By Wade Keller, PWTorch editor

KELLER'S ECW TV REPORT
APRIL 28, 2009
NEW YORK CITY, N.Y. AT MSG
AIRED ON SCIFI

[Q1]

-After highlight pictures aired of Christian beating Jack Swagger at Backlash, they went to Christian's ring intro. Josh Matthews and Matt Striker introduced the show. Matthews actually called it "a bit of an upset" that Christian beat Swagger.

Christian stood center-ring and said every since he came back to WWE, he said he aspired to be the wrestler who works opening matches on PPVs, so by winning the ECW Title, he's assured himself of that honor and this is the happiest day of his career. He actually only said his goal was to win the ECW Title and this is the greatest day of his career, but the rest is true. He called Swagger out, but instead Tommy Dreamer walked out in a nice suit. Striker talked about this being his home area and how he used to ride his bike to MSG. He wondered if he was coming out to congratulate him. They shook hands and Dreamer indeed congratulated him.

"Finally, for the first time in over three months, we have a champion that represents everything ECW is all about," Dreamer said. Christian nodded and smiled with pride. He said they've been friends for a long time, but he has something besides congratulations on his mind. He said he wanted to win the ECW Title one more time before his contract expired or he'd walk away. He said his time is running out because he has less than six weeks before his contract expires. He got weepy as he said, "I'm here in this building that made me love this business to challenge you for the ECW Title one more time." Christian offered to defend the title here in MSG. Striker said that's quite a gesture, especially in what some might consider hostile territory. Out walked Swagger, looking upset with the state of things.

Swagger said enough is enough. The crowd loudly chanted, "You suck!" He said the only reason Christian is champion is because he cheated, "and that's not fair!" That should be his catch phrase, because nobody says, "That's not fair!" with such heelish whininess as Swagger. He told Christian he's a joke. He said the only thing stopping him from going to the ring now and dropping them both is that in three weeks at Judgment Day he has a rematch where he'll take back his title. He said no one is getting a championship match until he does. As Swagger turned to leave the stage, Interim ECW General Manager Tiffany walked out. She officially welcomed everyone to ECW.

She told Swagger he does have a title match at Judgment Day, but he's wrong in thinking no one can have a title match before then but him. She said she has the power to have a title match tonight. Swagger protested and the crowd cheered a little.

-They showed Tyson Kidd backstage getting his nub of hair sprayed and combed. Pretty funny.

[Commercial Break]

[Q2]

-They showed a scene of Manhattan's skyline at night.

1 -- TYSON KIDD (w/Natalya) vs. FINLAY

Striker asked Matthews if he's ever worn hot pink fuchsia. Matthews said no way. Finlay opened with a standing side headlock and controlled the first three minutes, then knocked Kidd to the floor as they cut to a break.

[Commercial Break]

Finlay was still in control after the break. At 6:00 Kidd came back and worked over Finlay's leg. Finlay came back at 10:00 and hit a powerslam for a two count. Kidd, though, countered a minute later with a jump reverse sidekick, knocking Finlay to the floor. When Kidd went for a slidekick, Finlay yanked up the ring apron and trapped Kidd there and beat on him. Natalya yelled at the ref, and Kidd then hit Finlay with a shillelagh shot. Natalya tended to Kidd's nub of hair afterward as they celebrated the win. Finlay can't complain considering how often he uses that as a weapon without consequence.

WINNER: Kidd in 11:00.

STAR RATING: *1/2

-Matthews plugged Dreamer challenging Christian in the main event.

[Q3]

[Commercial Break]

-Vladimir Kozlov stepped onto the stage dressed in a Russian Army uniform. He said there is no one in ECW, WWE, or entire world who can compete with him. He said it will be only a matter of time until he achieves global domination. He turned and left as images of fighter planes and tanks appeared on the big screens.

-Matthews and Striker were shown on camera talking about the six new wrestlers added to the roster in the draft. He threw to Gregory Helms who is now doing interviews.

-Helms interviewed Evan Bourne. He said things are happening quickly and if you stop for a minute, your time can go by. He said Dreamer isn't the only one with championship aspirations. He was looking off to the side for reason as he spoke. Then he was interrupted by Paul Burchill and Katie Lea.

-Tommy Dreamer's ring intro took place.

[Commercial Break]

2 -- CHRISTIAN vs. TOMMY DREAMER -- ECW Title match

Back and forth in the early minutes.

[Q4]

Dreamer avoided a Kill Switch attempt, then he went for a DDT, which Christian escaped. Christian slapped Dreamer to the mat and they cut to a break.

[Commercial Break]

Christian threw a charging Dreamer into the ringpost. Then he went to an armbar and several yanks, then grounded him with a keylock. Dreamer caught Christian on the top rope and hit a superplex. Both men were down and slow to get up. Dreamer made the cover and scored a near fall. They moved into a series of near falls at 12:00. Dreamer hung Christian upside down in the corner and made an intense face toward the hard camera. Swagger then attacked Dreamer and Christian, ending the match. Striker said he understands why he's doing this.

WINNER: No contest in 13:00.

STAR RATING: ** -- Just sorta there. Okay, but minimally athletic with some overly long matwork stretches to fill time.

-The show ended with Swagger standing over both Christian and Dreamer.

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