By James Caldwell, PWTorch columnist

ECW on Sci-Fi TV Report
July 29, 2008 - Year 3, Week 8 (Week 112 overall)
Taped in Hershey, Pa.
Report by James Caldwell, Torch columnist

The show started with a recap of last week's awesome four-way main event #1 Contender match. Sweet slow-mo of Hardy blocking a kick from Morrison to nail the Twist of Fate for the win.

Announcers: Tazz introduced the show and talked about Mike Adamle being named the new GM of Raw last night. He then welcomed in Todd Grisham as his new broadcast partner. Grisham said there's some confusion about whether he should call him Tazz...or The Tazz. Tazz said the former is just fine.

In-ring: Matt Hardy came out to start things off. Very strong reaction for Hardy as Tazz put over the four-way match last week. Grisham said he was at home on his couch on the edge of his seat. More superlatives from the announcers, then Hardy took the mic to address his #1 Contendership. Hardy said when he was drafted to ECW a month ago, he was psyched because of opportunities like at Summerslam to challenge Mark Henry for the ECW Title.

Speaking of which, somebody is about to get their ass kicked, as Henry's music interrupted. Henry and Tony Atlas strolled to the ring with Atlas handling the talking for Henry. Atlas told Hardy to take it easy. He said Henry was drafted to ECW just like Hardy, and since Hardy has been drafted, Hardy hasn't done anything but lose the U.S. Title. Atlas said they actually came out here to give the audience a demonstration. He then pulled out a giant stick for Henry to bend in half as a representation of Henry bending Hardy in half. Crowd was silent until chanting it up for Hardy during Henry's demonstration. Hardy did his best to sell this angle, then Henry handed the bent stick over to Hardy.

Hardy surveyed the stick, then teased smashing Henry with it. Henry flinched and Hardy smiled when he pulled back. Hardy said the only difference between now and Summerslam is they aren't have a bar-bending match, but a wrestling match. Hardy said objects like a stick or frying pan don't fight back, but he fights back. He said Henry could break every bone in his body, but he'll never break his spirit. Hardy predicted he's the next ECW champion. Some trash-talking ensued to conclude the opening segment.

[Commercial Break]

[Q2]

1 -- CHAVO GUERRERO (w/Bam Neely) vs. RICKY "ATLAS DABONE" ORTIZ

Tazz called ole Ricky an odd bird for calling himself undefeated with only one match victory under his belt. Ortiz showed off his strength early on with a big press slam on Chavo. He followed with a hard elbow smash, then a torpedo shoulder smash from the second turnbuckle for a one count. Ortiz was too-aggressive in the corner, leading to Chavo nailing a drop toe hold in the corner. Chavo then tried to roll up Ortiz with Bam helping him with additional leverage, but the ref spotted the outside assistance and called for a DQ.

Post-match: Bam gave Ortiz a big full nelson slam before Chavo went up top and nailed a frog splash on a KO'ed Ortiz. Chavo wasn't done, though. He told Bam to retrieve an object, but suddenly Evan Bourne hit the ring and cleared Chavo, then Bam with successive dropkicks. Bourne then took off running, leaving Chavo and Bam frustrated in the ring.

WINNER: Ortiz via DQ in 4:00. Fine. Good use of Bourne. (*)

Backstage: Colin Delaney interrupted a conference between Henry and Atlas. He asked why they kinda left him hanging out to dry against Tommy Dreamer last week. Atlas said they gave Colin the opportunity to prove himself last week, but he needs to do something really impressive to roll with the champ. Colin asked for another opportunity. Atlas suggested he face Matt Hardy tonight and soften him up for Summerslam. Colin thought it over carefully, then Henry assured him they'll be in his corner tonight. Henry gave him a big slap on the back for encouragement, then they walked off.

[Commercial Break]

[Q3]

2 -- THE MIZ & JOHN MORRISON vs. FINLAY & HORNSWOGGLE

Finlay and Hornswoggle played some games early on with the former tag champs, then landed dual sit-down splashes to clear them to the outside. M&M tried to hide their embarrassment as they cut to break.

[Commercial Break]

Back from break, Miz and Morrison worked over Finlay for an extended length of time while Hornswoggle kinda wanted a hot tag. OK, Miz and Morrison are definitely a more-credible tag team than six months ago, but Finlay taking the isolated beating from the heels just wasn't believable here. Finlay then opted not to make the tag to Hornswoggle, instead firing up with offense on the heels. He delivered the Celtic Cross on Morrison, but Morrison kicked out. Hornswoggle then made a blind tag for himself and went for a head scissors, but Morrison wheel barrow slammed him hard into the mat. Morrison rolled him over, then made a cover for the win.

Post-match: The Mountain Man Mike Knox jumped into the ring and smashed Finlay in the face. He knocked out Finlay with a second boot to the face, then quickly left the ring. Awkward.

WINNERS: Miz & Morrison in 12:00. Good win for the former tag champs, even if it came at the expense of the non-wrestling Hornswoggle. They just need a TV victory at this point. (*)

[Q4]

Recap: They recapped the post-match activity with Knox taking out Finlay. ... Lena caught up with Knox backstage for an explanation. Knox said Finlay is soft because he used to be about fighting, but now he's about dancing in the ring with leprechauns. He said being soft makes oyu a target in ECW. Oh, it's on now.

Backstage: Matt Hardy was shown warming up when Chris Harris interrupted to wish him luck against the monster, Colin Delaney. Hardy said yeah, he's a real...wild cat. Oh, Matt. Both shared a slight chuckle at that TNA gimmick reference, then Harris told Hardy he has his back tonight. Hardy stopped him short and asked what his name is. Harris said it's Braden Walker, then they shook hands and he walked off.

[Commercial Break]

3 -- MATT HARDY vs. COLIN DELANEY (w/ECW champion Mark Henry and Tony Atlas)

Colin came out with his help, but they didn't come to ringside as promised. Colin wasn't too concerned about them waiting on top of the ramp, then he locked up with Hardy to start things off. Hardy dominated and kept checking the ramp to see if Henry and Atlas would be making any move to the ringside area. Colin suddenly landed a missile dropkick that drew an applause from Henry.

Hardy came back with a back suplex while Henry's expression turned to agitation. Hardy rapped Colin in the mouth with a right hand, then came off the middle rope with an elbow to the neck. Hardy landed the side effect, then called for the end. He then nailed the Twist of Fate in center ring for the easy win.

WINNER: Hardy in 4:00. Got the point across in an entertaining fashion. Poor Colin is getting ripped physically in the ring and verbally on commentary. He's in no-man's land of being a non-sympathetic heel with no credibility in the ring. (*)

[Q5 -- over-run]

Post-match: Henry and Atlas quickly made their way to the ring. Hardy put up his dukes for a fight, then Henry picked up Colin and gave him a big press slam over the top rope to the floor. Hardy didn't back down as Henry challenged him to fight right now. Instead, Henry slipped out of the ring and said Colin is a waste of his time. Fans chanted Hardy's name as Henry said Hardy will get his when the time is right.

We welcome your 1-10 score and comments on this show for an "ECW Reax" feature in the Torch Feedback section of PWTorch.com. To contribute your thoughts on ECW TV, click here.

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