By James Caldwell, PWTorch columnist

ECW on Sci-Fi TV Report
November 4, 2008 - Year 3, Week 22 (Week 126 overall)
Taped in Orlando, Fla.
Report by James Caldwell, Torch columnist

Why is Mike Knox still in the ECW intro video? Wasn't there a video on Raw two weeks ago saying he's coming to Raw? I have a lot of questions tonight. In any event, ECW champion Matt Hardy came out to the ring to start off the show. Out came Bam Neely by himself as the opposition tonight.

1 -- ECW champion MATT HARDY vs. BAM NEELY -- non-title match

Thank goodness for Matt Striker making it clear Bam is receiving a non-title shot. And last time we saw Chavo Guerrero, he was put to rest...again...by The Undertaker on Smackdown. They started with some nice mat wrestling. Was Knobs consulted? Bam then smashed Hardy in the back before starting his attack on the lower region. It's obvious Bam is a grunter in the weight room, making sure everyone knows he gave full effort maxing out on the bench press. Striker with a Jake "the Milkman" Milliman reference in reference to Bam being from Robbinsdale, Minn. even though Jake is from Milwaukee. But an old AWA name. Match picked up at 5:00 when Bam tossed Hardy off the top rope and scored a close two count with a light cover. Suddenly, Hardy snapped off the Twist of Fate on Bam, who was becoming frustrated. Hardy then made the decisive cover for the win.

WINNER: Hardy in 6:00. Nice match. Bam looked solid and Hardy gave him enough offense to remain credible while also putting in a strong effort to look like a credible champion himself. (*1/2)

Post-match: Hornswoggle's music hit and out came Finlay and Hornswoggle for a little chat. We'll find out more after the break.

[Commercial Break]

In-ring: Finlay briefly congratulated Hardy on the win, then said Hardy has taken on everyone since he became ECW champion, except for him. He wanted Hardy one-on-one for the belt. Hardy said he knew this day would come. Oops. Independent party candidate Mark Henry didn't like what was going down. Henry stepped out on stage saying this isn't happening. He told Finlay that it's his title shot. Finlay cut him off and said we hear about Henry's accolades, but no one wants to see him get another title shot. Otherwise, he would have had more than four votes at Cyber Sunday. Finlay and Hardy mocked Henry on the voting, but Henry shot back that all he wants is his title match. He accused Finlay of being all talk considering he's never beaten him.

Teddy Long stepped out before things could escalate into a brawl. He said it's time for these playas to settle this. Long booked Hardy in an ECW Title match next week against the winner of Henry vs. Finlay. Henry had a big laugh at that one. Hornswoggle pointed at Henry like only Hornswoggle can, while Finlay smiled.

[Commercial Break]

Announcers: Striker and Grisham narrated video game clips of DX vs. Miz & Morrison to re-create last night's match. A pretty sweet double-team move of a huracanrana into powerbomb. Oops, Hunter in a vulnerable position. He did nail the Pedigree for the win, though.

In-ring: Ricky Ortiz came out to the ring swinging around his rally towel. Already in the ring was John Davis. Ricky then slowly walked over to a mesmerized fan and handed him a towel. Awkward.

2 -- RICKY ORTIZ vs. JOHN DAVIS

Before the bell, Ricky wanted a handshake, but Davis looked at him like he was mad. Striker said Davis is no slouch, as he was trained by Dory Funk, Jr. Grisham and Striker exchanged some banter about WrestleMania 25, with Striker being assured he'll be at the show as long as he's not fired between now and then. Harsh from Grisham. Ortiz wanted the Big O and nailed his running splash in center ring for the win. He remains unbeaten.

WINNER: Ortiz in 2:00. Eh. I suppose it's fine to rebuild him via the squash match formula after not being on TV for a few weeks. (n/a)

Video recap: They went a clip of Evan Bourne dislocating his right ankle last week. Striker said they hate to see that happen, then Grisham reported that Bourne will be on the shelf for at least four months. Striker pointed out that Bourne even finished the match, so they wish him a speedy recovery.

[Commercial Break]

In-ring: Jack Swagger came to the ring smiling it up for everyone. He now has a silly gesture of swinging his arms outward, then putting his hand on his forehead to see how far he hit the ball or whatever. Swagger, in the ring with a table full of weapons, said last week that Tommy Dreamer was bragging himself up last week until he beat him in their match. Swagger said Dreamer's ECW resume might sound impressive, but he hasn't done too much.

Swagger picked up a Kendo stick and said Dreamer first made his mark when a drunk named The Sandman kept nailing him with a cane. The classic "Thank you ma'am, may I have another?" Swagger smirked, then held up the old school ECW Title that Dreamer won back in the day. Old, just like Tommy Dreamer. Swagger said it lasted about 30 minutes. He then dumped the ECW Title belt in a trashcan to a chorus of boos.

Next up was a photo of Beulah McGillicutty. Wow. Never thought I'd see her referenced on this show. Swagger addressed Beulah in the camera to ask her what it's like to be married to a man who's past his prime - if he ever had a prime - and a complete failure. He said she married a guy who will lead their kids to become complete failures. Swagger gave her hope, though, because there's the All-American American Jack Swagger. He posed to boos.

Suddenly, Dreamer stormed the ring and charged Swagger, who tried to block him with a trashcan, but Dreamer kicked the can into Swagger's gut. Dreamer then grabbed the cane and nailed him across the back to clear Swagger to the floor. Swagger became frustrated as Dreamer dared him to get back in the ring. Swagger opted to fight another day, however. Overall, an above-average effort from Swagger in his longest TV interview to-date. Dragged early, but he picked up steam at the end.

[Commercial Break]

Raw Rebound focused on Jericho capturing the World Title from Batista with a date with John Cena looming large at Survivor Series.

3 -- MARK HENRY (w/Tony Atlas) vs. FINLAY (w/Hornswoggle) -- #1 Contender match to ECW Title

Nice feeling-out process to start things off. Henry then smashed Finlay with a headbutt and Finlay came up with a cut around his right cheek. Ouch. Finlay paced around the ring to recover, then Henry shoved him into the corner to land some forearm blows. Henry shoved him down, then stalked Finlay to land a knee to the jaw. Henry in control going to break.

[Commercial Break]

Back from break, Henry continued to just straight dominate Finlay, who remained on the defensive. Henry finally lost control when he missed with a splash and Finlay capitalized by going to town on Henry's left leg and knee. Finlay sold a wrist injury, but he kept attacking Henry to keep him on the ground. Henry finally regained his footing and disposed of Finlay to the floor. Finlay then managed to take out Tony Atlas on the floor before things broke down when Hornswoggle ran interference to give Finlay a nearfall. Horny decided to stick around in the ring, then Henry spotted him and gave chase on the floor. Finlay tried to take advantage, but Henry rammed Finlay hard into the ringpost.

Henry then flung Hornswoggle into the ring and wanted a big splash on both, but both moved out of the way. The ref tried to get Horny out of the ring, and in the interim, Finlay smashed Henry with the shillelagh square in the head. Finlay discarded the evidence, then he covered Henry for the pin and the win. Hardy vs. Finlay next week for the belt. And now Finlay and Horny dance. End show.

WINNER: Finlay in 13:00 to become #1 contender. A fine match. They stretched out about seven minutes worth of content over a 13-14 minute span and told a good story in the ring. The usual run of interference from Hornswoggle has become common place, so it would be nice if they go the extra mile next week of having Hardy acknowledge that issue - to show that he actually pays attention to the broadcast - in order to have a clean title match against Finlay. It would be a nice nod to the viewers from the people writing ECW that they don't think viewers are completely oblivious or ignorant to the obvious interference in every Finlay match. (**)

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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