WWE Superstars Results: 3/11/10 - Superstars to Push

Dolph Ziggler vs. Shelton Benjamin

In the second encounter between Dolph Ziggler and Shelton Benjamin, Ziggler's sleeper hold rendered Shelton Benjamin unconscious. After a failed Zig zag appeared to forshadow another loss, Ziggler lached on the devastating sleeper and body scissors to drag Benjamin to the canvas. Matt Striker has always stated that Ziggler has executed the sleeper to perfection, now Ziggler can back it up.

How to build Dolph Ziggler?: If Dolph Ziggler is suppose to resemble Curt Henning, should he not talk more? When he first started out, you couldn't get Ziggler to shut his cake hole, but recently, Ziggler has become the silent jobber. It is not too big of a deal for Ziggler to have failed in his Intercontinental Title hunt, but he still has to remain relevent to TV. If he doesn't have a feud, then find someone. Polish off those mic skills, create viginettes, and improve on the mat work.

Mike Knox vs. Goldust

Goldust, after signing with SmackDown after the demise of ECW, has become exclusive to WWE Superstars. After a loss to Chris Jericho last week, Goldust pulled an impressive victory over Mike Knox with The Final Cut. What is more impressive is that the veteran is getting the push rather than the young guy.

How to build Mike Knox?: Obviously, Mike Knox has become the new Snitsky, but why should he? Aside from his impressive beard, Mike Knox is a magnificant giant who can throw his 300-pound frame in devestating cross bodies. If Mike Knox should lose a match, let it be from doling out so much pain and punishment that he fails to adhear to the referee's 5-count. Otherwise, what is the point?

Santino Marella vs. Zack Ryder

Santino Marella, sporting a clean shaven face, finally struck his Cobra maneuver. However, thanks to the distraction by Rosa Mendes, Zack Ryder managed to connect with the Rough Ryder followed immediately by the Zack Attack. Michael Cole and King doing a bad job remembering Ryder's moves, but no need to fear, because I still remember them.

How to build Santino Marella?: Despite his two I-C reigns and attempting to break the record for longest reign, Santino Marella is merely an entertainer. During the match, there was a sense of an underline tension between Santino and Zack. Marella did not look at all happy contesting against the Long Islander. There is also the possibility that Santino is tired of jobbing to just about everyone, especially with the ease that Santino executes those Steamboat arm drags, and cheerleader splits to evade lariats. Underneath that thick accent of Santino lies a warrior, and it is time that the WWE Universe gets to witness that. Allow him to become the Milan Miracle once again.

Chavo Guerrero and Carlito w/Michael Tarver vs. MVP and Christian w/Heath Slater

In one of the better main events to come across WWE Superstars in a long time, former ECW Champion, Christian teamed with former US Champion, MVP to take on former ECW Champion Chavo Guerrero and former US Champion, Carlito. This was the tag team of the former champions, but notice how neither is a former World Champion. Yet, that can all change at WrestleMania because Christian and MVP are in the Money in the Bank Ladder match, where the winner will get a guarenteed World Title shot at any point in time, up to one year.

Both teams were impressive, especially the powerhouse of Christian and MVP, who are clear fan favorites. Eventhough MVP is one of the odds on favorites to win this year's MitB, Christian's seniority trumped MVP in this match, as he locked in the Killswitch against Chavo Guerrero.

How to build Chavo and Carlito?: The two have paired up more than once on WWE Superstars, mainly as a formality of random tag team matches. But WWE may not be aware of what they are doing? The pairing of Chavo and Carlito is exactly the dynamic Spanish duo that the WWE fans crave since the passing of Eddie Guerrero. Chavo's Mexican heritage, along with Carlito's Puerto Rican heritage, can provide some great comical insight to the diverse Spanish culture.

WWE Superstars Results: 3/4/10 - Rising Stars

A more serious Kofi
Kofi Kingston vs. Chavo Guerrero

Surprisingly not making an appearance on RAW, Kofi Kingston wrestled on WWE Superstars against Chavo Guerrero. Always a treat to see a basic mat wrestling match. Chavo Guerrero, who is highly underrated, brought Kofi Kingston back to a more solid wrestling based match, rather than the crazy high-flying ones that he is use to. Kofi, originally with a Jamaican gimmick, has shed the yellow and green trunks for red and black. Signs of a more serious competitor, as well as signs of unrelenting after missing the first Trouble in Paradise kick, immediately followed up with a second for the win.

With the WrestleMania season upon us, there is one spot remaining in the Money in the Bank Ladder match. Who better than Kofi Kingston to fill the spot? Kofi wowed the fans last year, especially when trying to climb up an unopened ladder to reach for the briefcase. And with his push lately, it wouldn't be farfetched to see Kofi as Mr. Money in the Bank.

Third-straight win for Evan Bourne
Evan Bourne vs. William Regal

As we have seen on NXT, William Regal is none too happy about mentoring Skip Sheffield, known as the Cornfed Meathead. With an Archie Bunker catchphrase as part of his nickname, Skip likes to smile. Yet, William Regal's week would get even worse when facing the highflying Evan Bourne. William Regal is a man of prestige and class, and to be stepping into the ring with an acrobatic buffoon is a disgrace.

Evan Bourne, in his third straight week, picks up the win. With a flying headscissors takedown, and numerous knee strikes, Bourne was able to ground Regal long enough to connect with Air Bourne. With wins over Chavo Guerrero, Cody Rhodes, and now William Regal, Evan Bourne is finally getting a steady push within the midcard division, after jobbing for over a year.

Speaking of an open spot on the MitB Ladder match, Evan Bourne's high flying would be great for the WrestleMania highlight reels.

Kane vs. Knox IV
Kane vs. Mike Knox

Another Mike Knox and Kane match is a pointless confrontation. Mike Knox, impressive only in size and beard length, cannot win a match if his career depended on it. This was an exhibition match for Kane, not like he needs it, to build momentum heading into WrestleMania. But if WWE actually wanted to build momentum for Kane, this should have been a ladder match. As the record stands, Kane is 4-0 against Mike Knox.

Chris Jericho is the Golden Opportunist
Chris Jericho vs. Goldust

Despite getting speared for six weeks, Chris Jericho is indeed the World Heavyweight Champion. When Edge was injured, everyone thought that Chris Jericho would drop the titles to Legacy, but he did what no one else could. He revived the career of the Big Show, and together they successfully held the titles for half a year. And when no one believed The Undertaker could lose the title inside the Elimination Chamber, Chris Jericho set out what he said he would do and became The World Heavyweight Champion for a sixth time. And on March 28th, in front of the sold out stadium for WrestleMania, Chris Jericho will defend his World Heavyweight Championship against Edge.

While Edge contents against the top stars in the industry, Chris Jericho fights Goldust? Not to take anything away from the Bazaar one, but Goldust, signed to SmackDown, will not make it far in the WWE. He'll possibly remain a few months to job to various superstars, but in the end he will leave. Goldust's best shot of being relevant was ECW. But the demise of the brand spelled the demise for Goldust, as his tag team partner, Yoshi Tatsu, was signed over to RAW. Goldust's character belongs in the Attitude Era, his gimmick is lost in 2010.

In the match, Chris Jericho, in tribute to the late-great Eddie Guerrero, laid across the turnbuckle as if on a hammock. The threat of Goldust may not have been something to snooze about, but a Walls of Jericho had Goldust tapping out immediately. If Jericho keeps this up, he'll either be limber, or not battle-tested like Edge, heading into WrestleMania.

ECW Results: 2/9/10

Questions Lingering about ECW Aftermath

Only two weeks remain before ECW comes to an end, and many questions still linger.

What will happen to the ECW superstars, and the brand's title? The ECW Title will be officially defunct at the end of the final episode of ECW. And as for the superstars, they will become free agents; in other words, they will be intergrating within RAW and SmackDown.

What about the non-superstars? Not entirely sure what will happen to Tiffany, Byron Saxton, Abraham Washington, and Tony Atlas. While Josh Matthews has been moonlighting as a backstage interviewer on RAW, the future of the rest remain a mystery.

After next week, Tiffany will no longer be a GM. Yet, she seems confident with the end of ECW looming and the rise of NXT. Has WWE decided to keep her in a GM position, possibly on RAW? All I can say, Tiffany is hott, so WWE will definitely find something for her to do. Even if it means having her lace up her boots and wrestle in the ring. My two best suggestions would be: either have her become the official RAW GM, or have her become the first-ever Divas' GM.

As for Byron Saxton, he was a lousy announcer, so I'm exhillerated over the fact that I no longer have to listen to him. But it also calls into question about the set up of the announce teams for both RAW and SmackDown; because what happens when Jim Ross recovers from his 3rd Bells Palsy episode, will he still have a job?

Then there's the Abraham Washington Show.... Please I hope to all that is good that we never EVER!!!!! have to sit through the worst talk show again.

Championship Opportunities

RAW's historic title change between D-X and ShowMiz may take a detour into the hands of the new #1 contender's, Yoshi Tatsu and Goldust.

With ECW ending, the future of these superstars is uncertain, but a title win would definitely secure a spot on the main roster. Yoshi and Goldie earned the opportunity to face Show-Miz by defeating Caylen Croft and Trent Baretta. Can Yoshi and Goldie leave the final episode of ECW as the new Unified Tag Team Champions?

As for the fate of the ECW Title, Christian will defend it one last time against Ezekiel Jackson under Extreme Rules.

Shelton's Golden Enlightenment

Shelton Benjamin addressed the ECW audience about coming to ECW a second time. As the Gold Standard, he felt that he was too good for ECW. But, on his first night, Yoshi kicked him in the head and lost in 15 seconds. It was truly a wake up call, and since then, Shelton has appreciated the sport more through working with a younger crop of wrestlers just making their way into the WWE.

Shelton has had an outstanding feud with newcomer Vance Archer, who has grown in intensity and ruthlessness each and every time these two hit the ring. Vance Archer is the kind of guy I can picture wrestling for the Original "the real" ECW.

Possibly their final match on ECW, it was under no disqualifications. Which it might as well have been an Extreme Rules match, as Vance Archer dug underneath the ring to pull out a kendo stick. Then Shelton took control as he started wielding a steel chair. Shelton commanded so much control out of that steel chair as he motioned it through the air, it would have been nice if he had connected.

Shelton then appeared to be cut open, as the EMT made his way into the ring, pausing the match, to mend the cut. Two reasons for this could be: WWE is unwilling to show blood on its PG format; or for health code reasons. Shelton almost appeared that he would lose the match, especially after Vance powerbomed Shelton off the top turnbuckle. But that "cut" seemed to have ignited a fire inside of Shelton, which for the past three years have been dim. Shelton struck with PayDirt, delivering Vance Archer's second loss.

This looked like to be their final match, making me believe that after the final episode the two will be split up into different brands.

ECW Results: 1/26/10

Christian Evens the Score

With five days left to the Royal Rumble, Ezekiel Jackson has proven to be, possibly, the most dominate superstar in all the WWE. So what does the future hold for the ECW Title and its possessor, Christian, who last week was ambushed by the massive heavyweight and William Regal?

Ezekiel had a message for the ECW Champion: "Christian. The end has come, it has awakened, against you."

Christian responded with a biblical repartee of his own: Ezekiel 25:17 "I will strike down on those with great vengeance and furious anger, those who attempt to destroy my brothers. And you will know... my peeps will know that my name is Captain Charisma, when I lay my vengeance upon thee."

Christian also announced that he has evened the score by naming The Big Red Monster, Kane as his tag team partner for the night.

ECW Title in Jeopardy this Sunday

Kane may be the ideal choice in a fight against Ezekiel Jackson, but how will Christian take him down at the Royal Rumble, where he will have no one in his corner? The opening match was a tag team match pitting Kane and Christian against William Regal and Ezekiel Jackson.

Many have wondered if Christian stands a chance against Ezekiel, whose name is synonymous with domination. This match may have quenched the thirst of the naysayers, but I see it as losing one fight in preparation for the war at the Royal Rumble.

Kane exhibited his strength by overpowering Ezekiel Jackson with uppercuts and take-downs. However, this was not Kane's war to fight, he can only lend a helping hand, only for a while.

Ezekiel Jackson and William Regal remind me, and fans alike, of the days of the federation, when sheer size and arrogance won the hoard of titles and matches alike. With quotes from the bible, there is something apocalyptic about Ezekiel, which is the trend in movies nowadays. People like to see stories about destruction and end of days, but will Ezekiel's prophecy come true? Will the end of the ECW Title Match see Ezekiel's hand raised and proclaimed as the new ECW Champion?

Christian, if anything, is a strategist and must put to use everything he gathered from this tag team match. Ezekiel may be strong, but Christian is quicker, more agile. Christian evaded most of Zeek's punches with various baseball slides under the legs. Even when Christian was beaten down and covered by Ezekiel, Christian was able to power out. How is this possible? Christian has a high threshold for pain, just look at his TLC matches back in the early 2000's.

There is a major dilemma, Christian is unable to hook Ezekiel's arms for the Killswitch. Unlike the forgetful feud between John Cena and The Big Show, where, in a submission match, Cena used the assist from the ropes to lock in the STF, a move said to be impossible against the giant, Christian has other finishers in his repertoire. During the ladder match at the TLC Pay-per-view, Christian secured his title defense after connecting with a Frog Splash off the top of a ladder. Yet, Ezekiel's upper body strength may withstand the Frog Splash, so what else is there? During his stint in TNA, Christian utilized the Cloverleaf as his submission finisher; and just like all muscled bound monsters, they fail to have much leg strength.

So if Christian were to have any chance of defending this title, he should utilize the Cloverleaf to not only defeat Ezekiel, but make him tap out. If he doesn't, then the title match will end the same way as this tag team match did, with a Ura-nage.

ECW Supplying a Mid-Card Main-Event

The final match of the night was the team of Zack Ryder, Trent Barreta and Caylen Croft against the team of The Hurricane, Goldust, and Yoshi Tatsu. The main event, with each team being captained by a "superhero," was purely a showcase of ECW's mid-card roster.

Break Down of Team Hurricane:

The Hurricane: Possibly the worst kept secret in the WWE, backstage interviewer Gregory Helms masquerades as ECW's vigilante, The Hurricane. With monikers such as the Emerald Skywalker, Helms has established a classic 70's superhero persona by executing such heroic acts as, saving the damsel in distress, and bringing justice to the land of extreme. But with pointless feuds with Paul Burchill and, currently, Zack Ryder, can Helms move forward towards some championship gold once more?

Yoshi and Goldie: The odd couple of the WWE, one's a Japanese native, while the other is a cross-dresser from Hollywood, California. How prosperous is this team? Aside from being each other's foreign language professors, there is no real longevity for this team. Sure, they have picked up some wins over Croft and Barreta, but the real attraction is Yoshi Tatsu. Tatsu has an arsenal of kicking variations, but something he has yet to incorporate in the WWE is his suplex variations used in New Japan Pro Wrestling. If Tatsu were to utilize those offensive strikes, he would be a force to be reckoned with.

Break Down of Team Ryder:

Zack Ryder: Ironically enough, Zack Ryder captains a team of new comers in WWE's ever depleted tag team division. Why ironic? Because Zack Ryder was a part of the worst tag team with fellow partner Curt Hawkins. Formerly known as The Major Brothers, Hawkins and Ryder captured the WWE Tag Team Titles at The Great American Bash in 2008, and lost them during their first title defense against The Colons. There's no doubt that Zack Ryder has come a long way from his days as an Edge look-a-like, but is this gimmick any better? He looks like a reject from Jersey Shore, which is not a good thing. Zack's biggest momentum, aside from taking Christian to the limit during an ECW Title Match, was retiring Tommy Dreamer. Instead of running with the momentum, he's been punked by The Hurricane, and has created the nick name, "The New Heart&Soul SuperHero of ECW." Even Miz must be saying, "Really? Really? Really?"

Croft and Barreta: The two former FCW Tag Team Champions, arrived in ECW with a circus entrance theme, and a terrible Bros-are-Gamers gimmick. At least now they have a generic rock entrance theme, and have not mentioned video games since. The best thing for Croft and Barreta to do was graduate from facing jobbers and imbed themselves against fighting actual WWE names. Surprisingly, Croft and Barreta hold more victories over Goldust and Yoshi Tatsu, which builds credibility. As of right now, Caylen Croft appears to be the better wrestler, as he also wrestled in OVW, before being contracted by the WWE. Barreta's wrestling is sloppy, and his stance looks like he has two left feet.

Conclusion of the Match: Zack Ryder took out Zack Ryder over the top rope, while Goldust delivered two uppercuts to Croft and Barreta; thus, allowing Yoshi Tatsu to strike with a Roundhouse Kick to Trent Barreta for the pinfall victory.

ECW Results: 1/19/10

Santino Fails in Pushing Kozlov as a Babyface

For some strange reason, WWE decided to put Santino Marella as the special guest host of the Abraham Washington Show in order to put over Vladimir Kozlov. The heavily-accented Italian funny man tried his best to not only make the Abraham Washington Show worth watching, but to get across that Kozlov is no longer a heel.

However, who has ever heard of a Russian face? Kozlov blames the stereotypical Russians in Rocky IV - even though he still loves the movie - for why people are so reluctant to give him a chance.

Santino Marella posed the idea of Kozlov and Santino as a tag team, which the WWE Universe flat-out rejected. The team would be ideal, since Santino Marella, during his training in OVW, was given the ruthless Russian gimmick before becoming WWE's Milan Miracle. Since arriving in 2007, Santino has finally established himself as a fan favorite; yet, despite his popularity, Santino Marella was unable to get the people to like Vladimir Kozlov.

Croft Shows Promise

The team of Croft and Barreta still do not have my backing, but they have improved. The fist pumps are a little much, and Barreta dangles his arms by his sides, which doesn't show much character.

In the past two weeks, Caylen Croft has lost to Yoshi Tatsu, while Trent Barreta has defeated Goldust. With each team having a win, this following tag team match was the rubber match. What was strange is that Croft and Barreta kept Tatsu in their corner, keeping him from tagging in his partner Goldust. If anything, Goldust is the weaker of the two, but in matters of size and experience, I understand Croft and Barreta's strategy. Yet, when Goldust finally did get tagged in, he was running circles around Croft and almost got the win - emphasis on almost. Barreta knocked Tatsu over the ropes and then clotheslined Goldust off his partner in order to reverse the pin-combination. Croft and Barreta walked away with the pinfall victory over Yoshi and Goldie, but how will they choose to retaliate next week?

The Superhero from L.I.?

Zack Ryder was the man that ended the wrestling career of Tommy Dreamer, and last week, he upstaged The Hurricane. Now, Zack Ryder wants to be addressed as the New Heart & Soul Superhero of ECW. Really? I understand the Heart and Soul, but to add Superhero to the title, doesn't sound too cool. Ryder told Savannah to announce his name, but failed to say it as enthusiastically as he wanted. The Hurricane came to the rescue and chased Ryder and Rosa out of the arena. Zack Ryder should grow a spine and not run away from a guy in green tights.

Ezekiel's Domination

The main event was ECW Champion Christian versus William Regal. These two have fought several times in the past, including last Thursday, with Regal always coming up short.

Winner of the ECW Homecoming Tournament, Ezekiel Jackson is dead set on domination. The match between Christian and Regal was well fought, but it was interrupted by Big Zeek who attacked Christian mid-match. Christian obviously won by disqualification but was punished by an onslaught of a Knee Trembler and the Ura-nage.

William Regal may not become the champion as he once desired, but will his follower be able to do away with Christian?

ECW Results: 1/12/10

Being above the ECW Title?

Two weeks ago, Zack Ryder ended the career of Tommy Dreamer, the final remaining ECW Original. Tommy Dreamer was considered the Heart and Soul of ECW, and after defeating Dreamer, Ryder feels that he is above the ECW Title, that he is ECW.

The ECW Title is the highest prize in ECW, and no one, let alone in the land of Extreme, is above it.

Citizen Woo Woo Woo

The opening contest set The Hurricane against Zack Ryder. Hurricane silenced Ryder with a slap to the face because Ryder not only put himself at the top of ECW, but his girlfriend Rosa Mendes slapped him.

The match saw a lot of high risk maneuvers, The Hurricane striking with a neck breaker, but he failed to attempt his Eye of the Hurricane or the Shinning Wizard. Ryder, making good as the head of ECW, by capturing a win with the Zack Attack.

Barreta Screeches a Win

Last week on Superstars, Yoshi Tatsu picked up a win over Caylen Croft, so the other halves of the tag teams duked it out in this match: Goldust versus Trent Barreta. Goldust, the seasoned veteran, catapulted Barreta to the top ropes; yet, still holding on to the legs, Barreta whip lashed spine first into the knees of Goldust.

Barreta starting building up momentum and puberty as he screeched like a 9-year-old boy. Barreta managed to strike Goldust with a leg drop between the ropes, and end the match with a flying knee to Goldust's jaw for the victory.

The End Has Awakened Against Thee

The main event was the ECW Homecoming Showdown, culminating from weeks of qualifying matches pitting the superstars of today against the superstars of yesteryear. The eight finalists are: C.M. Punk, Matt Hardy, Evan Bourne, Shelton Benjamin, Vance Archer, Kane, and Ezekiel Jackson.

Kane, a former ECW Champion, winning it in record fashion at WrestleMania XXIV, commanded respect from the ECW finalists as he delivered uppercuts and dropped a big boot to the face of anyone who came near. Within seconds of the match, Kane showed his dominance by eliminating Evan Bourne.

The finalist concentrated their efforts on eliminating Kane and Ezekiel, the two biggest threats. But Shelton, instead, launched himself over the top rope to eliminate Vance Archer, and himself in the process. Shelton still holds a grudge over what happened last week on WWE Superstars.

Ezekiel Jackson took out former ECW Champion, Matt Hardy, after he moronically went for a cross body. And then Jackson eliminated C.M. Punk, another former ECW Champion.

Kane eliminated Yoshi setting the stage for a final showdown between the most dominate force of the past against the immovable object in ECW today. The two monsters were choking the life out of the other in hopes to reign the victor. Kane's undoing came when he attempted a diving upper cut from the top rope, and Ezekiel rolled out of the way to follow up with a clothesline to eliminate yet another former ECW Champion.

Ezekiel has said that the end has come and it has awakened. Well, Ezekiel carefully eliminated all three former ECW Champions in the showdown. Can Ezekiel make good on his prophecy and pin the current ECW Champion, Christian?

WWE Superstars Results: 1/7/10

Second Contender in Divas' Tournament: The opening match was a Divas' Championship First-Round Tournament Match to determine the new Divas' Champion. It was reported this past Monday that Melina was injured at a WWE Live Event, which means she would be unable to compete, thus, the title has been vacated. Sadly, Melina was brought over on RAW solely to be the champion and enter a feud with the returning Maryse, but those plans have changed. Maryse, as expected, has already advanced in the tournament this past Monday Night after pinning the Bella Twins. This match was Gail Kim, a former Women's Champion, vs. Jillian Hall a recent Divas' Champion in her own right. Much like the first Divas' contest, this match up was less than desirable. Gail Kim, just coming off of an amazing run in TNA, returned to the WWE. She may have gotten a bigger paycheck, but she definitely did not gain better competition. Jillian Hall, possibly one of the worst excuses of a wrestler, slowed down the pace of the match. Jillian's gimmick is too cartoony and thus has impaired her wrestling craft. Jillian took to long to go into a cover, and, when she did, had her leg under the rope. No limb of any of the wrestlers can be underneath the rope during a cover, those are the rules. Jillian obviously has no understanding of her surroundings while in the ring, and fails to quickly execute her maneuvers. Her wrestling is choppy to say the least, and to give her a title win over Mickie James only to lose it five seconds later to Melina has become a footnote in the annals of the WWE. Gail Kim picked up the win, maybe she can become the top face of the RAW Divas' division.

Money Trumps Pecks. The following was Ted DiBiase Jr. against "The Masterpiece" Chris Masters w/ Eve Torres. The match was clearly a testament to the evolution of Ted DiBiase. Chris Masters may have a sculpted body, but DiBiase has amazing ring awareness, because each time Chris Masters attempted the Master lock, DiBiase would get himself to the ropes to break the hold. Despite there being some issues within Legacy, Ted DiBiase is looking more and more like a guy that can inch his way to the main event scene thanks to the guidance of Randy Orton. Chris Masters, on the other hand, is doing well for himself... a babyface turn... dancing peck routine... and Eve Torres. However, he has been losing more matches than winning. Chris Masters, incorporating the dancing pecks, tries to intimidate his opponents, but personally, the routine seems out of place. And a sighting of old school was seen in this match... no, not Undertaker's tight rope trick... DiBiase attempted to lock in his father's finisher The Million Dollar Dream, while Masters executed Hogan's Guillotine Leg Drop. Ted DiBiase picked up the win after forcing out of the Master lock and striking with Dream Street.

ECW Match. The following match was Caylen Croft w/ Trent Barreta against Yoshi Tatsu w/ Goldust. The friendship between Tatsu and Dust is merely linguistical... Tatsu learns English while Dust learns Japanese. Croft, recently coming over to ECW, did well in his first singles match. Yoshi attempted a hurricanrana but fell flat because Croft retained a strong grip while on the turnbuckle. Still not to impressed with Croft and Barreta, but at least their entrance song has changed to a generic rock theme rather than that circus one. Yoshi picked up the win with his Roundhouse Kick.

Shillelagh Tops Beard. The main event was Finlay versus Mike Knox. The match was nothing special from all their previous encounters. Knox and Finlay have a set fighting style which is to punch, kick, and claw their way to the finish. Honestly, this should not have been the main event... the DiBiase-Masters match expressed wrestling a lot better than this. Fit Finlay is a 51 year old man who, despite a short run as the United States Champion years back, WWE has no interest in ever putting another title around his waste. Heck, after the aborted McMahon's illegitament child story line, Finlay was forced to change his gimmick after being relevealed that it was his son. Finlay's entrance music started out "My Name is Finlay, and I love to fight." Not anymore... Finlay has fallen far from the reservation and does not look too intimidating. Mike Knox cannot be taken seriously either because, despite having a new gimmick, he doesn't win any matches. He went through a trilogy of matches with Kane and lost all of them. This match up is considered below mid-card in my standards. Mike Knox attempted to cheat after removing the protective padding on the turnbuckle, and dropped it in the middle of the ring. The referee sees the padding and does not look to even attempt to fasten it back on... he just tosses it out. Well, Finlay only needed a second to strike with his shillelagh and he picked up the win. That's another thing, Finlay matches usually end with a shillelagh strike, when has he ever won a fair match? Wrestlers tend to watch videos of the competition and themselves in order to better themselves... but what about the referees? Shouldn't they catch on and think, 'Hey, we shouldn't let Finlay bring that shillelagh anymore. Heck, what do I know?

ECW Results: 12/22/09

Swaggin' Return. "Finally, this show's worth watching again," words spoken by the former ECW Champion Jack Swagger, who returns to compete in the ECW Homecoming Qualifying Match against Yoshi Tatsu. ECW is where Jack Swagger got his start in the WWE and is currently fighting on the RAW brand, where just last Monday had a great match against John Cena. To give a sense of who Jack Swagger is, he rolled a video package of his domineering style in the ring; what he should have done was show his ECW Title win over Matt Hardy, and his various US Title hunts over on RAW.

Zack Ryder Killing the Dream. Two weeks ago, Zack Ryder instituted a challenge to Tommy Dreamer, a boy from the LI taking out the hasbeen from Yonkers. Now, the opening match between Zack Ryder and Tommy Dreamer was not a Career Threatening Match, but after losing his Qualifying Match to Kane, Ryder looked to make good on another promise, and that was to end Tommy's wrestling career. Tommy Dreamer showed some life in this match, super-plexing Ryder from the top turnbuckle and taking off his shirt for an attempted DDT, but was caught off guard to the Zack Attack. As of right now, Tommy Dreamer is still a part of the WWE roster, but will Dreamer make it past the New Year?

Abe Getting Better. Trent Barretta and Caylen Croft were guests on the Abraham Washington Show. When asked about the lack of coffee,"I can't afford drinks, this is ECW not Monday Night RAW" - Abraham Washington usually thrives on unfunny jokes, but that was humorous. Barretta and Croft claim that they will revolutionize the tag team divison - that Miz and Morrison were alright while Hart Dynasty is whatever. They should seriously take a look at true tag team wrestling from the days of the Federation and the Attitude Era before making such a bold proclamation.

Agonizing Qualifier. Vance Archer gets a new nickname, "Masterpiece of Agony;" yet, the only agony Archer can inflict is watching one of his matches. Best way to kill pay-per-view sales would be for Vance Archer to take on Tyler Reks, another failed candidate from the Superstar Initiative. The Texan is nothing like John Bradshaw, because how can you be a great heel if you never speak? Archer doesn't wrestle long enough to allow his wrestling speak for itself. The match between Vance Archer and Goldust was short lived, as Archer, after one minute, went for his Inverted Snap DDT. Three of the eight qualifiers have been revealed: Vance Archer, Ezekiel Jackson, and Kane.

"Thanks, Jack." Just like the match with Cena, Swagger took control of this match against Yoshi Tatsu. And with confidence exuding, Jack Swagger closely scouted Yoshi's kicks. His height advantage almost ensured victory, but underestimating a smaller opponent led to an enziguri to the face and a win for Yoshi Tatsu. A loss on ECW is a relief because attempting to qualify for an ECW Title shot would be a major step backwards for the future of the WWE, Jack Swagger.

ECW Brand Change; The Roundtable is No More

Words out that WWE is finally considering to change the ECW name, yet keep the same time slot on Scyfy. It appears that WWE has finally got the hint that this show was NOT ECW, because there has never been anything Extreme about it. The only wrestler from Extreme Championship Wrestling that has survived the politics and the degeneration of the sport has been Tommy Dreamer. And after losing the ECW title in the birthplace of ECW, it looks as though Christian will be the final title holder of the once sought after grail. But, WWE may have Shelton Benjamin steal the show and become the ECW Champion, finally giving him a world title. I strongly feel that if WWE does change ECW, then the TLC pay-per-view will be the final ppv that the ECW Title is defended.

Abraham Washington Show w/Zack Ryder and Rosa Mendes. There was signs that Tony Atlas is getting higher popularity than the self-proclaimed Funniest Man in All of Sports Entertainment. This popularity does not sit well with Abraham Washington, so he gives Tony a hard time and treats him like a naive jolly giant. The guests with Zack Ryder and Rosa Mendes, who read poems of how they feel for each other. Zack expressed his feelings for Rosa, while she expressed her love for shopping. Ryder equated her Spanish as a sign of her love for him, so he started jumping on the pleather coach - very Tom Cruise.

First Match: Goldust vs. William Regal w/Ezekiel Jackson and Vladimir Kozlov. Prior to the match, Jackson apologized to Regal for his outburst. He spoke with a deep voice, similar to a foreigner; a possible indication of Jackson's face turn. By match's end, Jackson and Kozlov failed to coexist and started shoving the other; this, in turn, distracted Regal long enough for Goldust to get the roll-up victory. But what would this mean for the success rate of the Round Table when they team up agaist Christian and Shelton Benjamin?

New Tag Team Debut: Trent Barreta and Caylen Croft vs. Bobby Shields and Tyler Hilton. Seems a little strange that ECW would debut a new tag team seeing as there are no established tag teams in the Land of Extreme, unless you count the unstable force of Kozlov and Jackson? Barreta and Croft are arrogant in their abilities, a good attitude to have if you expect to succeed in the WWE. When they saw Burchill, who was begging for his roster spot back, they questioned, "Didn't he use to be a pirate;" which shows that Barreta and Croft are long time WWE fans. It is said that they hype up for every match by playing Guitar Hero; which makes sense because their entrance music is so horrible, like something out of a carnival, that they must enter the ring still pumped from the similated Rock playlist. Their debut was a basic tag team match facing off against a local tag team with no one really knowing what to make of them. It felt surreal because it felt like an indie match because there was no gimmick, just a straight grappling contest. My advice: change the entrance music, and add more to their arrogant gimmick.

Main Event: Christian and Shelton Benjamin vs. Vladimir Kozlov and Ezekiel Jackson w/William Regal. In less than 2 weeks, Christian and Shelton set off to try and steal the show in a Ladder Match for the ECW Title. No ECW match has ever stolen the show at a WWE pay-per-view, but this does have a chance of being the best match that ECW has to offer. Despite having a title shot, Shelton seems unphased with teaming with opponent. As for their tag team opponents, Kozlov and Jackson failed to communicate in the ring. Jackson, after receiving a forced tag by The Moscow Mauler, left Kozlov to fall to Shelton's Paydirt. There was no backstabbing between the contender and the champion, only the sight of them on the ramp, absorbing the cheers from the peeps. It is obvious that Jackson's only discrepancy is towards Kozlov, not Regal - Is this truly the end of The Ruthless Roundtable?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Zack Ryder Rebukes Regal; The Hurricane Fades; Sheamus Reveals All

Last night's ECW further proved that ECW will not be a part of yet another pay-per-view. WWE' Bragging Rights is to promote the SmackDown vs RAW 2010, where the best of SmackDown and RAW collide in an epic tag team match by night's end, but ECW is still featured in the game. However, its not reassuring that the developers did not add Zack Ryder to the game. It also proves that ECW is not of the same caliber as either RAW or SmackDown.

The night started off with Ezekiel Jackson, accompanied by Vladimir Kozlov, against "The Bazaar One" Goldust. Jackson is impressive by size alone, not by skill. The "Juggernaut of Destruction," as Josh Matthews has named him, only has so many moves that he keeps repeated. And if you've noticed, both Kozlov and Jackson had to be weakened so as the other members of ECW to have a fighting chance. Goldust at times seemed like he could pull it off, but in the end he fell to the Ura-nage followed by and Iron Curtain for added punishment. When will these two improve their ring work? As a tag team they are not impressive in the least.

Following match: The Hurricane vs Paul Burchill. Now, The Hurricane has been absent from ECW for several weeks, and one would assume that he came back to win another match... But Burchill took down The Green Wonder with a vertical suplex... Call it a facebuster if you want, but it was a vertical suplex. What ever happened to his other move? He had a crazy finisher where he would elevate the person's face over the matt, and then force it down with the bottom of his boot. However something like that takes to much time to set up. But a vertical suplex? Really???

Sheamus came out to make an announcement and explaining what he hopes to get out of this feud. Shelton Benjamin is no doubt a pure athlete, a future champion, but he's been in the WWE for how long and he hasn't done much except win minor titles. So if a guy like Shelton can be seen as great without accomplishing much, then by the end of it all, Shelton will prove to be a stepping stone for his future. The Age of the Celtic Warrior will soon be among us.

Final match: ECW Champion, Christian and Yoshi Tatsu vs. William Regal and Zack Ryder. Prior to the match, Ryder confronted Regal for attacking him last week, and looked to set him straight since his buddies weren't around. But Kozlov and Jackson were there, granting Ryder's complete cooperation. Christian sees Yoshi as a future challenger to his title, and a viable asset to ECW. Tatsu once again proved that he has what it takes to be in the WWE, but it was the assist from Ryder that allowed Christian to lock in the Killswitch for the win. Ryder getting back at Regal for not only having Kozlov beat him up, but for intimidating him before the match. Ryder answers to no one, and no one should know that fact more than William Regal.

Ring Announcer Lauren Mayhew is doing better, but she's still not there yet.

Rosa Mendes is officially a member of the ECW roster.

Ruthless Roundtable Dominates ECW; New Ring Announcer; ECW Not So Extreme

ECW opened up with William Regal and his Roundtable, Ezekiel Jackson and Vladimir Kozlov, making their way to the ring to announce the #1 Contender for Christian's ECW Title.

In light of what happened to GM Tiffany, Regal felt it critical to name himself as the new #1 Contender. This decision was not popular amongst many of the ECW fans, but none more spoken than Zack Ryder.

Zack Ryder was screwed over last week from his one-on-one match against Christian and now William Regal is #1 Contender?

With both parties arguing over contendership status, Christian came out with 3 people, he felt, more deserving for a title shot.

1) A Janitor 2) Tony Atlas 3) Yoshi Tatsu

Yoshi Tatsu has been winning matches as of late, and pinned both Regal and Ryder in the past couple of weeks. Should he be considered #1 Contender?

Honestly, Yoshi Tatsu just arrived in the WWE and should not get a title shot already. How about people who have actually strived for years for a title? This recent yo-yo effect with the World Titles amongst the WWE Superstars is annoying. The WWE and World Heavyweight Titles have become interchangeable - Orton said, "I am now a 6-time WWE Champion." Wrong, he is a 5x WWE Champion and 1x World Heavyweight Champion. The correct term is a 6x World Champion.

Thing about ECW, it's mostly a developmental show with 1 title. If one wins the ECW Title, it doesn't make you the best in WWE, just the best on ECW. Despite ECW being considered a 3rd brand, it is not equal to SmackDown or RAW. The Real ECW had Mid-level titles and was not a brand it was its whole company. And has anyone notice that their is nothing Extreme about The Land of Extreme? What happened to Tornado Tag Teams? What happened to blood, thumb tacks, and flaming tables?

Back to ECW, Tiffany has returned to resume her role as GM and announced 3 matches that would take place during the course of the night. WWE Storyline is that Tiffany was involved in a car accident, explaining the arm cast. In reality, she injured herself at an FCW event.

First match: Vladimir Kozlov and Ezekiel Jackson vs. Tommy Dreamer and Goldust. No, the WWE is not forming a new tag team, but for the past three or so weeks, Dreamer and Dust have been involved in Tag Team action. It's surprising how WWE is building Goldust, seeing as this is a multiple go-around in the WWE again. Dreamer was aggressive in the ring, which is good seeing as they are going up against two muscular giants. Kozlov and Jackson build some credibility as a tag team as they face an actual team of superstars. The destruction of jobbers was getting a little stale.

Second Match: William Regal vs. Yoshi Tatsu. The match to determine whether Tatsu's win last week was a fluke. And after this match, it might have been. However, the referee gave the win to Yoshi Tatsu, despite the fact that Regal's foot was under the rope. Josh Matthews said that a Ref's call is absolutely final - well, on the contrary, if the GM decides to, they can change the decision or have the match restarted. Appears Tiffany avoided the situation.

Main Event: ECW Champion Christian vs. Zack Ryder. The announcers stated that these two competitors have had two classic matches together and that Christian is getting closer to figuring Ryder Out. As I recall, Christian pinned Ryder twice, so if anyone should be figuring who out, it's Ryder. It's one thing for Ryder to come out in half trunk/tights, but that see through black shirt is NOT cool bro! The match would have made a nice tri-fecta in their rivalry, if it wasn't for the Ruthless Roundtable attacking Christian outside of the ring. Not only did they destroy Christian, but they attacked Zack Ryder for speaking out.

And just incase you haven't noticed, ECW has a new ring announcer by the name of Lauren Mayhew. She is a singer and actress, most likely hired to take over Lilian Garcia's singing of the National Anthem at WWE events. A lot of people were unimpressed by the new announcer's ability to introduce superstars - but everyone has to start somewhere. Not everyone is a Justin Roberts or a Tony Chimel on their first night. Through time, she will get better - I think, lol.

Final Assessment: ECW needs to become 2 hours long like the rest of WWE, and introduce a mid-level title. Possibly bring back the Hardcore Title? And hire more superstars - new people are the future of the company. Mayhew is rather new to the whole experience and will need a lot of practice before she can fill Lilian's shoes. Regal was cheated from victory last night, its time that ECW realized that Regal is a force to be reckoned with.

WWE Superstars Matches Preview: 9/24/2009

Tonight on WWE Superstars, like every week, expect the unexpected!


ECW: Goldust vs. William Regal

- William Regal is desperately trying to get back into the ECW title picture, but will Goldust prove to be a speed bump along the road to Extreme?

Divas: Michelle McCool & Layla vs. Melina & Maria

- McCool and Layla have done everything possible to ruin Maria's relationship with Ziggler, while they just don't like Melina because she proves a threat to the Women's Title. However, Maria believes that Melina has been trying to humiliate her by posting photos of Ziggler's possible soiree - so things are not looking good for this team.

Smackdown: Matt Hardy vs. Kane

Matt Hardy has been out of action since tapping out to the Anaconda Vice, how will he fare when up against the giant who took out the Great Khali out of action?

RAW: Chris Masters vs. Primo

Neither superstar has been seen on RAW for weeks, but they have made their home on WWE Superstars. Masters has destroyed Santino time and time again. How will Primo fare against the Master Lock? It will be a test of Strength vs. Speed tonight on WWE Superstars!

Matt Striker's Downward Commentary; Angela Fong on ECW; Shelton's New Feud

A Hurricane came through Rockford, and no... not a natural one - but a supernatural by the name of The Hurricane!

The Hurricane's feud with Paul Burchill continues - but what stood out was Matt Striker's commentary.

A former ECW superstar, Matt Striker took over as Color Commentator sometime during early 2008. His commentating with Todd Grisham (now on Smackdown) garnered him the Best Announce Team 2008 Slammy Award. Yet, ever since teaming with Josh Matthews, his commentating seems less than desirable.

At the start of the match, Striker suggested a possible twin scenario. Seeing as RAW has the Bella Twins, it wouldn't be so far fetched for Gregory Helms to have a twin in The Hurricane.

Sure, I'll bite, seeing as Striker is trying to protect his identity, but what happened next.... ugh!

If Striker is going to make comic book references, then at least make them closer to the superhero that The Hurricane emulates - the Green Lantern, not Superman. Striker called Hurricane, the Son of Jor-El.

Striker also goes on to say: Meanwhile, Back in the Hall of Justice. - What is Striker spewing out? We get it, he likes comic books - But don't lose sight of the match!

Hurricane almost gets the victory with a Hurricane-Rana, but Burchill trying to use his sister Katie-Lee as a distraction proved to be his downfall and went straight into The Eye of the Hurricane!

This week's ECW marks the newest addition to the Extreme Brand - Savannah. Her real name is Angela Fong and she is currently wrestling in WWE's developmental territory in FCW.

Her first job as backstage interviewer was to interview Tommy Dreamer and Christian on their tag team match later on in the program. - But what about Courtney Taylor? Why are there TWO Back Stage Interviewers on ECW?

Ever since returning to ECW, Shelton Benjamin has shocked people by who he faces. At first it was against Yoshi Tatsu - no big deal since Shelton's a heel. But then he entered a feud with Zack Ryder.

Was Shelton turning face? Shelton did defeat Ryder twice in their encounters - but this week he teamed up with The Celtic Warrior Sheamus against Goldust and Yoshi Tatsu.

I'd figured as much that the feud between Ryder and Benjamin was a simple clash of egos.

Shelton goes for a blind tag and steels a victory by pinning Sheamus' enemy, The Weird One Goldust.

You would think that Sheamus would be happy with the win? Well... he wasn't.

He lands a punch against the side of Benjamin's face and a fight breaks out.

Leaving us to understand that Shelton Benjamin will start feuding with Sheamus and that it's quite possible that Benjamin is indeed turning heel.

Sheamus Wins Big; Ryder gets PayDirt; Dreamer Returns!

This past week on ECW the Gold Standard exacted revenge, while the Celtic Warrior main evented for the first time on ECW. Shelton is possibly on the verg of becoming a face since he has been feuding with Zack Ryder.

The match, in my opinion, stagnated in some parts - as if remembering the spots that they were suppose to do. Overall it was a decent opener with Shelton going 2-0 against the Long Islander.

The 2nd portion of ECW was Regal's united front teaming up for the first time against local jobbers. As Matthews mentioned, this is just a formality since Kozlov and Jackson are pretty much unbeatable.

And of course the front mauled down the compeitition, but what stood out was Christian's arrival with the Veteran of Extreme, Tommy Dreamer, and they were packing Singapore Canes!

And as made official by GM Tiffany, next week on ECW - It will be Christian and Tommy Dreamer against William Regal and his United Front. What's sad about this, they should actually make this the ECW match for the Breaking Point ppv, let ECW get Extreme at ppv instead of an 8 second squash.

Later, on the ever failing Abraham Washington show - Washingston has hired WWE Hall of Famer, Tony Atlas to be the Andy Ricter to Abe's Conan.

The guest is backstage commentator - Gregory Helms, which quickly became a 3 for 1 deal when Paul and Katie Lee decided they would like to air out a few choice words and continue to accuse Helms and The Hurricane as being one and the same.

Next week, The Hurricane takes on Paul Burchill once again - Same HurriTime, Same HurriNetwork.

The main event was a good technical match up against Goldust and Sheamus. This feud has been going on for months, both helping the other in their wrestling career.

Goldust having his career flatline when he returned to RAW has picked up in the land of extreme. But most importantly, the veteran is teaching the student a thing or two about the biz.

Sheamus won the no DQ-no countout match with his finisher - The Irish Curse. Congrats to Sheamus for being victorious in his first main event.

William Regal's Extreme Alliance; The Hurricane Strikes; And More!

ECW saw the return match of the Hurricane, the ever growing fury between a warrior and a freak, but most importantly, an alliance of gigantic proportions.

The Hurricane was successful in his match against Paul Burchill - much to Burcill's disappointment, Matt Striker seemed to enjoy himself since he is a huge comic book fanatic.

However, Striker went to ahead of himself and revealed too much to soon on the Hurricane: such as his weaknesses, and possible identity.

Many speculate that Gregory Helms is the alleged vigilante, but WWE.com has a separate profile for the new superhero of ECW.

His finisher is the Eye of the hurricane - and thanks to Striker, his weakness is his neck, most likely because it has been surgically repaired - if he was Gregory Helms.

Whatever may be the case, the Hurricane delivered hard Justice to his arch foe, but how long until his identity is revealed?

Now remember Gregory Helms as the backstage interviewer? Well this week we witnessed the debut of Courtney Taylor. The lovely new addition to ECW, interviewed Tommy Dreamer before a sudden attack from #1 Contender William Regal and his tag team partner of the night, Vladimir Kozlov. Turns out that the ambush left Tommy Dreamer unable to compete, leaving Taylor to question Tiffany of the status of the main event.

On the ever failing Abraham Washington Show - the guests were Goldust and Sheamus.

Sheamus holds two pinfall victories over Goldust, but he in turn suffered a loss in their last encounter.

There's no real reason why this feud started - it was a random match up that escalated through proises of domination, and broken pride.

We are reminded in this segment that Goldust suffers from twitches and ticks caused by the lightning bolt that struck him so many years ago.

Of course Washington made fun of the Goldust, but the jokes ceased with the arrival of Sheamus - and his continued quest to take over ECW. These two did not share blows this week, but the animosity between them

keeps on growing.

Zack Ryder continues to impress the fans with his big win over Yoshi Tatsu. It's hard to like Ryder, but you damn well have to respect him - he holds multiple victories over many of the top superstars on ECW; and as Striker mentioned, it's hard not to like someone but also admit that they are better proven by their effectiveness.

Yoshi put up a good front, with a Standing Rolling Senton and a miscalculated over the rope elbow drop - Ryder, being as effective as he is, capitalized on Tatsu's error and scored the victory.

Another thing to mention about Zack Ryder, his entrance is not so bad once you get use to it.

Now the moment of truth, An impeccable ending in the land of extreme. Christian's tag team partner turned out to be none other than - Ezekiel Jackson!

Jackson was the obvious choice - it could've been Shelton Benjamin but lets face it, Kozlov and Jackson have been trying to one up each other for weeks.

Christian and Regal started the match as a preview of their SummerSlam encounter for the ECW Championship. Christian pretty much in desperate need for a tag, was confined to enemy territory and attacked by the Moscow Mauler.

Yet, when Jackson forced his way into the ring to chase out Kozlov - he TURNED on Christian with the Ura-nage! The match ended with a pinfall victory by William Regal.

You would think that being betrayed by your tag team partner was bad enough - but Regal commanded both Jackson and Kozlov to execute their finishers on Christian.

Looks like Regal has stepped up his game ten-fold, with the two biggest juggernauts of ECW on his side. Things are not looking good for the ECW Champion as he has to defend it this Sunday, the only possible person that would bother to be at his side is an injured Tommy Dreamer.

This new alliance of Regal, Kozlov, and Jackson could destroy the Hart Dynasty - and most importantly, it could even take down Legacy.

I for one cannot wait to see how this will play out in the weeks ahead.