RAW Results: 2/22/10 - WrestleMania Taking Shape

Evan Bourne's victory overshadowed by Legacy's downfall

Just this past Thursday on WWE Superstars, Evan Bourne prevailed by pinning Chavo Guerrero in tag team action; then on RAW, Evan Bourne defied the odds by pinning Cody Rhodes of Legacy in a six-man tag match. Yet, what should have been a great moment for the "Highlight Reel" Evan Bourne, became overshadowed by chants of RKO.

The downfall of Legacy may have finally occurred after Randy Orton turned on his brethren, Cody Rhodes, with a rope hung DDT. Orton then abandoned the match and was followed by Ted DiBiase Jr., demanding an explanation; which he responded with an RKO. Earlier on, DiBiase and Rhodes were talking about "a plan," most likely a scheme to turn on Orton; but as the leader of Legacy, Orton is always 10 steps ahead.

Divas' Champion Applicant: no wrestling experience required

Apparently the Divas' Title means that no wrestling ability is required, as the championship match between Maryse and Gail Kim was an embarrassment to women's wrestling. Gail Kim, an actual women's wrestler, delivered on every offensive maneuver within that match, while Maryse simply threw Gail to the ropes and set up for the French-Kiss. How can the WWE award it's championship title to a person who cannot wrestle? Wait... that's right. This is the same company that awarded it's WWE Title to Batista, and at one point, awarded the World Heavyweight Title to The Great Khali. Sadly, Gail Kim sold her soul for a WWE endorsed paycheck to job to models.

After having the Divas' Title match postponed, thanks to Vickie Guerrero, the final round of the Divas' Championship Tournament was decided on RAW. For weeks leading up to this match, Maryse had been trying to draw a mutual respect between the two, but Gail Kim fired back - in French - telling Maryse that she understood every mean thing she disguised in French, and was not fooling anybody. This confrontation, this past Sunday, lead to Gail Kim loosing an impromptu tag team match - turned Handicap - when Maryse was unwilling to tag in.

Maryse was awarded the vacant Divas' title, made so by Melina who tore her ACL back in January, and became the first-ever two-time Divas' Champion.

New RAW Superstar Christian qualifies for Money in the Bank

Two weeks ago, then-ECW Champion Christian, acting as a future free agent, had an amazing encounter with then-WWE Champion Sheamus; and this week it was confirmed, after winning a Money in the Bank qualifying match against Carlito, that Christian has signed on with the RAW brand. A year ago, people thought that Christian's return did not have quite an impact because of his emergence on ECW, those days of extreme are over because Christian is on the A-brand of wrestling shows.

WWE had recently announced on wwe.com that on July 18, a pay-per-view entitled Money in the Bank would air. This news led to many wrestling fans wondering whether or not there would be a Money in the Bank Ladder Match at this year's WrestleMania. Money in the Bank has been a central part of WrestleMania since it's concept at WrestleMania 21, witnessing Edge as it's inaugural Mr. Money in the Bank winner. Luckily, WWE has recently scrapped the MitB pay-per-view concept, along with the rest of the pay-per-view summer lineup after WrestleMania.

Having competed in the 2005 and 2009 Money in the Bank ladder matches, Christian is an excellent star competitor leading into WrestleMania.

The Miz dominates MVP in every way

At Elimination Chamber, The Miz successfully defended his United States Title against MVP in yet another impromptu title defense; and would yet again, along with The Big Show, successfully defend the Unified Tag Team Titles against MVP and Mark Henry on RAW. The Miz, who will be mentoring Daniel Bryan on NXT, has not only been successful at capturing and defending the titles, but undertaking every challenge, scheduled or not.

The constant title defenses against MVP has grown wearisome, as WWE is forcing The Miz to defend all his titles against one man. There are a sea of mid-card opponents that would benefit from title matches against The Miz. And when will ShoMiz be making their way down to SmackDown to defend their titles against the likes of: The Hart Dynasty, Straightedge Society, Cryme Tyme, Croft and Barreta, and Hardy and Khali?

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

Cena's Last Night on RAW; Snoop is for Real

It was the final RAW before Bragging Rights and possibly John Cena's final night on RAW, so was it memorable?

RAW was hosted by Gangsta Love himself, SNOOP D O Double G - The white people translation is: rap artist Snoop Dogg. And he brought the party to RAW as he rolled up with three luscious divas as he announced the star-studded matches for tonight's RAW. Seeing as this may be Cena's final night if he loses to Orton on Sunday, he has him going up against Triple H. And since Cena has a match, its only fair that Orton had a match, against the man that pinned him last week, Ted DiBiase. And... Since Triple H has a match, it is only right that Shawn Michaels get to see some action, and that is why Snoop has set him against Chris Jericho in the battle of the Co-Captains!

The night officially kicked off with D-Generation X talking like Snoop Dogg and giving each other an air high-five; thus proving, they are white. They introduced their team for this Sunday, and let's just say, they didn't really see eye to eye. Here you have the World's Largest and the World's Strongest, and a former IC and US Champion, and one of the youngest ECW Champions of all time, and then there's Cody Rhodes... When arguments broke out, Kofi tried to calm everyone down, but he was speaking in regular English. Which made it hilarious when Triple H begged the question, Aren't you suppose to be Jamaican? Ever since Kofi changed his residence of origin from Jamaica to Ghana, West Africa, it was only a matter of time when Kingston would show his true colors - and they are not green, yellow, and black.

The first match consisted of the 5 RAW team members versus another batch of RAW members to determine if there is a weak link amongst the group. And who ever proves to be the weak link will be replaced by the opponent that pinned him: Big Show, WSM, Jack Swagger, Kofi Kingston, and Cody Rhodes vs. Chavo Guerrero, Primo, Chris Masters, MVP, and Evan Bourne. It was more like the battle between RAW and WWE Superstars seeing as, aside from MVP and Chavo, the rest are exclusive to the WWE Superstars show. Did anyone check out the wrestling boots that Primo was sporting? The big red boots of Primo just goes to show that he shouldn't be taken seriously. Over on the RAW Team, Cody Rhodes feels that he can single handily beat the SmackDown team come this Sunday; but Swagger, who tagged himself in, proved that others want in on the action. And no, this is not considered to be 3-0 for Swagger as it was not one-on-one.

The RAW team still remains: DX, Big Show, Mark Henry, Kofi Kingston, Jack Swagger, and Cody Rhodes.

The next match: WWE Champion, Randy Orton vs. Ted DiBiase (non-title). Last week, DiBiase lost out on joining the RAW team after being pinned by his partner in a qualifying match. Later on in the night, he took advantage of an opportunity by pinning his mentor in a tag team match. Tonight he would regret the decision as he was forced to do the most humiliating thing a competitor can do, and that is to take a fall. Orton made it clear that if DiBiase were to fight back, he would be gone from Legacy. As much as DiBiase wanted to fight him, beat him into a bloody shriveling mass... He couldn't. DiBiase has the heart of a true competitor, but he just can't leave Legacy just now. DiBiase did get a chance to push Orton down, but he would them wait for the RKO and let his mentor get the win. It's believed that DiBiase will turn face one day and break away from Legacy, but not on this night. This night belonged to Orton.

The next match: John Cena vs. Triple H. You only get to see a match like this once every few years, but this was a match of epic proportions. A match that took over 20 minutes, a fourth of the time that Cena and Orton will have to endure at Bragging Rights... These are the two best in the business. Love him or hate him, John Cena is the face of the WWE, and no one can get a crowd on their feet like he can. Cena has been on RAW for over 5 years and has won the tag team titles twice, and has held 6 World Titles during his tenure. Cena has gone through many opponents, but never anyone like the 13-time World Champion, The Game, Triple H. This match brought out the best in both, and showed that a finisher is not absolute. Triple H broke out of 2 STFs and kicked out of an attitude adjuster. Cena also showed strength by breaking out of the Sharpshooter and 2 Pedigrees, but it was on the 3rd that Cena would get pinned. Its pretty basic knowledge that when one leaves the company, you lose your last match as a thank you to the company. With Cena losing a match billed as his final match may foreshadow that he will lose at Bragging Rights. And for those that asked, my prediction is that Cena will lose and go on to be the top face on SmackDown. And imagine a Cena vs Taker match at WrestleMania 26?

Next match: United States Champion, The Miz vs Marty Jannetty (non-title). With Miz disrespecting Jannetty in recent weeks, Snoop Dogg felt it appropriate to put together this match. Now folks, the last time Marty was on RAW it against Mr. Kennedy, during the Michaels-Kennedy feud. There was no elaborate set up this time, Marty just raced down the ring like Ultimate Warrior with the 80's beat of The Rockers' theme; which sounds more like the opening to Kenny Loggings' Footloose. Marty did cut loose but as fast as he entered the ring, was just as fast as he lost the match. Miz proved to be better than the real Jannetty, but will he have the right to brag this Sunday?

Second to last match: Divas Champion, Melina defends her title against Jillian Hall. Last week, Jillian pinned Mickie to become Divas Champ and then lost to Melina. This rematch was really bad as Jillian was stiff in all of her maneuvers. Short and simple: Melina retained.

Final Match: Shawn Michaels vs. Chris Jericho. Would we get to see another WrestleMania match tonight? Nope! Jericho talked a big deal and brought out the SmackDown team to beat up Michaels, but Triple H brought in the Calvary. So it was a stand off like the start of X-Men: Smackdown vs. RAW. Vickie Guerrero, manager and girlfriend of Eric Escobar tried to stop the confrontation - but since she has zero control over the RAW team, a fight broke out. And this is how RAW ended... Mid-match.

Final Assesment: RAW was great until the Divas Title match and the tease of a Jericho-Michaels confrontation. Even when Snoop Dogg clothelined Chavo and partied with the Divas and Hornswoggle - that was fun. The Cena-Triple H match really delivered on their promise of a history making match on RAW.

Two New Divas Champions; Full Tri-Branded Divas Trade

Access Hollywood's Nancy O'Dell hosted RAW, and a strong minded host at that. She even issued a Divas Title Match against Jillian Hall?

Divas Title Match: Mickie James vs. Jillian Hall. Now, Jillian has been with the WWE for a long time, going through 2 gimmicks but never winning a title, until last night. In a major upset, Jillian pinned Mickie James to win her first title. The match was somewhat decent, except there was a lot of ring rust with Jillian, seeing as she rarely wrestles. But the look in her eyes and the spontaneity of it all was exciting to watch.

Until, Nancy announced that she had spoken with the other GMs about a Tri-Branded Divas Trade. And issued another Divas Title match against RAW's newest member, Melina!

2nd Divas Title Match: Jillian Hall vs Melina. Jillian did not want to fight because she just won her first title. But in a matter of seconds, Melina's hand was raised in victory as the NEW Divas Champion, the 3rd Diva in history to win both the Women's and Divas Titles.

The list of the Divas Trade is as follows:

Melina and Eve Torres: SmackDown to RAW
The Bellas Twins: ECW to RAW
Mickie James and Beth Phoenix: RAW to SmackDown
Rosa Mendes: RAW to ECW

Obviously, because of the trade, Mickie had to drop the belt to Melina, but because both are faces, an interim Divas Heel Champ had to be named, poor Jillian.

Beth Phoenix was not to thrilled of her new trade to SmackDown and took it on Maria Menounos. Santino Marella then issued a match pitting these 2 together - now since when did Santino become a GM?

Divas Tag Team Match: Maria Menounos, Kelly Kelly and Gail Kim vs. Beth Phoenix, Alicia Fox, and Rosa Mendes. Gail Kim started the match, until Maria wanted in, in which she showed off the wrestling moves thought by Triple H, a few kicks and arm drags. But when Beth came into the ring, Maria was in trouble but managed to bring Beth on one knee. Kelly Kelly won the match by pinning Rosa Mendes. In reality, Maria trained at a wrestling school to learn the basics before going into the match.

Congrats to Jillian Hall for becoming a Divas Champion, but better luck next time after losing it to Melina.

Controversy Over CM Punk; John Morrison and Mickie James Retain

The Hell in a Cell pay-per-view has replaced No Mercy with the promise of instilling a Hell in a Cell match for each of its main events. The three matches advertised as Hell in a Cell matches were D-Generation X vs. Legacy, CM Punk vs. The Undertaker for the World Heavyweight Title, and John Cena vs. Randy Orton for the WWE Title.

But the night started off, much like No Mercy 2007, with a World Title match. I know! But when the chime of the bell rung and the ramp was filled with the mist and fog, it could only be a sign that the World Heavyweight title was underway.

The first match was The Undertaker challenging CM Punk for the World Heavyweight Title inside the confines of Satan's Structure. A match that was assumed to take place last was bumped as the opening bout. Undertaker is usually rooted as the favorite in these type of matches, but after "losing" to CM Punk at Breaking Point, it would seem that WWE would allow CM Punk to avoid from being laid to Rest in Peace from the Phenom. But the match was short and simple, with CM Punk just failing to overcome the mere strength and power of the Deadman. And despite having Hell's Gate ban removed, it was The Tombstone Piledriver that won Undertaker his 7th World Title. It's been reported that due to Jeff Hardy's departure from the company, Undertaker had to come back sooner than expected, postponing much needed hip surgery, to fill in the void of the main event scene. It's also the reason why Batista was sent over to SmackDown, to one day hold the title again. But why give Taker the title? Well, CM Punk is under bad terms with the WWE company over an incident that occurred overseas in their European tour. According to Wayne Daly @OfficialXWS, it was an issue of how CM Punk was dressed and when questioned of his attire he replied, "What about John Cena?" WWE management took this as Punk believing he is better than Cena, and was reprimanded. Thus, not only did CM Punk lose the title, but the WHT match was bumped as the opening match.

The following match was John Morrison vs. Dolph Ziggler for the Intercontinental Championship. For those that don't remember, Dolph Ziggler won a #1 Contenders match over a month ago in a Triple Threat match on WWE Superstars. However, due to Rey Mysterio's failure with the Wellness Policy, Rey Mysterio was forced to drop the title. But instead of dropping the title to Ziggler, who was set to win the title at the Breaking Point ppv, the title was dropped to John Morrison instead, in what was one of the best matches in recent SmackDown history. The title match was scrapped from the Breaking Point ppv, in order to build the feud. Morrison has mostly had the upper hand when it came to making fun of Ziggler, or Mr. Ziggles, but on the Decade of SmackDown taping, Ziggler pinned Morrison with the Zig Zag, building him momentum for the match. What was an intense match of counters and close calls, eventually boiled down to John Morrison knocking down Ziggler for Starship Pain. Thus, John Morrison retained the Intercontinental Title in a hard fought match. Which was a lot better than the Ziggler-Mysterio title matches.

Then the Divas Title match between Mickie James the champion against Alicia Fox the challenger was no more than an I told you so. Fox was able to showcase some of her moves, a body scissors hold, a shoulder breaker, and an attempted scissors kick - but in the end Mickie James connected with the MickDDT. Ever since Alicia won the contender's Fatal Four-way, she has not wrestled to prove herself, instead Mickie fought each week. Sure Alicia could study her opponent all she wants, but if she is not up to par with her own ability then what's the use? Some people were upset with Alicia Fox losing, but honestly, she had no business playing with actual wrestlers.

Congrats to Undertaker for his 7th World Title Reign and for John Morrison and Mickie James on retaining their titles.

Hell in a Cell Predictions

R-Truth vs. Drew McIntyre

Prediction: Drew McIntyre

Divas Title Match

Prediction: Mickie James Retains

Unified Tag Team Titles Match

Prediction: JeriShow Retain

Triple Threat Match for United States Championship

Prediction: Jack Swagger new US Champion

Intercontinental Title Match

Prediction: John Morrison Retains

Hell in a Cell Match

Prediction: D-Generation X

World Heavyweight Title: Hell in a Cell Match

Prediction: CM Punk Retains

WWE Championship: Hell in a Cell Match

Prediction: Randy Orton becomes the new WWE Champion

Build up for United States and Diva's Titles Fall Flat

For weeks the United States Championship was given new life, but fell tragically short in one evening.

The Miz returned and declared he would defeat Kofi Kingston for the title - and he would prove this through victories.

After last week's Superstars, Jack Swagger also declared his quest to become the new United States Champion - making us believe that the US Title holds more importance than the ECW Championship.

Last week, Carlito stormed into the GM's office and demanded from Mayweather a rematch. Who would've seen that Carlito's rematch would turn into a Fatal Four-way?

RAW's host was Dusty Rhodes, once a part of the NWA where the US Title was once considered a World Heavyweight Title, and it was only fitting that the United States Title would be defended on the night that the American Dream was in charge.

It was a classic Fatal Four-way, with 3 people who have been gunning to reignite their careers. But there was no animosity between any of them.

Kofi is not even feuding with any of them, which makes the match pointless.

It was nice to see all their finishers executed seconds a part from each other, but other that that, with Kofi retaining in his 2nd Fatal Four-Way, it left much to be desired.

That's the problem with Kofi, he has no mic experience, and he has never feuded with anyone, making his matches random.

The second title defense of the night was for the Diva's Championship - no, it wasn't a Fatal Four-Way... but it was unfair.

For the past two weeks, I've mentioned the botched Diva's Title match between James and Kim, and how James was jobbed last week to Alicia Fox. But things started to look up for Mickie James, especially seeing as it was her birthday.

Six of the RAW Divas contested in a Six Diva Battle Royal to determine who would face Mickie James in a Diva's Title Match.

The contestants were as follows: Gail Kim, Kelly Kelly, Rosa Mendes, Alicia Fox, Jillian Hall, and Beth Phoenix.

Gail Kim was impressive - almost being tossed over the ropes, but able to leverage herself in order to eliminate Hall with a head scissors.

However, as impressive as that maneuver was - Beth Phoenix eliminated Kim with a kick to the midsection; thus, making The Glamazon the #1 Contender for the Diva's Title - and 3rd in line to go in the record books of having had held both Women's Titles.

Like I mention earlier, it wasn't fair. Mickie James was at a 100% while Phoenix contested in a match. Sure, she is the Glamazon - but facing off against 5 other women is not an easy task.

Mentioned by Cole and King, Beth wants to get back in the title picture, she wants to be the Glamazon again. Her year with Santino was a dark year in her past that hindered her from being the best - but now with Marella out of the picture, she can return to dominating the Diva's locker room.

Now, Mickie and Beth have a great rivalry dating back in 2008 with the Women's Title. James even defended the Women's title against Phoenix and Melina in a Triple Threat Match, which if you pay attention to women's wrestling, it does not occur that often. But tonight, there was no build up to it - it was selected at random.

James attempted some quick pinning combinations - because the longer you stay in the ring with the Glamazon, the more it goes in her favor.

Yet, Phoenix with a hellacious baseball slide to Mickie against the post, and a shoulder breaker against the knee, it shows her determination to once again be champion.

Beth's downfall was not capitalizing on the impact caused by the boot to the face. Instead, she decides to Irish-whip James to the ropes; which allowed Mickie to pick up momentum and counter Beth with an over the neck DDT.

The match was amazing, but once again - there was no build up to the match. As talented as these two divas are, there should be a personal feud. How come we never see a video collage escalating the feud? We always see it for the World Title matches, why not for the Women?

Gail Kim Botches Title Match; Mickie James Upset over Finishers

What should have been a dream match for most WWE fans became a nightmare in the Divas Divison.

There are very few divas in the WWE that can actually be classified as real wrestlers – Mickie James, being one of them, is undoubtedly one of the best female wrestlers of her time – capturing the Women’s Title 4-times and becoming the second Diva to capture both the Women’s and Divas’ Titles.

Over in TNA, Gail Kim, a former WWE Women’s Champion, was dominating the Knock Out Division and became the inaugural TNA Knock Out Champion.

It was always a question lingering in our minds – Who would win if these two would ever get into the ring?

When the internet news spread of Gail Kim signing a contract with the WWE, it seemed like a real possibility. But she finally returned to the WWE, she was signed to the Smackdown Brand, while Mickie James was on RAW.

Luckily, The Donald Trump Trade changed the playing field and brought Gail Kim to Monday Nights.

Last week, Gail Kim finally got her chance to contend for the Divas’ Title after pinning Rosa Mendes in a Fatal Four-way. (Other Competitors: Beth Phoenix and Kelly Kelly)

Unlike the overkill of matches between John Cena and Triple H – these two titans are technically sound in the ring and take the craft of wrestling seriously. This title match, issued by RAW’s guest host Freddy Prince Jr., promised to be a real treat to anyone who still bothers to follow women’s wrestling.

The match started off great – with double leg drops and double crossbodies – Mickie James and Gail Kim seemed evenly matched.

It would take a slight mistake in order to capitalize on the match. However, that mistake was more of a botch when Gail Kim went for a top rope cross body and fell on her face.

Mickie went to end the match with her standing tornado DDT – The Mick DDT – but Gail “countered.” Actually, Gail could not follow through with the rest of the match as the bump left her dazed and confused.

In wrestling, a finisher takes as much effort from the opponent as it does on the attacker to execute a move.

Mick, devastated by the failed DDT, attempted to salvage the match with her other finisher, the Mick Kick.

Yet, Gail Kim failed to react to the kick – and Mick’s finisher was botched again thanks to Gail Kim, who was unresponsive for the rest of the match.

Mick finally went for a simple forearm to knock Gail Kim down and stood over her in disappointment before going for the cover.

When the bell rung, you could see the frustrated look in Mickie’s eyes as her first title defense turned disaster.

It’s hard to sell Women’s wrestling in to a predominately male dominated industry – but to botch up the match - further proving that wrestling is indeed fake - was not something Mickie wanted to portray as the Divas Champion.

A lot of pressure rests on the shoulders of the WWE title holders because they have to sell the fact that they are champions for the simple fact that they are the best that the industry has to offer.

It was a shame that this match was the worst card of the night.

Hopefully these two will have a rematch because: the night Gail Kim and Mickie James enter the squared circle in a title match should not be the night when they couldn’t put on a hell of a match.

Mickie James worked hard to become the Divas Champion and Gail Kim busted herself in that title match – WWE GIVE THEM ANOTHER CHANCE!

Mickie James Adds Another Title to Her Resume

Last night at Night of Champions, Mickie James defeated Maryse to become the Divas Champion. The title, which has eluded her for months is finally in her grasp.

Being a four-time women's champion, one would assume that Mickie would get first crack at the Butterfly belt, but Vickie Guerrero, GM at the time, instead, issued a divas battle royal for the #1 contendership for the Diva's Title.

The battle was left with Kelly Kelly and Mickie James in the ring, but Maryse, when the referee wasn't looking, blinded Mickie with hairspray, allowing for Kelly Kelly to capitalize. Maryse obviously felt that Kelly Kelly would be an easier opponent; which she was right since she successfully defended the title.

However, the Fatal Four-way would finally granted Mickie James her shot at Maryse's title.

Mickie has always had the advantage over Maryse until two weeks ago when she was pinned by Maryse in the Summer Swimsuit Spectacular (PHOTOS).

Mickie was not phased by the loss in such a trampy stipulation, but after being blinded a second time during her interview with Josh Matthews, one has to wonder if Maryse would have a psychological edge?

During the match, Maryse pulled out the hair spray, but Mickie was quick to rip it away from her, and allowing

the referee to take it out of the ring.

Maryse then tried applying the French TKO, But Mickey countered with the spinning Mick DDT for the pinfall victory.

Mickie became the 2nd Diva to win the Women's and Divas Titles in their respective careers - the 1st is Michelle McCool.

Congrats to Mickie James for becoming a FIVE-time Women's Champion.

WWETheReturn Prediction for this Match: DEAD ON!!!

Night of Champions: History's Bound to Repeat Itself

At Night of Champions every title is on the line and as history shows – some things are meant to repeat. Since its title change in 2007, the night was meant to commemorate former champions by highlighting the careers of some, even allowing others to contend in championship matches – one last time [See Vengeance 2007] The phenomenon has caught on, making Night of Champions a regular pay-per-view; however, for the past two years, some patters have become apparent.

Edge has defended and retained the World Heavyweight Championship against “The Animal” Dave Batista, twice! Even though the WWE Universe is surprised that Edge is still featured to defend the Unified Tag Team Titles at Night of Champions – Edge has never been one to forfeit a title match. Let it be known that Edge has done the impossible before, and this night will be no different. However, do not cut Legacy short, seeing as last year, DiBiase promised a surprise partner and ended teaming with his opponent for the evening – Cody Rhodes. Rhodes betrayed his partner Hardcore Holly and became a two time World Tag Team Champion. Will Jericho introduce a new partner to the fray or will Ziggler be close by to insure the victory?

Both CM Punk and Jeff Hardy hold loses at Night of Champions 2007. Punk lost to John Morrison for the vacant ECW title, and Jeff and Matt Hardy lost to Trevor Murdoch and Lance Cade for the World Tag Team Titles. However, this year, one must emerge as Champion. As CM Punk has lately refused to complete a match, it would be in Hardy’s best interest to request a No DQ match, or to settle their differences inside the confinements of a steel cage!

Mickie James was the first Women’s Champion to be featured on a pay-per-view poster alongside the top superstars in the business, and since defending her title last year against Katie Lee Burchill, it is pretty much set that Mickie James can come on top again in her title match for the Diva’s Title. Or does the French Canadian have a backup?


Lastly, the WWE Championship match is once again a rematch of a Wrestlemania classic. Last year, Triple H and John Cena relieved their night at Wrestlemania 22 with a different ending – instead of Cena applying the STF, The King of Kings conquered the WWE Realm.

However, on both nights, the champions have retained. This year, Wrestlemania XXIV will be relived as Orton once again defends the WWE Title against Cena and Triple H. Will Orton retain or fall victim to either the pedigree or the STF? Yet, by the rules of Triple Threat – the champion does not have to be pinned to lose the title. Orton executed a sound strategy, two years ago, by avoiding the confrontation and capitalizing at the end – will Orton be as fortunate? If we look at Night of Champion history – the WWE Champion has always retained, but again, a Wrestlemania rematch has born a different result.

In my opinion, since Cena retained in 2007, Triple H in 2008, I see Orton repeating, not only Wrestlemania history, but Night of Champions history by retaining in 2009.