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: 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.

WWE Superstars Results: 2/11/10

Those who can't do, teach. Those who can't teach, fall to a Gut-Wrench Powerbomb

This year's Royal Rumble was one of the most star studded Rumbles ever; and a large part is due to Santino's absence. Last year, Santino Marella was not only in the Rumble, but broke The Warlord's record of the shortest time in a Royal Rumble Match. Jack Swagger, who took out Santino Marella for embarrassing him in the All-American-American Challenges, should not be disdained, but he should be praised for helping make the Rumble what it was.

Santino believed he could get the upper hand on Swagger with his new move The Cobra. Sadly, he is relying on a move that he has never successfully used, so when you go up against a pure athlete such as Jack Swagger, the result will be a Gut-Wrench Powerbomb.

Christian Regains Momentum

The ECW Champion has a lot of things on his mind. First off, this upcoming Tuesday is the final ECW. He will have to defend the title one last time against Ezekiel Jackson in an Extreme Rules Match. And he has to consider which brand to transfer to.

His sights are possibly on RAW, as Christian challenged Sheamus in a one-on-one match. The WWE Champion toppled over Christian, but safe bets are that the Peep Show will make a new home on RAW.

Zack Ryder, possibly one of the most interesting wrestlers in the WWE, will also have to decide where he will go. Seeing as RAW puts entertainment before wrestling, Zack Ryder would be right at home on the A-Brand.

This was possibly the fourth-fifth-sixth encounter between these two... And guess what? The outcome remains the same. Despite striking with the Rough Ryder, Christian powered out and eventually struck with the Killswitch.

Unbelievable Main-Event

WWE Superstars should really learn to categorize what should be labeled a main event card. The reason that ratings are as low as they are is because they feel that Dolph Ziggler versus JTG is a main event.

Dolph Ziggler, who hasn't advanced from his feuds with John Morrison or Kane, cannot expect to advance his career by fighting JTG.

As for JTG, WWE obviously favors him over Shad Gaspard. JTG has been entered into the Royal Rumble the past three years, while Shad has been on the sidelines.

The main event spot should have been reserved for ECW seeing as the champion was in action, and it was the final ECW match on WWE Superstars. But as far as this match was concerned, both seemed evenly match, and it was by a hair that Ziggler was able to walk away with a victory.

RAW Results: 1/25/10

The Time for Glow Sticks is Over

We have all heard the question, "Are you ready?" Shawn Michaels wasn't, because he wanted to talk about Triple-H's disregard of his pursuit on ending the Undertaker's streak. Triple-H harshly, but truthfully, states that he will not let anyone get in his way from winning the Rumble and main-eventing at WrestleMania; and for anyone that does not care about striving for the richest prize at WrestleMania, should not even be in the WWE.

Old Foes, New Enemies

D-X fought in the opening match against Legacy, which is a change of pace from their countless weeks staring in the main-event. Legacy, who has had a lot of tension against their leader Randy Orton, has been showing improvement in the ring. Their maturation is partially due to their feud with D-X over the summer, and in part to their willingness to surpass their fathers' legacy. But, in speaking of tension in Legacy, their is also tension between Rhodes and DiBiase Jr., as the two argue who will finally reach for the brass ring, and for the failed attempt to defeat John Cena and Kofi Kingston last week.

As for D-X, while Triple-H set up for the pedigree, Shawn Michaels tagged himself in. This did not bold well for Triple-H as the two stared each other down, provoking an ambush from Legacy. However, they managed to get their head back in the game with HBK striking Ted with Sweet Chin, and Triple-H with a forearm to Cody. Michaels picked up the win and the two held their Unified Tag Team Belts high in triumph. The title were not on the line, but this week on SmackDown, D-Generation-X will defend their titles against the #1 contenders C.M. Punk and Luke Gallows.

M.V.P. Ready for Miz, Really!

Montel Vontavious Porter voiced that Miz can hide behind his "friend" The Big Show, but he cannot run forever from defending the United States Title. The Miz, meanwhile, cannot grasp the concept of why people like MVP, seeing as he was a convicted felon. Miz was a celebrity of reality television, and knows numerous celebrities. MVP responded, "It's because you're a jackass."

MVP's match was not against Miz, but against The Big Show. The pairing of this match was intriguing, seeing as MVP fought Big Show last year in a Last Man Standing Match, with Triple-H's Royal Rumble entry status at stake. This year, however, Big Show made short work of MVP with a devastating chokeslam.

Maryse Gets by on Looks Alone

Maryse, the self-proclaimed Sexiest of the Sexy, proved in the semi-final of the Divas' Tournament that the women on RAW get by on a pretty face, and nothing more. Eve Torres, on the other hand, has actually been trying to become a wrestler, but her inexperience comes at the expense of the wrestling fans. Eve carried the entire match, executing every offensive maneuver, and you would think that she would have advanced? Sadly, after a missed moonsault off the top turnbuckle, Maryse connected with the French Kiss-DDT to move on to the finals.

McMahon Has Brains, but no Courage or Hart

Mr. McMahon came out and asked the people if they wanted to see Bret Hart back in the WWE, in which he gleefully responded that he would never again be seen in the WWE. McMahon had referred to Bret Hart as a used piece of gum that's lost its flavor, and questioned the profitability of his return.

Last week, The Undertaker looked deep inside McMahon's soul and stated "You Screwed, Bret." Yes, Taker was present backstage for when the infamous Montreal Screwjob took place. And in a non-kayfabe sense, The Undertaker is usually knowledgeable of the happenings within the WWE, but this was purely between a select few. So when the incident occurred and made its way backstage, Taker asked Michaels, "Did you know about this?" The Undertaker is as intimidating and respected in real life as he is in the ring, in which Michaels responded that he was aware.

Triple-H advised McMahon that if he did not bring Bret Hart back to the WWE, he would be labeled a coward, and that Bret would be seen as a hero. If McMahon would have just set aside his ego for one night and made nice with Bret, the situation would have ended.

John Cena came out and delivered a phenomenal promo. A few months ago, when Roddy Piper guest hosted RAW, McMahon treated him with the utmost disrespect; and on January 4th, McMahon kicked Bret in the guts. So is this what happens to the great men and women who have dripped their blood, sweat, and tears into this business? A pat on the back, and a get the hell out of my sight? So are all the wrestlers people or commodities to line up McMahon's wallet and fill his ego? Cena goaded McMahon into bringing Bret Hart back, after issuing a warning for the the year 2035, when McMahon is 90 years-old, and John Cena has lost his flavor, would find McMahon and pick him from his wheel chair and shove his false dentures down his throat.
Bret Hart deserves a chance to confront McMahon face to face, and next week - Bret Hart will get that chance.

Mid-Carders on Becoming Superstars

The following match, issued by guest host Dulé Hill, was a display of the two up-and-coming superstars of the WWE - The Miz and Kofi Kingston.

Kofi Kingston, one of the more impressive former United States Champions, did not get his big push until he started feuding with Randy Orton. Kingston's momentum sky rocketing after delivering a passionate promo, while defacing Orton's car; dropping the Boom Drop over an unconscious Orton sprawled on a table at MSG; and defeating two former World Champions within seconds of each other at the Survivor Series to become the sole survivor. However, in their last few encounters, Randy Orton has come out on top and the feud seems to have ended. So what's next for Kofi Kingston? A return back to the U.S. Title picture? WWE should think of something quick, before the momentum dissipates.

As for The Miz, he has evolved from his days on The Real World by becoming his own man. No longer needing the support of John Morrison, The Miz delivers his own promos, reinvented his wardrobe, got a new entrance theme, and carries around his first singles title. Miz is clearly elevating himself as a major superstar in the WWE, while remaining in the appropriate setting of the mid-card title to do so.

Then comes MVP, when he first arrived on RAW, he shocked the world by challenging then-WWE Champion Randy Orton. The intensity and passion that MVP brought on that first night brought hope to the mid-card division, but after the first few weeks, that intensity vanished. MVP wasted his time on The View with Sherrie Shepherd, and loosing two U.S. Title matches against The Miz, with little-to-no build up on either match. This time around, MVP and Miz are building up on a steady paced background to base their feud on. MVP is starting to ignite the passion he once had when he became the United States Champion in 2007; and after The Miz was pinned by Kofi Kingston, it was apparent that Miz is fully aware of the threat that MVP poses to the United States Title.

Jack Swagger to feud with Santino Marella?

The past two weeks, Santino Marella has thwarted Jack Swagger's momentum going into the Royal Rumble; but this week, before challenging Carlito to a match, Jack Swagger attacked and destroyed Santino Marella. Not only did Swagger toss Santino over the top rope, but he DDT'ed Marella into the turnbuckle.

Is Santino Marella going to be pushed into a serious competitor, or is Swagger being downgraded to meaningless comedy? As for that DDT, Swagger is intent on making a name for himself come this Sunday.

Dulé Hill is no Psychic

The match between Alicia Fox and Gail Kim was so predictable that even a fake psychic could detect. Sadly, James Roday, who plays the fake psychic on PSYCH, was unable to co-host RAW, so Dulé, mostly due to hormones, predicted Alicia Fox as the winner. Fox lost the match to Gail Kim, and then reacted by slapping the holy hell out of Dulé.

The Divas' Title will be decided in the final match of the Divas' Tournament - Maryse versus Gail Kim. The date of that match is still TBA, but most likely on next week's RAW.

Let's Get Ready to Humble!

There are consequences for calling McMahon pathetic, even for guys like John Cena. Cena was placed in a non-title match against the man who defeated him for the WWE Title last month, Sheamus.

John Cena, despite his happy-go-lucky promos, compensates for his limited wrestling ability by raising his intensity in the ring to dangerous levels; that intensity has been matched, and possibly surpassed, by Sheamus.

Many may argue that Sheamus became the WWE Champion too early in his career, but no other superstar has been so dominate than the Celtic Warrior. WWE felt it imperative to remove Sheamus from ECW, where his talents would be underscored, and move him to the A-Show where he would hopefully help the business sky rocket to the top.

Sheamus may be stronger than Cena, as he managed to lay Cena out of the ring twice, almost winning by count-out, by Randy Orton cost Sheamus the match with an RKO. This was in response to the Boot to the Face that Sheamus delivered at the end of Orton's match last week.

And when Cena managed to pull himself to the ropes, Orton almost got him in a hanging DDT from the ropes, but Cena managed to get Orton in the Attitude Adjuster. Honestly, how was Cena able to find the strength to attack Orton with the Fireman's Carry? This is where the character of John Cena starts to lose it's flavor.

Dulé Hill's Celebrity Impact!

Initially advertised to be hosted by James Roday and Dulé Hill was only hosted by Dulé after James underwent an appendectomy over the weekend. It was obvious that WWE had no back up plan for Dulé Hill, as he went around causing trouble for himself - mainly from the WWE Divas. Contrary to Carlito's sentiments, Dulé Hill was not the greatest host of all time, he had no viable impact on the show.

But don't forget to check out the new season of PSYCH this Wednesday Night at 10 p.m. on USA Network, guest starring John Cena.

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?

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!!

WWE Superstars Results: Swaggin' Streak; Finlay Fails to Crack the Code

RAW Match: Santino Marella vs. Chavo Guerrero. The battle of the jobbers, to see who is the biggest jobber! Santino has become a real crowd favorite; before he was a bonafide heel, but with the RAW celebrity guest hosts, he has warmed up to the WWE Universe. King made a great point, Chavo is a great wrestler but his feud with Hornswoggle has ruined him. But what I've heard, Chavo is content with his position in the WWE, seeing as he is on RAW, being used every week, and gets to interact with all the guest hosts... Plus, Chavo is not in any high risk matches, so the Mexican Warrior has it made in the WWE. Santino Marella picked up with win with a small package roll up.

RAW Match 2: Jack Swagger vs. Primo Colon. This is a rematch from last week's WWE Superstars, pitting Swagger against Primo yet again. And it ended the same way, Primo attempts a Hurricanrana, which gets countered into the Gut-Wrench Powerbomb. Swagger is going 4-0 and living up to his promise to remain undefeated in singles competition. The first two were on RAW against Evan Bourne and MVP, and the last two against Primo on WWE Superstars. Maybe a WWE Title match in his future?

ECW Match: Paul Burchill vs. Tyler Reks. The match was boring as sin; honestly, why is ECW presenting this to the WWE Universe? I don't think that it's sending a positive message to the WGN America audience that ECW is the show to watch. Despite being a part of the June 30th ECW Superstar Initiative, Tyler Reks has scarcely been seen on ECW and there is a reason, he's boring. Reks hails from Laguna Beach, California with generic Surfer music and his wrestling style is plain. Burchill, on the other hand, is stuck in a feud with The Hurricane, which will come to an end this Tuesday on ECW, and has a really bad finisher: The Dangerous Buster, which is a mere Vertical Suplex pin combo. Burchill wins with said-so finisher.

SmackDown Match: Chris Jericho vs. Finlay. From Bragging Rights to Bragging Brawl, these two put up a decent main event match. What I appreciated from the match, was Striker and Grisham's recognition of Finlay's other accomplishments outside the WWE. And why? First off, because Finlay only has a meager U.S. Title run back in 2006; and, since his other title reigns were in England, this sets up for where RAW, ECW, and SmackDown will take place this upcoming week. Chris Jericho, of course, is the complete package, multi-time World Champion, first Undisputed World Champion, only 9-time Intercontinental Champion, and currently one-half of the Unified Tag Team Champions. He is literally one of the best, which is why I feel, if Edge doesn't come through for WrestleMania, Jericho should go at it for Taker's Streak. Chris Jericho won the match with the Codebreaker.

Cedric Entertains; Lilian Garcia Says Goodbye to WWE

The preshow opening segment was rather bazaar – with The Bellas coming out of the limo followed by the guest of Monday Night RAW, Cedric the Entertainer. Then the limo looked more like a clown car as a referee, football players, a rabbi circumcising a baby, a farmer with a goat, and an old lady came out of the limo. What was that about?

Cedric made his presence felt as he cracked some jokes on, aside from Legacy, wrestlers who are possible second generation superstars. The offspring of Andre the Giant and King Kong Bundy bore The Big Show; The Kool Aid Pitcher bore Mark Henry; and a jackass bore The Miz.

But the joke was on Cedric as Chavo Guerrero challenged him to a match and Santino Marella accepted on his behalf. Cedric is not a wrestler, but if Chavo is losing to Hornswoggle, maybe Cedric has a chance. Chavo’s challenge is in response to his unhappiness with how all the guest host keep putting him in matches against Hornswoggle with the stipulations always stacked against him.

Cedric also issued a six-man tag match between John Cena, MVP, and Mark Henry against Randy Orton, Chris Jericho, and The Big Show. The match wasn’t really unique because just last week we had a six-person tag match with Trish Stratus and Beth Phoenix fighting alongside the rival tag teams. However, Cedric – with the persuasion of Jericho and Show, of course – enforced that if the team of Orton loses, then Orton will face in a gauntlet match, next week, against John Cena, MVP, and Mark Henry. But if the team of Cena loses, then Cena will then face in a gauntlet match against Orton, Jericho, and Big Show.

The Cedric-Chavo match was a bit frustrating and entertaining at the same time. Cedric, being accompanied by the Bellas, entered the ring in white tights, red cape and underwear, with a top hat. And if that were not enough to get into the wrestling spirit, he dawned on a luchadore mask. Chavo could not stop laughing at Cedric’s get up, but the joke was on him when Cedric fled under the ring and a tougher Cedric wrestler came out to fight. King shouted, Cedric must have worked out under that ring. But in all honesty it was Ezekiel Jackson in the get up, and after a tadpole splash from little Cedric (Hornswoggle) – the real Cedric ran into the ring for the cover, counted by Santino Marella, the guest referee.

Towards the end of the program, Jerry “The King” Lawler announced that tonight’s RAW would be Lilian Garcia’s final night with the WWE. It was a bit anti-climatic, because all she gave was a farewell speech and that was it. I was hoping that after 10 years with the company, she would at least have all the Divas come out and chant, Thank You Lilian – similar to what they did for Ric Flair. Jim Ross wrote on his blog of what Lilian Garcia plans to due with her life now and how vital she was to the WWE: Lilian told me that she was going to be forming a band and I can see her staying busy with, potentially, a multitude of music oriented projects plus she's getting married next month, as I understand it. Lilian has traveled thousands of miles for WWE and was a fixture on the "Tribute to the Troops" broadcasts over the years. I wish her the very best and she has been preparing for this exit from Monday night for quite some time. WWE does not have a permanent plan for Lilian’s replacement, but word has it that Howard Finkel will resume the post until a more permanent replacement comes along. Seeing as ECW once had Courtney Taylor as the backstage interviewer and then was replaced by Savannah for the past two weeks… it’s possible that Taylor may be considered for the role as ring announcer.

Lilian Garcia will be missed. Who’ll sing the National Anthem now?

Bob Barker COME ON DOWN!!!; MVP and Mark Henry Gain Momentum

The Legendary game show host of "The Price is Right," entertained the WWE Universe in a special night of RAW entitled: "The Price is RAW!"

The voice of Price is RAW was none other than WWE Hall of Famer, Howard "The Fink" Finkle. For those who are too young to know, Howard Finkle was the main ring announcer for WWF/E for it's first 30 years.

Bob Barker started the show in true game show fashion by having Fink call out the contestants to guess the price.

The contestants were: Santino Marella, Jillian Hall, Irwin R. Schyster (I.R.S.), and Chris!

Jericho was not at all pleased at being called Chris, "I am Mr. Jericho to you!"

The prize called into question was the Smackdown 10th Anniversary 3-Disc DVD Set available on Sept. 15th.

Mr. Jericho ended up winning the guess with $1 and had the chance to win an all-expense paid vaction to Hawaii - being displayed by the lovely Bellas in grass skirts - yes I know... great stuff.

All Jericho had to do was defeat his opponent and he could soak up the rays in sunny Hawaii.

Yet, that opponent was none other than Montel Vontavious Porter, MVP!

Last week, both MVP and Mark Henry had their respective matches with their opponents this Sunday, Chris Jericho and Big Show. MVP lost last week, and Mark Henry won via disqualification on the part of the Big Show.

This week the tables turned...

A match up between MVP and Chris Jericho is always fun to watch, because both are sound technical wrestlers and they have explosive personalities.

In addition, MVP is primed to become RAW's main eventer. Ever since he's face turn, the crowds have really been backing him up. I think the WWE should start plugging MVP in for the WWE Title hunt - you know, shake things up a bit. Isn't this why we have the draft every year?

MVP rolls up Jericho for the 3 count and gains momentum for this Sunday.

The following contest was to guess the prize of an All-Axxcess Gold Pass to WrestleMania XXVI, which Santino guessed the price.

Yet, Santino had the opportunity to win a hot tub - featuring the Bella twins in some nice red bikini's playing in the tub. Santino, you gotta love the guy, asked if they Bella twins came with the hot tub because he wanted to make Bella-Santino soup, ha!

All Santino had to do was win The Slam contest and he would be the proud owner of the tub. Well... easier said than down when your opponent is The Big Show.

Really? Big Show didn't even break a sweat, in one bodyslam - Show won.

But don't celebrate yet Show, because his next opponent for The Slam contest was his opponent for this Sunday - Mark Henry.

Last week, Big Show lost the match but it was Mark Henry who was laid out in the ring.

Now... A Slam Contest - I haven't heard of this concept since WrestleMania against Andre the Giant and Big John Stud for $15,000 in a bag.

Honestly, Santino was going to lose to Big Show - but Mark Henry can at least even it out and replicate the John Stud vs Andre match.

Proving that he is the Worlds Strongest Man, Mark Henry bodyslams the Big Show gaining momentum as well for this Sunday's Unified Tag Team Title bout.

It's easy to have all the momentum going into the match - so did Cryme Tyme - but when it comes down to it, this is not a singles match, it's the mark of how well you can communicate in the ring with one another. And unlike last time, Mayweather won't be their to pass a pair of brass knuckles.

So to MVP and Mark Henry, goodluck to your match this Sunday, you will need it.

Mickie James Chewed Out For Botched Match; The Miz and Evan Bourne Rise!

Turns out that WWE Management were none to happy with the botched Divas' Title Match last week's Monday Night RAW - but not for the same reasons Mickie James had.

Mickie James was chewed out by WWE for her unprofessionalism in the ring for not being able to sell the match - when she was unable to connect with the Mick DDT, the phantom Mick Kick, and the improvised forearm to end the match.

Mickie James had a sour look throughout the end of the match - basically breaking kayfabe in the ring with how the match ended.

Gail Kim was treated after the match and everything was okay - she just became dazed from the impact of her top rope cross-body.

I'm speculating that Mickie James is being punished for her unprofessionalism by jobbing her last Monday Night on RAW.

Mickie, along with Gail Kim and Kelly Kelly, participated in a 6-Divas Tag Team Match against Beth Phoenix, Rosa Mendes, and Alicia Fox.

The women were clad in boxing attire in respect to the night's guest host - Floyd "Money" Mayweather.

All the women wore shorts, except for James who wore a mini-mini skirt. You can tell it made her uncomfortable since she kept readjusting it every 5-seconds. At one point she gave the WWE Universe a peep show of her underwear.

Mickie James is not one to approve of such attire because she wants to be proven for her wrestling ability not how sexy she can look in a bikini.

But the biggest upset was having Alicia Fox kick and pin Mickie James. Alicia Fox is a newbie, a lackey at best, and to have her pin the Divas Champion is a major upset.

It would have been believable if Beth Phoenix, a 2-time Women's Champion, pinned Mickie - but it was Alicia Fox, sporting the red/white/blue Apollo Creed trunks.

Much like when Triple H broke kayfabe in, what has been dubbed as, "The Kliq" incident - Mickie James was jobbed for her breaking kayfabe.

In other RAW news, The Miz battled Santino Marella in one-on-one action. Santino actually seemed to have a chance against The Miz by countering maneuvers and creating some offence.

However, it was The Miz that triumphed with The Skull Crushing Finale.

Initially, the dark match for SummerSlam was going to be The Miz vs. Kofi Kingston - but WWE went ahead with the 15-Diva Battle Royal instead. Good thing too, seeing as this is the first time that WWE has actually set up some sort of credibility for the United States title. It would be a shame if they destroyed it by setting up an impromptu match for a title with no build-up.

The Miz got on the mic again and stated that he will take Kofi Kingston's United States Title - because "I'M THE MIZ! AND I'M AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!"

Chavo Guerrero and Hornswoggle had another match up - you know, the match where Hornswoggle wins because it's set up that way.

Poor Chavo Guerrero - the name means Warrior - but he's a jobber to Hornswoggle.

Chavo once again lost the match, but instead of retreating in embarrassment - He took his frustration and started wailing on Hornswoggle.

And to the rescue was Evan "Air" Bourne, with a kick to the mid-section and the impressive Shooting Star Press!

Chavo Guerrero may have upgraded to a feud with Bourne - let's hope so, because WWE has no clue what to do with either of them.

Freddy Prince Jr. IS just like Seth Green and Jeremy Piven

Freddy Prince Jr. entered the St. Louis Arena to what promised to be a memorable RAW.

Unlike the previous celebrity hosts, Freddy is in fact a huge WWE fan and to Host Monday Night RAW is a dream come true for any die hard fan.

Yet, Prince knows the importance of and made sure to bring SummerSlam a little early to the WWE Universe by issuing not one - but TWO title matches.

Kofi Kingston would defend his United States Title against Carlito, and Mickie James would defend the Divas Championship against Gail Kim.

Before issuing another main event - most likely involving the return of D-Generation X - we all got some laughs from Santino Marella.

The eerie music played and Marella entered the arena in the Killer Fisherman from I Know What You Did Last Summer - trying to get his big break in the acting biz.

But maybe a horror film would not be Santino's thing - maybe a Romantic Comedy. But with baggy clothes, goofy hair, and bottle coke glasses how will he ever land the girl he loves - With a make over from Freddy Prince in "HE's All That."

But maybe if the horror and the romantic comedy doesn't pan out - then there's always a spot on CTU - fighting alongside Freddy Prince and Kiefer Sutherland in the hit series 24.

If anyone were to have a bomb, it'd be Lilian Garcia - or she may just be ticking because she's hot.

Yet, all funny things must come to an end as WWE's own Viper, Randy Orton - enters into his hometown of St. Louis, Missouri as the WWE Champion.

Orton refusing to compete in the main event that Sgt. Slaughter initiated last week - left Freddy fuming.

Prince talked a big game how he's not Seth Green or Jeremy Piven and will not be bullied by the likes of anyone - especially Randy Orton.

Well... those tough words cost him his lively hood - as Orton attacked Freddy with the Inverted Headlock Backbreaker!

The Host remained out of action for the rest of the night - only to make one final announcement, he altered the main event between Randy Orton and John Cena vs. The Unified Tag Team Champions, Chris Jericho and The Big Show into a LUMBERJACK MATCH with wrestlers that he has HANDPICKED himself.

Freddy Prince's words have come back to bite him in the rear because Prince was manhandled just like Seth Green was, and he recycled the same main event as Piven issued.

Way to go Prince, you loused up a main event.

What WWETheReturn Would Have Done Different:

First off, Orton refuses to compete - Well, say goodbye to the title because if Orton refuses to compete - He will be STRIPPED of THE WWE CHAMPIONSHIP! Making the Title Vacant come SummerSlam.

Second off, If Orton lays a finger on WWETheReturn, Orton will compete in a 3-on-1 Handicapped Match - John Cena and the Unified Tag Champs vs. Randy Orton.

Next Week's Guest Host: Floyd "Money" Mayweather (Holds a Win against The Big Show at WrestelMania XXIV)

How, How, How... did ZZ Top do on Monday Night RAW?

After Orton issued a handicapped Tag Team match of Legacy versus John Cena and Triple H - the WWE Universe were introduced to ZZ Top, Dusty Hill and Billy Gibbons.

Huge fans of the WWE, they once recorded an entrance theme for Nicholas "Wild Thing" Bauer - at Stone Cold Steve Austin's request; they are the first ever co-hosts of Monday Night RAW and were ecstatic to be running the show tonight.

Santino Marella arrived on the scene calling them "Zzzzzzz Top!" and switching their first names - Dusty Gibbons and Billy Hill; but still claiming to be a huge fan of theirs. In honor of his "devotion," Hill fitted Santino with an honorary chest-length, ZZ Top signature, beard, and a pair of "Cheap Sunglasses" to complete the trio for tonight. Santino looked more like a Muppet from Sesame Street - with an oversized beard and shades - quite comedic.

It was also nice of ZZ Top to let Santino play - even if it was air guitar... with an actual guitar.

After the Big Show proved his dominance in the after match of the six man tag team match - ZZ Top plugged in their summer tour with Aerosmith - how did we not see that one coming...

When ZZ Top almost proved to be completely worthless, Jericho showed up to meet the icons of Rock n' Roll and requested a jamming session - seeing as he is the lead singer of his rock band, Fozzy.

Hill and Gibbons had no idea who Fozzy were, but they did know that they wanted Chris Jericho to face off against "The World's Strongest Man" Mark Henry. And when asked "How?" The Trio started playing "La Grange" in response to Jericho's "How, how, how."

If one match were not enough to prove their status as hosts - ZZ Top outsmarted Chavo Guerrero into accepting another match against Hornswoggle in a "Sharp Dressed Man" match - how interesting that the match also so happens to be the title to one of their smash hits! Do we see a pattern forming here?

And lets not forget their other hit single, "Legs" featuring the Divas of Monday Night RAW: Kelly Kelly, Alicia Fox, Gail Kim, Rosa Mendes, and Santino? The music was all a blair until Santino showed off his legs, in which the music cut - That's when ZZ Top decided to cut out. As a farewell to the whole ZZ Top gimmick - the Divas then contested in a ZZ Top "Legs" tag team match.

And it would not be complete without ZZ Top riding into the arena in, non other than, the red 1933 Ford 3-window coupe hot rod "The Eliminator."

I will go on to say that ZZ Top really had no business hosting Monday Night RAW, just like Seth Green, it's all a gimmick to plug their own projects. At least Seth made matches throughout the night - ZZ Top made two matches and played music the whole time. If it were not for Santino Marella jamming alongside them in a ZZ Top makeover - the whole ZZ Top angle would have been a total flop.

Note: Next Monday's Host will be - Shaquille O'Neal!

Vladimir Kozlov Storyline Recycled; Who was initially meant for the Ruthless Russian Gimmick?

From Moscow, Russia - Vladimir Kozlov was once considered undefeated. He was an immovable object that would annihilate the competition through a single head-butt. Until, Shawn Michaels pinned The Sambo Master for the right to face the Undertaker at Wrestlemania. Afterwards, Kozlov was pinned by the Undertaker on Smackdown - losing the luster he once had.

Two weeks ago, during a #1 Contenders Match for the ECW Title, Kozlov was pinned yet again by "Captain Charisma." Is Kozlov getting weaker?

This past Tuesday, Kozlov pinned the ECW Champion proving that he can take on the Champion and the Contender at any time. He even laid waste to both Christian and Dreamer by nights end.

This same level of devastation is the same angle used back in the fall when he was competing against WWE Champion Triple H and Contender Jeff Hardy. Do they not have anything better to do with the guy? When he was drafted to ECW and starting cutting promos - I was hoping that he would construct a faction to take over the WWE; but instead they have him, once again, being the third wheel of a Championship squabble. Kozlov, proficient in kick-boxing, grappling, and sambo, has a lot to offer to the WWE; however, some things, we can do without.

For instance: What's with that supposed battering ram head-butt? A move executed to an oncoming or diving opponent - it LOOKS like a SHOVE!! I say, why not call it the Moscow Shove? Sounds pretty simple to me. However, the Iron Curtain - Kneeling Leg Trap Chokeslam Pin - Can Stay.

And the crazy thing is, the gimmick of the Russian Shoot Fighter was not originally meant for Kozlov - but for, none other than Mr. Unibrow himself, SANTINO MARELLA!! That's right, back in OVW, Paul Heyman changed Santino's former ring name, Johnny Geo Basco, to Boris Alexiev - a Russian Shoot Fighter.

This following video is a promo of Santino Marella as the Russian, Boris Alexiev - Enjoy!!