SmackDown Results: 3/5/10 - Too Much Rated-R Momentum

Grudge between Edge and Big Show

Last week, Edge competed in one of the most impressive main-events to date on SmackDown, against The Miz. Holding a victory over one-half of the Unified Tag Team Champions, it is only a matter of time before the other-half pays a visit. Most people just assume that it is a tag team thing, collect victories over the dominating tag team and you gain momentum. But there is a significance of Edge taking on The Big Show.

The whole feud between Edge and Chris Jericho started when they won the Unified Tag Team Championships at The Bash. They were the dream team, the two most diabolic Canadians in all of the WWE, but tragedy struck when Edge injured his Achilles tendon. As a result, Chris Jericho replaced him with The Big Show at Night of Champions. Chris Jericho, during his Slammy speech, thanked Edge for getting injured or else he would have never had the opportunity to make the Big Show his partner.

Big Show: I eat pieces of crap like you for breakfast!
Edge: You eat pieces of crap for breakfast?

This strange dialogue between Show and Edge comes from Adam Sandler's film, Happy Gilmore. In the movie, Shooter McGavin was the big shot in the golfing world, while Happy Gilmore (Adam Sandler) was the guy who didn't have a chance. In addition, Happy Gilmore was also an aspiring hockey player, which further connects Gilmore with Edge. The use of this dialogue could be a reminder of Show's role as Captain Insano in The Waterboy; the possibility of Adam Sandler hosting Monday Night RAW; or a set up to Show's film Knucklehead where he plays a quirky giant.

Drew's first loss, again; Matt Hardy qualifies for Money in the Bank
(Money in the Bank Qualifying Match) Drew McIntyre vs. Matt Hardy

Call it what you will McMahon, but last week, Drew McIntyre did suffer his first loss to Kane. But, by order of Vince McMahon, the loss was erased from the record books, and Drew would still be considered undefeated. And because Drew never lost that match, and Kane just so happened to qualify, he would be given another qualifying match against Matt Hardy.

Accompanied by his NXT rookie, Justin Gabriel, Matt Hardy delivered Drew's first official loss. Drew McIntyre truly impressive in this match, made several attempts to ground Matt Hardy. With a series of headlocks, abdominal stretches, and a Northern Lights pin, Drew appeared unstoppable in his WrestleMania quest. Drew even evaded a Twist of Fate and went straight for Future Shock, but Matt Hardy countered with a back drop. Then Drew offset Hardy's second Twist of Fate into a Jackknife pin, but Hardy would shift McIntyre into a victory roll for the win.

In total disbelief of losing two weeks in a row, Drew McIntyre vowed that he would make it to WrestleMania. Drew has two options: he can either defend his Intercontinental Title at WrestleMania, or he can sneak over to RAW and compete in the final Money in the Bank Qualifying Match.

Dolph Ziggler not up to Gold Standard
Dolph Ziggler vs. Shelton Benjamin

Dolph Ziggler and Shelton Benjamin both qualified for Money in the Bank, but how exactly would these two match up in the ring? Shelton Benjamin, making his fifth appearance in the Money in the Bank ladder match, has the most experience not only in ladder matches but wrestling, period. Dolph Ziggler, who restarted his stagnant career by qualifying, is an amateur compared to The Gold Standard. Ziggler let his temper get the best of him, and once again, attempted a sleeper hold. And to refute what Matt Striker says during this move, no, Dolph Ziggler has not executed the sleeper to perfection. If the sleeper was executed correctly, then the opponent would collapse and not be able to struggle free. The last two moves of the match were sloppy, when Ziggler tried to strike with the Zig-zag, and then struck with PayDirt, Ziggler did not fall the right way. No matter how the move looked, Shelton Benjamin picked up the win.

The Book of Ezekiel condemns Asian Rednecks
Ezekiel Jackson vs. Jimmy Wang Yang

When Jimmy Wang Yang stands in the ring that can only mean one thing, it is time for a squash match. The final ECW Champion, as written in the WWE record books, Ezekiel Jackson was signed to SmackDown by Teddy Long. Aside from a few drop kicks by Yang, Ezekiel decimated him with the Book of Ezekiel (Ura-nage).

Luke Gallows, better than expected
Luke Gallows vs. Rey Mysterio

Unlike his Festus in-ring gimmick, Luke Gallows is a competent wrestler. His match against Mysterio was top-notch to what he brings to the Straightedge Society. Despite losing the match, Gallows forcibly latched onto Mysterio and flung him to the turnbuckle. He would then ground Mysterio with a chin lock, evade a crossbody with a throw-a-way slam, and power out of Rey's Dragon Sleeper by inching his body towards the ropes.

Mysterio attempted the 619, but this is where the Straightedge is so resourceful because they are so deceptive, utilizing every member as Serena blocked Mysterio off from the 619. Scenes of NXT, C.M. Punk looked to distract Mysterio long enough for Gallows to capitalize, but he shifted his weight and caught Gallows in a roll-up.

C.M. Punk-Rey Mysterio bout at WrestleMania is coming along nicely, but the following weeks needs to focus on Mysterio's past drug addictions, in which he admitted to in his book.

John Morrison reverts back to tag teaming
(#1 Contender's Triple-Threat Tag Team Match) John Morrison and R-Truth vs. The Hart Dynasty vs. Cryme Tyme

Last week, John Morrison and R-Truth let Dolph Ziggler get in the way of their WrestleMania dreams, but, together, they have one last opportunity. A Triple-Threat Tag Team Tournament to determine the #1 contenders for ShowMiz's Unified Tag Team Titles. Morrison and Truth came up with such team names as "This n' that," "Black Magic and the White Shadow," "Rock n' Rap," or simply "The New Unified Tag Team Champions."

Also in the tournament were The Hart Dynasty and Cryme Tyme. The most seasoned team in this tournament were The Hart Dynasty, and with Bret Hart having possibly his final match at WrestleMania, it would have been a special night for all the Harts to compete. As for Cryme Tyme, they are going through the motions that unsuccessful tag teams go through before either being split up, or released.

Shad Gaspard started the match against John Morrison before David Hart Smith could sneak in a tag. D.H. impressively executed three belly-to-back suplexes in a row, with John Morrison as his sparring partner. Then JTG would add on to Morrison's punishment. The majority of the match was focused on John Morrison, instead of The Hart Dynasty. In WWE story-telling, this is usually an indicator that Morrison-Truth would go on to win the match. Which, after Morrison tagged in R-Truth and performed a crossbody knocking over both DH and Shad out of the ring, Truth connected with the Lie Detector on Tyson Kidd for the win.

During a dark match at WrestleMania 25, the WWE and World Tag Team Titles were unified after The Miz and John Morrison lost to The Colons. This year, The Miz and John Morrison, once the greatest tag team of the 21st Century, are now on opposing sides. Not exactly the type of match that John Morrison would best be utilized, since showing a strong performance a few weeks ago inside the Elimination Chamber, as the last of three competitors. The big match on the card is Edge facing Chris Jericho for the World Heavyweight Title, but a tag team match for John Morrison is a step back.

At WrestleMania: Unified Tag Team Championship Match: ShowMiz vs. John Morrison and R-Truth

The 500-pound Spear
Edge vs. The Big Show

The World's Largest Athlete has claimed many a victory with the Kayo punch, but Edge has vowed to spear his way to his 10th World Title reign. The last time these two confronted was during last year's WrestleMania, in a Triple-Threat Match in which Edge was the defending champion. But with the passing of a year comes new rivalries.

Edge, just coming back from a career-ending injury, has been non stop at main-eventing every SmackDown since. But after getting hit with the initial head-butt, the tone of the match would be dictated by Big Show. He followed up with a clotheline, a chop across the chest, and a scoop slam, Show appeared unstoppable. But Edge regained momentum by striking with a neckbreaker DDT from off the top rope, and evading a chokeslam into another DDT. Then once again, Edge's promise came to fruition as a spear to the 500lb giant garnered him the victory.

Chris Jericho attempted to sneak attack Edge with the World Heavyweight Title, but Edge speared Jericho again. But after six weeks of consecutive spears to Chris Jericho, is Edge gaining too much momentum going into this match? Chris Jericho is after all the Best in the World at what he does, and what he does best is win matches. Chris Jericho did, back in the day, defeat both The Rock and Stone Cold on the same night to become Undisputed Champion, and he wasn't even in his prime. Chris Jericho, who has never fiend an injury, in the best shape of his life, is in his prime. Edge, who is taking on too many competitors in such a short return from his Achilles tendon injury, is working off his ring rust. But all that can be said is that this match will be one for the record books. Will Chris Jericho get speared yet again, or will Edge's hype fall down like Daniel Byran's when he tapped to the Liontamer?

Elimination Chamber: Intermediate Titles Retained

"The Chosen One" and "The Awesome One" retain

Hand picked by the Chairman of the WWE, Drew McIntyre's ascent in the company is apparent; he now gracefully strides to every match as a symbol of his greatness. Three weeks ago, Drew was involved in a triple-threat qualifier match against John Morrison, the former I-C champion, and Kane. While the rivalry against Morrison over the I-C belt may be over, a feud with Kane is emanate.

A title defense victory over Kane can go either one of two ways: it can either bolster McIntyre's career; or leave it stagnant. Since Kane has been used to elevate numerous superstars in the past, a victory over the Big Red Monster may be insignificant.

McIntyre and Kane's match-up was unwavering, though, there was a major difference in style. While Kane exerted brute force through diving clotheslines and boots to the face, Drew applied more technical maneuvers, such as arm locks and a double underhook DDT known as Future Shock.

Drew McIntyre's Scottish background has most likely been a burden, as he is pressured to become the next best national hero since Rowdy Piper. Dubbed as The Chosen One, Drew has been given a considerable push by becoming the Intercontinental Champion and going undefeated in single's competition since arriving in August 2009. Yet, he hasn't always won every match fairly; the thumb to the eye, obviously an illegal move, has played a vital role of insuring that the Intercontinental Title remains around his waist; hence, how he went on to successfully defend the title against Kane.

In mid-match, Drew turned away from the ring and started ascending back up the ramp in order to be counted out and retain. But Kane, unwilling to let him just walk away, nabbed and rolled him back into the ring. Then when the referee tried to separate the two, McIntyre jabbed Kane in the eye, followed by the Future Shock DDT. But who's to say that McIntyre was not deliberately luring Kane into a false sense of security in order to capitalize? With another title defense under his belt, has McIntyre seen the last of Kane?

After Vickie Guerrero postponed the Divas' Title match for a tedious RAW versus SmackDown Divas' tag team match, MVP issued another challenge for The Miz's United States Title. He claims since he pinned Miz last Monday Night on RAW, it allots him a U.S. title shot. Granted, MVP did pin Miz but in a tag team match, meaning that MVP has the right to challenge for the Unified Tag Team belts, not the single's title belt.

In the second consecutive pay-per-view of the new year, the WWE Universe were treated to another impromptu United States Title bout between the defending champion and MVP. This fifth title match was slightly different, with MVP and The Miz's tag team partners residing in their respective corners.

Since the last title defense, The Miz has become an even bigger superstar in the WWE by teaming up with The Big Show to become the Unified Tag Team Champions. Aside from the two new World Champions, no one is more impressive than "The Awesome One."

The Miz was evidently confident in his abilities as a champion without underestimating the tenacity of MVP. Last Monday, Miz was pinned by taking MVP too lightly, but after executing a double knee buster to a bridging MVP, he would not make that same mistake again. MVP, as well, put out all the stops by tossing Miz off the top turnbuckle with a Belly-to-Belly throw, and going for his signature Ballin' Elbow drop. But with Miz evading the Drive-By kick; instinctively placing his foot on the bottom rope to break a cover; and a right-handed knockout hook by The Big Show, he was able to secured another title defense against MVP. Indeed, MVP had Mark Henry in his corner, but Big Show Irish-whipped him through a barricade, which his massive body destroyed.

With another awesome title defense for The Miz, he will walk into NXT still the United States Champion, and one-half of the Unified Tag Team Champions, as he mentors the internationally famous Daniel Bryan. In addition, it looks as if The Miz and Drew McIntyre will enter WrestleMania XXVI as champions.

RAW Results: 2/1/10

Your 2010 Royal Rumble Winner, EDGE

EDGE shocked the world as he entered in at No. 29 to eliminate his former tag team partner, Jericho, and last eliminating John Cena to win the Royal Rumble. Now the question remains, which Champion will he confront at WrestleMania.

Two options: He can either choose to face The Undertaker again, but how smart is it to challenge a guy who is undefeated at WrestleMania? Or he can challenge a guy who has never even been to WrestleMania.

Or, EDGE can wait three weeks to find out who the champions will be after the Elimination Chambers.

The WWE Champion Sheamus, taking much offense to EDGE's view of being a mild threat, declared that things have changed since his seven month absence. And it wasn't before long that Sheamus managed to get in a surprise shot, but EDGE planted Sheamus, and maintained his momentum.

Whoever EDGE decides to challenge, EDGE will indeed headline WrestleMania XXVI.

In Memory of Jack Brisco: 1941-2010

Jack Brisco was a professional wrestler popular in the 70s into early 80s. His most noteworthy accomplishment was becoming a two-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion. Considered by most, including Don Leo Jonathan, as the greatest champion of the 20th Century. He also gained much success in the tag team division teaming with his brother Gerald Brisco to capture an unprecedented 20 tag titles within the NWA territories. Jack died on February 1, 2010, due to complications during his open heart surgery.

Predictability in Qualifying Matches

Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match: Entry No.1
John Cena vs. Cody Rhodes

John Cena already won the match just by being John Cena. But this is not about John Cena getting another shot to take on Sheamus where no disqualifications are possible; because this is about Cody.

When Cody was first introduced by his father, The American Dream, Randy Orton, during his Legend Killer phase, spat in Dusty's face. Cody, who was right next to his father, wanted to rip Orton's head off. Yes, in 2007, Cody Rhodes began his WWE career as a fan favorite, shadowed by the greatness of The American Dream. Yet, what others at the time thought was a bad idea, turned out to be the greatest career change for Rhodes when he joined Randy Orton to form Legacy.

Last night, during the Royal Rumble main-event, Cody attacked Triple-H with a Russian Legsweep, and Drew McIntyre with an armbar takedown. Despite being eliminated early on, taking down Drew and Triple-H are not easy tasks.

Cody has gone from a regular kid trying to live up to his father's image, to severing ties and becoming his own person. He indeed does resembles Randy Orton every day, only because he brings the same intensity into his matches as Orton does. And while most superstars wouldn't even bother taking on John Cena, an opponent like that does not scare Cody Rhodes, it's just another opportunity to prove himself in the business.

Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match: Entry No.2
Triple-H vs. Jack Swagger

Once again, Triple-H is a 13-time World Champion. He has competed in 5 Elimination Chambers and won the last four. Triple-H's record is unmatched to the point that Elimination Chamber has become his forte. So to have Triple-H lose to Jack Swagger would not only be an upset, but a stupid call on the part of the creative staff.

I had a back-and-forth conversation with my friend Alejandro about the future of Jack Swagger in the WWE. I personally feel that Jack Swagger would make an excellent WWE Champion because he has the charisma, the confidence, and the wrestling ability to dominate the RAW Brand. He disagrees because Jack Swagger has a lisp and cannot be taken seriously as the industry's top champion. I counter argued by stating that Sheamus' pale complexion and dark red hair/facial hair has garnered him such nicknames as Casper and Ronald McDonald's evil twin. "His skin complexion has no bearing on taking him seriously," he stated. And I retaliated, "But what about Mike Tyson, he has a lisp." He simply refuted that boxing is a different sport and wrestling is entertainment, where talking is just as important as the physical part.

Two great viewpoints, but Jack Swagger quickly rose to the industry's developmental champion in FCW and ECW. I still feel strongly about Jack Swagger one day holding the company's richest prize. I know one Oakie would be proud, and probably would name a BBQ sauce in his honor.

Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match: Entry No.3

Shawn Michaels vs. Randy Orton

Finally, a gem within this pile of rubble. Both Michaels and Randy Orton failed to accomplish what they set out to do at the Royal Rumble, and this match was a chance to make things right.

Triple-H has been concerned for Michaels with the way he overreacted losing the Rumble, the fines he incurred from striking the referees, and should count his blessings for not being suspended. He insisted that Michaels focus on winning this match, because with the two of them inside the chamber, they would have a chance to tear the roof down at WrestleMania.

This qualifying match was truly anyone's match, but the only one who could really benefit from winning would be Randy Orton. The Viper lost the WWE Title Match thanks to Cody Rhodes, and gaining an entry spot in the Elimination Chamber is a second-chance at the title.

As for Michaels to win the match, Michaels heart lies in facing the Undertaker at WrestleMania, not to contend for the WWE Title. It was a good solid match, but Randy Orton winning via roll-up was the best possible ending for the match.

For Shawn Michaels there is only one opponent he wants at WrestleMania, and that is The Undertaker. Because for Shawn Michaels, he wants to obtain peace of mind in his wrestling career. When Michaels entered the very first Elimination Chamber and won the World Heavyweight Title after a five-year absence, that was to prove that he can still main-event. But there has always been a nagging thought lingering in his mind, that Taker was the reason he was gone for five long years.

Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match: Entry No.4

Ted DiBiase Jr. vs. Mark Henry

Once again, a very predictable match. Despite Mark Henry's size and imaginable dominance, he's not the same man he was ten years ago. Mark Henry's body building days are over so his physic has diminished.

What was interesting about this match was that Teddy chose to attack the arm of Mark Henry rather than the legs. A former body-builder such as Mark Henry, tend to have weak knees trying to support a much larger upper body. Yet, DiBiase, after slamming Mark Henry's arm into the steel steps, won the match with an arm bar take down.

Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match: Entry No.5

Big Show vs. Kofi Kingston

This match could have gone one of two ways, Big Show, a giant destroyer can enter the Elimination Chamber and be seen as a huge threat to the title, or have Kofi Kingston, a man who has recently had a chip on his shoulder compete for the WWE Title. After what occurred earlier, my money was on Kofi to win the match.

The Big Show has verbosely decided to align himself with The Miz and form another tag team. Big Show has teamed with so many wrestlers from Undertaker, Kane, to Chris Jericho and has collected many tag title reigns because of it. But The Miz's dream is to not only remain the United States Champion, but to have the Big Show go on and defeat Sheamus for the WWE Title, and challenge D-X for the Unified Tag Team Titles, in order to rule the WWE with all the straps. A feat accomplished by Austin and Triple-H, except it was the Intercontinental Title, not the United States. However, C.M. Punk and Luke Gallows have not received their entitled titles match against D-X; hence, RAW Guest Host William Shatner, a.k.a. RAW Match Negotiator (joke on his commercials on Price Line), issued a Triple-Threat Match for next week in which D-X would defend the titles against the Straight-Edge Society and the team of Miz and Big Show.

Too much focus and new adversaries were presented in that segment to actually follow through on Big Show also contending for the WWE Title. However, it wasn't Punk, Gallows, or Serena that provided interference, but it was MVP. Still upset on the events that occurred at the Royal Rumble, MVP came from the stands and attacked Miz who was on commentary.

Big Show lost the match by punching out the referee, after being thumbed in the eye by a dizzy Kofi Kingston. In my view, Kofi should have been disqualified for an illegal move. Sure, Kofi couldn't see, but neither could Big Show. Big Show, very innocently, shouted that he didn't mean to do it, and looked sincerely sorry and wronged. I honestly feel that the angle by which this match ended has something to do with his new movie by WWE Films, Knucklehead.

Elimination Chamber Match Participants for WWE Title

Defending Champion: Sheamus
Participants: Triple-H, John Cena, Randy Orton, Ted DiBiase, and Kofi Kingston

A Pathetic Assault on Bret Hart

I personally feel that the nostalgia of Bret Hart ended after his return January 4th. But this second encounter between The Hitman and Mr. McMahon marks the eventual road to WrestleMania.

Bret Hart wrestled for twenty years to get to the limelight he had achieved, and McMahon destroyed that in 3 minutes. Three hundred days a year, for thirteen years, and the thanks he gets is a screw job.

In 2004, Hart suffered a stroke after hitting the back of his head in a bicycle accident. He was forced into a wheel chair, having his whole left side paralysed. He hated himself because he couldn't move. But when he finally managed to walk on his own again, Bret Hart vowed that he would never be pathetic again. Then January 4th rolled by, and McMahon kicked Bret in the gut and made him feel pathetic once more.

McMahon tore into Bret Hart stating that he can barely do anything, he has a bull dog like face, stringy hair, and zero personality. And that if it wasn't for people like The British Bulldog, Shawn Michaels, or Stone Cold Steve Austin to main event with him, he'd be lost somewhere in the mid-card. Then the last straw was when McMahon revoked the induction of Stu Hart from this year's Hall of Fame Ceremony.

Hammurabi's Code mentions "If anyone strikes the body of a man higher in rank than he, he shall receive sixty blows with an ox-whip in public." Well, I guess when Bret Hart viciously attacked Vince McMahon and set up for the Sharpshooter, they had this law in mind. Batista, acting as the ox-whip, attacked Bret; and held Bret in place for McMahon to spit in his face. Bret Hart tried to strike a man of a higher position than he, in turn he was attacked and humiliated in public.

RAW Results: 1/18/10

Taker Declines Challenge

After a month of openly challenging The Undertaker for a rematch at WrestleMania, The Deadman made his way to Monday Night RAW in order to deliver his response in person; obviously it was a response that Mr. WreslteMania was not expecting. In his storied WrestleMania career, The Undertaker has fought and laid to rest every opponent that has dared to face him; and even though Shawn Michaels was the closest to breaking the streak... he still failed. The Undertaker has nothing to prove, but if Shawn Michaels wants his rematch, he will have to win this year's Royal Rumble. Shawn Michaels claims that when he does, not only will the streak be broken, but Undertaker's title and soul will belong to him.

Heder-Johnson Impact!

Miami Vice's Don Johnson and Napoleon Dynamite's John Heder guest hosted RAW, so what impact did they have? Well, Santino Marella was dressed up as Don Johnson because he is the President of the I.D.J.F.C., or the Italian Don Johnson Fan Club. And Carlito was found backstage dressed as Napoleon Dynamite. It would have been really great if Primo would have dressed like Pedro, but he hasn't been seen on RAW in months.

As for the celebrities themselves, John Heder made the most of his stay on RAW as he took on a heel persona. Don Johnson, meanwhile, wanted to give the people what they "wanted," DX in the main event; but John Heder introduced two men who would main event tonight's RAW... The Miz and The Big Show. Later on in the program, there was an altercation involving Hornswoggle that forced John Heder to participate in a six-man main event.

Viper Stares Down Sheamus

A few weeks ago, Evan Bourne challenged Sheamus for a contender's match; but since then, that honor has gone to Randy Orton. Evan Bourne didn't have much of a chance until Randy Orton made his way into the arena. Sheamus took his focus out of the match, allowing Bourne to almost get an upset. Sheamus quickly did away with Bourne with the Celtic Cross. Orton, clearly intimidated the WWE Champion who chose to leave the ring. Sheamus is just starting out in the WWE, but Orton is a seasoned veteran. Is Sheamus out of his league?

The Second All-American-American-Challenge

Jack Swagger stated that Santino's victory last week was a fluke and could not happen again. Santino, however, did not choose to face him again, but instead, had a suitable substitute... Mark Henry. If you haven't heard me say it before, I'll say it again, Jack Swagger, despite being a sure-fire main event one day, is stuck as a mid-carder with other mid-carders. Mark Henry is the next person to humiliate the All-American-American by bench pressing him over the ropes.

Cena-Kingston Seek Retribution

Last week, during the Triple Threat Match to determine Sheamus' opponent for the Royal Rumble, it was clear that Rhodes and DiBiase Jr. interfered in order for Orton to pick up the win. This week, John Cena and Kofi Kingston looked to get some much needed payback for Legacy costing them a shot at the WWE Title.

Cena started off the match, but Rhodes and DiBiase Jr. held their ground. When Kofi was tagged in, Legacy did everything possible to keep him from tagging in Mr. WWE. At certain points in the match, it almost seemed as if Legacy were lax about facing Kofi, as if he were not a threat. Well, they should have done away with Kofi because after Cena was tagged in, it was Kofi who would pin Rhodes with a flying cross body after being hit by the Attitude Adjuster. DiBiase Jr. did break Cena's cover, but he rolled out of the way to avoid being taken down by Kingston.

A major pop went out to the victory of Cena-Kingston, but friendship means nothing come the Royal Rumble. As for Legacy, Rhodes seemed bitter towards DiBiase Jr. for letting him take the fall. If this keeps up, they won't have to worry about friendship getting in the way for their Royal Rumble aspirations.

Eve's Phantom Kick

The following match was a Divas' Tag Team Match featuring Eve Torres and Gail Kim versus Alicia Fox and Maryse. The only wrestler in this match was Gail Kim, but sadly, she is downplayed so as not to overshadow the other women. Eve Torres, who has been paired with Chris Masters for the past month, has shown some ring-rust. She attempted a drop kick, and missed. Sure, that's not bad when you miss a move, but when your opponent reacts, then that becomes what is known as a Phantom move. Of course, both opponents quickly got up and executed the spot. Alicia Fox should not have reacted to the phantom kick, because the move never connected. Instead, everyone noticed and was the only thing anyone could think of. However, Eve Torres did get the pin on Alicia Fox, which is great for her, but that Phantom kick still bothers me.

Sheamus Sends a Message

The following match was Randy Orton against Chris Masters w/ Eve Torres. Orton was not deterred by Sheamus' presence at the ramp way, but he did manage to get himself caught in the 3rd attempted Master lock. The Master lock looked to be Orton's demise, but it turned into his salvation as Orton fell towards the ropes, breaking the hold, and striking with the RKO. Sheamus, though, entered the ring unnoticed and struck Orton with a big boot to the face. The audience was actually cheering for Randy Orton, which is a new change of pace seeing as he is a super heel, but the audience despises Sheamus more.

WWE Retaliates Against Ric Flair

The Big Show and The Miz mentioned how they would get John Heder some sweet ring gear; well... what can be more stylish than a knock-off of The Nature Boy's signature ornate fur-lined robe with sequins, sporting the ring name "The Flame."

Since departing from the WWE after his farewell send off at WrestleMania XXIV, Ric Flair has since been seen in ROH, wrestled in Australia in the main event of the Hulkamania Tour, and is currently signed with rival promotion TNA. There is also mention of Ric Flair returning to active wrestling duty in TNA against long-time rival Hulk Hogan. A return to the ring would be a disgrace to the send off that WWE gave him, but Flair has been in financial straits and relies on these paychecks to keep his head above water.

Ric Flair will always be The Man, but, enough is enough Flair, hang up the boots because it is just plain sad. Also, word is going around that AJ Styles will become the new protégé of Ric Flair, Styles has risen to the top without Flair and doesn't need him now.

The Flame is Extinguished

After a few rounds of weakening the opposition, the newly devised team of Miz and Show tagged in "The Flame" John Heder to take on Hornswoggle. Heder took off his robe, showing a paler complexion than Sheamus, and kicked around Hornswoggle, until Triple-H made his way in and knocked him out. Then a superkick by Shawn Michaels knocked out the Big Show to be laid out on top of Header. Then Hornswoggle was tagged in to strike with the tadpole splash followed by a cover on Header for the pin fall victory.

Triple-H's Message to Shawn

In two weeks, 30 participants will enter, but only one will leave with a World Title Shot at WrestleMania. What Triple-H has been trying to tell Michaels all night is that he needs to find another way to take on The Undertaker, because he's going to win the Rumble. Do I sense a disband of D-Generation-X? I believe so.

The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien: WWE Invasion

Yesterday on WWE.com, news hit that four WWE superstars would appear on The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien.

As part of Conan O'Brien trying to reach out to the hispanic community, he does skits called Noches de Pasion con Senior O'Brien - which he jokes will make him into a hugh Spanish Telenovela Star.

The skit is set up at a club run by a drug lord. When Cornando (Conan O'Brien) comes to save the day - he is ambused by Legacy's Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase. But Cornando has some back up of his own, The Great Khali and The Big Show.

The 4 appearing on NBC's Tonight Show was in order to shamelessly plug the special 1-hour presentation of the 25th Aniversary of Wrestlemania on NBC.

As a fan of Conan O'Brien, and better yet, of Noches de Pasion - this was just all too priceless.

The above video is from The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien, and just in case if this article is read months later when Hulu has taken it off, Well... you had your chance.

Kofi Kingston Ja-Makin-Me Feel Sorry for You

For weeks Kofi Kingston has been feuding with the Big Show – so obviously I assumed that this would be the United States Title match this Sunday.

It was announced by Michael Cole and Jerry “The King” Lawler that Kofi will defend his title in a 6-Pack Challenge Match.

Kofi has not had an easy title reign because as soon as he won the title from MVP, he had to defend it in a Fatal Four-way at Extreme Rules. And now a 6-Pack Challenge at Night of Champions where he doesn’t have to be pinned to lose the title.

From the contestants in the match two seem primed for the United States Title: The Miz and Jack Swagger.

The Miz has been trying to impress the Diva’s Champion since coming to RAW, and a title win would certainly make him a winner in her eyes. Also, this would be Miz’s first single’s title – making him a serious competitor in the WWE.

However, there’s the former ECW Champion Jack Swagger. He is conditioned, ruthless, and a two-time All American. Now, what’s more American than the United States Title? One fell swoop from his Gut-Wrench Powerbomb would automatically make him a Champion.

But let’s not count out Kofi Kingston – he did win the Intercontinental Title against Chris Jericho at last year’s Night of Champions. Then again… the Big Show will be competing – and as we saw at the end of RAW’s six man tag team match – he overpowers all of them.

My favorite to win the United States Title: “The All American-American” Jack Swagger.

Why?: Swagger said that he wanted to make an impact; and what better way than winning the United States Title?

How, How, How... did ZZ Top do on Monday Night RAW?

After Orton issued a handicapped Tag Team match of Legacy versus John Cena and Triple H - the WWE Universe were introduced to ZZ Top, Dusty Hill and Billy Gibbons.

Huge fans of the WWE, they once recorded an entrance theme for Nicholas "Wild Thing" Bauer - at Stone Cold Steve Austin's request; they are the first ever co-hosts of Monday Night RAW and were ecstatic to be running the show tonight.

Santino Marella arrived on the scene calling them "Zzzzzzz Top!" and switching their first names - Dusty Gibbons and Billy Hill; but still claiming to be a huge fan of theirs. In honor of his "devotion," Hill fitted Santino with an honorary chest-length, ZZ Top signature, beard, and a pair of "Cheap Sunglasses" to complete the trio for tonight. Santino looked more like a Muppet from Sesame Street - with an oversized beard and shades - quite comedic.

It was also nice of ZZ Top to let Santino play - even if it was air guitar... with an actual guitar.

After the Big Show proved his dominance in the after match of the six man tag team match - ZZ Top plugged in their summer tour with Aerosmith - how did we not see that one coming...

When ZZ Top almost proved to be completely worthless, Jericho showed up to meet the icons of Rock n' Roll and requested a jamming session - seeing as he is the lead singer of his rock band, Fozzy.

Hill and Gibbons had no idea who Fozzy were, but they did know that they wanted Chris Jericho to face off against "The World's Strongest Man" Mark Henry. And when asked "How?" The Trio started playing "La Grange" in response to Jericho's "How, how, how."

If one match were not enough to prove their status as hosts - ZZ Top outsmarted Chavo Guerrero into accepting another match against Hornswoggle in a "Sharp Dressed Man" match - how interesting that the match also so happens to be the title to one of their smash hits! Do we see a pattern forming here?

And lets not forget their other hit single, "Legs" featuring the Divas of Monday Night RAW: Kelly Kelly, Alicia Fox, Gail Kim, Rosa Mendes, and Santino? The music was all a blair until Santino showed off his legs, in which the music cut - That's when ZZ Top decided to cut out. As a farewell to the whole ZZ Top gimmick - the Divas then contested in a ZZ Top "Legs" tag team match.

And it would not be complete without ZZ Top riding into the arena in, non other than, the red 1933 Ford 3-window coupe hot rod "The Eliminator."

I will go on to say that ZZ Top really had no business hosting Monday Night RAW, just like Seth Green, it's all a gimmick to plug their own projects. At least Seth made matches throughout the night - ZZ Top made two matches and played music the whole time. If it were not for Santino Marella jamming alongside them in a ZZ Top makeover - the whole ZZ Top angle would have been a total flop.

Note: Next Monday's Host will be - Shaquille O'Neal!