WWE Released: Eric Escobar

The start of a new year only means one thing... RELEASES are on the rise. Ever since his shortly-lived stint as a heel to his even shorter stint as a babyface, Eric Escobar has been a failed experiment from the beginning. Previously in FCW, Eric finally made his way into the main WWE roster by appearing at the Decade of SmackDown super show as the new arm candy of a returning Vickie Guerrero. His short months with the company was a regurgitation of Edge's two year story line with Vickie. The difference was, Edge is actually entertaining and can wrestle. I had foreseen that this day would come, and frankly he didn't make an impact.

World Wrestling Entertainment has come to terms on the release of Smackdown superstar Eric Escobar as of Jan. 17, 2010. WWE wishes Eric all the best in his future endeavors.

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: 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?

WWE Superstars Results: WWE Hypes Up The Wrong Superstars; Kelly Kelly Gets a Pop

This weekend is WWE's newest pay-per-view, Bragging Rights, where the best from SmackDown and RAW determine the superior show. Last night's WWE Superstars consisted of 3 matches, 2 of which have something to do with Sunday, while the ECW match is solely there to remind everyone that ECW is still around.

RAW Match: Kelly Kelly vs. Gail Kim. These two divas will be a part of the 3-on-3 tag team match at Bragging Rights. Joined by Divas' Champion, Melina, they will be fighting for the RAW division; while, Women's Champion, Michelle McCool, Natalya, and Beth Phoenix will be defending the honor of the SmackDown Brand. Surprisingly, Kelly got a big pop from the audience over Gail Kim. The WWE Universe is really rallying behind the Gymnastic Beauty. Gail Kim has really gone down in her wrestling reputation since joining the WWE, but that's the risk you take when you get paid the big bucks. Gail Kim lost miserably to a very cheery Kelly.

ECW Match: Tommy Dreamer and Goldust vs. Vladimir Kozlov and Ezekiel Jackson. For weeks it has been the same spiel, and it has always ended the same. I started thinking, wouldn't it be cool if Jackson had... I dunno, an actual gimmick? It would be awesome if Jackson was like an Apolo Creed. I'm not talking about wearing the trunks like TNA's Consequences Creed, but to have the respect, charisma, and swiftness of Apolo. Now, the Ruthless Round Table has won numerous times, but last night was different. Finally, Dreamer and Dust cheated their way to victory. Even Shawn Michaels has admitted to not always doing the right thing, but you do whatever you can to win in this business, especially if you are at a disadvantage. But of course after you cheat it is smart to run away instead of celebrating. Kozlov destroyed both of them with the Iron Curtain as punishment for pinning him.

SmackDown Match: Matt Hardy and R-Truth vs. Eric Escobar and Drew McIntyre. Both Escobar and McIntyre initially won qualifying matches against Hardy and Truth in separate matches to get on the SmackDown team. Now, after RAW, when both teams for this Sunday stood against each other in the ring, McMahon noticed the shift in power over on RAW. Seriously, it wasn't until both teams were in the ring to notice that newbies such as Escobar and McIntyre could possibly stand a chance against 2 giants?? News has gone around that the SmackDown Team, minus the captains, have been all changed. WWE decided to hype up McIntyre and Escobar to give them credibility, but, as we'll find out on SmackDown, they won't be on the SmackDown Team this Sunday. It will actually be Matt Hardy and Truth that will take their places. I guess the decision was made after this match. The match was pretty decent, but the opposing team doesn't seem too impressive. And... how often will Vickie be there to distract the referee? Seems like a pretty lame gimmick that Eric Esssssssssssssscobar is pulling.

Don't forget to watch SmackDown for the revamped SmackDown team along with Undertaker defending his title in a Breaking Point rematch.

SmackDown Team Decided; Submission Rematch Set for Next Week

SmackDown may be in serious trouble when it comes to the 7-on-7 tag team match at Bragging Rights. If one looks at the RAW team, it's captained by DX, and they have 2 giants, and 3 rising stars on their side; but over on Jericho's team, the qualifying matches didn't breed a suitable team as one might have hoped.

Jericho started the night announcing his position as the team captain, as well as bad mouthing the shameless merchandising that DX plugs every minute, aka The Unauthorized History of DX. Unbeknown to Jericho's knowledge, Kane appointed himself the co-captain of the team. Jericho, intimidated, seemed rather accepting of Kane's self appointment, because it will take a strong team to take down Team RAW.

The first qualifying match was a triple threat match: Finlay, Mike Knox, and Dolph Ziggler. If it were up to me, I'd chose Mike Knox because his stature and boot to the face could prove useful against two other giants. But in the realm of predictability, Dolph Ziggler got the win after Finlay used the shillelagh on Knox, then took advantage of the prey. Some people are upset that Ziggler hasn't won the title yet, but honestly, Ziggler is not ready. People should stop being so obsessed with titles, a superstar has to be built and show quality craftsmanship in the ring. And as for Finlay, WWE has screwed him over - don't expect him to get a push anytime soon.

Team SmackDown: Chris Jericho, Kane, and Dolph Ziggler.

Second qualifying match was a tag team match where the winning team both advance to the SmackDown team: The Hart Dynasty vs. Cryme Tyme. With Eve being drafted to RAW, one would assume that the dynamic of Cryme Tyme would have fizzed, but they were as sharp as ever. If I were Jericho, neither one of them would advance - they are not hungry enough to taste victory! JTG managed to connect with the neck breaker on Tyson Kidd. The Hart Dynasty were taken out of ECW way too early, they never had enough time to develop.

Team SmackDown: Chris Jericho, Kane, Dolph Ziggler, and Cryme Tyme.

The following qualifying match was set for one fall: Eric Escobar w/ Vickie Guerrero vs Matt Hardy. This match could have gone 2 ways: Matt Hardy wins since he's been in the company for 10+ years; or the win would go to Eric to build his credibility. But to place him in a qualifying match for a pay-per-view? That's too much, plus look at the guy, he's out of shape. You could tell Eric was new because of the rigid grapple moves he held. Escobar won the match with a roll up and a distraction from his manager. What really looked over done was Escobar constant pulling on Matt Hardy's tights. Even during the roll up when Matt was unconscious and no signs of fighting, Eric went straight for the tights - unnecessary. It was a major upset, to watch Matt Hardy be disgraced in the ring like this. He certainly is paying for someone else's sins.

SmackDown Team: Chris Jericho, Kane, Dolph Ziggler, Cryme Tyme, Eric Escobar.

The final qualifying match, also set for one-fall: Drew McIntyre vs R-Truth. Drew McIntyre is a sad attempt from WWE to relive the Rowdy days of professional wrestling. So far, the guy has not brought anything to the ring that would make me what to watch. But of course, since WWE is pushing Drew that he would win the match. R-Truth, much like Evan Bourne, has the support of the fans but he has always been set to lose. We even see a shot of Jericho and Teddy discussing about Drew backstage. Like they actually believe that Drew will be the next best thing. McIntyre didn't win the match by pin fall, rather he won via count out.

Final SmackDown Team: Chris Jericho, Kane, Dolph Ziggler, Cryme Tyme, Eric Escobar, and Drew McIntyre.

And the final match of the night, technically the only match that had nothing to do with the SmackDown Team: Batista vs. Rey Mysterio. This is probably the fakest of all friendships. The way they talk to each other and hug each other ever so gently... It's questionable say the least. How can I root for either of these phonies, where Batista sees himself winning Taker's World Heavyweight Title, and to have Rey just being ok with that. All jokes aside, when the World Heavyweight or WWE Title is on the line, all friendship ties are severed. The match started off as just a basic fight, but when Mysterio attempted the 619, Batista's true colors showed. He knows deep down that Mysterio is not championship material or good enough to take him down. Much like what happened to Regal two weeks ago, the referee blindly counted the 3-count in favor of Mysterio. I say in favor because Batista's shoulder was off the matt, thus only a 2 and a half count. But they hugged it out anyway; again, ever so gently. But before Mysterio could enjoy his mocked victory, CM Punk rushed to the ring to deliver a devastating GTS. As the Fatal Four-Way draws near, it looks as if CM Punk made 2 more enemies.

It has been announced by Mr. McMahon that a rematch of the controversial Breaking Point World Heavyweight Title Submission match between CM Punk and The Undertaker will take place next week on SmackDown. And Scott Armstrong will be the referee again, with Teddy Long at ringside. Will Undertaker still be the champion headed to Bragging Rights, or will CM Punk be bragging over his 4th WHT Reign?