CM Punk Trumphs Hardy in TLC; The Undertaker Returns and Finds New Opponent

The final match was for the World Heavyweight Championship in a Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match!

CM Punk, winner of two consecutive MitB matches has always won his World Heavyweight titles through seizing opportunities – but tonight was a chance to prove that he could win it fare and square.

Jeff Hardy entered the arena with Black and White Face Paint – a sign that Hardy signed up for this war and was ready to tap into his dark enigmatic nature and bring hell to Punk.

CM Punk has been beating up Jeff Hardy for weeks, and continued to do so even in this match as he destroyed Jeff with a superplex off the top rope unto a ladder.

Jeff Hardy proving a master of these type of matches – flung Punk out of the ring and unto a table.

Jeff would continue his work by laying out Punk on the ECW announce table – smashing him with a steel chair, and then setting up a 20ft ladder in close proximity.

Now… Jeff Hardy hasn’t attempted this since Wrestlemania 17 where he crashed into Bubba Ray Dudley on a table.

Jeff Hardy stood atop of that 20ft Ladder and pretty much escalated his send off to his possibly departure from the WWE with one final stunt.

Jeff Hardy looked down at an unconscious Punk and dove off in a 20ft Swanton Bomb.

Hardy landed on Punk and both crashed through the ECW announce table.

Both men weren’t moving, but as the paramedics started to put Jeff in a neck brace – Punk made his way into the ring.

Jeff, some how, willed his way into the ring and the two shared blows at the top of the ladder, inches away from Championship Glory.

But it was Punk who was the better man and knocked Jeff off the ladder.

CM Punk is the new World Heavyweight Champion and as he stood over Jeff gloating – The lights began to flicker on and off.

Until the arena went into complete darkness…

When the lights came back on, Jeff Hardy had disappeared and in his place was The Undertaker!
Taker grabbed Punk’s neck and chokeslammed the hell out of him.

Seeing as Jeff is sent to leave the WWE – The Undertaker will start a feud with CM Punk.


This night marks the return of both Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker – the two have been gone since Wrestlemania 25 and have returned at SummerSlam.

The Viper Strikes and Retains thanks to WWE "Fan"

The second to last match of the night was for the WWE Championship.

The last time John Cena was the WWE Champion was in October of 2007, where he held it for an astounding 380 days.

He never lost the title, but he was relinquished of it, due to an injury suffered by Randy Orton. Orton was later awarded the Title at No Mercy 2007, where he would lose it to Triple H and then win it again in a Last Man Standing the same night.

Tonight was Cena’s chance to become the WWE Champion so that he could once again enter RAW and shout at the top of his lungs – “THE CHAMP IS HERE!!!!”

Well… the first match turned out to be a repeat of No Way Out 2008, were Orton shoved a referee and got himself disqualified.

However, by order of Vince McMahon the match was restarted. And if Orton intentionally disqualified himself again – the title would be given to Cena.

Well… Orton decided to grab his title and get himself counted out!

BUT! By order of Vince McMahon again… the match was restarted for a second time! If Orton gets counted out – the title would be given to Cena.

So Orton went for a quick roll-up and kept his feet on the ropes and won the match.

BUT!! Another referee came down and notified of Orton’s deliberately illegal win… so by order of Vince McMahon the match was started for a third time!

So as the two grappled in the ring… a crazed fan came out of nowhere and stopped the referee from his 3-count.

The match was paused until security came into the ring and removed the fan.

This distraction allowed Orton, in true viper style, to strike with the RKO and finally after 4-5 consecutive matches with John Cena – retained the WWE Championship.

The crazed “fan” was revealed on on-line sources to be Bret DiBiase – brother of Ted DiBiase and son of the Million Dollar Man. Bret is currently wrestling at FCW.

So for those wondering if the fan was worked? Well, it was. WWE security is one of the best trained in the world – the last time it happened was a match on RAW between John Cena and Jeff Hardy, but security got the fan before touching the ring apron.

DX Wins the War; Christian Retains ECW Title in 8-Seconds

Then we were asked the question… Are we Ready? Well… I don’t know if I’m ready. It seems all of a sudden doesn’t it? To ask such a question is insane, ludicrous!

Well…. I WAS READY!

DX had the most spectacular entrance – matching those of Wrestlemania. DX had tanks that entered the arena, with soldiers rushing out shooting fire works out of cannons… Then DX came in sporting the new D-Generation X t-shirts (Available at WWEShop.com) on a tank! Pretty much going with the theme on the shirts, plus this battle with Legacy would not be a regular match – it would be a WAR!

Along with the crisis mode happening on RAW, Shawn Michaels and Triple H did everything in their power to put over Legacy as the newest most dominating duo. Congrats DX, you did – it was a full out brawl and a night of finishers. As CrossRhodes and Dream Street were executed, Triple H saved the day with the Pedigree – but Rhodes and DiBiase would not lie down for the 3-count.

No… they needed to hear the sound of some Sweet Chin Music to end the match. This was Michaels first match since Wrestlemania 25, except this time it was Shawn Michaels who picked up the win.

The following was the ECW Championship Squash… I mean the Championship Match! Turns out because DX spent so much time with their entrance, WWE were short on time and needed to cut some corners… namely the ECW match that never gets any respect.

As Regal entered the arena with his two new enforcers (Jackson and Kozlov), he seemed primed for Championship glory. However, the bell rang before Regal could take off his robe, giving Christian enough time to execute the Killswitch to end the match in a record breaking 8 seconds. The initial record was 9 seconds at Wrestlemania 24, where Kane became the ECW Champion against Chavo Guerrero.

However, retaining the title in such a short time frame – enraged the Distinguished Gentleman to order Kozlov and Jackson to destroy Christian before applying the Regal Stretch.

Christian may have retained the title, but he lost the fight.

MVP Slams Swagger; Jeri-Show Stops Cryme Tyme; The Big Red Machine Triumphs

The next match was “The All American-American” Jack Swagger vs. “Montel Vontavious Porter” MVP.

Prior to the match, the two competitors were interviewed by ECW commentator, Josh Matthews. When asked how each would fare in the match-up, Swagger responded that he was better and at least does not have a criminal record; MVP retorted that after tonight, he would take him back to school.

MVP may have been the longest reigning United States Champion back on Smackdown, but Jack Swagger became the ECW Champion after four months with the WWE.

However, it was street smarts that gave MVP the win over Swagger as he executed with the Play Maker.

These two superstars are the future of RAW and seeing as WWE is in crisis mode because of the lack of depth in their RAW main event matches – look no further because Jack Swagger and MVP are ready to become the new faces of RAW.

Ever since winning the #1 contendership match against The Hart Dynasty – Cryme Tyme has been on a role. Especially since JTG pinned Chris Jericho in one-on-one match-up! However, their luck started to change when JTG tapped out to Big Show in their one-on-one – But let’s face it, the Big Show is a Colossal Giant that cannot be taken down by either JTG or Shad Gaspard.

Cryme Tyme were even on the side of the losing team in the six-man tag team match on the last Smackdown prior to SummerSlam.

This match marked their second tag team title match – the first being against Priceless for the World Tag Team Titles, and it ended the same way.

Cryme Tyme actually impressed a lot of people by being able to stand toe to toe with the JeriShow combination – but Jericho and Show are more experienced in a WWE ring than the Word-Up crew.

Some may call what they did cheating – I call it team work. With Big Show knocking out Gaspard and JTG submitting to The Walls of Jericho, it was all over.

Congrats on Jericho and Big Show on retaining their titles because together they are the best in the world at what they do.

Next was the battle of the giants – no, not the football team, but two real giants.

Kane entered the ring in the glow of the red lights, while Khali entered with his brother Runjin Singh.

The match up was actually quite dull, a repeat of the snooze-fest that was their match up in Wrestlemania 23.

Kane prevailed after catching Khali off guard when he held Singh hostage.

Singh proved to be a distraction and a liability that caused Khali to lose the match. Kane went for a low drop kick and a destructive DDT.

Hopefully this feud can just end, unless Khali intends on learning actual wrestling moves – please WWE spare us.

Beth Phoenix Dominates 15-Diva Battle Royal; Rey Mysterio leaves SummerSlam Hometown Hero

SummerSlam proved to be a memorable night and saw the return of two sure-fire Hall of Famers.

Now, WWE usually pumps up the audience with a dark match – a.k.a. a bonus, untelevised match not featured on the card.

The WWE were conflicted with two options – either has The Miz fight Kofi Kingston or have a 15-Diva Battle Royal.

Seeing as Kofi was slated to participate in the WWE Universe Live Chat hosted by Corey Clayton – The Divas had the chance to show the Staples Center what they were made of.

The Royal was not for any prize or recognition – just a showcase of strength.

There were no friends in this Royal as former friends grappled and forced one another out of the ring. But Beth Phoenix proved to be the strongest as she clotheslined two Divas – but Natalya, daughter of Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart, also clotheslined two Divas, one of them being Beth Phoenix.

But in the end, it was Phoenix who prevailed – thanks to the help of special guest referee Chavo Guerrero.

Chavo seemed pretty pleased with his handiwork, until the Divas united to hold him down so that Hornswoggle could perform the Tadpole Splash.

Oh, Chavo… What is WWE doing to the Guerrero name?

The opening match was for the Intercontinental Championship. Dolph Ziggler entered the arena hoping to capture his first title, but dodging the 619 was not enough. Rey Mysterio entered his hometown clad in the Los Angeles colors, executed a top rope hurricanrana, and then finished it off with a second 619 that connected – giving Rey Mysterio the win and still the Intercontinental Champion.

Dolph Ziggler is no doubt meant for future glory in the WWE, but after failing to capture the gold twice, it’s best to let someone else strive for the gold for a while and continue to build up Ziggler with more wins.

Predictions: WWE Presents SummerSlam!

The Biggest Party of the Summer - This Summer's Wrestlemania!

ECW Championship Match

It was a major upset when Christian captured the gold in Tommy Dreamer's old stomping grounds of Philadelphia. However, Christian claims that he is ready to be the face of ECW. But with William Regal as the #1 Contender, he has two BIG reasons why he should be champion: Vladimir Kozlov and Ezekiel Jackson. After the devastation that Regal has caused to both Tommy Dreamer and Christian, will he walk out as Champion?

Article(s) to Read: William Regal's Extreme Alliance, The Rise of the Distinguished Gentleman, Christian Outmatches Dreamer in Extreme, Christian Leaves Birthplace as ECW Champion

Prediction: Christian Retains.

The Great Khali vs. Kane

Since coming back at The Bash, Kane has stopped at nothing to destroy Khali. The feud has been thinly spread for the past 2 months, as the battle between the two of them is hopefully to be a bigger clash than the one at Wrestlemania 23. With Kane holding all the momentum, after torturing Khali's brother and translator, Runjin Singh - will Kane win?

Article(s) to Read: Runjin Singh... Why so Serious?, Kane Returns

Prediction: The Great Khali wins.

Unified Tag Team Championship Match

Cryme Tyme's JTG has been on a role lately, pinning D.H. Smith to qualify for the title match and pinning one half of the Unified Tag Team Champions Chris Jericho. But JTG has suffered a crushing submission to Big Show's Colossal Clutch and was part of the losing team this past Friday's Six Man Tag Match: Cyme Tyme & Rey Mysterio vs. The Unified Tag Team Champions & Dolph Ziggler. But can Cryme Tyme pull a major upset and finally capture gold?

Article(s) to Read: WWE Should Develop II: Tag Team Edition, Shaq Clocks in on Monday Night RAW, Chris Jericho and Big Show New Unified Tag Team Champions

Prediction: Chris Jericho and Big Show retain.

MVP vs. Jack Swagger

These two have had different lives. MVP did some time when he was an adolescent and Jack Swagger was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. MVP may have been the longest reigning United States Champion on Smackdown, but Jack Swagger became the ECW Champion in four months of signing his WWE contract. These two have battled before and Swagger has walked away the victor. But MVP is not one to walk away from a challenge.

Article(s) to Read: The Animal Dave Batista in Charge of RAW

Prediction: MVP wins.

Intercontinental Championship Match

Dolph Ziggler is a rising star in the WWE, defeating many reputable opponents - even pinning his SummerSlam opponent this past Friday during the Six Man Tag Match. But Rey Mysterio has been politicking that he keeps his IC title, because he wants a longer title reign instead of the transitional World Heavyweight Paper Champion days.

Article(s) to Read: Dolph Ziggler becomes #1 Contender, Ziggler continues to be Heel, Ziggler scheduled to win, but Mysterio Retains

Prediction: Rey Mysterio retains.

WWE Championship Match

No one knows who really forced Orton to tap, but the following Monday Night on RAW, John Cena beat the clock and will enter Los Angeles as the #1 Contender for the WWE Championship. A title which he hasn't held since October of 2007 whence he held the title for an astounding 380 days. Now, business picks up as he faces the man that took him out of action, causing the title to be vacant at No Mercy 2007. Despite having the entire locker room attack John Cena during Piven's LumberJack Match - Cena proves unstoppable.

Article(s) to Read: Freddy Prince Jr. Hosts RAW, Jeremy Piven Hosts RAW, John Cena Becomes #1 Contender, Randy Orton Retains at Night of Champions

Prediction: John Cena will be the new WWE Champion.

D-Generation X vs. Legacy

There is a question on everyone's mind and that is.... ARE YOU READY? No, I don't think you heard me, I said ARE YOU READY!!!!!!!!!!!!! Well, I certainly am. But it's been a tiring effort for Triple H and Shawn Michaels to build up Legacy. It's crisis mode in the WWE, where RAW, being so busy with celebrity hosting, has failed to build up anyone. So it's up to DX to build up some people. Because if Smackdown can build up John Morrison, Dolph Ziggler, and Rey Mysterio can build up the IC Title; while over on ECW, they can build guys like Zack Ryder, Goldust, William Regal, Vladimir Kozlov, and Ezekiel Jackson - Are you kidding me! So this is why Legacy seems stronger than DX, but doing sneak attacks on the two. If Rated-RKO could not defeat DX, if The Greatest Tag Team of the 21st Century (John Morrison and The Miz) could not defeat DX, then what can Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase Jr. do?

Article(s) to Read: D-Generation X is Back! Are You Ready?, WWE Should Develop II

Prediction: D-Generation X

TLC for the World Heavyweight Title

GM Theodore Long stated that TLC is Jeff's specialty, why? Because the Hardys made the TLC match famous. Jeff Hardy has been in more ladder matches than anyone in the WWE. Jeff lives his life in the unforgivable steel of the ladders, the clashing of steel chairs, and the crushing splinters of tables. Yet, CM Punk has been in a few ladder matches of his own - namely the last three Money in the Bank ladder matches at Wrestlemania - where, in the last two years, he's won the MitB contract and cashed it in twice to become a 2-time World Heavyweight Champion. It's because of his last MitB contract that this feud started. It's a match up of two lifestyles but which one will prevail?

Article(s) to Read: Has Jeff Hardy Decided to stay with WWE?, Matt Hardy Makes Amends, TLC Match for SummerSlam Revealed, CM Punk Paints Baltimore Red with Hardy's Blood, Jeff Hardy: The Swanton Bomb that Defied the World

Prediction: Jeff Hardy retains.