This Week's ECW: 11/24/09, WWE Superstars 11/26/09, & Smackdown: 11/27/09

Batista-Undertaker Rivalry Renewed; TLC PPV Comes Full Circle

In two weeks, WWE presents another themed pay-per-view called TLC, the one night of the year where we celebrate the weapons that modified a wrestling industry. There will be three main event matches consisting of a Ladder match, a Tables match, and a Chairs match all culminating to one electrifying main event, a Tables, Ladders, and Chairs Tag Team Match. This match is so brutal that there have been only eight TLC matches since its conception in 2000; Chris Jericho has been in two of them, only winning one. His challengers for the Unified Tag Team Titles, DX, have never been in a TLC Match. In terms of Ladder matches, Shawn Michaels has contested in six, while, his partner, Triple H has only been in two. When it comes to TLC experience, Chris Jericho has all the momentum, but Big Show has only been in one ladder match that he lost. If Chris Jericho expects to retain his titles, it would be wise to have Big Show keep Triple H grounded to make it an even fight, since Jericho has defeated Michaels before in a ladder match. Despite having to defend his titles in a TLC, Jericho wanted in on the World Heavyweight Title match for the same night. Teddy Long did him one better, one on one action with The World Heavyweight Champion, The Undertaker.

First Match: Cryme Tyme vs. The Hart Dynasty. When you see Cryme Tyme coming out, you automatically know that Hart Dynasty follows, why? Cause there are only two tag teams over on SmackDown. I know, it's the cold hard truth. We once had the team of Jesse and Festus, but Jesse became Slam Master J and well... Festus hasn't been seen in ages, until tonight! JTG was being too theatrical in the ring; and Matt Striker is right, why do Cryme Tyme get to fight in construction boots? Those are not regulation wrestling gear, and it creates an advantage for Team Word Up. Hart Dynasty, fulfilling their dream match on RAW this past Monday, taking on DX in tag team action. They lost the match, but they lost to the best. Which brings us back to SmackDown, Cryme Tyme needs more competition so they can experience different fighting styles! Cryme Tyme tried resorting to tricks, but Hart Dynasty remained focused and played the game. Tyson tossed JTG out of the ring, which in turn he was tossed by Shad Gaspard. But the first rule of wrestling, never take your eyes off of your opponent, and that's what Shad did with DH Smith. The son of "The British Bulldog" Davey Boy Smith, executed the Saito suplex on Gaspard for the win. The Hart Dynasty is one step closer to becoming the future of the WWE.

Second Match: Matt Hardy vs. CM Punk w/Luke Gallows. CM Punk once again came out to preach to the people, but this time he brought a body guard and a brown paper bag. We all remember him as "The Corn-Fed Colossus," Festus, but he has returned to the WWE, with a heel change, under the name Luke Gallows. CM Punk claims that Festus' family and friends enameled his drug use, but now, he has helped him find the Straight-Edge within him. And inside the brown paper bag, is a drug so dangerous, he had to warn everyone: My Life, My Rules - The Jeff Hardy DVD Set. And as the sands of time turns back to the summer, Jeff's older brother, Matthew Moore Hardy comes out to defend Jeff's name. Jeff has not forcing anyone to do anything, he was a free spirit. This confrontation segwayed into their match, and what appeared as Matt Hardy's time to overcome the man responsible for his brother's departure from the WWE, led to another assault, this time, by the hands of Gallows. Matt Hardy won the match by disqualification, but the beating he sustained by the only two Straight-Edge wrestlers in the WWE is not something to celebrate about.

#1 Contenders Match: Kane vs. Batista. On Monday Night, Batista arrogantly declared himself Undertaker's next opponent, and if anyone were to go against him, they would suffer the same punishment as did Rey Mysterio. Kane challenged Batista on his "threat" and pleaded for The Animal to dispense some pain. Now, the last time these two faced each other was on the Decade of SmackDown celebration, back in October, but this time around it was for a shot at the World Heavyweight Title. A look at these two contenders: Batista's demeanor completely changed since Bragging Rights, meaning that he has gone completely heel, and he no longer uses pyro during his entrance. Yet, his "Ultimate Warrior-Like" ring rope shake, which signals for the Batista Bomb, has returned as part of his gimmick. Kane, on the other hand, has faced off against Taker during several key points in his career, two-times at WrestleMania, and no one knows The Undertaker like his little brother. Problem is, Kane and Undertaker have terrible matches because if you recall WrestleMania XX, Taker's return entrance was more memorable than that match. In this contender's match, Batista was knocked over the barricade, which then, he lured Kane to strike with an low blow with the steel chair. The referee never saw the chair come into play, so as the ref continued to count to ten, Batista made his way back into the ring. As a result of a count-out, Batista will go on to TLC to face off, one on one, for the World Heavyweight Championship.

Intercontinental Title Match: (C) John Morrison vs. Eric Escobar w/Vickie Guerrero. GM Teddy Long asked John Morrison how he felt after his loss at The Survivor Series. Morrison compared the loss to King Leonidas, "it was like I was against 300 men in the battle of Thermopylae, except I have better abs." This is why I love John Morrison, no matter the situation, he continues to look to the future. John Morrison also declared that he would take on Sheamus, McIntyre, or Miz any time, one on one; but, fate sent him a different foe, in the form of "The Puerto-Rican Nightmare," Eric Escobar. Vickie Guerrero demanded that her boyfriend have a title shot against John Morrison, in which both Long and Morrison agreed. At one point, there was a sense in the air that the title would switch hands due to Vickie's expert interference, but not even that could stop John Morrison. The Friday Night Delight set up Escobar for Starship Pain, and not many people can kick out of that move, and Escobar did not make the list. Vickie grew tired of Eric's lack of progress in the WWE, so she dumped him; in which, latter Eric would call out her faults and dumped her instead.

Main Event: Chris Jericho vs. The Undertaker. What was once a dream match, has occurred four times, one being for the World Heavyweight Championship. Chris Jericho is the first ever Undisputed World Champion, and he looks to reach the pinnacle of Sports Entertainment with a 6th World Title Reign. However, Jericho has been denied his shot at the title and instead had to deal with the ominous foe, The Undertaker. The #1 contender, Batista, sat in the commentary circle, never saying a word, but just biding his time. We all recall the epic encounter that Batista and Undertaker had at WrestleMania 23, and the matches that soon followed, it looks like that feud will be reignited once more. Before the match could end, Batista entered the ring and delivered a chop block to the back of Undertaker's knee. Chris Jericho finally won, via disqualification, but before Dave could return, Jericho connected with the Codebreaker. Batista pummeled Taker with a serious of vicious chair shots that left the Phenom unable to sit up with his famous DeadMan Rise. Even though it has not been made official, this World Heavyweight Championship match will inevitably be deemed a Chairs Match.

WWE TLC Line-Up:

ECW Champion, Christian vs. Shelton Benjamin (Ladder Match)

WWE Champion, John Cena vs. Sheamus (Table Match)

World Heavyweight Champion, The Undertaker vs. Batista (Possible Chairs Match)

Unified Tag Team Champions, Jeri-Show vs. DX (TLC Match)

WWE Superstars Results: Dolph Ziggler No Longer Getting a Push?; Is The Miz Awesome?

RAW Match: The Miz vs. Santino Marella. The Miz led his team to an impressive victory at the Survivor Series, beating Morrison in two consecutive pay-per-views. But is The Miz really Awesome? His opponent this week was the Italian Funny Man, Santino Marella, who has gone through several changes. Santino, at the start of his career, was a face, but then turned heel after dating some of the Divas. Yet, recently he has turned face again ever since RAW turned SNL with the celebrity guest hosts. Santino can always be seen on every Monday Night in some crazy skit involving a misunderstanding, or mispronunciation of the guests. Santino is also a 2-time Intercontinental Champion, but no one can take him seriously. His gimmick relies too much on the theatrics, which is poetic that he would fall to the Skull Crushing Finale by The Miz. The question was, is The Miz really awesome? Well, only time and better competition will answer that question.

ECW Match: Vladimir Kozlov vs. Goldust. After being hit with the Ura-nage by his former Round Table partner, Ezekiel Jackson, is Kozlov 100% for this confrontation with the Bazaar One? I love Goldust's Shatter Dreams productions, with the wide screen black and gold slow motion entrance. It's great, because it really says a lot about Goldust's career, which is that his career is shattered. He's been in and out of the WWE on five separate occasions, and doesn't look as if he will amount to much. His highest honor was being a 3-time Intercontinental, and a 9-time Hardcore Champion - yet, Goldust does not seem extreme enough, anymore. Goldust did give Kozlov hell, even scoop slamming the Russian Mauler, shades of WrestleMania III, but Kozlov kicked out. The Bazaar One had his dreams shattered and covered by the Iron Curtain. For added punishment, Regal added a Knee Trembler to show his dominance.

SmackDown Match: Dolph Ziggler vs. R-Truth. Many are talking via the dirt sheets that WWE has given up on Dolph Ziggler's push, that it is an over and done deal. Just because Dolph Ziggler has not won the Intercontinental Championship, doesn't mean they have given up on his push. When you are constantly being used on television that doesn't mean WWE has given up, it means that Dolph Ziggler is still growing into his gimmick and the minds of the WWE Universe. Just because you get a title, doesn't make you a top guy in the business, look at Santino, 2-time Intercontinental Champion, and he's getting hit with pies. Slow and steady Ziggler is getting pushed, problem is, R-Truth is also getting pushed. Look at the Survivor Series, both men were quickly eliminated early in the match, but here they are, main-eventing WWE Superstars. And if people are getting riled up about who should get pushed, and you see them on TV every week, then WWE has done their job to excite the people. Always keep the people wanting more, that is the motto of show biz, and it is the way WWE operates. I mentioned on the last SmackDown edition post that Dolph Ziggler lacks in innovation, but he also lacks in self control. Matt Striker says, the difference between being a champion and not being a champion is 3 seconds. Ziggler is always striking a pose or talking smack with his opponent instead of going for the cover. By doing these things, he is wasting precious seconds that could be utilized in gaining wins. R-Truth took Ziggler down with the Lie Detector for the victory. Now to answer the question, is Dolph Ziggler no longer getting a push? The answer is WWE will continue pushing Ziggler, and that is the Truth, the whole Truth and nothing but the Truth! And that's What's Up!!

ECW Ladder Match Revealed; Eziekel Jackson More Ruthless?

First Match: Shelton Benjamin vs. Zack Ryder. On the last episode of WWE Superstars, after an 'urgent' phone call, Ryder's newest valet, Rosa Mendes, cost Benjamin the match. This time, Shelton was set on retribution. With no outside interference from Rosa, Ryder was able to solely concentrate at the match at hand. It cannot be said enough that these two superstars are not only the stars of ECW, but they are the future of the WWE. Ryder may have gotten lucky last Thursday, but this week, he fell to Pay Dirt.

Christian Calls Out #1 Contender. Shortly after the victory, Shelton looked on as the ECW Champion made his way to the ring. Unlike RAW's electrifying tournament, which resembled WrestleMania IV, Christian named Shelton the #1 Contender for a reason. For the past couple of pay-per-views, ECW has been overlooked. The ECW Title was not considered for a Submission match, or a Hell in a Cell Match, or to be even challenged, as a brand, for Bragging Rights. But at the Survivor Series, ECW made a stand. Christian eliminated 2 of the 5 members on Randy Orton's team to make an emphatic statement, and that is: ECW DOES MATTER. WWE's next pay-per-view, TLC, is a new concept that will feature one TLC, one Tables, one Chairs, and one Ladders Match. Since the Unified Tag Team Titles will be defended in a TLC Match, and the WWE Title will be determined in a Tables Match, why not have a ladders match? Christian chose Shelton Benjamin because he knows how to go above and beyond in a ladder match, just look at the MitB highlight reel at every WrestleMania. Christian wants to steal the show and he wants Shelton to steal the show with him. Finally, Shelton Benjamin, after making his second run on ECW, gets a shot at the ECW Title. But Christian should be weary, because it is only a matter of time that Shelton collects with Pay Dirt.

Second Match: Vance Archer vs. Alex Reynolds. This week, Archer executed a throwaway facebuster, a far more impressive finisher than the snap inverted DDT, but how effective is the move? The throwaway facebuster that Archer executed involved carry the opponent on your forearms; and seeing as Archer's opponent was a small guy, a Collin Dillane sized man, the move was executed properly. But what will happen when he is faced with an opponent matching his size or bigger?

Abraham Washington Show, feat. Matt Hardy. The other Hardy, as Abe, and everyone else, likes to call him, will be making another appearance on Scare Tactics. His first appearance took place at a psych ward where scientist were developing a chip to stimulate emotions. And from the clip that Abe showed, it looks as if it is the same tactic but with a different victim. Matt Hardy says its one not to miss, but I may accidentally forget to set the DVR to record next Tuesday, right before ECW.

Main Event: Yoshi Tatsu vs. William Regal w/Vladamir Kozlov and Eziekel Jackson. William Regal was once again looked over for an ECW Title shot, but honestly, how many are you suppose to have? Obviously, WWE is unwilling to give Regal the Championship, despite having him create a faction. Regal tried to win the match in order to get back into the title picture. What is that about? Regal's style has always been to get a shot by force, when did it start being about winning matches? A few weeks ago Tiffany mentioned about starting with a clean slate, what did she mean? The GM was absent from this week's ECW, so why did he chose to fight a clean match? Regal brought the Ruthless Round Table to ring side to have the advantage, but it turned to his disadvantage. Kozlov pushed Tatsu back into the ring, which allowed him to size Regal for the enzuigiri. When the behemoths entered the ring, Kozlov put the blame of Jackson, who turned on both Kozlov and Regal. The Ruthless Round Table has fallen, and honestly, with a leader who fails countless times - it was going to happen sooner or later.

News on Former ECW Ring Announcer: @LCMayhew No longer ring announcing on WWE for the time being bc I will b focusin on my actin and music in the new year! I will mis my new friends!

Sheamus Declared John Cena's Next Opponent; The Governor Brings Revolution to RAW

Randy Orton chose to break tradition by appearing before the Guest Host. He talked about Vesse Ventura, how he was a revolutionary according to his father, Cowboy Bob Orton. And if there was any man that could reverse the decree banning him from another title shot, it was Jesse "The Body" Ventura. Unfortunately for Orton, Ventura created a revolutionary concept: a tornament consisting of a series of qualifying matches involving only superstars who have never held the WWE or World Heavyweight Titles. Therefore, Randy Orton, Triple H, Shawn Michaels, Chris Jericho, Big Show, CM Punk can NOT qualify.

First Breakthrough Qualifying Match: Kofi Kingston vs. Dolph Ziggler. Kofi Kingston has been on a push of a lifetime lately, feuding with Orton and winning at the Survivor Series. But having a qualifying match against Dolph Ziggler? The man has had 6 Intercontinental Title Matches and lost 6-times. He was even the first to be eliminated by Evan Bourne at the pay-per-view! In the match, Ziggler countered Kofi's finisher, yet, Kofi dodged the Zig-Zag. Eventually, Ziggler was 'Lost in Paradise' and Kofi ended up advancing on to contend for the #1 spot at the TLC pay-per-view.

Second Breakthrough Qualifying Match: Sheamus vs. Finlay. This was last night's encounter realized in a full blown bout. In an interview with WWE Magazine, Sheamus called Finlay a disgrace to the Irish Heritage because he lives up to stereotypes. Sheamus is in touch with the Celtic Warrior lore, a band of savages who would kill and pillage. Sheamus is the only member of the Superstar Initiative to leave ECW in record time, thanks to Triple H. Sheamus has been studying the business and has been at every show, even when he wasn't wrestling because he wanted to soak in as much as possible. Sheamus, by defeating Finlay, again, advanced to the main event.

CM Punk vs. (C) John Cena. CM Punk, despite being eliminated by Kingston at the Survivor Series, demanded a match against John Cena - a first in the WWE. Punk switched it up this week and preached about the dangers of gluttony during this holiday season. John Cena could have had a great confrontation of ideals, but he went straight into his shirtless shallow showboating instead. CM Punk worked the match well, but Cena's constant pandering to the crowds showed a total lack of respect towards his opponent. Punk almost won with the GTS, but it was countered into the STF. Punk managed to make it to the ropes but he eventually fell to the Attitude Adjuster from mid-rope.

Third Breakthrough Qualifying Match: Jack Swagger, Chavo, and Chris Masters vs. The World's Strongest Tag Team and R-Truth. I guess when Ventura said ''never having a title shot,' he forgot to mention that it was ok for 2 former ECW Champions, and a man who has competed for the WWE Title in a Championship Scamble Match back at Unforgiven 2008. I had high hopes for Swagger, but when facing a man like R-Truth, Swagger's team just couldn't handle the Truth.

Fourth Breakthrough Qualifying Match: Randy Orton vs. Evan Bourne. Originally a match pitting Bourne against Primo, Orton attacked him on the ramp and was granted the slot by The Governor. Thus, Ventura would break his own rule by allowing a former champion to compete in the Breakthrough Qualifying Match. With Bourne's position in the WWE is to job to The Miz and Swagger, a win over The Viper was impossible. Bourne lost to the RKO.

6 Divas Tag Team Match: Melina, Mickie James, and Kelly Kelly (Indians) vs. Michelle McCool, Layla, and Jillian Hall (Pilgrims). Thanks to The Governor, this Divas match was contested in Thanksgiving costumes. The sexy faces fought as Native Americans while the heels were pilgrims. McCool started complaining about the costumes until Justin Roberts interrupted with an announcement about the 19 year absense of The Gobbely Gooker. This Thanksgiving Turkey, hatched from an over sized egg, appeared at the Survivor Series in 1990. The Gooker, with its oversized golfball eyes was credited as the special guest time keeper for this match. Melina and Jillian started and ended the match, because McCool and Layal abandoned their team mate. The Gobbely Gooker appeared to be congratulating the team but eventually layed Melina flat, because The Gooker turned out to be none other than Maryse making her return to Monday Nights.

D-Generation X vs. The Hart Dynasty. Quick news about DX: HBK and HHH are being sued by Hornswoggle on Next Week's RAW when Verne Troyer Guest Host. And it has been announced that DX will face off against Jeri-Show for the Unified Tag Team Titles in a TLC Match at the next PPV. Now on to this match, Hart Dynasty is not even on the same level as Cryme Tyme, what made them think they had a shot against DX? Hart Dynasty has lost numerous tag team and singles matches. The only successful member is Natalya, the mouthpiece of the group. They should have remained in ECW longer to build a following; or at least, if WWE was going to move them to SmackDown, actually have them win some matches. Hart Dynasty lost in a futile effort.

Fifth Breakthrough Qualifying Match: Legacy vs. Cryme Tyme. Speaking of Cryme Tyme, these two cannot even capture tag team gold, let alone be taken seriously for a World Heavyweight Title shot against The Undertaker. Cody Rhodes may not be a main event star just yet, but DiBiase had an impressive title match against Randy Orton back in the summer. Side Note: Ted DiBiase's film The Marine 2 comes out at the end of this year. Legacy advanced with Dream Street on Shad Gaspard.

Main Event: Breakthrough Battle Royal Match to Determine #1 Contender. The contestants consisted of Kofi Kingston, Sheamus, MVP, Mark Henry, Randy Orton, Ted DiBiase, and Cody Rhodes; if any of these RAW Superstars won the match they would have a WWE Title Shot. And the 8th contestant was R-Truth, representing SmackDown; and if he won the match, he'd be contesting for Undertaker's World Heavyweight Title. SmackDown was severly short changed in this match because Batista and Kane had a promo earlier stating that they deserve to take on Undertaker for the title. The WWE clock was turned back almost twenty years with Vesse "The Body" Ventura and Vince McMahon commentating the match. Who would have known 20 years ago that Vesse would become a governor and McMahon would own the business and become a billionaire? McMahon was certain that Orton, a former 6-time World Champion would win the match. But as the playing field lessened with Mark Henry knocking both Rhodes and DiBiase out of the ring with a massive clothesline and Kofi picking his spots, it was truly anyone's game. Kofi even showed shades of Shawn Michaels, as he dangled from the outside of the ring, with his feet nearly touching the floor, and was able to lock in a hurricanrana, launching Orton out of the ring. Kingston's downfall was not paying attention to the final opponent in the ring, Sheamus. The Celtic Warrior won the match and became the #1 Contender for John Cena's WWE Title.

WWE Title Contract Signing: John Cena and Sheamus met in the ring for the contract signing, officiated by The Governor. Sheamus demanded that Cena stand up and look him in the eye, demanding respect to the #1 contender. Cena made his whole little spiel of Sheamus having to accept going to war with him. Ventura read Cena, being WWE Corporate's perfect little champion, doing whatever they want in order to be the face of the company. With the distraction, Sheamus imprinted his boot on the face of John Cena. And as the topping of the sundae, Sheamus powerbombed Cena threw the table; thus, Ventura announced, the WWE Title would be defended in a Tables Match.

Assessment: Many people were probably upset that Kofi Kingston did not win, but Sheamus was the best pick for contendership. Let's look at the list of possible choices: Randy Orton, enough already! Mark Henry, he's out of shape. MVP, lost a U.S. Title match against The Miz, Next! Cody Rhodes, he can't beat Mark Henry so there is no shot for him. Ted DiBiase, first beat your mentor and then we will talk. R-Truth, he failed at capturing the U.S. Title in late 2008 so what chance will he have against The Undertaker? Kofi Kingston would have been a great choice if it was a ladder match, but there is also the bad chemistry of a face vs. a face. I hate seeing Good vs. Good, it just doesn't work. What I'd like to see is instances of Heel vs. Heel, which is why I liked the confrontation between Kane and Batista earlier on in the program. Sheamus was the logical choice because we know that he can man handle Cena. And by training with Triple H, Sheamus is indeed the future of the company.

TLC PPV Matches so far:
(C) Jeri-Show vs. DX (TLC Match for Unified Tag Team Titles)
(C) John Cena vs. Sheamus (Tables Match for WWE Title)

World Champions Prevail Triple Threats; Batista is Unleashed

Triple Threat Match for The World Heavyweight Championship: (C) The Undertaker vs. The Big Show vs. Chris Jericho. As I have mentioned before, Show has no fear of The Undertaker seeing as they were once tag team partners during the Attitude Era; also, it's easy to be fearless when you are the World's Largest Athlete. Chris Jericho, on the other hand, has been acting out against his partner, because Show has been constantly undermining his chances in the match. Instead of working together as the Unified Tag Team that they are, they fell a part at the seams. At the final moments of the match, Jericho locked Taker in the Walls of Jericho, which was broken by Big Show. Then Taker attempted to Tombstone Jericho, but was attacked by Show, who was soon locked in Hell's Gates. With the Big Show tapping out to Hell's Gate, who in the locker room will be man enough to challenge the Deadman?

Grudge Match: Rey Mysterio vs. Batista. In this feud, Batista blames Mysterio for costing him the World Heavyweight Title at Bragging Rights (you see how it comes full circle?). And after a vicious onslaught by Batista following the Fatal Four-Way, Mysterio chose to embarrass Batista in the final weeks leading up to Survivor Series. I say, if you know that you are going to die at the hands of the Papa Pump Wannabe, then you might as well get some laughs along the way. Yet, only the anti-Mysterio fans found something to laugh about as Batista dealt a spear, a spine buster, and 3 Batista Bombs before the referee chose to call for the bell, because Mysterio was unable to compete. But, because Mysterio signed the Hold Harmless Agreement, Batista added a spine buster over a steel chair as a complimentary 'Screw You.' Mysterio was carried out on a stretcher, while Batista has now been Unleashed.

Triple Threat Match for The WWE Championship: (C) John Cena vs. Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels. This match had the worst build up because, for the past month, all these three competitors did was joke around. DX was more concerned over Hornswoggle than the WWE Title. DX even stated that they would not let this title match divide them. Are you kidding me? This is the most coveted prize in all of Sports Entertainment. At least in the WHT Triple Threat, Jericho and Show actually threw together a hell of a promo, which escalated last SmackDown, with Jericho grabbing hold of the title while his opponents were laying in the ring. But what was great about the whole DX angle is what happened at the very start of the match, a superkick to Triple H. This set the whole tone for the match, because play time was over, and Michaels was dead set on becoming the WWE Champion. Shawn Michaels has not been the WWE Champion since the infamous Montreal Screw Job, or has been the World Heavyweight Champion since the 1st ever Elimination Chamber in 2002. It would have been nice to have Shawn Michaels win the WWE Championship at the Survivor Series, to wash away the controversy of that Montreal night, twelve years ago. The match was one for the ages, but with a typical John Cena ending; seeing as he is notorious for pulling a win out of thin air, especially when everyone else does all the work. Not even The Game, Triple H, who pinned Cena the RAW before Bragging Rights was able to overcome The Champ. HBK struck H with the super kick once again; but, in turn, Cena adjusted Shawn’s attitude onto the fallen Cerebral Assassin. Finally, with both men down, Cena chose to cover Triple H and retained his title.

Traditional Survivor Series Elimination Break Down

Traditional Survivor Series Elimination Match #1: Team John Morrison vs. Team The Miz. The captains, both intermediate champions, each successfully defended their titles just days before the pay-per-view. But in what condition would these former team mates be in, especially since Morrison suffered immense damage from his 2 out of 3 falls match with Dolph Ziggler? The action was faced paced with Evan Bourne eliminating Morrison's foe with the Shooting Star Press and then being quickly taken out by SmackDown's newest Scotsman, Drew McIntyre. The playing field evened out with each team losing a player. Then the Celtic Warrior found himself against Finlay, an interesting confrontation as they are both Irishman; one following the stereotypical 'lucky charms' irish lore against the ruthless warrior of ancient Ireland. Sheamus proved the better with a boot to the face that eliminated Finlay right out of the match. Followed by Shelton Benjamin and Matt Hardy, the rest of Morrison's team was eliminated, leaving Morrison as the last remaining superstar against Drew McIntyre, Sheamus, and The Miz. John Morrison put up a valient effort, but was eliminated by Sheamus. This marks the second consecutive pay-per-view, in which The Miz out did his former WWE and World Tag Team partner.

Elimination Break Down:

Evan Bourne pins Ziggler
Drew McIntyre pins Bourne
Sheamus pins Finlay
John Morrison pins Jack Swagger
The Miz pins Benjamin
Drew McIntyre pins Hardy
Sheamus pins Morrison

Traditional Survivor Series Elimination Match #2: Team Mickie James vs. Team Michelle McCool. Last year's Divas' Survivor Series Elimination Match saw Beth Phoenix as the sole survivor, but how well would the Glamazon fair after being wanned down in recent months to fighting jobbers? Surprisingly, the weakest links from Mickie's team eliminated the weakest links from McCool's team, then Beth eliminated Eve and Kelly Kelly; thus, eliminating the weak links from both sides. Mickie James, a former 5-time Champion, took out both Melina's adversary, Alicia Fox, and last year's winner, Beth Phoenix. With McCool the last remaining member of her team, The Women's Champion was eliminated by the Divas' Champion. Mickie James and Melina were the survivors of their team.

Elimination Break Down:

Kelly Kelly pins Layla
Michelle McCool pins Gail Kim
Eve Torres pins Jillian Hall
Beth Phoenix pins Kelly Kelly
Beth Phoenix pins Torres
Mickie James pins Phoenix
Mickie James pins Fox
Melina pins McCool

Traditional Survivor Series Elimination Match #3: Team Kofi Kingston vs. Team Randy Orton. Legacy proved victorious over The World's Strongest Tag Team, with Orton repeating his take down of Mark Henry, and Rhodes, redeeming his loss on WWE Superstars, by pinning MVP. It was solely up to the ECW Champion, Christian, to eliminate both Rhodes and DiBiase of Legacy, only to be taken out by their leader. It was dissapointing to see R-Truth eliminated so quickly by Punk, seeing as he was given a push on SmackDown. WWE decided to sacrifice that push in order to focus of Kingston's push in recent weeks. Kofi Kingston is no stranger of facing a large group by himself, since he has been a part of numerous Fatal Four-Ways, Triple Threats, and even a 6-Pack Challenge during his United States Title reign; hence, why it was no surprise to see Kofi alone against CM Punk and Randy Orton. Now, don't forget, Kofi and Punk were once World Tag Team Champions over on RAW, so they know how the other thinks, but Kofi found a way to eliminate The Only Straight-Edge in the WWE. The two captains remained, Kofi often getting the better of Orton, would look to win tonight. This feud started because Orton claims that Kofi cost him the WWE Championship at Bragging Rights (sound familiar?), and it escalated to MSG where Kofi broke Orton in half through a table with the Boom Drop. Within seconds, Kofi struck with Lost in Paradise to be, what WWE has dubbed him as the, 'Soul' Survivor, having eliminated two former World Champions.

Elimination Break Down:

Randy Orton pins Henry
CM Punk pins R-Truth
Christian pins DiBiase
MVP pins Regal
Cody Rhodes pins MVP
Christian pins Rhodes
Randy Orton pins Christian
Kofi Kingston pins Punk
Kofi Kingston pins Orton

This Week's ECW: 11/17/09, WWE Superstars 11/19/09, & SmackDown: 11/20/09

Batista Embarrassed Again; Mickie James forced to Lose Weight?; SmackDown Foreshadows Survivor Series Outcome?

First Match: Matt Hardy vs. Batista. This all started when Matt Hardy was trying to warn Batista of the regret of feuding with a brother, but Batista has chosen a dark path. It has been two weeks since these two have met in the ring, and let me say, it's about time Matt gets taken more seriously. Matt Hardy can, indeed, stand toe to toe with the heavyweights in the business, and proves true to his mantra that he will not die. Especially since Matt Hardy has held almost every belt the WWE has/d to offer: ECW, European, Cruiser, IC, US, WWE and World Tag Team Titles; yet, he has never won the big one, but a match like this would really get him noticed in the title picture. The first match left Hardy the victor via DQ on the part of Batista; but this week, Batista made sure to get the job done right. With 3 spine busters and the Batista Bomb, not even the resilient Matt Hardy could withstand such an offense.

Second Match: Drew McIntyre vs. Finlay. After last week's assault on Finlay, I have to admit, McIntyre has grown on me. Sure, his accent is a little rough, but at least I can understand him, because hell if I can understand "The Hot Rod" sometimes. This was not even considered a match, it was a straight out brawl. The impact of their shots was incredible, and I know Matt Striker was enjoying the brutality happening in and outside of the ring. The match went to McIntyre with a thumb to the eye followed by the Double Underhook DDT. Unlike his other opponents, McIntyre was roughed up by Finlay. I feel that this feud will help make McIntyre into a superstar, but we will just have to wait and see.

Promo: Punk's Intervention. Punk preached to the people of Philadelphia, same arena where he pinned ECW Champion Christian on ECW, about the dangers and abuse of drugs and alcohol. He had a demonstration where he dumped a carton of generic cigarettes, a bottle of pills, and an entire bottle of whiskey into a metal trash can. The people cheered when they say the bottle, but was quickly angered when he poured it out. R-Truth appeared, not singing his song, but proclaiming to Punk that people have a right to chose the path they want. He then followed by humiliating Punk with a DDT, covered by the alcoholic/drug mess of the trash can, and then, to make matters worse, crushed in the midsection by the trash can. Many people may see this as a demotion to Punk, but in actuality, WWE is using Punk's status to boost up R-Truth to main event status.

Third Match: (C) John Morrison vs. Dolph Ziggler (2 out of 3 Falls Intercontinental Match). This is Dolph Ziggler's 6th attempt at the Intercontinental Title, 2 from Rey Mysterio, and 4 against John Morrison. Having bruised the ribs of John Morrison, it was only a matter of Ziggler wearing out the champion, so that he could win this 2 out of 3 falls match. This was by far the greatest encounter between Morrison and Ziggler. Sure, they do not cut enough promos, but their matches speak for themselves. However, Ziggler's greatest weakness is his lack of innovation, but his determination has not faltered yet. In the first pin, Morrison executed an amazing 450° seated splash from the top rope and eventually dragged Ziggler in for the first count.

Ziggler than struck hard with a firearm's carry into a double knee backbreaker, awarding him the second count. With each opponent having a count, it appeared that Ziggler would take home the gold because Morrison was completely out of it. But Morrison is the Guru of Greatness for a reason, and with Starship Pain, Morrison retained his title for the fourth time. Now... can we get a different opponent for Morrison because this is getting redundant.

Fourth Match: Mickie James vs. Layla. Mickie James' confrontation with 'Scary Spice' proved to be a simple task, but what happened afterwards left her heart broken. On the titantron screen, Michelle McCool had photo shopped a crude video of her on a farm singing an altered nursery rhyme version of Old McDonald's Farm. But on that farm McCool had a Piggy James: a fat pig with Mickies' face, with a pig's snout, on the body. Mickie James, listening to this song, left the arena in tears. This begs the question, how will she pull herself together come this Sunday as she leads her team against Michelle McCool's? On a side note, it is rumored that these acts from McCool are messages from the WWE trying to get Mickie to lose weight. I don't know how much of this is true, but what I do believe is that Mickie is frustrated with her position in the WWE and may want out of the company; hence, this storyline will probably be leading to her eventual departure with the company.

Fifth Match: Rey Mysterio vs. Tyson Kidd. Rey Mysterio didn't appear on commentary during Batista's match, why would Batista sit-in for Mysterio's? Well... for exactly the reason the match ended the way it did. Mysterio set up Tyson for the 619, but he rolled out of harm's way, but Batista shoved Tyson out of the way to end the match. If a wrestler is attacked from outside interference, then they are automatically declared the victor; thus, Batista cost Mysterio the match, much like Mysterio cost him the World Heavyweight Title. Batista mentioned three things that Mysterio should have never done: first, costing him the World Heavyweight Title; second, signing the liability contract; and third, for embarrassing him last week. I think Batista failed to add a fourth mark on the list: embarrassing him for the second time with a hit-and-run tactic; and possibly a fifth mark, if Mysterio can overcome the enraged Animal come this Sunday.

Main Event: The Brothers of Destruction vs. Jeri-Show. One born from the darkness of the Grave, the other from the fiery depths of Hell, two brothers have one aim in life and that is Destruction. Undertaker says that there is nothing in this world that warms his dark heart than to fight alongside his brother Kane, but at the Survivor Series, Undertaker will put forth the 'Holy Grail' against The World's Largest Athlete, and the Best in the World. The Big Show had no qualms about going into this tag match because he has teamed, captured gold, and feuded with each Brother of Destruction. Jericho, on the other hand, was ready to prove how powerful of an adversary he can really be. The match was a fantastic brawl with a lot of close calls. Undertaker was ready to chokeslam Jericho, but countered into a pin, then into an attempted Walls of Jericho, but then that was countered into Hells Gate. Big Show broke it up with a Leg Drop on Taker. Then the Brothers almost Double Chokeslammed Show into the SmackDown announce table, but was stopped with a flying double ax-handle. Back in the ring, Kane chokeslammed Jericho, but was taken out of the ring and knocked out by Show. Taker went for the Tombstone but was Chokeslammed by Show. When Show went to aid his partner, he was attacked by a surprise Codebreaker. Jericho betrayed his partner and grabbed the World Heavyweight Title. He ran up the ramp, holding the title high. The match had a lot of close calls but no winner, only the destruction that took place in the ring. Will Jericho become a 6-time World Champion, or will the Grail reside elsewhere?

WWE Superstars Results: Zack is Saved by the Cell; Ugly Use of Jimmy Wang Yang

ECW Match: Shelton Benjamin vs. Zack Ryder w/Rosa Mendes. The third match between these top ECW Superstars witnessed a strange, but different outcome. On ECW, Ryder demanded another rematch to prove that he could beat him, but did he really earn the victory? By the end of the match, Rosa noticed Ryder's cellphone ringing and called for him to answer it, in mid-match! She actually had the unprofessional audacity to enter the ring after she dropped the phone. The referee almost called the match while frantically ordering her to get out of the ring. Even Ryder pleaded her to leave, until she screamed at a flying Shelton, leaping onto the top turnbuckle - in hopes of attacking Ryder, while endangering Rosa. Zack, then, knocked Benjamin off and went for the cover. What looked like another easy win for Shelton, turned out to be Ryder's big Pay-off for having Rosa at ring-side. In the realm of professional wrestling, a wins a win, and you win by any means necessary.

SmackDown Match: Jimmy Wang Yang vs. Eric Escobar w/Vickie Guerrero. This was a disgusting display of professional wrestling. James Yun, aka Wang Yang, is an amazing high-flying wrestler who should not be jobbing to... another failed attempt of a Puerto Rican superstar. WWE should focus on building the Puerto-Ricans that they already have - The Colons - rather than trying with this uncharismatic "Puerto-Rican Nightmare." James Yun can actually wrestle, which is more than I can say for half of the WWE roster. Yun was a part of an amazing faction back in WCW, Jung Dragons, and to be in WWE as a jobber for Escobar? WWE clearly needs a real creative team that actually knows of which wrestlers should be pushed and others that should just be released. Eric Escobar won with a combination of Vickie's screaming and a running drop kick. Escobar covered Yang in, what I like to call, the Vickie-Mix Pin because it looks like the love making position he would apply on his manager/lover.

RAW Match: Mark Henry vs. Cody Rhodes. Last week on WWE Superstars, MVP got the better of Ted DiBiase, but would the other half of Legacy have a better shot of taking down "The World's Strongest Man?" And seeing as Randy Orton pinned Mark Henry two weeks ago, you would think Rhodes would also get the job done? We all know that WWE Superstars are pre-recorded extra matches, but to pretend that it actually takes place on Thursday is a little much; because this weeks edition of WWE Superstars saw the extreme difference between the Philadelphia arena and Madison Square Garden. Rhodes attempted to take out Mark Henry's legs, which, with two knee braces, seems like the best tactic to take down the Kool-Aid Behemoth. But the World's Strongest Man pinned Rhodes, not in front of the fictitious WWE Superstars audience, but the New Yorkers at Madison Square Garden. The World's Strongest Tag Team and Kofi Kingston enter the Survivor Series with the momentum for their team; however, CM Punk and William Regal, with wins over Christian and R-Truth, carry the momentum for Orton's team. Which team will survive come this Sunday?

Christian Gets Punked; Is Hurricane the True Villain?

The camera zoomed out on the ECW logo to reveal CM Punk. "This is where it all started for me," this opening line should generate a mental montage of CM Punk's accomplishments in ECW; followed by his Intercontinental, and World Tag Team Title reigns over on RAW and SmackDown. In addition to winning Money in the Bank Two Years in a row, and becoming a former 3-time World Heavyweight Champion, Punk has conquered the WWE; and like Alexander, Punk has returned home to the Land of Extreme, but for one night only.

Promo: Ryder's Challenge. Zack Ryder came out with Rosa Mendes stating that he wants to continue having her at ring side, and to have a rematch with Shelton Benjamin. "The Gold Standard" had no idea why would Ryder want to humiliate herself again, and suggested that he remain at ringside while he and Rosa did a little wrestling of their own. Rosa Mendes may have a mouth that doesn't quit, but she is extremely attractive. But the rematch will air on WWE Superstars this Thursday.

First Match: The Hurricane vs. Paul Burchill w/Katie Lee Burchill (Mask vs. Career Match). After seeing these two compete time and time again, I'm sick and tired of it. Hurricane has faced one guy since returning to the WWE; while Burchill, on the other hand, has lost virtually every match in ECW. This feud had to end, and a Mask vs. Career is exactly what was needed. Last week on a WWE.com exclusive, Katie Lee had a Tarot Card reading to determine the fate of the match, but cards can't predict everything. The match saw the downfall of a family, as Paul cried out to his sister during the match "Help Me!" The Burchills are the storied-villains, but who looked more like the villian in that match, if not Hurricane? The Emerald Knight struck Burchill with the Eye of the Hurricane and a hellacious neck breaker from the top turnbuckle. These two fought with careless disregard for each other's saftey, only to prove a point: The Hurricane wants to continue helping the people, while Paul will not be at peace until their foe is unmasked. Burchill put everything on the line for this match, and in the end he lost. The Burchills embraced each other in the ring, swollowing sorrow and an undeniable end to their career in ECW. But all is not lost because Paul said that he and his sister would leave ECW, but never did he say that they would leave the WWE. Something to think about.

Second Match: Vance Archer vs. Johnny Andrews. Vance Archer pinned another jobber, moving on....

Third Match: CM Punk and William Regal vs. (C) Christian and R-Truth (Tag Team Match). Prior to the match, CM Punk found Christian and arrogantly listed his accomplishments, which include his title reigns and his Straight-Edge lifestyle. As it may all look good to anyone who cares to listen, Christian just called him a dork, and stated that whether he may be a former champion or not, the key word is 'former.' The reason for this inter-promotional match up is to showcase a preview of what's to come at The Survivor Series: Christian and R-Truth will be lead by Kofi Kingston, while CM Punk and William Regal will be commanded by "The Viper," Randy Orton. The match had a good build up between CM Punk and Christian, a chemistry I have not seen in a while between superstars; heck, look at the terrible build between DX and Cena. The team of Punk and Regal picked up the win after Regal struck Christian with the Knee Trembler followed by Punk's GTS. Punk returned to ECW for one night, and as he looked on to the fallen ECW Champion, he still remains the Alexander of the WWE.

Cena Outdoes Triple H Again at The Garden; Kofi Brings the Boom!

Piper’s pre-show opening introduced his guest Luis Guzman from the Disney movie “Old Dogs,” and the WWE Hall of Famer, The Iron Sheik. When stating that Hulk Hogan is a legend, The Iron Sheik maliciously retorted that he is more of a legend than Hulk Hogan, “that jabroni.” Recall Morrison calling RAW a poor copy of SNL? Well, the three signed off, “And Live from New York, its Monday Night RAW!!!!”

The Hot Rod greeted MSG and spoke of his career in the WWE. He’s said that he has said things that have gotten him into trouble more times than he can count, but if he had a chance to take any of them back, he wouldn’t, because that’s who he is. He has faced so many men, now either dead or bald; yet, his one request is to have one more match, and not at a big pay-per-view, like WrestleMania or SummerSlam, but right there in the Garden against Vincent Kennedy McMahon. The Chairman declared that he is retired from in-ring action, but Roddy knew that McMahon would have to pay the Piper soon enough.

First Match: (C) The Miz vs. MVP (United States Championship Match). In this impromptu title defense, The Miz kicked off RAW bashing both New Yorkers and The Yankees. And wouldn't you know that MVP, Miz’s opponent, would come out wearing a Yankee cap, even though he resides from Miami, Florida? This is just another instance of pandering to the crowd. "The View's" Sherri Shepherd was in the crowd, supporting MVP. Montel is considered to have the longest United States Title reign in WWE history, beating the late Chris Benoit in a 2 out of 3 Falls Count Match back in 2007. Yet, the Miz proved to be better than the best after pinning MVP with The Skull-Crushing Finale. MVP was moments away to becoming a 3-time U.S. Champion, but shouldn't he be setting his sights on one day becoming the World's Champion?

Second Match: Santino Marella vs. Chavo Guerrero. Purely a filler match to entertain the New York audience, Santino Marella wore jerseys from all the New York teams. Ranging from The Giants, Jets, Mets, Philly's??? Don’t worry New York, that was a tease in order to reveal a Yankee jersey, which he wore throughout the match. Guerrero connected with the Three Amigo suplexes and looked to end the match with a Frog Splash; but with a distraction from the unofficial DX member, Marella forced a roll-up cover on Chavo to win the match.

Promo: DX Addresses small issue. D-Generation X thrilled the audience and broke it down to what would happen at the Survivor Series against John Cena. No matter which one of them wins the match, the WWE Title is coming back to DX. All title matches aside, the real reason they were out was to set Hornswoggle straight, he cannot continue to impersonate a DX member. But it looked as if DX were going to accept Hornswoggle into the DX army, until Triple H turned on and pedigreed Hornswoggle. Good luck to Linda McMahon’s campaign trail if the opposing side decides to generate “Do you want to vote for someone, whose son-in-law attacks midgets?” DX has always thrived on controversy; and despite their love for Hornswoggle, New York loves DX more, and if you’re not down with that, then they have two words for you…

Third Match: (C) Melina vs. Alicia Fox (Divas' Championship Match). The Champion came out first, which is a major sign of disrespect because the challenger is supposed to come out first. The special guest ring announcer for the Divas’ Title match was “30 Rock’s” Judah Friedlander, also known as the World’s Greatest Champion. Alicia Fox was set to have a one-on-one match, until Friedlander announced that the match would now become a Divas’ Lumber Jill match. Why is it that WWE thinks that making a Divas’ match into a lumber Jill match is suppose to be innovative? And apparently, Alicia’s only wrestling move is the Tilt-a-Whirl BackBreaker, but since she’s the only heel on RAW right now, she gets the title shots. Melina retained the title with The Last Call. Instead of seeing Melina’s hand raised in victory, all the divas, which coincidentally are all a part of the Survivor Series Traditional Elimination Match, broke out into a fight, with Mickie’s team maintaining dominance.

Promo: Sheamus’ Open Challenge. After ending the career of Jaime Noble, Sheamus awaits his next victim and calls out to anyone in the RAW locker room willing to test their fate. With no challengers, Sheamus decides to look for challenges elsewhere, in the form of the time keeper and Jerry "The King" Lawler. This in turn brings Matt Striker, from SmackDown, to fill in for King as color commentator. Why didn’t WWE employ this tactic when Lawler was running for Mayor?

Fifth Match: Jack Swagger vs. Evan Bourne. After having his winning streak broken, Jack Swagger has lost his swag; he no longer has the cocky smile, or the routine pre-match push-ups. And on top of that, he now has to listen to The Miz, who cost him the match last week, at the Survivor Series. Jack Swagger once again executed the Gut-Wrench Powerbomb on the high-flying Evan Bourne.

Piper's Challenge, Enter The Viper. Piper came out in his street clothes waiting for McMahon, instead he was visited by Randy Orton. The Viper really had nothing to lose since he can no longer contend for the WWE Title, so he resorted back to his Legend Killing spree and started taking out “The Hot Rod.” But before Orton could send the finishing blow, Kofi rushed into the ring to break it up. Actually, that’s what was supposed to happen, but Kofi came to the ring late. As Orton was about to kick Piper, he stopped short and gave an awkward kick to the back instead. Kofi unleashed a side of him that we have never seen, shedding his “Jamaican” roots and becoming a real brawler. Two weeks ago, Orton dominated Kofi in the ring, but in the Garden, the fight took place in and out of the ring, and into the stands. The crowd looked on in astonishment as Kofi laid Orton over a table and delivered the Boom Drop that broke them threw the table! Kofi was literally become a superstar in front of our very eyes. People like Randy Orton are the best in what they do because they don’t just win big, they put over a lot of guys, a.k.a. Jeff Hardy, into main event status. At the Survivor Series, how will these two captains clash and who will be the sole survivor?

Main Event: D-Generation X vs. Jeri-Show vs. John Cena and The Undertaker (Triple Threat Tag Team Match). Madison Square Garden is the arena where history is made, so where else can you see two World Champions teaming up against The Unified Tag Team Champions, and the industry’s Greatest Tag Team of all time, except in the WWE? After the competitors were in the ring, the Garden echoed with the Gregorian chants from the Druids, aligning the entrance with rows of lit torches. The most respected professional wrestler in the WWE, The Undertaker, walked slowly down the aisle, soaking in the adoration; and also for the fact that, at MSG, the entrance way is much shorter. As you would expect from a legendary confrontation between these six larger-than-life superstars, shades of past matches were made emanate. Shawn Michaels, who was tagged in, took off his DX wrist bands as a sign of respect to The Undertaker. It’s known that Shawn Michaels is a completely different person when he is in his DX gear, but once he takes them off he becomes “The Show Stopper,” “The Main Event,” “Mr. WrestleMania!” We have not seen Michaels and Taker together in the ring since WrestleMania 25; and what would have been another instant classic, was cut short in order to relive another moment. Two years ago, at the Royal Rumble, John Cena and Triple H were the last two competitors remaining, before Cena would toss the Game over the ropes; and now, two years later, these two find themselves staring each other down, in the same arena, with the same result. While everyone executed their finishers, it was Cena who got the pin over Triple H; but before the night at MSG could end with Cena’s music again, Taker delivered a devastating Tombstone piledriver to the WWE Champion, reminding everyone that this may be the most famous arena in the world, but on this night, it will be known as the garden of evil.

Next Week's Guest: Governor, Jesse "The Body" Ventura

3-Hour RAW Next Week

This Week's ECW: 11/10/09, WWE Superstars 11/12/09, & SmackDown: 11/13/09

Chris Jericho, More than a Match for The Undertaker; Straight-Edge is The Truth!

First Match: CM Punk vs. R-Truth. CM Punk filed a complaint to the WWE Board of Directors over Scott Armstrong's blatant disregard of professionalism, in regards to losing a match last week, against R-Truth, from a fast 3-count. Punk also took the time this week to lecture the British people on how they were drowning their pathetic lives in alcohol and drugs. He believes that Straight-Edge is the way, and it is What's Up! R-Truth talked some smack, and then gave Punk a beat down. But Todd Grisham was right, is this how we settle disputes, with complaints to the Board of Directors? What ever happened to settling things in the ring? Well, the only thing that got settled was the score, as Punk stole a pin with the assist from the ropes. Will R-Truth file a complaint, or will we be seeing these two back in the ring next week?

Second Match: Mickie James vs. Natalya. Word has gotten around that Mickie James is frustrated with her current standing within the WWE. It has been four years since Mickie James captured her first Women's Title at WrestleMania, and things haven't exactly been a glamours career. With the top women's wrestlers of the time now wrestling elsewhere or retired, WWE has ushered in a new era of weak barbie-doll models. The spirit of competition is dead within the Divas' division, and appearances are watered down to tag team matches and swim suit contests. Since joining SmackDown, it seems as if Mickie James is ready to move on from the wrestling business and spend time with her horses. This match up against Natalya was one that I wanted to see, since Neidhart's arrival in late 2007; however, it was overshadowed by McCool and Layla destroying Mickie's ring gear. As she looked on, Natalya locked in the Sharpshooter to force Mickie to tap out. Destruction of personal property is shades of when Cryme Tyme auctioned off Lita's clothes, shortly after her retirement match. It was to be expected since McCool and Layla did warn Mickie to leave SmackDown, a threat that should not be taken lightly- recall Maria? Her friendship with Melina was severed because of those two. Will Mickie James cower away or will she fulfil her promise and end McCool's reign as Women's Champion?

Third Match: Finlay vs. Drew McIntyre. McIntyre spoke, before the bell rung, about how Finlay was not worthy enough to waste his time, but seeing as he is a man that loves to fight, he would accept it. Finlay attempted to strike McIntyre with the shillelagh, but it was used against him. McIntyre delivered several blows to the midriff of Finlay, now he knows how it feels to be hit with a shillelagh.

Contract Signing: Rey Mysterio and Batista. The contract signing was overseen by Matt Striker to make the Survivor Series match between Rey Mysterio and Batista official. The contract was quickly signed and Batista presented an additional contract, relieving him of any liability to the condition he leaves him in after the match is over. The only noteworthy action that took place was Mysterio embarrassing Batista by flipping the table over him. Will Mysterio be able to take down the animal, or will his return be short lived?

Fourth Match: (C) John Morrison vs. Dolph Ziggler (Intercontinental Championship Match). Dolph Ziggler had all the momentum going into this match, defeating Morrison 2 weeks ago, and being on the winning team against Morrison last week. Both times, Ziggler delivered punishment to the abs of John Morrison. The two were relentless, Ziggler never tasting gold, while Morrison thriving under the pressure of defending it. But the course of the match led to decking punches on the top turnbuckle, falling off, and failing to answer to the 10 count; therefore, seeing as it was a double count out, John Morrison retained the title. Next week, Morrison will have to defend the title against Dolph Ziggler for a fourth time. Really? No other competition?

Next week: (C) John Morrison vs. Dolph Ziggler (2 out of 3 Falls Count for the Intercontinental Title).

Fifth Match: Beth Phoenix vs. Lisa Taylor. The best competitor that England had to offer was not enough for Beth Phoenix and The Glam Slam. Another squash match.

Main Event: (C) The Undertaker vs. (C) Chris Jericho (Non-Title Match). The match Five Years in the making: The Phenom has dominated the WWE for 20 years, and Chris Jericho has become the best in the world at what he does in the last 10; but after all the opponents, all the titles, these two have never faced each other. Chris Jericho believes he is the true Phenom of the WWE, and maybe he is... Jericho never let up on Undertaker, he kept him down with a series of punches, kicks, and taunts. In addition, Jericho's greatest submission, The Walls of Jericho, works perfectly on a man of Taker's stature, because longer legs generate a far severe strain to the lower back. Sadly, Jericho's CodeBreaker was not enough to subdue the World's Heavyweight Champion, and after attempting to go to the well one too many times, Taker locked Jericho is Hell's Gate and forced him to tap out. Yet, a decisive victory did not mean Undertaker would leave gracefully, as the other half of the Unified Tag Team Champions came to lock Taker in the Colossal Clutch while Jericho had him in The Walls of Jericho. But the man, or monster, that Jericho defeated 2 weeks ago to become the 2nd contender for Taker's Title, arrived to the ring to aid his brother. Jeri-Show was quick to back away from Kane, but how will they fair when next week, they must go against the Brothers of Destruction in tag team action?

Next week: Jeri-Show vs. Brothers of Destruction.

WWE Superstars Results: The Million Dollar Son, Not Ballin;' Rosa Unable to Mend Ryder's Career

SmackDown Match: Matt Hardy vs. David Hart Smith. After the assault from Batista last week, would Matt Hardy be able to overcome The Hart Dynasty's greatest challenge? DH Smith is the son of "The British Bulldog," Davey Boy Smith and the nephew of Bret and Owen Hart; but despite his legacy, Matt Hardy is a multi-time champion within the WWE, and should not be taken lightly. Todd Grisham, who attempted to get an interview earlier with Smith, was greeted by Natalya, the mouth-piece of the Hart Dynasty. And she claims that DH Smith is in a class of his own because he is a master of suplexes and throw away slams. Matt Striker seemed to disagree as DH Smith only executed suplexes, especially one off the top turnbuckle. Matt Hardy attempted the Twist of Fate and a Side-Effect, but none would keep Smith down for the three-count. It was thanks to an attempted distraction from Tyson Kidd, that forced Charles Robinson to send both him and Natalya back to the locker rooms. While DH Smith was distraught over the referee's decision, Matt Hardy went for the small package pin to win the match.

ECW Match: Shelton Benjamin vs. Zack Ryder w/Rosa Mendes. On ECW, Ryder, despite being distracted in his last match, invited Rosa Mendes to be ring-side during his matches; in turn, Shelton Benjamin, who scored an easy win during their last encounter, would experience a similar outcome. As mentioned during the SmackDown Match, Matt Striker was not impressed by Smith's lack of throw-away slams, but would have been impressed by Shelton's throw-away slam. Later during the match, Zack Ryder fell over the top rope, in which Rosa went to attend the fallen superstar. Ryder was so smitten by her that he failed to realize that the referee counted to 10. And for some reason, Ryder dashed back into the ring only to be hit with Pay Dirt. Zack Ryder should seriously reconsider having Mendes around; but all-in-all, Shelton scores another victory.

RAW Match: MVP w/Mark Henry vs. Ted DiBiase w/Cody Rhodes. DiBiase believes that if anyone is ballin' it's him, because he is the son of the Million Dollar Man. This match was the debut of the newly named tag team, "The World's Strongest Tag Team." I don't know about anyone else, but first off: it's a knock off of "The World's Greatest Tag Team" name; and seeing as Jeri-Show has defeated them twice, doesn't really convey that they are the 'Strongest.' So is this where MVP's career heading? He can pull it off seeing as he was once one-half of the WWE Tag Team Champions with Matt Hardy, but I had high hopes for him as a singles' competitor. Especially when he bad mouthed Randy Orton on his first night on RAW, I saw him contending for the WWE Title... but he's tag teaming with Mark Henry. Orton should have recruited him when he had the chance. MVP attempted to win the match with a combo Ballin' Elbow and Playmaker, but DiBiase kicked out. And Rhodes tried to distract MVP, but "The World's Strongest Man" irish-whipped him to the turnbuckle; whence, DiBiase went for a neck breaker but was countered into a small package by MVP to end the match. Randy Orton may have pinned Mark Henry on RAW, but MVP pinned DiBiase and proves that he is BALLIN'!!!

European Peeps Will Christian to Victory; Hurricane-Burchill Match Postponed?

Abraham Washington Show: Yeah... let's start it off this way. Abraham Washington, no doubt, feeding off the comedic routine Christian has built with Yoshi Tatsu: "Thank You" - "Thank You" - "No, Thank You" - "Thank You" - "Didn't I say that already?" - Real great stuff the WWE writers got going there... When asked who would leave Sheffield the ECW Champion, Yoshi Tatsu expressed Christian's tenacity in the ring would play a major factor... Then Abraham Washington took it old school, 11 years, when he recited the ever famous line, "Don't nobody understand the words that are comin' out of your mouth." That's right, Abraham Washington and Yoshi Tatsu had a Rush Hour moment, the polite Asian and the loud mouth, funny black man. The segment didn't go anywhere, didn't reveal any new challenges for Tatsu... it was a bust.

First Match: Paul Burchill vs. Goldust. Last week it was scheduled that Burchill and Hurricane would have the Mask vs. Career match in Sheffield, England; so what happened? It's unclear what exactly did go down, but best guess is that WWE didn't want to complete shatter the English moral by having Burchill possibly leaving ECW. However, after comparing the crowd reactions between Burchill and Goldust, I would have to conclude that the English people could have cared less if Burchill's dreams were shattered, as they were by "The Bizarre One," Goldust. It was insatiable how much the crowd rallied behind the California, American native. Yet, Burchill seemed to have the brute advantage, until The Hurricane appeared in the arena. With Hurricane running around the ring, it didn't take long for Goldust to capitalize on the distraction with The Final Cut. Despite winning the match, all the attention was focused on Hurricane smiling over Burchill's loss.

WWE Superstars Match Revealed: Shelton Benjamin vs. Zack Ryder. Backstage, Ryder confesses to Rosa Mendes that he likes her and invites her to sit ring side during his matches. Then we see a segment of Ryder and Rosa holding hands and skipping... This is the second time that we, the viewers, see what's going on inside the head of Zack Ryder. It's off putting to say the least to have mental visuals of another person's thoughts. I understand that Ryder's persona is from the 80's, but damn it, this is pro-wrestling! not 16 candles.

Second Match: Vance Archer vs. Jason Blackwell. Once again, Archer proves dominate in his match. But is this really the way to show the WWE Universe of what he is capable of? I for one am annoyed at these lousy exhibition matches. It doesn't do anything for the superstar to showcase four moves and call it a night. Archer tossed Blackwell around with a few slam variations and ended it with his finisher The Bull's Eye.

Main Event: (C) Christian vs. William Regal (ECW Title Match). It was a match that took up the better part of an hour, possibly the most intensified rivalry to go down in recent ECW history. The challenger, William Regal, has struck gold before in England; yet would the Blackpool native have the hometown advantage in Sheffield, and capture the long awaited ECW Title? Regal's fellow Englishmen and Christian's peeps escalated to a split decision in the crowds, chanting for both superstars. It was a grueling match and well worth watching, but the ending was literally unbelievable. Regal missed the knee trembler and locked in the Regal Stretch, how was Christian able to break free? The Regal Stretch forces your opponent to the ground, pinching the arms together making it damn near impossible to move, let alone have the arm strength to punch the attacker. I thought the third time would be the charm, but Regal failed once again in his quest for World Championship Gold. Or has he? Prior to the match, ECW GM Tiffany wished Regal luck and proposed, win or lose, that they should start a clean slate. Is Tiffany turning to the dark side, or is she seriously trying to make everyone to get along?

Side Note: Tiffany's New Entrance Theme: "Insatiable" by Jim Johnston

Jamie Noble Retires

Early Tuesday morning, WWE.com was contacted by Jamie Noble, who revealed his decision to conclude a seven-year career as a WWE Superstar and retire from the squared circle.

This regrettable announcement came hours after Noble was released from the medical facility where he sought treatment for injuries sustained at the hands of Sheamus one week ago on Raw and after years of nagging shoulder and neck injuries.

"Luckily, the doctors tell me I'm going to recover again," Noble told WWE.com in an article published earlier this week. "But I'm laying here thinkin' about how great my life is with my wife and my son. I'm thinkin', how many more times am I gonna be lucky enough to walk out of the hospital on my own? I'm thinkin' it might be time to hang up my tights and boots."

WWE.com and WWETheReturn wishes Jamie Noble all the best in his recovery and his career outside the ring.

Copied from the World Wrestling Entertainment Website

Three Survivor Series Team Elimination Matches Revealed; Streak Broken; Undertaker Scheduled for Next Week

Native English Boxer, Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton hosted RAW in Sheffield, England. Question, didn't WWE already have a boxer as a host? Speaking of Mayweather, Jeri-Show interrupted and Big Show was willing to be the bigger man, quite literally, and allow Hatton the first punch across the jaw. Jericho ceased the exhibition to refrain from another WrestleMania XXIV incident, and to redirect Show's focus to the Triple Threat Match where Jericho assures his 6th title reign.

Let's break it down: Chris Jericho is the best he has ever been. He rejuvenated his career when he turned heel, becoming a multi-time World Heavyweight Champion and beating his own Intercontinental record to 9 reigns. He even jump started Big Show's career by allowing him to become the other half of the Unified Tag Team Champions.

Downside: Jericho has never been in the ring with The Undertaker, until this Friday.

Break it even more: Big Show is in the best shape of his life and is a force to be reckoned with. Jericho calls him the colossal killer, because the force and magnitude... Can anyone last recall when he was pinned? Probably not.

Hatton scheduled a tag team match between Jeri-Show and DX.

First Match: Alicia Fox w/Jillian vs. Kelly Kelly w/Gail Kim. I was actually rooting for Kelly Kelly, the lesser of two evils. These two are so bad, why has WWE gone for far down in quality? Alicia Fox went for the scissors' kick to the back of the head and got Kelly's back instead... I'll say it again, Alicia is horrendous in the ring.

Next week: Melina vs. Alicia Fox (Divas' Title Match)

At the Survivor Series: Mickie James captains the team of Melina, Gail Kim, Kelly Kelly, and Eve. Michelle McCool captains the opposing team of Beth Phoenix, Jillian, Layla, and Alicia Fox.

Second Match: Sheamus vs. Local. Last week, Sheamus almost killed Jaime Noble, who has retired from professional wrestling. And last night, Sheamus showed no mercy to the local Brit with a crucifixion power slam.

Third Match: Jack Swagger vs. Evan Bourne. In a backstage interview with The Miz, he talks about being the captain of an elite team of up and comers, and that with his guidance they will win against Morrison's team. Swagger interjected by claiming to be a better suit for the position of captain; he also advised to watch closely to his match against Evan Bourne. Swagger dominated most of the match, until The Miz, making his appearance, distracted him, which allowed for Bourne to pick up the win with The Shooting Star Press. I was disgusted by how WWE executed the end to Swagger's winning streak, it was not believable that Bourne would overcome Swagger so easily. But I sense a future United States Title defense against The All American-American.

At the Survivor Series: The Miz captains the team of Jack Swagger, Dolph Ziggler, Drew McIntyre, and Sheamus. John Morrison captains the opposing team of Matt Hardy, Shelton Benjamin, Finlay, and Evan Bourne.

MVP’s VIP Lounge: MVP and Mark Henry welcomed their guest and captain of their Survivor Series team, Kofi Kingston. Kofi was praised for standing up against Orton’s tyranny and refusing to be bullied around. Yet, Legacy crashed the VIP Lounge, badmouthing the lounge for its pleather and $50 bottles of champagne. It was basically the rich white kids making fun of the poor minorities, until a fight broke out. Nice segway into our next match.

Fourth Match: Mark Henry vs. Randy Orton. The night Mark Henry was drafted from ECW to RAW, through the Trump Trade, he shoved Orton around in a gauntlet match as a testament to what he was capable of. It’s been five months since, and Henry finally gets his one-on-one with Orton. In the match, Henry was fatiguing a lot faster than Orton; I knew that Henry was not in the same shape as he was 10 years ago, but he is out of shape! The people of Britain demanded an RKO and they got it, Orton struck and won the match.

At the Survivor Series: Randy Orton leads Cody Rhodes, Ted DiBiase, CM Punk, and William Regal. Kofi Kingston will lead the opposing team of MVP, Mark Henry, R-Truth, and Christian; what is this, The Nation of Domination? Kofi’s team is an all black team with a single Canadian; looks as if Christian is this decade’s Owen Hart.

Fifth Match: Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton vs. Chavo Guerrero (Boxer vs. Wrestler). Really, we chose Chavo to represent professional wrestling? Hatton has won 45 matches, and 32 of them were by KO! Chavo’s record is more like he lost 45 matches, and 32 of them were by leprechaun. Chavo had his split second of grappling Ricky to the ground, but Ricky ended knocking him out. Congrats Hatton, you did something Cedric the Entertainer couldn’t, and that’s beat Chavo Guerrero.

Main Event: DX vs. Jeri-Show. John Cena accompanied King and Cole on commentary, and the three really deciphered the main event matches for the Survivor Series. If DX were to remain together throughout the match, then Cena’s chances of retaining his title would be slim; but if DX split up, a clash of egos would benefit Cena. The main focus was on Shawn Michaels, leading me to wonder if Shawn is being considered for another title reign. Big Show accidentally knocked Jericho out after Michaels avoided the mammoth sized fist. Show froze in disbelief and was knocked over the ropes by Triple H, giving Michaels the cover on Jericho for the win. After the match, the main event for next week was announced, a triple threat match consisting of DX, Jeri-Show, and John Cena and his partner… The Undertaker!

Main Event Announced for Next Week: DX vs. Jeri-Show vs. John Cena and The Undertaker.

Next Week’s Guest Host: “Rowdy” Roddy Piper.

Side Note: Next week’s RAW will take place at Madison Square Garden and will feature a new RAW theme song by Nickelback called “Burn it to the Ground.”