bischoff has trainers ready to check out Mr. Anderson. Morgan comes out and argues about Anderson wrestling. Mick Foley comes out and cuts a promo. Foley wants to put everything behind him. Foley isn’t going to let the match happen. Bischoff rips on Foley and that’s pretty much it.

* MCMG, Matt Morgan and RVD beat Hardy, Abyss and Beer Money in the main event.”

Credit: http://www.pwrshow.com/news/31-headl…–december-9th

WWE Raw Recap for 12/06/2010

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Hello again Pwrestling readers, I’m Sunny K and welcome to this weeks edition of the Raw recap! I’m a little late this week, I know. I got tied up in some work. Better late than never though, huh. Let’s dive right into it, beginning with a quick rundown of last weeks show.

The KOTR crown ended up being won by Sheamus. He wrestled John Morrison in the finals in what turned out to be a really good match. Also, Bryan and Del Rio wrestled in the first round. They also had a solid match. The rest of the tournament was nothing to write home about. John Cena showed up as a “spectator” and took out a couple of members of The Nexus. Guys from the Raw roster beat the shit out of The Nexus in the parking lot and finally, The Miz defeated Jerry Lawler in a TLC match which I thought was actually pretty entertaining. Lawler is obviously limited in the ring, but for a match between a 60 year old broken down legend and a guy who isn’t capable of carrying just anyone to a good bout, it was very well done. Finally, Michael Cole is the one who cost Lawler the match. On Smackdown, he stated that he would address his actions tonight. I’m looking forward to what he has to say. Cole generating interest? Yeah…I know. I’m not a Cole Miner. Don’t worry. Okay, onto the show.

The intro video recaps the Lawler/Miz TLC match. Nice music.

Raw starts with Punk and Lawler welcoming us. Michael Cole, microphone in hand, comes down the ramp and says that he doesn’t know why he did what he did. He said you people don’t understand how traumatic last week was for him. He said he received hate mail but he will NOT apologize about how he feels about The Miz. He says he was the only one who ever supported The Miz and when The Miz won the title, it was like his own son had won the championship. He then looks at Lawler and tells him he did what he did because he got caught up in the emotion of the moment. He says he deeply regrets what he did. Lawler says that Cole’s the reason he didn’t win the title. Cole says he made a mistake but Jerry’s not listening. Lawler gets up and says he’s going to finish what he started last week. Cole pleads with him and says “Let’s talk about this like adults!” Cole’s clearly scared now. He then says, “you’re as much to blame as I am for last week. He says that they’re broadcast journalists. They’re not supposed to make the news. I agree. He says “you just had to be Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler” one more time. You had to pull a Hulk Hogan, didn’t you?!” Okay, he didn’t say the second thing. He says “You just had to steal The Miz’ moment”. He then says, “I don’t think I owe you an apology. I think YOU owe ME an apology!” That was unexpected. GM buzzes in and CM Punk says he’ll handle it. He steps up on the podium and says “I’m a little nervous, I’ve always wanted to do this.” He imitates Cole, which gets a laugh from the crowd and reads out the email which states that Lawler and Cole cannot fight. The GM says that violation of this order will result in termination and he would like Lawler and Cole to shake hands. Lawler hesitates but ends up getting in the ring. Cole extends his hand while Lawler just stands there looking pissed off. Lawler ends up shaking it, but as Cole tries to walk away, Lawler tightens his grip and pulls him back. He says “Okay Cole, no physicality. But I think there’s someone in the back who may want to talk to you”. Randy Orton’s music hits and out he comes. Cole desperately tries to break Lawler’s grip and walk away, but to no avail. Orton tells Cole that he wants him to send a message to his favorite superstar, The Miz. He said he doesn’t blame him for cashing in when he did because if the roles were reversed, he would’ve done the exact same thing. He says that him and Miz are very alike. The only difference being that Orton has the ability to back up his words. He says “Injured knee or not, I am going to take back the WWE Championship from The Miz. Tonight.” Cue Miz’s music. He comes out with Alex “insert DUI joke here” Riley. Miz says that they were in the same MITB match and the difference is that he won and Orton lost. He says Orton won’t be winning the title tonight because he doesn’t have to defend it again until TLC…against Orton himself. Orton says Miz won’t have seven guys to beat him down at TLC. Orton says don’t look at Alex Riley for help because he doesn’t even count as one guy. Riley says he wants to take Orton on tonight . Orton accepts the challenge. Orton vs. Riley tonight. Awesome. Mainly because I’m looking forward to CM Punk’s comments during the match. Miz then says that he gets to decide the type of match they will have at TLC. He says he will decide later but his decision will be just like him – Awesome. Orton then says he might be injured, but injured knee or not, there is one thing he can still do very well. He then RKO’s the fuck out of Michael Cole before his music hits and we’re sent to commercial. Good way to cap off a really entertaining segment. It looks like there’s going to be some serious dissention in the announce team. That’s good. Lawler was getting stale. At least now he’ll have more presence at the announce table. CM Punk will be playing middle man, which is great. The guy’s absolutely hilarious and his imitation of Michael Cole was well done. Punk should read GM emails from now on.

We come back from commercial and they show highlights of what just happened. They show the result of the RKO as Cole is helped to the back. Lawler sarcastically calls Michael Cole a nice guy. It looks like Grisham is filling in for Cole tonight.

Mixed Tag Match
Ted DiBiase & Maryse vs. Daniel Bryan & Brie Bella

Before the match, they show “ladies man” Daniel Bryan with one of the Bellas. The other Bella twin seems like she’s jealous. Please tell me that they’re not going anywhere with this. Ted and Bryan start things out as the other Bella twin walks out. Bryan takes control with a headlock, but Ted tries to reverse it. DiBiase runs the ropes but Bryan hits a sweet looking armdrag. Ted whips Bryan into the ropes and hits a power move. He tags out the Maryse and Bryan tags in Brie. Brie Bella hits a few dropkicks followed up by a clothesline. She covers for two. Maryse gets up and slams Brie down by the hair. Maryse picks her up and yells at her but Brie rolls her up. DiBiase interrupts the count and Bryan comes in to dropkick him out. Maryse gets pissed at Bryan for coming in and yells at him. Dream match right there. As Maryse is distracted, the Bellas pull the old switcheroo as Nikki jumps in and locks in a small package to pin Maryse and pick up the win.

Analysis: ¾* Just your typical 3 minute Raw special. After the match, Maryse facepalms Teddy and walks away as the announcers play up a possible break up.

Up Next – an EXCLUSIVE Wade Barrett interview
We come back from commercial break and they show a sweet video package of John Cena’s assault on Nexus last week.

Punk says that Wade Barrett will join us live via satellite from a hotel, but instead David Otunga shows up on the screen decked out in Nexus gear and says that Barrett is on his way to the arena. Grisham asks Otunga what Barrett’s plan is for Cena. Otunga won’t tell him and says that Cena needs to realize that when he enters the arena tonight, it will be the last time we see him. He gets a knock on his room door and says that his food’s here so the interviews over. The cameraman doesn’t think it is as he follows Otunga to the door. Dave answers it and yells at the bellhop for bringing his food late. He takes a bite and said the food sucks and kicks him out. He tells the bellhop he refuses to pay for it and shuts the door after kicking him out. Another knock at the door and Otunga opens it up to yell at the bellhop some more, but wait, it’s JOHN CENA. Cena comes in, purple shirt and all and beats up Otunga. Harris shows up but ends up getting his ass kicked as well.

Commercial

David Hart Smith vs. Tyson Kidd

They’re doing this already? Would’ve been nice if they had a build up of some sort and had the match at a PPV. Kidd comes out with a huge bodyguard. Shawn Michaels and Diesel all over again. The announcers play up the size of the guy, and rightfully so. The man is huge. He stands face to face with Smith and you can see that he’s actually a good 4 inches taller than him. Looks about 7 feet tall. The bell rings and Smith goes right after Kidd and knocks him down. He decks him a few more times and irish whips him. Smiith hiptosses him and misses a legdrop. Kidd kicks Smith right in the face, corners him and stomps on him aggressively. Kidd snapmares him and drives his knee into his back . Kidd kicks him in the gut once more but Smith makes a comeback and hits a few shoulder tackles. Kidd charges but gets backdropped hard. Smith, with all his momentun runs into an elbow though and Kidd goes up top. Smith slows Kidd down with punches and goes right up top to join him. He superplexes him off but nearly dropped him cranium first. Thankfully, he got him all the way up vertically and the landing was clean. That was scary. Don’t know who’s fault that was but it would’ve been a HUGE fuck up and could’ve resulted in a serious injury. Kidd nearly landed on his head! Smith covers for a close two count. Kidd recovers quickly but Smith whips him into the turnbuckle. Kidd grabs the ropes bounces off but Smith catches him in a perfect running powerslam position. Kidd uses the ropes to his advantage though, wiggles out and rolls Smith up for the three count. Post match, Smith goes after Tyson to attack him but the big dude who came out with Kidd nails him and takes him into the ring and delivers a short arm clothesline. Kidd and his big friend stand over D.H Smith. The announcers state that Tyson Kidd is putting the entire Raw roster on notice. Looks like the kid’s getting a push. Good for him.

Analysis: *3/4 It only went two minutes, but it seemed like Kidd and Smith were really trying their best to get the most out it considering the short time frame they were given. You can’t expect two guys who are in a heated feud to get shit done in two minutes. On a sidenote, that superplex off the top rope was just crazy. Smith needs to be more careful next time.

Wade Barrett, Justin Gabriel and Heath Slater are backstage talking about Cena beating them all up. Gabriel and Slater are talking scared, whereas Barrett is trying to calm them down. Otunga shows up out of breath and tells them that Husky’s hurt. Slater freaks out and says that they could get attacked by Cena anytime, anywhere! Slater and Gabriel leave for their match. Barrett looks at Otunga and tells him that he’s going to show him how to take care of business and call out John Cena later on. David says “you better, cause if you don’t…you might have a mutiny on your hands.”

Commercial

Fatal 4-Way Tag Team Elimination Match for the WWE Tag Team Championship
Santino & Kozlov vs. The Usos vs. Mark Henry & Yoshi Tatsu vs. Slater & Gabriel (champions)

Gabriel’s selling his neck from the beatdown he received at the hands of Cena last week. Out of all the Nexus members (with the exception of Barrett of course), I think Gabriel’s got the brightest future. Gabriel and Tatsu start things out and exchange armlocks. Tatsu runs the ropes and shoulderblocks Gabriel. Tatsu chops him a couple of times, gets whipped into the ropes but comes back with a spinning heel kick. An early cover gets two. Slater gets tagged in and gets schooled before getting locked into a wristlock. Tatsu tags in Henry and Slater bails. Slater tags in one of the Usos. The Usos jump off the apron onto the outside and try to strategize but Henry pulls one of them in and beats on him a bit. Please don’t make me write play by play for Henry’s offense. Henry tags Tatsu in, who goes up top and comes down on the Uso. Uso 1 tags in Uso 2 and he nails Tatsu from behind. They double team him a bit and hit simultaneous elbow drops. Tatsu gets scoop slammed and headbutted. The Uso runs the ropes but Slater slaps him back to tag in. Slater comes in and quickly hits what I believe is his finisher. He covers Tatsu and gets three to eliminate Tatsu and Henry. One of the Usos comes in and goes buck wild on Slater. He covers for a two count. Grisham said it’s Jay Uso. Thanks Todd. Jay tags Jimmy and they hit an awesome double team flapjack into a samoan drop. Jimmy covers and gets a close two count. Nice move. Slater comes back with a kick to the head and tags out to Kozlov. Kozlov beats up Jimmy Uso and hits a spinebuster, covers and gets three to eliminate The Usos. Two teams left now. The Usos make their exist but Tamina wants to hang around with Santino so she ends up staying. Back in the ring, Gabriel is working over over Kozlov. He hits a kick to the gut and tags in Slater. Slater stomps Vladmir in the corner, picks him and tries to whip the big man into the ropes but can’t. Kozlov reverses and nails Slater with a shoulderblock. Tag out to Santino. Santino goes apeshit on Slater but quickly gets beaten down for trying to be a hero. Tag out to Gabriel who hits a sweet kick to the face. He covers but Santino kicks out at two. Tamina looks concerned and Punk says that there’s love in the air. Santino gets to his feet and armdrags Gabriel but runs right into another kick. Gabriel punches him down and tags out to Slater. Slater distracts the ref and Gabriel chokes Santino on the turnbuckle. Grisham sends us to commercial break.
Commercial
We come back from the break and Gabriel has Kozlov locked in a front facelock. Kozlov tries to reach for a tag but gets beat down. Kozlov flips Gabriel over quickly and tags out. Santino comes and goes apeshit once again on Gabriel. Santino does the “raise the roof” and hits a split legged stone cold stunner (wtf). He covers for two as Slater interrupts the count. JOHN CENA shows up on the ring apron to distract Gabriel. Justin looks at him stunned and turns right around into the COBRA! Santino covers and gets the three. We’ve got new champions!

Analysis: **1/2 Not bad. It went about 15 minutes. Tatsu did really well but was eliminated rather quickly. I’m glad Santino and Kozlov are champions though. Since the tag titles are pretty much a joke anyway, WWE might as well throw them on a team that shouldn’t really be taken seriously. Those belts did nothing for Slater and Gabriel anyway.

Post match, Kozlov and Santino celebrate and Tamino kisses Santino. They all do the trumpet thing.

Up next, King Sheamus’ Coronation Ceremony

Commercial for the 4th season of NXT. It starts tomorrow. I’m glad my boy Ziggler is a pro

Sheamus comes out wearing his KOTR gear. The robe makes him look like a vampire or something. Change it. The crown has devil-like horns on it. He grabs a mic and says that it’s good to be king. He sits down in his red chair and says he’s far superior to all of you peasants in the arena. Sheamus has gone medieval on us. He brings up ending Triple-H’s career and says he kicked the king of kings off his throne. He starts talking about some King of Ireland shit. He said the King of Ireland was feared and respected all across the land, but in the end he fell and was defeated. He said that will never happen to him and his reign will live forever. He says he won’t be remembered as Ronald Mcdonald, but the greatest high king in history. John Morrison’s music hits and he comes out with a microphone. Morrison says if you were gonna go this route, “you should’ve went big.” “Should’ve brought some goblins or elves with you.” He says you should’ve brought out a half man half goat thing. Face of a man, legs of a goat. HA! Imagine that. The goat thing could escort Sheamus to the ring and maybe after the show “You could take your robe off and you guys could hang out.” Sheamus tells JoMo to cut the jokes and says that JoMo’s jealous that Sheamus is a two time champion and that he won’t be. Sheamus says that Morrison’s jealous because he achieved more in two years than Morrison couldn’t in his entire career. Morrison agrees and tells Sheamus that he’s right and has achieved more. But the score is 1 to 1 since they’ve both beaten each other once. Morrison went over at Survivor Series and Sheamus beat JoMo last week in the KOTR finals. Morrison says he’s the better man. Sheamus says “If your sense of humor matched your athletic ability, you’d be standing here wearing the crown.” Sheamus says he wants Morrison to refer to him as “your highness” or as the high king of the WWE. He tells Morrison to get down on his hands and knees to bow to the king. Morrison says he guarantees that he will never bow down to him. Sheamus slaps him and demands him to get down on his knees. Morrison decks him a few times and Sheamus bails to the outside. Sheamus jumps back but Morrison throws him at the throne to end the segment. I actually thought Morrison would end up buried in the midcard after his loss last week. Glad he’s still feuding with Sheamus. It’s been a good feud thus far, but I don’t think JoMo’s going over in the end. As we all know, Sheamus needs to be kept strong in order for Triple-H to come back and absolutely KILL him. As far as the actual segment though, Sheamus was good. Morrison was great. He’s really starting to show some more personality and the joke about Sheamus getting it on with a half man half goat after the show was funny.

Commercial

Natalya vs. Melina

The announce team is joined by McCool and Layla who say they were invited by Michael Cole. Lawler says to Layla, “I don’t like what you’re wearing. Why don’t you slip into something more comfortable…like a coma.” Funny. I love Melina’s entrance. Melina and Natalya shake hands before the match. They lock up and Natalya gets a headlock takedown. Natalya does the “squatting vertical suplex” and covers for two. Melina goes out on the ring apron and kicks Natalya as she tries to grab her. Sunset flip attempt by Melina is blocked by Natalya as she hangs onto the ropes but Melina drops Nattie’s back onto her knees. Melina goes for a quick cover and gets two. Another cover gets two. Melina locks in what Grisham calls “a hell of a hold”, and it is. She basically grapevines Natalya’s torso with her legs while holding her arms in a surfboard submission. Pretty innovative stuff. Melina lets go of the arms but keeps her legs locked. Natalya reverses her and gets Melina’s shoulders down for two. Melina kicks her in the back and screams. She charges and runs into the 360 clothesline. Natalya throws Melina in the corner but gets kicked in the chest. Melina tries to hit another kick but it’s blocked. Natalya hits a standing dropkick to the face and locks in the sharpshooter for the submission victory.

Analysis: *1/2 Solid for a three minute match. They should throw these two in a program in the future and give them longer time to work in the ring. It could be really good. I forgot to mention (mainly because I don’t care) that McCool and Layla were talking shit about Natalya the entire time on commentary.

Laycool attack Natalya after the match and Punk says that this is what Laycool does best. No, what they do best is annoy the fuck out of people. They’re heels, yes. Not in a good way though.

Commercial

We come back and they show highlights of what transpired earlier tonight between The Miz and Orton. The Miz will decide what type of match him and Orton will have at TLC.

Riley and Miz are talking backstage. Riley rants about Orton and The Miz shuts him up. Miz talks about he’s king shit. He tells Riley that what he needs to do is beat Randy Orton. Riley says the only way Orton is going to make it out of here is on his hands and knees. The Miz says he’s not gonna tell Randy what kind of match they’ll have at TLC. He’s going to show him.

Randy Orton vs. Alex Riley

They show clips of how Orton lost the title two weeks ago after Orton enters. Riley comes out to Miz’ music carrying the MITB briefcase. Moron. Riley quickly goes after the knee while Orton is distracted by the Miz’ presence and takes Orton down. He stomps the knee but Orton punches him and throws him into the corner to punch some more. Riley again goes after the knee and drops a few elbows on it. He grapevines the leg but Orton punches out of the hold. Orton, to his feet now hits a quick angle slam. Riley recovers quick and they go back and forth punching eachother. Riley goes for a clothesline but Orton hits an inverted atomic drop, followed by a couple of clotheslines. Riley runs the ropes but runs into a bodyslam. Riley tries to leave the ring but Orton grabs his head, pulls him back in and hits the DDT with Riley’s feet on the ropes. In other words, his trademark DDT. Orton vipers it up as he waits for Riley to get up so he can RKO him, but The Miz runs in and delivers the Skullcrushing Finale to cause the DQ.

Analysis: ¾* Well, that was uneventful. Not much else to say.

Post match, The Miz asks for a mic. He tells Orton he’s going to show him what kind of stipulation their match will be contested under at the PPV. He pulls a table out from underneath the ring and slides it into the ring. Miz sets up the table and tries to lock Orton in the SCF position. Orton fights out and scoops the Miz up in a running powerslam position. The Miz hops out of it and bails to the outside. Miz grabs the title and taunts Orton from outside the ring as he walks up the ramp. Orton then picks up an incapacitated Alex Riley and powerbombs him right through the table. The Miz vs. Randy Orton at TLC in a tables match. Personally, I’d rather see them in a one on one match with no stip attached to it, but that’s just me.

Barrett is shown backstage. He stops and says to David Otunga, “Make sure you and the guys are ready.” He’s on his way to the ring. Barrett calls out Cena next.

Commercial

Barrett struts out looking serious as hell. He grabs the mic says he has to admit that he was wrong. He assumed Cena was a man of his word. He says John Cena was fired and if Cena had one ounce of integrity in his body, he wouldn’t show his face here again but that’s not how things turned out. He says that Cena can attack the rest of Nexus all he wants but the rest of Nexus can’t get him rehired. The only person that can do that is Barrett himself. He invites John Cena out to the ring. He says there’s something he wants to get off his chest. “Cena” chant starts up and they show Cena going towards the ring through the crowd. As Cena enters the ring, Nexus line up in typical Nexus fashion on the ramp. Barrett says that if Cena even threatens him, The Nexus will beat him within an inch of his life. Huge “Cena” chant starts up. He says the crowd cheering won’t help him at all. Barrett tells Cena “This is not going to work. I will never rehire you.” John tells Wade he’s stupid and then does a hilarious imitation that even I laughed at. And I don’t even think Cena’s that funny. He tells Wade that being fired isn’t that bad and that he’s not technically a WWE superstar anymore. He’s part of the WWE Universe. The universe pops. He says the best thing of all is that he has a lot of time on his hands and all he thinks about is making the lives of Nexus a living hell. He looks at the Nexus members on the ramp and sarcastically jokes about everything he’s done to them in the last week. He tells Wade that he’s perfectly content with being fired, buying a ticket to Raw and making the lives of every Nexus member miserable. Cena says, “You don’t wanna hire me? I could care less.” Wade says to Cena that even though he can intimidate the rest of Nexus, he won’t intimidate him. Wade says to Cena that if he hypothetically did rehire him, what could Cena do for him. Cena gets sarcastic with him again and says that he could make bunk beds out of twin beds and have a talk show. Then he gets serious and says, he could compete for the WWE Championship. Cena says that if he stays fired, all he has to do every week is buy a ticket and ruin your lives (Nexus). Cena’s tone gets more serious as he says “Young man, if you decide to hire me back…my attacks on them will stop. My attacks on you will not.” Cena says he will get payback and that if Barrett was a man of honor, integrity and respect he’d rehire Cena on the spot and they’d settle it in the ring tonight. Another “Cena” chant from the crowd starts up. Cena says “You never know when I’m gonna get you. You never know where, but I will get you.” Cena says he will not stop as long as Wade is in the WWE. Barrett calls Cena stupid and says “That sounded like a threat!” He tells his Nexus boys to come down and “extinguish” Cena. They don’t budge. Cena throws off his shirt. Barrett tells them again, but Husky walks away and to the back. He yells at them and says “What on earth are you doing!?” Slater walks away, then Gabriel. Otunga, being the only one left, looks right at Wade and walks away too. Cena charges at Barrett and kicks his ass. Barrett goes outside and tries to run but Cena rams him into the ring steps. Cena sets the ring steps up next to the announce table as Punk says “John, my diet soda. What are you doing?!” Haha. Cena clears off the table and hands Punk back his diet coke. Punk says “my iphone!” Cena picks up Barrett, climbs the steps and looks like he’s going to give Barrett the AA through the table but Barrett slips out and sprints to the back. They show Barrett backstage yelling at Otunga who has all of Nexus with him. He says, “When I give an order you follow it!”. Otunga shoots back with, “You may not be giving orders anymore. Next week, you either hire John Cena back or you’re out of Nexus!” The other Nexus members look at Barrett and follow Otunga out to end the show.

So it looks like Nexus is breaking up. We all knew the Otunga takeover was coming and from the looks of things, it’s here. I just hope Barrett doesn’t lose all his heat after it’s over like Faarooq did when The Rock took over NOD. Then again, I could be wrong about the whole thing. Nexus could stay together with Barrett as their leader and this whole “John Cena is fired” storyline could run even longer. Overall, Raw was decent tonight. It did a good job of building towards TLC. Of course, only one match from Raw has been officially announced at this point, but with the furthering of the Sheamus/Morrison feud and the Nexus teasing a break-up angle, you can expect a couple more matches made on next weeks show. The actual wrestling on the show wasn’t good at all. But that’s always the case when it comes to Raw. That’s why we have Smackdown. Promomania ran wild tonight and for the most part, all of the microphone stuff was entertaining. Great opening segment with Michael Cole getting RKO’ed and even Morrison got to flex his mic skills tonight. Thank God for that. Now book him to win the Royal Rumble. That’s it for now. I’ll be back on Friday night/Saturday morning for the Smackdown recap!