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PPV Reports
CALDWELL'S WWE EXTREME RULES PPV REPORT 6/7: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Orton vs. Batista, Edge vs. Jeff Hardy
Jun 7, 2009 - 9:58:47 PM


By James Caldwell, Torch assistant editor

WWE EXTREME RULES PPV REPORT
June 7, 2009
New Orleans, La.


The PPV opened with a video package focusing on the Big Three matches of Edge-Hardy for the World Title, Cena-Show, and Orton-Batista for the WWE Title. ... Arena: Michael Cole opened the show. Sign in the crowd: "I came to see J.R."

In-ring: Lilian Garcia announced the opening U.S. Title four-way match. New U.S. champion Kofi Kingston came out first as the announcers talked about MVP losing the belt to Kofi on Raw and MVP showing "unusual" sportsmanship. William Regal, then Matt Hardy, then MVP came out for the PPV opener. Cole said this is MVP's automatic re-match clause.

1 -- U.S. champion KOFI KINGSTON vs. WILLIAM REGAL vs. MATT HARDY vs. MVP -- U.S. Title match

Bell sounded and all four men stood around to feel out the match. Hardy and Regal then took each other to the floor, leaving Kofi and MVP in the ring for a "good sportsmanship" exchange. Suddenly there was a car wreck involving everyone except Hardy, so he slipped into the ring and tried to pin any of the three, but they all kicked out. Hardy dominated, then Kofi surprised him with a clothesline. He then double slammed Hardy and Regal and hit the Boom Boom leg drop on both men. Nearfall only, though. Kofi then dropkicked MVP through the ropes. Regal snatched Kofi from behind for a t-bone suplex into Hardy that looked off, then MVP Chono booted Regal in the face. MVP nailed Hardy with a flurry of rights before hitting a knee drop. MVP wanted to go Ballin' on Hardy and he connected, but Regal broke up a pin and smashed MVP in the corner with a running knee. Regal grunted into an Irish whip to the ropes on Kofi, but Kofi rebounded off the ropes into the Jamaican buzzsaw kick on Regal for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Kofi at 6:38. Chaotic match. Felt like they were trying to get a ton of spots in with only six-to-seven minutes to work with. Had some cool moments, but really seemed like too much in too little time. This was a WWE PPV opener, not a TNA opener, right? (*1/2)

[Commercial Break]

Earlier today: Josh Mathews caught up with Big Show to get a word about John Cena. Show said Cena can't put the STF on him and he won't be able to make him submit.

In-ring: Chris Jericho was introduced for the IC Title match, but Jericho wasn't anywhere to be found. They cut to the merchandise table in the arena concourse where Jericho was standing among John Cena and Rey Rey merch. Jericho said two weeks ago, he became a fan and stood amongst the unclean wearing a Rey Mysterio mask. Jericho made his way through the crowd ala R-Truth, but without the rapping. "Don't touch me, junior!" he shouted at a few fans who had the audacity to touch him. Jericho vowed to rip off Rey's mask tonight. He dropped the mic and paced around waiting for Rey. Jericho heavily tanned tonight. He said on his Twitter he spent some time on the beach in Pensacola, Fla. before last night's Supershow. I'm sure he found a good tanning bed, too. Rey then came out to defend the IC Title as Ross referenced El Santo as having the masked wrestling legacy. Reminds me of the Mike Tenay segments on WCW Nitro ten+ years ago when he introduced U.S. audiences to Lucha wrestling and the significance of the mask.

2 -- IC champion REY MYSTERIO vs. CHRIS JERICHO -- Intercontinental Title match -- No Holds Barred

Bell sounded and Rey jumped Jericho right off the bat. Match moved to the floor where Rey rammed Jericho into the announce table, then picked up the table cover and smashed Jericho with it. Rey blasted Jericho into the ring steps, then hit a splash off the top rope on the floor. Rey in control as they moved back into the ring where Rey scored a two count on a roll-up, then Jericho rolled through into a pin with a hook of the tights for a two count. Jericho tried to follow with a roll-through on a sunset flip into the double-foot dropkick, but Jericho with a sweet counter into an inside cradle for a two count. Jericho popped up and smashed Rey in the head. Rey played dead, then Jericho chucked Rey stomach-first across the mat through the ropes and into the guardrail on the fly.

Match moved to the floor where Jericho suplexed Rey onto the ring padding before bringing him back into the ring for a two count. Jericho tried to remove the mask, but Rey covered his face just as Jericho teased the exposure. Jericho then missed with a corner splash, but ate the ringpost and fell to the floor. Rey measured Jericho and hit a suicide dive around the corner turnbuckle on the floor. Sweet. Back in the ring, Rey with a head scissors followed by a huracanrana for a two count. Rey set up the 619, but Jericho caught Rey in mid-air with a spinning backbreaker for a two count. Great sequence. Jericho then blocked another huracanrana and Rey avoided a Lionsault. Rey hit a reverse 619 on Jericho, then went for his trademark springboard finish off the top, but Jericho nailed an amazing codebreaker counter in mid-air. Goodness. Jericho sold needing extra time to make the cover after his finisher, allowing Rey time to kick out.

Jericho, stunned, went to the floor and grabbed a chair. He smacked it against the ring steps to give the prep code to Rey, who came to his feet and dropkicked the chair kinda into Jericho's face. Effect was more important than actual contact. Rey then picked up the chair and did an RVD running surfboard on Jericho for another nearfall. Fans on their feet as Rey set up the chair in the corner to give Jericho a drop toe hold into the chair. Rey then tried to run off the chair onto Jericho, but Jericho countered with the Walls of Jericho. Rey was close enough to the chair, though, to pick it up and smash Jericho in the face to escape. Rey then wanted the 619, but Jericho countered in mid-kick by ripping the mask off. Rey was concerned with losing the mask, so Jericho rolled him up for the pin to grab the title. Afterward, Rey covered his face and rolled to the floor. Jericho then held up the IC Title and Rey's mask, following up on his guarantee to grab both.

WINNER: Jericho at 14:43 to capture the Intercontinental Title. Excellent undercard match for the second straight WWE PPV. They used the gimmicks and floor effectively with another round of terrific counters and reversals. Follow-up on Smackdown should be interesting. (***3/4)

Backstage: Josh Mathews brought in Batista. Before Batista could say anything, Matthews rolled footage from Raw when Ric Flair fought Randy Orton in a parking lot brawl, then Orton punted Flair and Batista could only watch. Back live to Batista, who said nothing and just clenched his jaw in frustration. Batista turned to the camera and said it's one thing for Orton to kick him in the head, but when he punts a legend like Flair, it's time for Orton to pay. He told Orton to gear up for a long road of pain and suffering tonight. Batista said he will take away the WWE Title along with his pride, dignity, and health - everything. He's not stopping until he wipes out Orton's entire legacy.

In-ring: Justin Roberts introduced the Samoan Strap match. Crowd not quite as excited for this one. We'll see if they treat it like a "comedown" match to catch their breath after the amazing Rey-Jericho match. Fortunately, WWE went with an extended video and Batista interview to perhaps be the "comedown" before this match. Umaga came out first ready for a brawl. C.M. Punk then came out with the MITB briefcase in the hand. Jim Ross and Todd Grisham talked up the match a ref Charles Robinson gave them instructions and tied their wrists together with the strap.

3 -- UMAGA vs. C.M. PUNK -- Samoan Strap match

They had a video game-like graphic in the top right corner of the screen showing both wrestlers needing to touch all of the turnbuckles successively. Umaga is Red light and Punk is Green light. Graphic a bit behind the action as Ross tried to explain that a new sequence would have to be started each time there's a "reset." Action started with basic tease spots before Punk hit three turnbuckles, only to have Umaga yank him back into a clothesline to prevent him from touching the fourth turnbuckles. Umaga tried to the four-spot, but Punk yanked him over the top rope to the floor. Reset those red and green lights. Punk then did a tug of war trying to reach all four turnbuckles as Umaga pulled him from the floor. Umaga blocked four, then went up top, but Punk yanked him off the top to the mat. Punk tried the four-play again, but Umaga tug-of-warred him across the ring. In the process, Punk countered a Samoan Spike attempt with the Go 2 Sleep, then he fell backward into the fourth turnbuckle to touch all four in succession for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Punk at 8:59. "Just there" match. Crowd bought into some of the "nearfalls" at the end, so that was good. Match won't be remembered, though. (*1/4)

Backstage: Gregory Helms brought in ECW champion Christian to talk about the title match tonight. Christian said it might be Tommy Dreamer's final match tonight, which puts him in a tough spot as the defending champion. He's a good friend, he's cool, we've ridden the roads together. He paused... "I sure am going to miss Tommy Dreamer." Christian said he's leaving tonight as ECW champ. Dreamer said after this match, Christian won't be ECW champion. They nearly came to blows, then Mr. New Orleans Jack Swagger interrupted to have a word. No one cared, though, as Christian and Dreamer walked off the set. Swagger smiled at their attempt to mock them.

In-ring: Christian came out first, then Tommy Dreamer came out sporting some new trunks. Like a 2009 version of Shawn Michaels's "cow patches" pants from the mid-'90s. Dreamer is done if he doesn't win the ECW Title tonight. Jack Swagger then came out glowing in his own awesomeness. For good measure, Swagger dropped to the entranceramp floor and did some push-ups. Tony Chimel then handled the formal ring intros.

4 -- ECW champion CHRISTIAN vs. TOMMY DREAMER vs. JACK SWAGGER -- ECW Title match -- Hardcore Rules match

Bell sounded and Swagger slipped to the outside to play cat and mouse with Dreamer, who took a fist to the face from Swagger. Back in the ring, Swagger gave Dreamer a back drop and Dreamer rolled to the outside. On the outside, Dreamer grabbed some weapons. Christian also grabbed some weapons. Striker called Dreamer's trademark weapon a Singapore stick. LOL. Mathews told him it's a Singapore Cane. Christian and Dreamer then blasted Swagger from both sides with canes and sticks and trashcan lids. Dreamer then gave Christian a pumphandle slam using the Kendo stick in the crotch. Swagger recovered and blasted Dreamer into the corner, but Dreamer back dropped Swagger over the top rope to the floor. Dreamer picked up a trashcan, then did his rolling Cannonball dive off the apron onto both Swagger and Christian.

Back in the ring, Dreamer measured Swagger for the "E-C-W chest pound" basement dropkick, but Christian cut him off from the floor. Christian then slipped into the ring and stole Dreamer's ECW basement dropkick on Swagger. After Christian and Dreamer battled, Swagger recovered and smashed Christian with a Kendo stick. Swagger then press slammed Christian for a two count. Swagger went to the corner to remove the top turnbuckle, but Dreamer blasted him from the floor with a stick shot. Dreamer re-entered the ring and slammed Christian onto a trashcan lid. He missed with an elbow drop, though, as the crowd chanted for tables. No tables, though.

Swagger and Dreamer introduced more weapons into the ring, including a big red STOP sign. Dreamer then took a belly-to-belly suplex from Swagger, who introduced a wrestling hold into the match. They set up a Tower of Doom spot in the corner and Christian powerbombed Swagger, who suplexed Dreamer onto a trashcan. Swagger then put Christian into the exposed steel, but Dreamer blasted Swagger with the Kendo stick from behind. Dreamer then grappled Swagger and nailed the Dreamer DDT in center ring. Dreamer with the pin for the win to capture the ECW Title. He did the big celebration in-ring, then in the crowd. Nice moment.

WINNER: Dreamer at 9:40 to capture the ECW Title. Nice match using the gimmicks and stipulations while playing off the ECW Title quest storyline for Dreamer. Dreamer did his part leading to the PPV selling this as his last possible WWE match, so it made the finish seem that much more surprising. Well done. (**1/4)

Backstage: Vickie Guerrero was shadow-boxing with Chavo Guerrero as he tried to motivate her to show the WWE Universe that she's not a pig. Chavo went overboard with the motivation, so Vickie punched him. Back ringside, Cole was having a good laugh about the segment. He then plugged "The Bash" PPV in three weeks. Up next, though, Hog Pen. Jerry Lawler appeared to disappear. Well, there he was in the Hog Pen as the camera zoomed in on pigs in the pig pen. Lawler said this match is going to stink. He did some more jokes, then brought out Santino(a) Marella, who sold disgust over having to get in the Hog Pen. Vickie came out in a formal yellow dress, then Vickie changed this to a handicap match with Chavo as her tag partner. Chavo complained that he's in his Sunday best clothes and he didn't warm up.

5 -- Miss WrestleMania VICKIE GUERRERO & CHAVO GUERRERO vs. SANTINO(A) MARELLA -- Hog Pen match

Chavo took a bath in the mud early on, but he knocked down Santina. Chavo thought Santina was done, so Vickie came in to make the pin. Santina popped up to life, though. Chavo tried to slop Santina with a bucket full of pig feed, but Santina ducked and Vickie was slopped by Chavo. Santina then slopped Chavo and punched the bucket into Chavo's face. Santina KO'ed Chavo, then made the cover on Vickie for the pin and the win. Afterward, Vickie and Chavo yelled at each other with Vickie taking out her frustration on Chavo. Santina celebrated as the crown was re-awarded to him/her/it.

WINNER: Santino(a) at 3:30 to capture the Miss WrestleMania crown. Please, oh please, let this be over with so Santino can return to the babyface program where he discovers his ability to wrestle. "Buffer" segment to allow the announcers to get all of their dumb jokes out of the way. (n/a)

Coming Soon: The Biggest Event of the summer ... Summerslam. Not sure about the video package theme. Didn't feel "epic" like the second-biggest PPV of the year.

Video package: They showed all of the storyline progression for Randy Orton vs. Batista. Long video. Enough to head downstairs to the kitchen, refill the sweet tea, grab a glass of water, and still make it back in time for the video to still be going. ...

Backstage: Vickie and Chavo were walking down the hallway. Vickie was complaining to Chavo about screwing up. She demanded to get her crown back. They passed by a bunch of off-the-PPV card wrestlers to get them a payday. Hornswoggle and Goldust then showed up. Goldust wanted her to sign his expense report. Is there a per diem? Goldust to Vickie: You smell like shit...grunt grunt grunt...shitake mushrooms. Vickie and Chavo made it back to the office where hubby Edge was waiting. He said she's selfish and only cares about herself. Vickie said she doesn't care about his ladder match situation against Jeff Hardy and said she's not going to ask any of the Raw stars to help him in his match. Edge said that's fine...just make sure you get a good divorce attorney. He said he wants out of his sham(wow) of a marriage. Vickie started crying on the couch while looking at her muddy situation. Back to ringside, I think Lawler wanted that sham-wow joke, but he passed.

In-ring: Randy Orton came out first to defend the WWE Title. No Cody and Ted today. Lawler said he travels to a lot of places and the "Raw Universe" tells him that Orton is the most-hated man in WWE. Orton entered the cage and surveyed his surroundings. Long pause. Batista's msic hit to an explosive response. Lilian handled the formal ring intros to a strong reception for Batista.

6 -- WWE champion RANDY ORTON vs. BATISTA -- WWE Title match -- Steel cage match

Bell sounded and Orton quickly jumped to the cage wall and tried to climb over. Batista yanked him down, though. Nice tease early on, playing off rumors of Batista being injured and this possibly being a short match. Batista then went to work on Orton with shoulder thrusts in the corner. Orton then tried to slither out the cage door, but Batista pulled him back inside the cage by his ankles. Orton stomped down on Batista in the corner before contemplating his next move. Batista took advantage of Orton's pause by hitting a spinebuster. Batista wanted the B-Bomb, but Orton back dropped Batista into a cage wall. Orton then teased leaving the cage, but he measured Batista for The Punt. Batista moved, though, and Orton tried to Spiderman the wall. Batista countered by grappling Orton for the Batistabomb, but Orton slipped out. Tease of the RKO, then Batista re-grappled Orton and delivered the Batistabomb. Batista then made the cover and scored the pin to capture the WWE Title. Whoa. Batista took the belt and headed up the stage while Orton sold frustration. Batista struggled to lift his right arm a little bit celebrating with the title belt.

WINNER: Batista at 7:10 to capture the WWE Title. Seems like forever since Batista won World Title gold. You also wouldn't think they would put the WWE Title on an injured wrestler, so we'll have to see where this is going, especially when Orton gets his re-match. Nice match, albeit short for Raw's title match. Quick pace made for a good story. (**)

Backstage: They showed John Cena warming up backstage. Cue up the "deck is stacked against Cena" video package with voice-overs from Cena giving the big rally speech for Cenation. ... In-ring: Big Show came out first for the Submission match. Long pause. John Cena came out to a huge reaction as the announcers talked up the seemingly impossible nature of Cena trying to force Show to submit tonight.

7 -- JOHN CENA vs. BIG SHOW -- Submissions match

Show with an early clothesline, then he teased the Camel Clutch, but Cena snuck underneath Show and went for the STFU. Couldn't apply it, though, and the two men went back to their corners to re-think strategy. Show quickly regained control and landed a running splash in the corner. Cena avoided another splash, then Cena seemed to be setting up his FKS combo with a running bulldog, but Show blocked the bulldog attempt by shoving Cena clear across the ring to the outside. Cena tried to come back with a shoulder tackle, but Show shooed him away like a fly to end that noise. Show then applied the Masterlock and Cena slowly broke free, but Show grounded him with a headbutt. Cena blocked another corner charge and hopped on Show's back for a sleeperhold. Show fought, but he eventually fell to one knee. Show sold sleep, but then slammed Cena to escape. Show woke up very quickly and nailed an overhead toss facebuster out of the powerbomb position.

Show then stalked Cena to begin his formula match of the one move, walk around, one move, walk around. Show palmed Cena's head ala Khali before taking Cena to the ropes to squeeze the life out of Cena. Show did the step-on-the-chest-and-walk-off spot before going to the second rope for a Vader Bomb. Cena moved, though, which popped the crowd. Cena then wanted the Hogan-to-Andre scoop slam, but Show fell on top of Cena and locked in a submission hold ... I think. Looked like he was hugging him. Cena broke out, then Show wanted a chokeslam, but Cena blocked, so Show dumped Cena over the top rope to the floor. And we continue slowly but surely. At 12:00, Show followed to the outside and picked up Cena to ram him ribs-first into the ringpost. More work on the stomach and ribs. Crowd quiet. Lawler said a hush has come over the crowd. Back in the ring, Show went to the resthold of all restholds...the abdominal stretch. Show clutched Cena's ribs to make it look good.

Cena broke free, then nailed a DDT. Cena then went for the STFU, but Show kicked him out of the ring. Cena then tried a top rope move, but Show caught him in mid-air for a bear hug. Cena broke free, then hit a flip-over facebuster. He then set up the Five Knuckle Shuffle after brushing the dirt off his shoulder. Show popped up and wanted a chokeslam, but Cena countered with the FU in center ring. Crowd like "what next?" Cena then tried the STFU again, but Show elbowed him in the face. Looks like he could have done the Rings of Saturn after the FU. Show then came to his feet and landed the big ol' KO punch. Cena rolled to the floor selling a headache as he was sprawled out on the ground. On the floor, Show tried to ram Cena into the ringpost, but Cena blocked and rammed Show into the ringpost. Cena then ran up top and hit the guillotine leg drop as Show was underneath the ropes. Suddenly, Cena slapped on a unique STF with Show's leg in between the ropes so he could put his entire body around Show's neck with the other part of the STF hold. Camera zoomed in tight as Show tried to fight the hold. Looked like the "Gas man" from Dumb & Dumber just as he was sweating and calling for his meds with Harry & Lloyd in the diner. Show, on the verge of passing out, finally gave up on trying to fight the hold and he tapped out. "John Cena with another miracle!" Cole declared.

WINNER: Cena at 19:00 via submission. Up and down match with a dramatic conclusion that the crowd really bought into. Had some moments where I'm thinking, "Gosh, this is so boring, grrrr" followed by some intriguing sequences. Tough match to evaluate. Either you were bored out of your mind or intrigued waiting to see how Cena would keep escaping and how he would eventually win the match so you knew SuperCena was winning. (**1/2)

Video package: They focused on the Edge vs. Hardy feud leading to tonight's re-match from the PPV main event three weeks ago. Edge came out first to defend the World Title as he surveyed a ton of ladders in the entranceramp. Jeff then came out without any paint or body work, focused on the match.

8 -- World Hvt. champion EDGE vs. JEFF HARDY -- World Title match -- Ladder match

Announcers talked up the history of ladder matches as Ross said no one is more proficient in the ladder match than Edge and Hardy. Grisham then referenced Shawn Michaels, thankfully, and the WM X ladder match with HBK and Razor Ramon (Scott Hall). Match moved to the floor where Edge dropkicked a ladder into Jeff. Back in the ring, Jeff back-dropped Edge over the top rope with Edge landing arm-first across a ladder. Jeff quickly set up a ladder and went climbing for the title, but Edge cut him off from behind. Jeff then got tangled up in the ladder after Edge shoved him into it. Edge then wanted the spear into a ladder, but Jeff moved and Edge ate the ladder rungs. Jeff then did hit lift-up corner dropkick sending the ladder into Edge's face. Edge came right back with a Sharpshooter inside the ladder, causing Jeff to scream out in pain. Edge then climbed the ladder, but Jeff dropkicked the ladder and Edge took a flat-back bump right on the mat with his legs cut out from under him. Hardy then set up a ladder upside down and he gut-bustered Edge across the deals that hold up a ladder. Crowd reacted for that first-time-ever-I-think spot.

At 10:00, Jeff pulled out a big ladder and dropped Edge in center-ring with the Twist of Fate. Hardy then measured the opportunity and scaled the big ladder with his eyes on the World Title prize hanging above the ring. Edge got up, though, and watched as Jeff tried to swing onto the title belt. Jeff had his hands on the belt, but he couldn't yank it down, so Edge yanked him down without the title belt. Jeff sold a leg injury, then Edge went back on the offensive. Jeff quickly recovered, though, and walked up the giant ladder for a Whisper in the Wind on Edge. Jeff rolled over to the ring apron and picked up his time cue from the ref ringside before grabbing another ladder. He rolled it into the ring and set it up next to the giant ladder. Hardy then clotheslined himself and Edge over the top rope just because. On the floor, Edge set up a ladder across the ring apron and guardrail. Edge wanted a suplex across the horizontally-positioned ladder, but Jeff whipped him into the guardrail. Edge then whipped Jeff into the ring steps.

At 15:00, both men exchanged control once again on the floor. Ross talked about both men willing to shorten their lives careers for the World Title gold. Jeff then put Edge on the horizontally-placed ladder and set up another ladder nearby. Hardy teased a dive, but Edge got up and they battled up on the ladder Hardy was on. Gradually, they tipped the ladder over together and both men crashed right through the h-p-ladder. Hardy's knee took the direct impact and his shoulder took the secondary impact. Right shoulder took the impact on the fall from the ladder to the ground. Yeoch. Several replays later, both men were back in the ring battling. Hardy started climbing and he had one hand on the belt, but Edge was on the giant ladder. Hardy saw him and blocked a mid-air spear with a mid-air Twist of Fate down to the mat. Not perfect, but looked pretty good nevertheless.

Just before 20:00, Hardy and Edge teased a race to the top. Edge knocked Hardy off the ladder, causing screaming from the crowd, then Hardy pulled Edge's legs through the ladder while standing underneath the ladder. Edge was trapped with his legs dangling through the rungs of the ladder. Hardy then scaled the ladder and retrieved the World Title belt to a roar from the crowd. Edge paused his leg-dangling in disbelief, then Hardy stared down at him with the title belt in hand.

WINNER: Hardy at 20:10 to capture the World Hvt. Title. Epic ladder match. They really made great use of the stipulation and props at their disposal. Both men took some risks that will be looked at as foolish ten years from now, but in the moment of trying to live up to the main event billing for the match, they pulled off a great story. Whether it was worth the risk of debilitation down the road is a debate for another article. (****1/2)

Post-match: Jim Ross entered the ring to interview Edge or Hardy, but C.M. Punk's music suddenly hit. Well, well, well. Punk came down to the ring and cashed in the MITB briefcase. Hardy was stumbling around and not in position to wrestle. Ref told him to give up the title belt. Bell sounded.

9 -- World Hvt. champion JEFF HARDY vs. C.M. PUNK -- World Title match

Is this match official without it being contested without a gimmick? Bell sounded and Punk nailed the G2S, but Hardy kicked out. Oh snap. Punk was shocked. Hardy then tried to pin Punk with an inside cradle, but Punk kicked out. Punk then kicked Hardy in the head and went for the G2S once again. Punk made the cover and scored a pin for the win. Punk is World champion once again. He flashed a "two" to the hard camera and celebrated with the title. Crowd booed this title change a little. Ross said Hardy's body will never be the same again on the same night he became World champion. Hardy, who was WrestleMania Nine'ed by Punk playing Hogan, was out cold as they replayed the finish. Really pushing it close to the full three-hour mark. Final shot of Punk celebrating with the title belt to conclude a chaotic main event situation. Punk danced around the ring with the title belt to close the PPV four minutes before the top of the hour.

WINNER: Punk at 1:00 to capture the World Hvt. Title. Well, that sure shakes things up on the Smackdown brand. Chaotic, furious finish to the PPV. Who does Punk feud with now? Do Jericho and Edge get title re-matches? Perhaps a three-way at The Bash. (n/a)

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TNA Hard Justice 8/16 ALT PERSPECTIVE report by Wilkenfeld: Daniel Reviews, Hypothesizes About Colossally Bad Booking

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Current Top Ten Staff Picks
Staff Picks
WWE News: SPOILERS - Smackdown TV taping report for Friday night's show
WWE News: ECW TV Notes - ECW Title match booked for next week, Former TNA wrestler debuts
WWE News: Raw TV ratings are in - how did the Osbournes fare as guest hosts?
WWE/TNA News: Hulk Hogan claims he taught Vince McMahon the wrestling business, talks more about his role in TNA
WWE Raw Results 11/2: KELLER'S rundown of all matches and segments, plus analysis, star ratings, quotebook
TNA News: Ratings are in for Hulk Hogan Impact - did the publicity help TNA?
WWE News: Hulk Hogan knocks WWE Hall of Fame ring and Vince McMahon in mainstream interview
WWE News: Kofi Kingston interview - why he dropped the Jamaican accent, discusses feud with Randy Orton
TNA News: Hulk Hogan to TNA - The most-detailed timeline you will read of the behind-the-scenes insider news on Hulk Hogan's first tease of working for TNA
WWE News: Roddy Piper to guest host upcoming episode of WWE Raw


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UPCOMING EVENTS LISTING

Articles Grouped by Category
Torch Today
WWE RAW 11/2: Place Your Bets on tonight's Raw - Week 11 featuring Ozzy & Sharon Osbourne
WWE RAW 10/26: "Place your Bets" Scoreboard after Week 10 - Review last week's scores before tonight's Raw PYB contest
TORCH MONTHLY AWARD VOTING: Nominate the best and worst in pro wrestling from the month of October
WWE News
WWE News: SPOILERS - Smackdown TV taping report for Friday night's show
WWE News: ECW TV Notes - ECW Title match booked for next week, Former TNA wrestler debuts
WWE News: ECW TV preview - Christian & Yoshi vs. Kozlov & Jackson, LLP
TNA News
TNA News: SPOILERS on Jim Neidhart's TNA debut, Raven's return, Kurt Angle returns from injury angle
TNA News: Knockouts champion signs new multi-year contract with TNA
WWE/TNA News: Comparison of Hulk Hogan's claim he taught Vince McMahon the wrestling business to what Hogan wrote in his first book
ROH News
ROH News: ROH TV episodes now available on DirecTV's Video-On-Demand service
WWE/ROH News: What's on Monday night TV - Osbournes hosting Raw, Nigel McGuinness's final ROH match (w/VIDEO)
ROH News: Preview for Nigel McGuinness's final ROH TV match on Monday (w/VIDEO)
Other News
Hogan News: Ric Flair cuts promo on Hulk Hogan and wrestling fans who bought WrestleMania retirement to promote Australian Tour (w/VIDEO)
Other News: The Rock starring in new movie opposite Billy Bob Thornton; movie to be released one week after WWE release
Other News: Former WWE wrestler Chris Nowinski appearing before U.S. Congress today to discuss concussions and head trauma
PPV Reports
RADICAN'S DGUSA "Untouchable" PPV review - Doi vs. Danielson, Shingo vs. Richards
10/25 WWE Bragging Rights Results: KELLER'S detailed match-by-match PPV report - Cena vs. Orton Iron Man match
CALDWELL'S WWE BRAGGING RIGHTS PPV REPORT 10/25: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Cena vs. Orton, Team Raw vs. Team Smackdown
TV Reports
WWE RAW ROUNDTABLE REVIEWS 11/2: Caldwell, McKinley, Parks rate and review
CALDWELL'S ECW TV REPORT 11/3: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of the rest of ECW tonight
PARKS' ECW REPORT 11/3: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of the show's first few segments
Arena Reports
10/30 Dragon Gate in Germany: Young Bucks, CIMA vs. Mike Quackenbush, El Generico
10/23 TNA in Chicago, Ill.: A.J. Styles vs. Samoa Joe, Matt Morgan vs. Scott Steiner, Rhino vs. Kip James
10/24 WWE Supershow in State College, Pa.: Cena & MVP & Henry vs. Legacy, The Miz vs. John Morrison tune-up, Matt Hardy wins!
MMA / UFC Coverage
MMA WEEK-IN-REVIEW: Lesnar Out, Dumbass of Week, Fight of Week, Kimbo Rumor, DVR + Twitter = Spoiler (redirect)
UFC News: Forrest Griffin addresses devastating loss to Anderson Silva, running from Octagon afterward, Tito Ortiz fight (redirect)
TNA News: Bobby Lashley comments on dropping wrestling to focus full-time on MMA
KELLER'S TAKE
KELLER FLASHBACK: Review of Hulk Hogan's first autobiography - Hogan's political maneuvers evident in who he protects and buries
KELLER BLOG: Is a new Monday Night War imminent? Signs point that direction
KELLER: How TNA should utilize Hulk Hogan and how Hogan should utilize TNA
MITCHELL'S TAKE
MOJO MITCHELL'S RAW 11/2: Stream of My Fourth Grade Hero and The Mid-Card Kicks Main Event Ass
MITCHELL FLASHBACK #4: In 1993, after Hogan first left the WWF, he had a lot of career choices
MITCHELL FLASHBACK #3: Hogan's autobiography review - insight into his world
MCNEILL'S TAKE
McNEILL BLOG: The Big Questions About Hulk Hogan in TNA
Fight For Your Right to Bragging: McNEILL Previews WWE Bragging Rights!
Glory, Glory, Hallelujah! McNEILL Previews TNA Bound for Glory 2009
CALDWELL'S TAKE
CALDWELL'S TUESDAY CHAT w/GREG PARKS: Raw & Smackdown discussion - Orton-Kofi build-up compared to Rey-Batista, DX dissension, Sheamus stands out
CALDWELL FLASHBACK: TNA Year-End Review 2005 - Must-read flashback to when TNA became a choice for wrestlers in an era very, very similar to 2009
CALDWELL'S BLOG: Warning sign? Hulk Hogan talks everything but TNA on Larry King tonight
RADICAN'S TAKE
RADICAN: Wolfe-Angle follow up displays typical warning signs of danger from creative standpoint
RADICAN: TNA finally straps a rocket on the right ass
RADICAN'S TAKE: An answer to Bruce Mitchell's question about HIAC PPV
The Specialists
11/2 WWE Raw Hits & Misses: Miz vs. Bourne, Raw's Got Talent, Kofi - Orton, Cena vs. Jericho vs Show
ABSURDITY OF IT ALL - WWE Raw: Sheamus The Bad Barbarian, Chris Masters Finds His New Gimmick, The Beginning Of The End Will Happen When Triple H Retires
HITS & MISSES - TNA IMPACT 10/29: Hulk Hogan the good and bad, Styles Stalker Angle, TNA's handling of Chris Sabin's injury, Title Name change
Guest Editorials
GUEST EDITORIAL: Disgruntled TNA fan says he's done with the promotion after today's Impact taping (Contains SPOILERS)
GUEST EDITORIAL: The ultimate irony - Hulk Hogan appears on TNA Impact and pre-taped TV sitcom promoting WWE on the same night
GUEST BOOK REVIEW: Hulk Hogan provides strong defense of his public image in new autobiography
Torch Feedback
ECW TV Reax #1: "William Regal has stepped up big time since coming to ECW and he deserves a World Title run"
WWE Raw Reax #2: "The major flaw of this show was the real lack of hype for Survivor Series"
WWE Raw Reax #1: "The main event commentary was hilarious with Triple H and HBK making fun of Vince, but DX has run its course..."
Ask the Editor
Ask the Editor: Wouldn't incorporating MMA-style holds into pro wrestling matches just be trying to be something it's not?
ASK THE EDITOR: Have the Michaels-Batista promos crossed a line with use of insider terms, references to "jobs"?
ASK THE EDITOR: Why do wrestlers in WWE refer to wrestling as "the business" and not "the sport"?
DVDs - VGames - Books
VIDEO GAME REVIEW - Smackdown vs. Raw 2010: WWE's latest video game called best since the No Mercy measuring stick
RADICAN'S ROH DVD REVIEW SERIES: 7/24 DBD VII: N1 - Hero & Richards vs. Storm & Steen
RADICAN'S CHIKARA DVD REVIEW: 5/24 "Anniversario Yang" - The Colony vs. F.I.S.T, 8-Man Tag
Torch Flashbacks
TORCH TALK FLASHBACK with Hulk Hogan: Hogan talks to PWTorch editor Wade Keller about Eric Bischoff, the demise of WCW
TORCH TALK FLASHBACK with Hulk Hogan: Hogan talks to PWTorch editor Wade Keller about his relationship with Ric Flair
TORCH TALK FLASHBACK with Hulk Hogan: Hogan talks to PWTorch editor Wade Keller about his relationship with Vince Russo
VIP Exclusive Features
5+ HOURS: Definitive all-new Eric Bischoff "Torch Talk" available exclusively to PWTorch VIP members
10/30 Bruce Mitchell Audio Show: First show with live callers, a lot of Hulk Hogan-TNA follow-up, women's wrestling, Desmond Wolfe, more (75 min.)
10/29 Wade Keller Hotline - The News: The latest on Hulk Hogan in TNA, Dixie's comments, Monday nights, where Bischoff, Nash, Shane, Sullivan, Russo stand (18 min.)
Torch Trivia
TORCH TRIVIA 2/28: Which wrestler backed out of a WWA PPV in February 2002?
TORCH TRIVIA 2/27: Who said this quote about Hulk Hogan's athleticism 11 years ago?
TORCH TRIVIA 2/25: What said this quote about WWE's mid-1990s drug testing policy?
Torch Instant Polls
ECW POLL: Who was the MVP of the 11/3 ECW if you saw the show?
RAW POLL: Who was the MVP of the 11/2 Raw if you saw the show?
WWE SMACKDOWN POLL: Who was the MVP of the 10/30 Smackdown if you saw the show?
PWTorch Free Podcast
FREE FOR ALL: 10/27 Bruce Mitchell Audio Special: Hogan-Bischoff-TNA story from all angles including Monday Night War II possibilities (32 min.)
6/23 Nostalgia Audio with Brian Hoops: Former WCW rapmaster PN News joins Brian Hoops to preview upcoming Midwest shows (10 min.)
FREE AUDIO: Keller & Mitchell Discuss Randy Savage's Place in WWE History, Elizabeth's Strengths and Weaknesses
Annual Obituaries
SPECIALIST: List of Deceased Wrestlers for 1999 - Muchnick, Rick Rude, Owen Hart, Renegade...
SPECIALIST: List of Deceased Wrestlers for 2000 - Solie, Albright, Duncum, Tsuruta, Blue Demon, Al Costello
SPECIALIST: List of Deceased Wrestlers for 2001: Johnny Valentine, Terry Gordy, Chris Adams, Bertha Faye, Helen Hart