WWE Released: Maria Kanellis

Slammy Award Winning Diva of the Year, just not for 2010

Her legs went on and on for days, the lovely Maria was the heart and soul of the WWE Divas division. And yet, as much as she was beautiful, funny, creative, and probably fun to be around, Maria stood for everything that was wrong with WWE women's wrestling. When your finisher is a running bulldog, there is no doubt that you will not make it in the WWE. However, winning the Slammy Award for Diva of the Year, as voted by the fans, attests to her undying popularity with the WWE Universe; but then the following night, she fought Beth Phoenix and lost miserably.

Other highlights include, gracing the cover of Playboy 2008. Maria joins the list of women posing nude in promotion with the WWE who have been shown the door: Sable, Torrie Wilson, Chyna, Christy Hemme, Candice Michelle, Ashley, and now Maria.

Finally, Maria Kanellis has been a great spokesperson, has appeared in many organizations promoting the company, along with volunteering to go overseas and entertain the troops during the WWE's annual Tribute to the Troops. She was recently involved in another love-angle, this time with Matt Hardy, when the WWE unexpectedly let her go. I for one will miss Maria appearing in the WWE because I feel she is a wonderful person, but as far as wrestling was concern, she was not tough enough.

Her future endeavors include: Celebrity Apprentice, and releasing a pop-rock album entitled: Sevin Sins

WWE has come to terms on the release of WWE Diva Maria as of today February 26, 2010. We wish Maria the best in all future endeavors.

WWE Superstars Results: 2/25/10 - 3 More Sign to RAW

William Regal joins RAW; Semi-All-American victory

The first official WWE Superstars after the demise of WWE-ECW featured two RAW, and two SmackDown matches. The opening match featured the team of Santino Marella and Chris Masters taking on Jack Swagger and William Regal.

Former-ECW superstars are either signing with RAW, SmackDown, or the unemployment line. So far, Christian and Yoshi Tatsu, seen this past Monday Night, have signed with RAW; and this opening match confirms William Regal's signing with RAW as well. An interesting set up with William Regal, a blue blooded Englishman, teaming with the All-American-American, Jack Swagger.

Regal's role on RAW is uncertain, seeing as his last stint featured him in a series of failed title matches against then-United States Champion, Kofi Kingston. Then there's the announcement that Ezekiel Jackson has signed with SmackDown, meaning that Regal's managerial services are now over.

Santino Marella keeps stating, "Beware of the Cobra," but if this is in regards to the terribly made G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra movie, then he is too late. Then again, Santino's cobra strike must be so devastating that it cannot be witnessed on free-television, or Santino is just an idiot because he has never connected with that move.

Chris Masters almost hooked in the Master Lock on Jack Swagger, but was distracted by William Regal. Due to Regal's distraction, Jack Swagger connected with the Gut Wrench powerbomb on Chris Masters for the win.

Zack Attack on RAW

Another pair of superstars that have signed with RAW are Zack Ryder and Rosa Mendes. In his first match against Primo Colon, with Rosa at ring side, Jerry Lawler was hard pressed to call any of Zack Ryder's moves. Thankfully for Rosa Mendes, she provided ample distraction to the Primo with her Spanish banter; thus allowing Zack Ryder to connect with the Zack Attack.

Zack Ryder, with his unique gimmick, and even more impressive offense, will really make a great addition to RAW, Woo woo woo, you know it!

Straightedge is the way, or else

Luke Gallows, accompanied by Serena, honored the following match to their mentor and savior, C.M. Punk. Punk is reaching people with his teachings of a straightedge lifestyle. Gallows and Serena follow Punk as lambs to the Lord. I wouldn't like to insinuate that Punk is a Christ-figure, but he does have devoted followers to a set system of beliefs that involve a baptismal head shaving. So spin it how you will, but Straightedge, as the local jobber learned after being pinned with "The Twelfth Step," the Gallow's Pole, means that they are better than you.

Maria Kanellis' Final Match

Last week, Maria was the victim of a discus clothesline from Natalya, losing the match for her team. Yet, this time around, it was Maria's Valentine buddy, Matt Hardy who fell to The Hart Attack.

In Maria's final match, as she was released the following day, February 26, 2010, was dominated by Natalya yet again. Natalya, for the most part, mocked Maria and the Punjabi team for their silly dances. Maria managed to get in a running bull dog, when trying to protect Matt from a sneak attack, but he still lost by a double team effort from Tyson Kidd and David Hart Smith.

It is safe to say that this feud will end soon enough, seeing as Maria is no longer available to feud with Natalya. From this match, only two people were impressive: Matt Hardy and DH Smith. When Tyson attempted a high-risk move from the top turnbuckle, Matt countered with a powerbomb. Later on, Khali was tagged in, and David Hart willingly tagged himself in to take on the Punjabi Giant. As far as Maria goes, the best of luck.

SmackDown Results: 1/22/10

Batista's Royal Rumble Promise

The opening bout of the night was "The Animal" Dave Batista versus Finlay. You know... we shouldn't even call Batista Dave anymore, because that implies a sign of kindness, which is clearly not the case. Finlay, on the other hand, is tapping into the Celtic Warrior deep inside by sporting the red hair, instead of the Eminem blonde fade. The two had a gruesome back and forth tussle as the action was forced out of the ring. The referee called for the bell after both competitors failed to return to the ring. However, that didn't stop Batista from tossing Finlay into the announce table, the turnbuckle, and finishing him off in the ring to prove a point.

The point was Batista staking his claim that he will win the Royal Rumble, and challenge the Undertaker at WrestleMania. The Undertaker seems to have a price on his head as Shawn Michaels also looks to challenge him by winning the Royal Rumble.

One Nation, Under Punk

During the past two weeks, C.M. Punk secured two followers, and has now been self-depicted as a savior. This week, a young woman jumped over the barricade, and made her way to touch Punk's shirt; which is very biblical, seeing as a woman once touched Jesus' cloak in order to be healed. The harbinger of sobriety called forth Serena to heal her sins. C.M. Punk is no longer just mocking the pledge of allegiance.... he's taking on a Christ-like persona; except, Christ did not look for praise. Serena took the pledge by having C.M. Punk shave her hair. In this over-drawn segment, C.M. Punk managed to hold the audience's attention without doing a single wrestling move. I consider that an accomplishment, proving that losing the World Heavyweight Title has not slowed down his momentum one bit.

Amazing Showmanship

Initially a handicap match pitting John Morrison against Chris Jericho and Drew McIntyre, Teddy Long evened the match by teaming JoMo with R-Truth. Despite Long turning it into a tag team match, Jericho and McIntyre kept Morrison in their corner, cutting him off from R-Truth.

When The Hart Dynasty placed Jericho in the Hart Attack weeks ago, it was evident that Chris Jericho was a vital part on the elevated star power on SmackDown. Chris Jericho is a phenomenal athlete and a sure fire Hall of Famer, but his caliber of excellence did not occur overnight, he started out as a nobody and strived to the main event scene. Now, he is giving back by helping the youngings, like Drew McIntrye, by showcasing their potential, most of the time through interrupting the announce team, or just by allowing them to shine in the ring.

One of John Morrison's greatest attributes is his endurance in the ring, as this match proved, as he was blocked off from R-Truth for a good eight minutes. Eventually, Truth did get the tag and won the match after Morrison struck Jericho with a pele pick from the outside. It may have been a deceitful way to win, but Morrison's performance alone garners the victory.

Women's Wrestling Not Dead

I would like to take this time to congratulate the women of SmackDown for proving that the WWE is not dead when it comes to Women's Wrestling.

The segment started off with Michelle McCool and Layla, who threw Mickie James a premature "Going Away" Party. Since the Divas' draft, which saw Mickie and Beth Phoenix to SmackDown, Michelle McCool has done everything to eliminate the new threats. Mickie James, being the only fighting babyface on SmackDown, has staked her claim on recapturing the Women's Title. McCool is afraid of the threat that Mickie poses to the Women's Title, so for women, what better way to asses the situation than by destroying their self-esteem? Which has spawned into Lay-Cool's "Piggy James" taunts, with the intent that Mickie will chose to leave SmackDown on her own.

The Slammy Award Winning Diva of the Year, Maria made an unexpected appearance. Recall 2004-2009, Maria had a bubbly dumb-red head personality, but when she entered that ring to confront Lay-Cool, I was impressed. She carried herself as a strong independent woman, which is really what WWE is trying to convey about women.

Mickie James arrived and expressed, in a passionate speech, that real women are short, tall, fat, skinny, curvy, and so forth... Mickie then brought the fight to Michelle, as Maria roughed up Layla. However, Beth Phoenix arrived and sided with Lay-Cool. Similar to Triple-H, Beth Phoenix is a tweener, for lack of a better term; meaning that she can move between heel or face, it doesn't matter, as long as she's #1. Currently, Mickie James is the only threat to Beth Phoenix, seeing as she herself lost the Women's Title to Mickie in 2008. While, in regards to Michelle McCool, Beth knows that she can defeat her at anytime.

Mickie James was held down to get hit in the face with a pig-shaped cake, and doused with red punch. If Mickie was not considering leaving the company, she may now. However, Mickie James will be contending for the Women's Title at The Royal Rumble.

Kane, The Eliminator

The following match up saw Cryme Tyme take on Charlie Haas and Mike Knox. For a moment, when the lights went red, I thought Kane would resume his feud with Mike Knox, but instead he tossed everyone from over the top rope. Kane does hold the record for most eliminations in a single Royal Rumble, so can he win big at his 12th Royal Rumble? If Kane were to win, it would mark the third time these two fought at WrestleMania.

Matt Hardy does it Alone

The third, and final, tag team match of the night was Matt Hardy and The Great Khali against The Hart Dynasty. Matt Hardy took on Tyson Kidd and David Hart Smith, practically, by himself because Tyson gave Natalya the idea to distract Khali, which she did beautifully. In Khali's defense, you can't hate the playa, hate the game... now if we can only get Runjin to translate.

The Harts attempted to execute the Hart Attack on Matt Hardy, but he shoved Smith - knocking Kidd off the ropes - and pinned Smith with a small package roll up. So much for Natalya having a bright future anytime soon.

Mysterio Digs his own Grave

Four years ago, Rey Mysterio won the Royal Rumble and went on to win the big one at WrestleMania.; and next Sunday, Mysterio looks to relieve that dream by defeating The Undertaker. Undertaker restates, "I will defeat you," bold words for a small man.

Out of nowhere, Batista attacked Mysterio with two spinebusters, and escaped through the crowd. Is Rey Mysterio digging his own grave, or will he be holding the shovel at the top of the mound?

Behind-the-scenes interview with WWE Diva Maria at G4’s Attack of the Show

Below is a behind-the-scenes interview of WWE Diva Maria at G4’s Attack of the Show this past Thursday:

Video Games - E3 2010

SmackDown Results: 12/18/09

Batista's Challenge: After being screwed over at TLC, Batista demanded that Teddy Long made things right. And by screwed over, we mean that, either Long did right with restarting the match - making it fair for both of the competitors; or, he was in the wrong because all the other times that the referee's decision has been made - despite the foul play that goes unnoticed - it doesn't get restarted. Remember, the chairs match was a regular match, except for the use of chairs as the only legal weapon. So when Batista went for the low blow - Batista just plain cost himself the match. However, Charles Robinson never saw the low blow so he was right to award Batista the title. But was Long being gracious to restart the match, allowing both competitors an equal opportunity, or was he looking after himself? Yet, Taker was still reeling from the effects of that low blow, and still managed to strike with the tombstone. So tonight, Batista claimed there was no one else in the locker room who would dare challenge him for a #1 contenders match and to automatically grant him another title shot, well... think again. Rey Mysterio appeared to take on the challenge. Sure, Batista has pummeled him to the ring mat on two different occasions, but what about when a shot at the holy grail is at stake?

First Match: John Morrison, R-Truth, and Matt Hardy vs. Drew McIntyre, CM Punk, and Luke Gallows. What was really strange about this match, the heels were in the corner of the babyfaces, and the faces over on the heel corner. I have never recalled seeing that. Even on WWE Superstars: Cryme Tyme was on the left side while Ziggler and Knox were on the right. It's just how it has always been. I wonder what was the deal with that? This match had great promise because these superstars are truly the top of their game today. John Morrison, with only one World Heavyweight Title shot under his belt, looks to be in line for the main event picture. CM Punk, a former 3-time World Heavyweight Champion, is an extremely skilled wrestler and has great mic skills. CM Punk also has a protege in Gallows, as Matt Striker took a passage from the Gospel of Luke: "Blessid are those that are poor, suffer, and are hungry, for yours is the kingdom." Can Punk and Gallow's Straight-Edge lifestyle really find them the kingdom? And by kingdom, are they sticking to the kingdom of Heaven, or the top of the mountain of the WWE? Then you have Matt Hardy, the man who will not die, is probably on probation with the WWE, since he's had two life-threatening surgeries within the past year and a half. Once Hardy remains off the hospital gurney long enough, I don't see why WWE wouldn't put him in the main event slot. R-Truth and Luke Gallows are just starting out, but they have the personality and the skill to move up the rungs of the WWE ladder. I really liked the match, we get to see John Morrison dish out some punishment to Drew McIntyre, who, not only has been undefeated since coming to the WWE, is now the new Intercontinental Champion. The match had a weak ending - CM Punk, with the assist from Gallows, took his Slammy and knocked Hardy, without the ref's awareness of course, and went for the cover. The winners were: Drew McIntyre, CM Punk and Luke Gallows.

Second Match: Eric Escobar vs. Kane. Escobar keeps getting himself in to trouble, and this week was no different. Kane, who has advanced in the ECW Homecoming tournament (see ECW review for this week), was Escobar's opponent. Obviously, if Zack Ryder can't defeat him, how can a newbie like Eric? Chokeslam city was all he wrote, and Vickie went to gloat on his pain. Escobar proclaims that he may be in pain today but he'll heal, yet she will always be ugly. Escobar turning into a face at Vickie's expense.

Third Match: Chris Jericho vs. The Great Khali. The much anticipated return of Khali? Says who?? Matt Striker. I certainly wasn't anticipating Khali's return. I actually thought SmackDown ran better without him. The only thing about him that is remotely interesting is his sheer size, and the toned muscles that he use to have. However, the Playboy has let himself go as he now has love handles. Chris Jericho vows to be back on RAW, title-or no title, but losing his first match as a non-Unified Tag champion is certainly not the way to go. Jericho lost via count-out, as he refused to continue fighting against Khali.

Fourth Match: The Hart Dynasty vs. Jimmy Wang Yang and Slam Master J. Turns out Jimmy Wang Yang has a slightly altered gimmick that I would like to mention, he now wants to referred as the Asian Redneck Gangsta. Wait... The Asian Redneck Gangsta.....? NO! NO!! What in the heck WWE!?!? You CAN NOT do that! Striker's hilarious, Todd Grisham asked Striker on his thoughts on Dennis Miller's suggestion to have Bret Hart as a guest host. Striker replied, "Its Mr. McMahon, you wanna stay here, or do you want to go somewhere else," that was hilarious. The last time these two teams fought was on WWE Superstars, yet, a different show didn't alter the outcome - by much. Last week, Natalya scoop slammed Yang, but this week it was Slam Master J who would see how strong Natalya really is. Then, J would see how strong Tyson Kidd and DH Smith were with the Hart Attack. We learn that Hart Dynasty will be facing off against DX for the Unified Tag Team Championships, come Christmas Day. Can the Hart Dynasty be able to fend off against the Best in the Biz? or will they prove to be Better than the best, period?

Fifth Match: Beth Phoenix vs. Maria. Beth was right when she unplugged their SmackDown vs. RAW 2010 the video game, Maria and Mickie James should stop playing games and look for competition. Beth has the right mentality. This match had its significance. While Maria may be the Diva of the Year for 2009, as voted by the fans, Beth Phoenix was the Diva of the Year 2008 as voted by the committee. Maria may feel special that the WWE Universe may be behind her, but Beth Phoenix is a 2-time former Women's Champion. And as we noticed in the match, Phoenix overpowered Maria as a pure athlete should. Phoenix may not have graced the cover of Playboy or made her own wrestling attire, but at least Phoenix remains focused in the spirit of competition, and looks to dominate all who come before her. The winner was Phoenix with the Glam Slam.

#1 Contender's Match for World Heavyweight Title: Batista vs. Rey Mysterio. Rey Mysterio, a man that should have taken off to tend to his injuries, has remained in the WWE for one reason, and one reason only - for a World Title shot. Matt Striker claims that this is the Batista he always knew, the Batista who never never cared about the fans - the Batista who only cared about himself and no one else. Hence, why it is symbolic that the spotlight resides on him throughout his entrance, and the theme "I Walk Alone," finally makes sense. Batista's strenght has always come from his abundant protein intake to make his body more resilent than anyone else's; however, when going up against someone as unpredicatble as Rey Mysterio, it is best to keep a high-flyer grounded at all times. Batista's downfall occured when he attempted a high flying maneuver and was blocked by a a drop kick from Mysterio. Another weakness to note, Batista is not flexible, so when Mysterio caught him in a small-package roll up, Batista could not bring himself to kick out.

Final Assessment: The Batista-Mysterio feud looks like it is far from over. I foresee Batista interferring with Mysterio's title match - costing him the win, just like Mysterio did at Bragging Rights. The confrontation between the two is getting better, and the heat between these two is igniting beautifully. As for the Unified Tag Team Title Match, it has been rumored that Hornswoggle will appear on the SmackDown taping - possibly costing DX the titles, or - depending how the court session goes this Monday - help them retain. Hornswoggle can become the third member and make things even, seeing as Hart Dynasty has the beautiful Natalya.

Next SmackDown:
Unified Tag Team Title Match: (C) D-Generation X vs. The Hart Dynasty
World Heavyweight Title Match: (C) Undertaker vs. Rey Mysterio

ECW Results: 12/15/09

The show started off with ECW GM Tiffany congratulating Christian and Shelton Benjamin for putting on an amazing ladder match at TLC, and for making ECW proud. Shelton Benjamin took the opportunity to ask for a rematch for the ECW Title. Christian never got a chance to respond due to the interruption by The Ruthless Roundtable – mostly William Regal, upset of being overlooked for another title shot. And did anyone notice that Kane appeared at the opening of the program, “I’m baaaack…” Well, Tiffany explains why Kane is on ECW: Each week, for four weeks, she will be inviting a former ECW Champion to compete in an ECW Homecoming Tournament. On the fifth week, the winners of these qualifying matches will compete in an eight-man, over the top, showdown to determine Christian’s opponent at The Royal Rumble. The purpose of these matches is for former ECW superstars and current ECW superstars can clash.

ECW Contract Match: The Hurricane vs. The Ripper w/The Beautiful Nightmare. Two weeks ago on WWE Superstars, Paul Burchil, or The Ripper, interfered with Hurricane’s match against Zack Ryder. Tiffany issued this contract match to allow Burchill a shot at returning to ECW. The announcers stated that the Hurricane is the fearless protector of ECW, so naturally The Ripper is his arch nemesis. Yet, since returning, Hurricane has feuded with one guy –it’s annoying. For all that is good in this world, let him fight someone else, Batman has more than one foe. The last time Helms-Burchill fought was in a Mask vs. Career match, similar to Jericho-Mysterio’s Mask vs. Title match at The Bash. I mentioned last time that Hurricane resembled more like the villain than Burchill, and this match reinforces my allegations. Hurricane ripped Burchill’s mask off, and used the distraction to go for the pin. Not only was that a dastardly thing to do, but Chris Jericho used that same tactic against Mysterio to retain his title at Extreme Rules 2009. Paul Burchill not only lost the match, but he still remains without a contract. Afterwards, Gregory Helms tried to get a word in edge-wise on Burchill's reaction to losing to the Hurricane, in which he just screamed and walked away. And Helms walked away, the audience can see that he was still wearing the Hurricane costume underneath his sports coat.

ECW Homecoming Qualifying Match: Ezekiel Jackson vs. Vladimir Kozlov. Neither Kozlov nor Jackson are former ECW Champions, so why are they in a qualifying match? I don’t know why people were anticipating this match, because it was terrible. Thankfully, William Regal tripped Kozlov, allowing Jackson to execute the Ura-nage and advance to the finals the week before the Royal Rumble. Looks like Regal has abandoned Kozlov.

Abraham Washington Show: Guest, Maria. Here she comes again with legs that go on for miles, Maria is your Diva of the Year as voted by the fans. Maria is a bit more spunky and assertive, which is what she's been missing since starting in 2004. She cracked jokes at Abe's expense - as everyone does. Not much can be said about it, Maria didn't reveal any plans of becoming a better competitor or pursuit of the Women's Title.

Third Match: Trent Baretta and Caylen Croft vs. Julio Cruz and Jorge Arias. Trent and Caylen were playing the SmackDown vs. RAW 2010 video game, using the Create-a-Character to generate themselves into the video game to face off against DX. Trent and Caylen defeated the simulated DX and then fought Cruz and Arias in the ring. Baretta and Croft finished the match with an inverted atomic drop - looks like a stolen move from Team 3D. The two gamers announced that by next year they will receive a Slammy for Tag Team of the Year. Well, I beg to differ.

ECW Homecoming Qualifying Match: Zack Ryder w/Rosa Mendes vs. Kane. The Big Red Monster Kane knows what it is to be the ECW Champion; and his return to the Land of Extreme is shades of 2007 when ECW's ratings were borderline. Well guess what, the ratings are flat lining again, and here comes Kane to the rescue. It's amazing how on SmackDown, Kane is just another superstar, but on ECW... on ECW he's a real big deal. Zack Ryder had a title match a few months ago, but came up short; and he would like nothing more than to become the ECW Champion with Rosa Mendes by his side. Unfortunately, Ryder didn't win, but fell to Kane's chokeslam.

ECW Homecoming Qualified: Ezekiel Jackson and Kane.

Next Week's Guest of Honor: Jack Swagger to take on Yoshi Tatsu.

Other ECW News: Savannah is currently acting as in-ring announcer.

Batista Sends a Message; Mickie James and Drew McIntyre in line for Gold; Maria Returns!

First Match: CM Punk w/Luke Gallows vs. R-Truth. CM Punk has been fighting a crusade, trying to turn people away from the abuses of drugs and alcohol; and during that time he has acquired a disciple, Luke Gallows. Punk started his heel turn with preaching, now he has a follower. How soon until he forms an army of Straight-Edge superstars? And how long until he faces off against the Born-Again, or Straight-Edge?, Shawn Michaels? I would love to see that encounter, possibly a WrestleMania main event? R-Truth suffered the same fate as did Matt Hardy by the hands of Luke Gallows, who delivers the Inverted full nelson spinebuster. Truth may have won the match, but Straight-Edge is winning the war.

Second Match: Kane vs. Mike Knox. The bearded giant has vast knowledge in biology and the human anatomy, which he claims he can use that to inflict unimaginable pain on his opponents. There is something wrong with that statement, Mike Knox inflicts imaginary pain on his opponents, seeing as he has virtually lost every match. I'm usually not a fan of two monsters fighting in the ring, but they were fast paced so it was worth the watch. Despite a valiant effort by Knox, Kane finished him off with a chokeslam.

#1 Contender's Divas Triple Threat Match: Mickie James vs. Natalya vs. Beth Phoenix. A dream match for me because these are the three best wrestlers that the WWE has to offer! I liked how the other two got rid of Mickie early in the match, in order to devote some time between Natalya and Beth Phoenix.The two tested each other's strengths by shoving the other, only to find that they were evenly matched as they collided to the other's clothesline. Natalya attempted to win the match by applying the move that she used to beat Mickie James a few weeks ago, The Sharp Shooter! However, Natalya was pulled away and suffered the impact of the Glam Slam. Normally, Beth Phoenix would pick up the victory, but Mickie dropped kicked her out of the ring to steal the pin-fall victory. Mickie James is now the #1 contender for Michelle McCool's Women's Title. Mickie spoke adamantly about, not only becoming the Women's Champion again but, shutting McCool up once and for all. She ended her rant by knocking McCool over her seat and delivering a forearm to Layla. The numbers game caught up to Mickie, until an old friend came to the rescue. Here She Comes Again, Maria evens the score and both chase away McCool and Layla shouting, "That's right, I'm Back!"

Fourth Match: John Morrison vs. Drew McIntyre. Drew McIntyre was not only personally signed by Mr. McMahon and considered a future champion, but he was on the surviving team that did away with captain John Morrison at the Survivor Series. John Morrison told Teddy Long that he would take either Sheamus, Miz, or Drew on at anytime one on one, and that's exactly what Morrison got. McIntyre told Morrison that the title must be going to his head because who would want to face him, knowing the pain he ensues. The battle between these two was fierce, but with the assistance of the metal support railing underneath the ring, Morrison was primed for the Kobashi DDT. As a result, Drew McIntyre becomes the #1 contender for the Intercontinental Championship. Will McMahon's vision of McIntyre becoming a champion come true? Or will John Morrison leave TLC, still the Intercontinental Champion?

At TLC: (C) John Morrison vs. Drew McIntyre (Intercontinental Championship Match)

Handicap Match: The Hart Dynasty vs. Eric Escobar. After being embarrassed last week, Vickie Guerrero demanded an apology from her ex-boyfriend. Eric Escobar made his face turn as he apologized for ever having to be with her, and seeing her in her unmentionables. As punishment, Escobar had to face the Hart Dynasty in a handicap match. People actually got behind Escobar, not so much of his wrestling, but because we all hate Vickie. The Puerto Rican wrestler fell to the Hart Attack and then restrained so Vickie could deliver the finishing slap to the face. The Hart Dynasty escorted Guerrero out of the arena, but let's hope it was courtesy and not a plea for a new manager.

Main Event: Jeri-Show vs. Cryme Tyme. Chris Jericho, in an interview, was asked of the dangerous weapons used in a TLC match. Jericho scoffed at Matthew's lack of understanding the true significance of a steel chair, or a 20ft ladder, or the shattered splintered effects from a wooden table; but most importantly, that he has the greatest weapon in his arensal, The Big Show. In their match with Cryme Tyme, Jericho and JTG started things off. Yet, as soon as both Show and Shad were tagged in, Show KO'ed Shad in under 3 seconds. DX beware because Jericho has the World's Largest Athlete.

Undertaker Calls out Batista. Last week, after being declared the #1 contender, Batista interrupted Taker's match in order to deliever a steely message. This week, Undertaker wanted a heart to heart with the Animal and possibly talk about messing with the wrong man. That never took place as Batista assualted the World's Heavyweight Champion, during Taker's iconic entrance, with a stel chair. Batista stood above Taker, shirtless, holding the steel chair and the World Title - the two things that symbolize this match, but will Batista be the one left standing, or will The Deadman walk out still the World Heavyweight Champion?

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!

Dolph Ziggler Framed; McCool's Gossip Girl

For weeks, Melina has been cautioning Maria about Ziggler, but Maria says she can take care of herself and to butt out. Well, in a backstage segment, Dolph Ziggler is looking for Maria and finds McCool instead.

Dolph Ziggler may be a heel in the ring, but he does have a soft spot for Maria. - Not what you expected from a heel?

McCool trying to spin her web of decent - asks Dolph why he's wasting his time with a girl like Maria when he can be with a Woman like her? Ziggler not wanting anything to do with her continues to ask if she's seen Maria.

What he got was a set up, as McCool tripped into Ziggler's arms and Layla snatched a photo of the "deception."

Dolph Ziggler has not had an easy Friday, first he is framed, which will probably blow out of proportion next week; and he got called Mr. Ziggles and forced to leave the arena.

Maria is the one salvation point that he has, and if McCool brings that photo to Maria - it'll destroy everything Ziggler has.

For the Women's match of the night, it's Melina vs. Layla. Really? This should be a quick match, right?

Well, interestingly enough, Layla has indeed improved in the ring; however, she's still a long ways to reaching Melina's status.

Even though Melina is the better wrestler, Layla still manages to pick up the win, thanks to the assist of McCool's crutch to the midsection.

Michelle McCool with her sidekick Layla, are pretty much out to destroy the lives of the other divas - Maria and Melina. So... high school.

The Push and Drop of Dolph Ziggler; Is Maria Heel?

This past Friday night, the last thing on Dolf Ziggler’s mind was to greet – Hi, I’m Dolph Ziggler.

Before Night of Champions, Ziggler walked out into the ring, with the lovely Maria, and stated plain and simple that after his match with Mysterio, he would be known as – Dolph Ziggler, Intercontinental Champion.

However, after suffering a loss to the 619, Ziggler’s promise went unfulfilled.

And as seen on Smackdown, Dolph Ziggler had a look of rage and disappointment.

Even his entrance changed: he didn’t run his fingers through his hair, or remove his vest with that brash cocky smile of his.

It’s possible that WWE has decided to pull back on Ziggler’s push.

This is a shame since Dolph had all the momentum going into the match; not to mention that Jericho and Edge passed him the torch.

And just to add more heat to the fire, Ziggler lost in tag team action – pinned by Rey Mysterio.

Many are wondering whether Maria has turned heel since she has become Ziggler’s official arm candy, but I assure you that she hasn’t, at least not yet.

Reportedly, at a house show, Maria teamed up with Eve Torres to take on Natalya and Layla – and won. Now does that sound like a heel to you?

Maria just has an attraction to bad boys – remember Santino Marella?

The creative team actually wanted to spin a storyline where Ziggler threatens Maria with a sex tape – never being seen by the fans, but her family and friends.

Thankfully, they were told to drop the idea.

Ziggler needs to pick up a few pointers from CM Punk: scout out your opponent, viciously attack, and send Mysterio home on a stretcher.

A mark of a great heel is not black mailing divas, but causing as much physical pain and psychological damage as possible.

With that said, Goodluck to Dolph Ziggler on his pursuit for the Intercontinental Championship.

WWE: Maria the American Girl