WWE Superstars Results: 3/18/10 - MitB Momentum

Kane vs Shelton Benjamin

The Money in the Bank Qualifiers rarely get a chance to build momentum for WrestleMania. Luckily with WWE Superstars, these qualifiers have a chance to prove why they will become Mr. Money in the Bank.

Shelton Benjamin, who is 1-1 against Dolph Ziggler, tested his strength against The Big Red Machine, Kane. Shelton bases his in-ring work to pure athleticism, or simply put, great mat work. At WrestleMania, Shelton will be a part of his fifth Money in the Bank Ladder match, which must leave people wondering if this is perhaps Benjamin's year.

Shelton, possibly the best in-ring competitor that the WWE has, being able to have a 5-star match with Shawn Michaels, is highly underrated. Unlike TNA, where one can escape with having poor mic skills, the WWE depends on their champion being able to hype the crowd. Hence why fans get stuck with John Cena as champion at least once a year. Yet, where Shelton lacks in mic skills certainly makes up for in his athleticism.

Kane came close to winning the MitB last year, but was kicked off by C.M. Punk at the last second. Now that C.M. Punk will not be competing in this year's match, it will guarantee a new MitB winner, something that hasn't been seen in three years. Kane is not a great technician in the ring, even tough he can deliver textbook drop kicks, but he will rely on his size and strength to dominate the match. Having been in several ladder matches before, Kane is not afraid to reach for new heights.

The match ended with a choke slam by Kane as he paves a way towards WrestleMania.

Katie Lea Jillian Hall vs. Bellas

With WrestleMania just a week away, a women's match has yet to grace the card. But after last year's debacle which angered so many former women's champions in the spoof 25-Diva Battle Royal, do we really want a women's match? The final (noteworthy) Women's match at WrestleMania was in 2006 when Mickie James defeated Trish Stratus for the Women's Title.

Katie Lea is the former sister of Paul Burchill. Former because since his release he will never be mentioned again. Katie Lea foretold that Jillian and herself would gain victory over the Bellas.

Jillian Hall, a former Divas' Champion in her own right. Actually, Jillian was not a real champion, but a transitional one. Real champions defend the title against the former champions, unless intercepted by a MitB, or in the outlook of a new feud. Jillian's only role as Divas' Champion was to take it from Mickie James and lose it to Melina, in the duration of minutes. Jillian enacted her rematch the following week only to lose it in a more pathetic fashion than the last. Sadly, that will be the highlight of her career.

The Bellas have been out of action from the ring for several months, not due to injury, but occupied with their other job: arm candy to the celebrity guest hosts. Not pretending to be able to tell the Bellas apart, won the match in an impressive feat.

Jillian, awkwardly, got the upper hand in the match against the Bellas. Evading a hurricanrana into a perfectly place electric chair drop, sadly the announcers are too busy talking to credit any wrestling ability, especially by the Divas.

The match ended with a Bella flipping Jillian on her back and then double leg locking her legs to Jillian for the pin.

Christian, Mark Henry and Yoshi Tatsu vs. Jack Swagger, William Regal and Zack Ryder

For the first time WWE Superstars showcases a match with all former ECW superstars, a main event that never seemed to occur while ECW was still on the air. Former ECW Champion Christian captains Mark Henry, another former ECW Champion, and Yoshi Tatsu against Jack Swagger, yet another former ECW Champion, William Regal and Zack Ryder.

Another correlation between these two teams is that they are captained by Money in the Bank Qualifiers: Christian and Jack Swagger. And just like the opening match, these two are in need of momentum.

Throughout the past weeks Christian has received a wave of momentum, not losing a single match since officially being signed to RAW. Indeed a favorite to win last year, will this be his year? Appearing in 'Mania 2000 in a hellacious Triangle Ladder Match which saw him and the 2010 Royal Rumble winner Edge win the match. Could we possible see Christian take on Edge in a future World Title Match?

As for Jack Swagger, he was the most dominating man in ECW until Christian took the ECW title from him. Since coming to RAW, Swagger has had two impressive matches with John Cena but has been stuck in a feud with Santino Marella. A Money in the Bank win would escalate Swagger's career to the level it should have been during his first month on RAW.

The main event ended with Zack Ryder failing to connect with the Rough Ryder and Christian striking with the Killswitch. Once again, Christian is riding with all the momentum. But with a week left, how will the others catch up?

WWE Superstars Results: 2/18/10 - Bourne to Win

Evan Bourne: The Silent Highlight Reel

The veterans Chavo Guerrero and Carlito teamed up against the rookies Evan Bourne and Primo.

Throughout the match, the animosity between the two brothers were eminent, with each trying to get the upper hand on the other. Primo attempted to connect with a missal drop kick from off the top rope but was knocked down by Carlito without the referee's knowledge. Primo would certainly then inflict some much needed punishment with an array of kicks and Carlito's finisher The Backstabber.

Chavo Guerrero, who executed an impressive match, has been underutilized in the WWE for years. In this match, Chavo grounded Evan Bourne with a double wrist-clutch, followed by repeated knee stomps to the chest. As far as I can recall, I have never seen Chavo perform this move. But one person who has utilized this maneuver throughout his career is "The American Dragon" Bryan Danielson, or as he will be referred to by his NXT name, Daniel Bryan. Chavo has wrestled against Daniel in dark matches on RAW, so perhaps he has learned a thing or two from the young rookie. Chavo, especially with the Gory Bomb, has never looked more alive in the WWE ring.

There are very few instances when Michael Cole says something worthwhile, but his nickname for Evan Bourne may be on those lists of rarities; "The Highlight Reel" Evan Bourne. I know what you are possibly thinking, wasn't Jeff Hardy considered that, especially when appearing on every highlight reel involving ladders?

Evan Bourne needs a new gimmick if he wishes to survive the WWE, and if he were to take the initiative to wow the audience members, or be charismatic enough to call out his maneuvers, then he would have an interesting gimmick. Jeff Hardy was so successful with the fans because he had no problem accepting high risk-no reward type matches, and would proclaim to the WWE Universe of his dare-devil goals. Evan Bourne would really benefit by improving on his mic skills and hyping up the crowds. Because as of right now, Evan Bourne is a silent highlight reel, he needs to add some high-octane explosions to get the crowd going. And after pinning Chavo Guerrero with a Shooting Star Press, his future could sky rocket, if he just heeds my advice.

Gail Kim and Katie Lea: Solid Match-up

Usually when the RAW Divas hit the ring, I hit the fast forward button; but this match up between Gail Kim and Katie Lea proved of some interest to me.

Gail Kim, obviously a hell of a competitor, has been a cry for concern to the wrestling fans who watched Gail establish herself as a corner stone of the TNA Knockout division. During her first stint in the WWE, Gail Kim feuded with the likes of Trish Stratus, Lita, Jazz, Ivory, and Molly Holly, during a time when women's wrestling meant something. TNA was another feather in her cap, as she elevated even higher to make women's wrestling more enjoyable to watch than TNA's X-Division. But her recent move to the WWE in March of 2009 has not payed off, as she has been forced to compete in tag team matches and is always overlooked in a title match. Even the instant of Mickie James-Gail Kim title match turned into a flop, as Gail botched a maneuver, and Mickie further made matters worse by etching her dislike on her long face.

More recently, Gail Kim, the finalist competing for the vacant Divas' Title this Sunday, has been building momentum these past couple of weeks by defeating WWE's underutilized female wrestlers in Jillian Hall and Katie Lea.

Her match with Katie Lea proved to be a concrete physical match in which these two women avoided the pretty handstands or awkward grapple holds. Katie Lea showing the WWE Universe that she is more than a valet to her "brother" Paul, threw Gail shoulder first into the ring post. She then went to work by Irish-whipping Gail Kim shoulder-first into the turnbuckle, and following up with a side slam backbreaker. Katie Lea was able to avoid Gail's first finisher, but "Ate Defeat" with a second inverted stomp facebreaker.

Maryse, the other finalist for the vacant Divas' Title, hasn't wrestled in quite some time. But she has demonstrated to have respect for her opponent, and wishes to deliver an honest match at this Sunday's Elimination Chamber pay-per-view. The question is, will Maryse become a 2-time Divas' title holder, or will Gail Kim become the third woman to capture both WWE's women's titles?

Rey Mysterio: Illogical Victory

Rey Mysterio has always been the underdog in the WWE, but what if his credibility as a wrestler is becoming a little too hard to conceive? No doubt, Rey Mysterio reached the pinnacle of his Cinderella story at WrestleMania 22, when he captured the World Heavyweight Title in a Triple Threat Match, by pinning a young Randy Orton. Obviously now, Randy Orton has evolved into a super heel and a mulit-time World Champion, so Mysterio pinning Orton would no longer be considered normal, it'd be an upset.

Lately, Mysterio has forfeited his Intercontinental rematch clause, and has set his sights on the World's Title. He defeated Batista in a Cage Match for the right to challenge Undertaker at the Royal Rumble, and almost defeated the Deadman. Mysterio's credibility in those matches were solid, because Mysterio didn't have to pin Batista, only escape a cage; and as for Taker, Mysterio provided consistent offense and attacked the weak spots but he still lost.

Mysterio starts to lose credibility when he supposedly can overpower a 300-pound-plus giant in Mike Knox. Mike Knox of course has an impressive record of the most losses in the WWE, along with the longest beard, but he should not have lost to Mysterio. I understand that Mysterio has the star power, but if you get struck with a 300-pound cross body, logically you should not be able to kick out.

Last week on SmackDown, Mysterio was able to weasel a victory out of C.M. Punk by countering the GTS, but he received ample punishment from the Straightedge Society. That is the true story behind the mask, no one feels that he should have won the World Title four years ago, nor do they feel that he has a shot at defeating The Undertaker. The point of a match against Mike Knox is to showcase Mysterio's resiliency to punishment, and what he offers to the Elimination Chamber. This Sunday, Rey Mysterio doesn't necessarily have to pin Taker to capture the World Title, he just has to eliminate the last man - with the hope that the last man is not The Undertaker.

WWE Superstars Results: 2/4/10

Wasted Potential: Carlito and Evan Bourne

The following match saw Carlito against Evan Bourne.

At the Royal Rumble, Evan drew No. 2 and fought in a stalemate against entry No. 1 Dolph Ziggler. Evan had 90 seconds before the next participant to join the fray to toss Ziggler over the rope, but instead C.M. Punk eliminated both.

As for Carlito, he was equally as impressive, lasting 4:34 enough time to back stab half the participants in the ring. And who better to toss you out than Shawn Michaels?

The match on Superstars was questionable because Carlito and Bourne have been jobbing for various superstars for most of their careers. Carlito has zero drive, while Evan is happy just having his own WWE T-Shirt.

Suggestion: Either get Carlito back together with his brother, or revive the feud he should have had, and let it lead to outspoken matches, tag team matches, mix-gender matches, any series of matches will do. Have them go on Carlito's Cabana and tear the house down. There is so much potential, and they are letting it go to waste.

RAW Diva Update: Kelly-Kelly in Limelight

The opening match pitted Kelly-Kelly and Eve Torres against Jillian Hall and Katie Lea.

Lately, WWE has been favoring their youngest diva, Kelly-Kelly, as she's appeared on WWE Superstars for several weeks besting Jillian Hall. Whether teaming with Gail Kim or Eve Torres, the focus is centered on Kelly-Kelly.

Side tracking a bit, in other RAW Divas news: Maryse mentioned to Gail Kim, her opponent for the vacant Divas' Title, of how she detests the childish feud Michelle McCool has been having with Mickie James, and she does not want their match to escalate by those means. "Let's behave like women." Was Maryse being sincere to suggest that, or does she have an ulterior motive? The jury will have to agree when I say "motive!"

Now back to this divas match: Jillian Hall didn't try to sing, and Katie Lea seems lost without Paul. Honestly, if they are not going to be used to their potential, then why bother?

Kelly-Kelly and Eve Torres picked up the wins.

SmackDown Midcard Update: What to do

The main event was The Hart Dynasty and I-C Champion Drew McIntyre versus Matt Hardy, The Great Khali, and John Morrison.

Oh, how far Matt Hardy has fallen. Matt Hardy entered the Royal Rumble, executed two moves and was immediately tossed out by Kane. The past couple of weeks, he's had to forge a team with the Great Khali. Either WWE really wants nothing to do with another Hardy, or they have officially run out of things for him to do.

As for John Morrison and Drew McIntyre, the feud ended in favor of Drew McIntyre last week during a no-DQ I-C Title Match. The reason WWE paired Morrison against McIntyre in this six-man tag match is for familiarity purposes. What WWE needs is another contender for the I-C title, to keep things fresh.

Hart Dynasty needs to continue dominating a slew of singles matches, seeing as how they can't make a career out of defeating Cryme Tyme. Just recently, H.D. has been feuding with Khali and Hardy, which explains why they are in the match.

As for the match, Matt Hardy struck D.H. Smith with the Twist of Fate and, instead of going for the pin, Matt tagged in Khali. The Punjabi Playboy picked Smith up and executed the Punjabi Plunge for the win.

With the final scene of Matt and John waving their arms in the air, in a crazy attempt to make Khali look cool. Not really working guys.

Christian Gets Punked; Is Hurricane the True Villain?

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

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

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

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

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

Yoshi Tatsu Screws Up; Sheamus Dominates ECW

It’s been two weeks since ECW GM Tiffany reinstated the superstar initiative, and since then, the Land of Extreme has witnessed some fresh talent.

Despite losing his rematch to Shelton Benjamin, Yoshi Tatsu has quickly become a fan favorite.

This week, Yoshi went one-on-one with “The Ripper” Paul Burchill with his seductive sister “The Scarlet Witch” Katie Lee Burchill at ringside.

As the match picked up Tatsu failed an attempted high aerial assault by slipping off the top rope.

Burchill was quick to go for the cover – luckily Tatsu was close to the ropes or else Tatsu would have suffered his second loss.

Tatsu may have the skill set to go far in ECW, but his fast paced ring work can lead to more loses than victories.

In other ECW news, Tyler Rex will make his first appearance on ECW next week – on the same night that we will be forced to listen to Abraham Washington, yet again. Washington is supposedly a pro-wrestler having jobbed for FCW, but was repackaged as a talk show personality.

I would have more respect for Washington if he actually wrestled; however, having him wrestle would be like Former ECW GM Armando Estrada’s wrestling career – short lived!

Taking over Finlay’s place as ECW’s resident Irishman, Sheamus is on a conquest to claim ECW as his own.

He’s made two appearances in the past three weeks – winning both against local jobbers with a formidable side slam backbreaker.

Known as the Celtic Warrior – I foresee Sheamus O’Shaunessy going far in ECW.

The Bella Twins Join ECW

Through the Trump trade ECW loses Natalya in exchange for the Bella twins. What is the advantage?

After having much potential on Smackdown, the Bellas' careers, drafting to RAW, were flat lining.

On RAW, the twins were either arm candy for the Colons or participating in Diva Tag Team matches that mainly boosts the feud between the champion and contender.

The Bellas had a great gimmick on Smackdown - going under the ring for a fresh Bella to emerge and pick up the win.

The two sisters resemble not only in looks and attire, but also in wrestling ability.

The arrival of the twins is a renewed opportunity to show the WWE Universe that they are more than a sexy pair of twins, they are determined women that want to be taken seriously.

The arrival also allows Katie Lee Burchill a chance to appear in the ring, since before, her only possible opponent was Natayla, but she started to manage the Hart Dynasty instead of wrestling.

It was Brie who picked up the victory against Katie Lee, this week, by implementing their twin tactic. While the ref was distracted by Katie Lee, Brie took the place of a tired Nikki and executed a face buster.

However, GM Tiffany has to take into consideration to hiring more women to compete on ECW, because the possible combination of the twins battling Burchill will grow stale after the third week; thus, bringing down ECW's rating under her watch.