1. Yoshi Tatsu v. Tyson Kidd

Remember when they were pushing Tatsu? What the hell happened to that? He got depushed as quick as Kofi Kingston after the Randy Orton incident. Kidd should not be opening Superstars, or doing mixed tag match, he should be in the upper level feuding with Daniel Bryan. A thirty minute match between those two would be the best match since Randy Savage and Ricky Steamboat and Wrestlemania III. Tatsu uses his speed to dazzle Kidd, but gets caught coming off the top rope and now Kidd has the momentum. Tatsu fights back and both men go down, both are slow to get up, Kidd up first but gets caught by Tatsu. Tatsu hits the knee to the face and gets a near fall, very cool looking. Tatsu goes for the spin kick, but Kidd kicks out the knee. Kidd hits the Brainbuster, but somehow Tatsu kicks out, that should have been the end as it looked painful. Kidd sets Tatsu on the top rope, but Tatsu headbutts him down and follows down with the spinning kick for the win. A great fast paced opening match, love to see what these two could do with twenty minutes or more.

1. Yoshi Tatsu pinned Tyson Kidd with the top rope spin kick 7.5/10

2. Trent Barretta v. Darren Young

Here’s another guy I just don’t care about, Darren Young. He’s right up there with that useless mass of flesh called Alex Riley. So far it’s all been DY, as he works over the back of Trent, including a nice back suplex on the apron. I’ll give him that, it looked brutal but I still don’t like him. DY slows the match down with a classic Sid move, the rear chinlock. Trent finally fights free but gets sent into the buckle hard, and more slow moving DY offense. Guys like these two are the reason why gimmicks need to come back, neither guy really has a discernible character, thus making it hard for the crowd to get into the match. DY is the heel, but why, because he’s cocky, not a good enough reason for me. Trent fights free of DY on the top rope and hits that awesome moonsault for the near fall, love that moonsault, looks better then anything Mysterio has done in the last five years. DY misses the corner charge and Trent climbs the ropes, but DY hits the ropes. Trent gets the advantage back as the battle up top, but DY gets Trent on his shoulders and hits the Gut Check, a top rope stomach breaker. Wasn’t a bad match, but DY just doesn’t impress me in the ring. Would rather have had Trent versus Drew, as Drew is one of the most underrated in the company.

2. Darren Young defeated Trent Barretta with the Gut Check 2/10

3. Alex Riley v. JTG

Is this someone’s idea of a joke, an Alex Riley match after a Darren Young match? If he faces JTG I’m fast forwarding, JTG is the worst in the WWE. Here comes JTG, so I’m not sitting through this crap.Skip forward and Riley hits the Spinebuster and the Final Score, aka the TKO for the win. Whatever, drive on through to the next match.

3. Alex Riley defeated JTG with the Final Score NO RATING

4. Air Boom v. Tyler Reks & Curt Hawkins in a non-title match

Finally we get four guys with talent, after two lackluster matches. Air Boom gets the early advantage on Hawkins, as they use their speed to control him. Reks finally tagged in and unloads on Evan, who gets to play Ricky Morton this week, but Bourne uses his speed to nail Reks and tags in Kofi. Reks overpowers Kofi in the corner but again the speed of Air Boom helps them. Reks powers back with a nice suplex and tags in Hawkins. Hawkins continues to unload on Kingston, this kid is so underrated, he’s amazing in the ring. Reks has everything WWE could want in a star, big, monster, unique look, can cut a promo, so why is he in a lower mid card tag team? Hawkins slides out of the ring and taunts Kofi, but Kofi dives into him. Reks comes around the corner and eats a double knee from Bourne, amazing sequence as we go to commercial. We come back and Bourne controls Hawkins and climbs the ropes, but Reks distracts Bourne. The ref busy with Kofi and Reks hits a nice move allowing Hawkins to get a near fall. Reks legally in now and chokes down the much smaller man. This has been an amazing match, even better then last week. Reks hits a spinning neckbreaker with a forearm across the chest, getting another near fall. Bourne is the face in peril as the Rekking Crew has full control of the champions, and the crowd solidly behind Air Boom. Evan finally makes the hot tag to Kofi who nails Reks with a diving clothesline. Kofi hits Trouble in Paradise on the big man, tags in Bourne who connects with the Shooting Star for the win. A great tag team match, as expected, but I wish Reks/Hawkins had won, even by DQ just to continue this feud.

4. Air Boom defeated Tyler Reks & Curt Hawkins 8/10

MATCH RECAP:

1. Yoshi Tatsu pinned Tyson Kidd with the top rope spin kick 7.5/10

2. Darren Young defeated Trent Barretta with the Gut Check 2/10

3. Alex Riley defeated JTG with the Final Score NO RATING

4. Air Boom defeated Tyler Reks & Curt Hawkins 8/10

Well, we started out good, but the middle was horrible. It was like the Christmas present from Hell with those two middle matches. I hated giving Trent a low rating, but Young dragged him down to his slow paced level. Hope I never see another episode of Superstars with those three (DY, Riley & JTG) back to back. Thankfully Reks/Hawkins/Kofi/Bourne saved the day as I expected. It’s nice to see the tag team division back in force, we have Air Boom, Rekking Crew, Usos and Hunico/Epico. If they put a few more mid-carders together to make some more tag teams we’ll have a great division again. Then maybe we can focus on the semi-dead Diva division, which has only two real wrestlers, Beth and Natty. Much like TLC the beginning and end was great but the middle was sub-par at best.

1. Justin Gabriel v. Heath Slater

We start with a battle of former tag team champions, which Matt Striker at least mentions. One is slowly going up and one is going down, so I think the outcome is pretty obvious. Justin controls his former partner with an armbar, but Slater fights free and rams Justin in the buckle. Justin comes back with a nice dropkick but the slam is countered into a reverse lariat. Slater slows it down with a rear chinlock, but Justin powers free and kicks Slater in the face. Slater catches Justin with a neckbreaker and gets a near fall, followed up with a side suplex for another near fall. Slater again slows it down with the chinlock, well there goes the rating for this match. Gabriel sends Slater to the outside and quickly dives out after him, saving the match rating. Gabriel sends Slater in and follows with a springboard lariat for a near fall of his own. Gabriel connects with the foot sweep and goes for 450 but Slater up, and Gabriel lands on his feet but eats a boot. Slater off the top and gets caught, then dropped over the top rope. Gabriel quickly climbs up and hits the 450 Splash for the win. A much better match then expected, figured we were getting a squash but Slater got some offense, a pretty good opener but to much time with chinlocks.

1. Justin Gabriel pinned Heath Slater with the 450 Splash 6.5/10

2. Hunico v. Ezekiel Jackson

A classic battle of speed versus power, wait, Jackson has hair? Since when? Wow, does he look like Ernie Ladd now, what is with all the guys growing hair suddenly? Zeke quickly overpowers Hunico but Hunico connects with a enziguiri to take down the big man. Hunico hammers Zeke but to no effect, as Zeke press slams Hunico before dropping him hard. Zeke follows with the vicious corner clothesline and Camacho finally gets involved, but Hunico gets tossed to the corner. Zeke gets caught in a drop toe hold into the buckle and Hunico quickly hits the Senton Bomb for the win? Really, what the hell was that? One move leads to the win, that was lame. I like Zeke, but this was a bad match.

2. Hunico pinned Ezekiel Jackson with the Senton Bomb 2/10

3. Alex Riley v. Michael McGillicutty

Great, an Alex Riley match, have I said I hate this guy? Can we stop the sham and just call Michael, Joe Hennig? The announcers are so bored they’re talking about Riley’s shoes, has it really come to this? So far this match has sucked, as expected, but at least it’s been all Michael. Michael hits a perfect dropkick, shades of his dad, and maintains the offense. Riley gets tossed out and when Michael goes to pull him back in Alex hits a big boot. Alex quickly follows up with the Spinebuster into the TKO for the win. Whatever, another one sided match where the wrong guy wins, sucked.

3. Alex Riley beat Michael McGillicutty with the TKO 2/10

4. Air Boom v. Curt Hawkins and Tyler Reks

It’s time for the main event, and it’s going to be a good one. Hawkins taunts Bourne and Bourne quickly unloads on him with kicks and a head scissor take down. Kofi tagged in and they double team Hawkins, who makes the tag and Kofi takes down Reks. Reks uses his power to take over on Kofi and starts to hammer one half of the tag champions. Reks and Hawkins use double teaming to work over Kofi, but Kofi makes the tag to Bourne who double stomps Reks’ stomach. Kofi goes for Trouble In Paradise and Reks wisely dives out of the ring, Hawkins tossed out right beside him and Air Boom dive on to the challengers. After the commercial Reks back to hammering Evan, who gets to play face in peril now. Evan quickly hits the spin kick and climbs the ropes, but Curt cuts him off allowing Reks to hit a big boot. Reks and Hawkins continue to double team Evan as Reks hits a nice gut buster type move for the near fall. Tyler takes too long taunting Evan and eats a big knee to the face, this allows Evan to make the hot tag. Kofi quickly in and takes down both men and almost wins with the springboard cross body. Kofi hits the Boom Drop on Hawkins and goes for Trouble In Paradise, but Reks holds the ankle. Hawkins misses the corner splash and Kofi hits the SOS, Reks tossed out and Kofi hits Trouble in Paradise. Evan tagged in and hits the Shooting Star Press for the win. A great fast paced match, a good way to end the show.

4. Air Boom beat Curt Hawkins & Tyler Reks 7/10

MATCH RECAP:

1. Justin Gabriel pinned Heath Slater with the 450 Splash 6.5/10

2. Hunico pinned Ezekiel Jackson with the Senton Bomb 2/10

3. Alex Riley beat Michael McGillicutty with the TKO 2/10

4. Air Boom beat Curt Hawkins & Tyler Reks 7/10

A good start and end, but the middle was pretty bad. One more Superstars to finish the year, but first we have last weekends ROH TV and then the big PPV, Final Battle.

We get a cute little opening video set to the classic Christmas tale, "The Night Before Christmas." As always a great job done by the people that make these videos. Of course the first face shown is Cena, which is sad since he’s not scheduled for the show. I don’t know I’m going to sit through three more hours of Michael Cole, after all he’s been on the last seven hours of shows this week. Cole and Lawler get interrupted by the Ultimate Heat Magnet, aka Vickie Guerrero, as we head to our opening match.

1. Dolph Ziggler v. Zack Ryder for the US Title

As much as I like Dolph, Zack needs to win here or his push is doomed. I’d like to see Dolph lose here and rebound back with a surprise win at the Royal Rumble. It’s time to push Dolph to the next level, strike while the iron is still hot. The crowd erupts for Long Island Iced-Z, I can’t believe how popular this kid is, it’s a testament to his charisma. This is the first PPV in a while where Dolph only has one match, so this should get a substantial length of time. Dolph does two moves and Cole says it’s a clinic, five minutes in and he’s pissing me off. Sometimes I wish we could watch the shows with the Spanish announcers, be less frustrating. Ryder catches Dolph and slingshots him to the post, clotheslines him over the top and does a nice flip dive over the top onto Dolph. Dolph catching Ryder on the apron and hits the apron DDT, both men slow to get up after that. Now Dolph has the advantage, maybe Vickie will stop screaming for a bit. Dolph connects with eight consecutive elbow drops before posing to the crowd, and follows up with one more for a near fall. Dolph continues his offense, as this Twitter trending crap is already out of control, as we’ve had at least fifteen Twitter references. If anyone is doing the WWE/Twitter drinking game tonight they’re drunk off their asses already, as Cole calls the fans lemmings, I bet that’s how Vince views the fans too. Dolph still in complete control as Cole continues to disparage Ryder, way to bury your young talent as Ryder catches Dolph with a missile dropkick and almost wins. Zack uses his speed and takes down Dolph with a nice facebuster and follows with the Broski Boot, but first some fist pumping to pop the crowd. Zack covers and Vickie puts Dolph’s foot on the ropes, the ref catches her and evicts her from ringside, to the delight of the crowd. Dolph distracted looking at Vickie and Zack rolls him up, Dolph counters using the ropes but Zack kicks out. Dolph misses Zig Zag but doesn’t miss the Fame-asser, which gets another near fall. I hate to agree with Lawler, but this has been great as Dolph goes for the sleeper and Ryder pushes him off, but Dolph comes back with a dropkick. Dolph climbs the ropes and gets caught, Ryder climbs up and hits the hurricanrana for a near fall, amazing. Ryder getting fired up and goes for Rough Ryder, Dolph moves and Zack hits the buckle, allowing Dolph another near fall. Dolph charges in the corner and eats the knee, followed by the Rough Ryder for the big win! Amazing opening match, great match and an awesome win. Zack looks so proud holding the title, simply a great moment for Zack Ryder, and well deserved. Reminds me of when Rick Steiner beat Mike Rotunda for the TV title, just a great moment.

1. Zack Ryder beat Dolph Ziggler with the Rough Ryder for the US Title 9/10

Backstage to Booker T and Alicia Fox, as Booker gets ready for his match. Suddenly out of nowhere Cody attacks and beats the crap out of Booker. The security pulls Cody off and Booker has the crazy eyes.. Now it’s a Slim Jim ad with Rey Mysterio, Big Show and Eve, hope that’s all we see of Eve tonight.

2. Air Boom v. Primo & Epico for the Tag Titles

I figured we’d get a Air Boom match tonight, since Evan Bourne missed the last PPV due to being suspended. Rosa looks amazing as always, hottest woman in the WWE. We get a recap of all the wins Primo and Epico have had over Air Boom, as Lawler goes nuts over Rosa, and I can’t disagree. Evan starts out with Epico, as this should be a great match if given enough time, as we get a few quick pin attempts from Evan. Nice usage of his speed from Evan, as Kofi tagged in and Kofi continues the offense, as Rosa screams in Spanish at her men. This is been a fast paced, high flying match so far, as Air Boom continues to hold an advantage but a double team sends Evan to the floor. Rosa looks much happier now as Primo and Epico work over the smaller man, as Evan gets to play Ricky Morton’s role tonight. Evan almost makes the tag but sent back to the wrong corner and double teamed some more. Here we go with more Twitter crap, as Primo hits a nice series of suplexes and scores a near fall. Evan finally makes the hot tag and Kofi takes over on Primo with his high flying offense. Kofi hits the Boom Drop and readies for the Trouble in Paradise, but Primo moves and Kofi springs to the top. Kofi hits the cross body and Epico breaks the pin, and Evan sends Epico to the floor. Kofi hits Trouble in Paradise on Primo to score the win. A good match, but needed more time. Primo & Epico should have won and then have Air Boom chase after them for the rematch.

2. Air Boom defeated Primo & Epico to retain the tag titles 8/10

Backstage to Josh Matthews, who says Booker is being evaluated by doctors. Josh says the match may be off, I doubt it. Going to be hard to follow those two match, as we go to Teddy Long, who’s Thugging and Bugging while decorating the tree. Hornswoggle comes in and Teddy calls him a little boy, Hornswoggle snaps and says he has a beard. Hornswoggle is dressed as an elf, as Teddy hands him a gift and it’s the Rosetta Stone Ebonics edition. Great black jokes and midget jokes, have we sunk this low WWE? Hornswoggle calls him in for a hug and then stomps Long’s foot. The announcers are laughing their asses off, as I bet Vince is too. Stupid skit.

3. Wade Barrett v. Randy Orton in a Table Match

Wade needs to win this match to maintain his heat, a loss to Orton would kill Wade’s push. Orton doesn’t need the win, as he’s established as a main event guy, unlike Wade. It’s sad how fast the Nexus guys all fell to nothing after such a great start. Orton’s the first person to go for the table and Wade drives it into his face with a stiff kick. Wade now pulls a table into the ring, but Orton kicks it into him now. I just can’t get used to Wade Barrett with hair, just seems so odd. They wind up fighting their way up the entrance way, where there are dozens of tables set up, and Wade tries for the pump handle slam through a table but Orton slides down his back. Wade wisely kicks the table away before Orton can use it, and now they’re back to ringside. This has been a brawl around ringside but nothing exciting, just both men running from the tables. Orton eats a big boot while on the apron and almost goes through a table, but Orton’s leg was tangled in the ropes. Barrett goes for the kick again and Orton moves, crotching Wade on the ropes. Both men fight on the apron, and of course Orton gets the better of Wade. Barrett wind up in position for the elevated DDT, that move is as telegraphed as the 619, the guys always wind up in the right place and wait for the move. Wade catches Orton with the Black Hole Slam then drops a table on Orton. Does Wade win if he drives a table through Orton instead of the other way around, as Wade sets up a a table. Wade climbs the ropes and Orton catches him with a RKO off the top through a table for the win. Well, that was a lame finish and completely killed Wade’s push. Had to know one third of the Golden Children would win tonight, with none of the other two in matches tonight. A very slow paced boring match, the antithesis of the previous two matches.

3. Randy Orton beat Wade Barrett with a RKO through the table 3/10

Time for a website promo, then to the Bella Twins sitting on Teddy Long’s lap. They start arguing and Long stops them and hands them their gift. It’s a card with his phone number, and they both slap him and leave. Long slowly gets back up and turns around into Jack Swagger, who tells Long he’s the worst GM ever. Swagger asks what Long will do about Henry hitting him with a chair, Long says nothing and asks Swagger to sit on his lap. Swagger screams at Long some more as Sheamus comes in, I sense a match between these two. Swagger calls Sheamus a goof and Sheamus tells a stupid story, Long makes the match between them as we head back to the ring for our next match.

4. Beth Phoenix v. Kelly Kelly for the Diva Title

We get highlights from RAW of Lita, still looking perfect, giving a Slammy to Kelly and Beth interrupting only to get slapped. I thought we’d get a Kelly free PPV, but of course not, have to keep the boys backstage happy. They really need new divas, as I am so tired of Kelly being pushed all the time, she’s horrible in the ring and just not as pretty as they make her out to be. Beth challenges Yelly to slap her again, and she does. Beth charges and Kelly ducks sending Beth to the floor, Kelly follows with a bulldog on the cement. A much more aggressive Kelly, which is not a bad thing at all, but the yelling is annoying. Kelly taking Beth apart at the beginning, but Beth finally catches her and press slams Kelly into the buckle. Beth uses her power to toss the Barbie Doll around the ring, and the crowd is snoring loudly, but at least their trending on Twitter. Trending is much more important then entertaining the fans, right? Beth catches Kelly coming off the ropes with a nice spinebuster and quick series of near fall, as the crowd is still not interested. Beth climbs the ropes, this isn’t going to end well, as she misses the top rope legdrop. Kelly quickly goes for K2 and blows it, as Beth catches her in the Glam Slam. Kelly rolls through and we get a pair of near fall, which finally wakes up the crowd. Beth with a beautiful reverse powerbomb and gets the win, thankfully. It was a quick diva match, had a few good moments but wasn’t even five minutes. Just enough time for people to have a bathroom break and grab a snack. Still better then the Orton match at least but that doesn’t take much.

4. Beth Phoenix pinned Kelly Kelly to retain the Diva Title 5/10

Backstage to ADR yelling at Ricardo and sends Ricardo to get food. ADR turns around right into the Miz, who says their alliance was to take out Punk but it ends when the bell rings tonight. ADR says their was no alliance he was using Miz, as Miz makes fun of Alberto’s title reign. Miz says he won at Wrestlemania while ADR lost to Edge. ADR calls Miz a stupid little boy who came from a reality show and thinks he’s a bad ass but he’s pathetic. ADR says Miz can’t even beat Ricardo, as Ricardo comes in with nachos. Miz shoves the plate in his face and leaves, ADR then shoves Ricardo down. This is like the Ted DiBiase and Virgil storyline from the eighties, wonder when Ricardo does the face turn. We get a cute little promo for the Royal Rumble with Santino, which was the best thing I’ve seen since the tag match.

We’re about to start the IC title match as Booker comes out looking fine, only to be attacked from behind by Cody. Cody beats down Booker again and the zebras finally pull Cody off. They help Booker up and Cole says the match is off as they assist Booker to the backstage area. Guess that scraps that match as they move on to something more important, HHH and Nash. This is going to be a disaster of epic proportions. This has been a stupid pathetic waste of time, this whole storyline was basically done to usurp heat off of CM Punk and make HHH the main guy again. Instead of building up the young talent they’re wasting time on HHH and Nash, who hasn’t been relevant since 1997. What next the return of Billy Gunn? The only guys I want to see come back are Jericho and Brock Lesnar.

5. Kevin Nash v. Triple H in a sledgehammer ladder match

It’s sad that Nash comes out to the nWo theme, talk about clinging to your only good run. Seriously, why do these guys keep wrestling long after their usefulness as passed. I’d like to see Wrestlemania without Nash, HHH and Undertaker as it’s time for all three to step aside for the next generation. Same thing with keeping Cena and Orton out of the title picture, time to build the new stars. If something ever happened to Orton or Cena the WWE would fall apart, as they really have no one else in the same level with the two of them, short of putting HHH back in the title picture. I’m surprised this wasn’t the main event, considering the huge egos involved in this match. After almost ten minutes of intros we finally start, and Lawler says this match can’t last tong, hope he’s right. Cole shows his stupidity and calls 2011 a great year for HHH, what did he do this whole year? Nash uses his power early to hammer HHH down, but HHH of course comes right back and sends Nash to the floor. HHH first man to get a ladder, and Nash send it into his face, almost sending the ladder into the crowd. Nash sends Triple H into the timekeeper area, but HHH comes back diving off the announce table onto Nash. HHH clotheslines Nash over the barricade into the crowd now, and staggers around. After five minutes HHH is spent, this allows Nash to catch HHH with an elbow. If this recap makes the match sound good, I apologize, it’s not a good match so far. It’s been completely fifty/fifty as neither guy wants to look bad. It’s been one guy hits a move, the other guy comes back, repeat. HHH goes after Nash’s gimpy knees, that’s like going after Hunter’s big nose, just an easy target. Triple H uses a figure four with the ladder involved, which looks stupid, but Nash sells it. Nash comes back and tosses HHH out of the ring, this has been pretty lame so far. Nash with control works over HHH and then slowly takes apart the announce table. Nash goes for Jackknife but HHH backdrops Nash over the table and climbs in the ring. HHH sets up a ladder and does the slow climb to allow Nash to come in and pull him down. Nash whips HHH into the ladder and connects with a chokeslam before slowly leaving the ring, Nash searches under the ring and finds a table. I was hoping for a screwdriver as a tribute to TNA, as Nash slowly sets up a table in the ring. Nash goes for the Jackknife again and HHH drives Nash backwards into the ladder. It’s sad, this match has gotten the most time so far, and it doesn’t deserve it. HHH sets the ladder and climbs up, getting a hand on the hammer. Nash climbs up with him and they slug it out, and HHH slams the hammer into Nash sending him through the table, that was cool actually. HHH removes the sledgehammer and looks down at Nash, who slowly gets up. HHH hammers the knee of Nash with the sledgehammer, then tosses the ladder out of the ring. HHH hits the Pedigree, and the crowd chants one more time, instead he grabs the sledgehammer. Nash gives the clique sign and HHH does the crotch chop before cracking Nash in the head with the sledgehammer for the win. Was very slow paced, as expected and really not a good match. This should have been on RAW instead of PPV since they can’t use blood anyway. Surprisingly not a dud though, as there was a couple good spots. Nash gets loaded on a stretcher for a ride in the meat wagon, hope this is the last we see of Nash.

5. Triple H pinned Kevin Nash after a shot from the sledgehammer 4/10

Matt Striker is backstage with World Champion, CM Punk, as they recap the double teaming from RAW. Punk says watching that he caught something more painful then ADR butchering the English Language and Miz attempting to be tough or Cole trying to be relevant. Punk says what he saw was JL accept an award on his behalf, Superstar of the Year, and has yet to receive the award. JL comes into camera and says he mailed the award to him, and he should be more worried about this match. Punk says to wish himself well in his future endeavors, and JL will still have to put up with him as champ. JL says he is taller then Punk and wishes him luck, Punk says luck is for losers. Punk leaves as JL goes back to texting. Who is he texting anyway, does he think he’s Gossip Girl?

6. Jack Swagger v. Sheamus

This is our third unadvertised match, as we added three matches and looks like we removed one, making no sense. Sheamus needs a end to his nickname, The Great White, it sounds incomplete. Great White what? Great Lawler is making Procul Harum jokes, no one under thirty will get that one. Sheamus takes over right from the start and hammers the All-American American, this is going to be an extended squash. Swagger finally gets the advantage when Vickie distracts him, that never would’ve happened when he was a heel. Swagger able to hit Swagger Bomb but doesn’t get the win, as he’s not on the same level as Sheamus. Swagger screams at Sheamus, who comes back with a series of clothesline and hammers Swagger in the corner. Sheamus climbs the ropes and Swagger catches him, sending the Irishman to the floor. Sheamus drives Swagger into the post and then the barricade before throwing Swagger back in. Sheamus again ascends the ropes and hits the diving lariat for the near fall. Sheamus readies for the Brogue Kick but Swagger ducks and takes out Sheamus’ leg. Swagger quickly works over the leg, as this match is better then I expected, Swagger applies the anklelock. Sheamus fights free, sending Swagger into the buckles, and follows with the Brogue Kick for the win. Wasn’t a bad match and Swagger got some offense, which is good.

6. Sheamus pinned Jack Swagger with the Brogue Kick 6.5/10

Backstage to Josh Matthews with The Big Show, who comes out with a big grin on his face. Show says he has Henry beat and Henry has not been able to win over him. Show says he will hammer Henry with the chair and the reign of terror ends tonight.

7. The Big Show v. Mark Henry for the Smackdown Title in a chair match

This could be our third bad match of the night, as we’ve seen enough of these two. No matter what happens they need to move on to new challenges for 2012. The bell rings and show quickly tosses a whole bunch of chairs in the ring and Henry just stands here watching. Henry leaves the ring and asks for his belt, Henry says this ain’t happening as he starts to leave. Show goes after him, and Henry swings the title and misses, but Show doesn’t miss with the chair. Show unloads on Henry with the chair and just destroys the champion. Henry gets tossed in and catches Show coming in with the chair, as now it’s Henry unloading. Show fights back and goes for the chokeslam but Henry fights him off and grabs a chair. Henry slams the chair across the back of Show and then stomps on the hand of Show. Henry goes after Show but runs into the big right hand and Show rolls him over for the cover and win. Well, that was quick at least, so I’ll give them that. After the match Henry attacks Show with a chair and then sets up a pile of chairs. Henry hits a DDT into the chairs, knocking Big Show out cold. The crowd starts a Daniel Bryan chant, and on cue here comes DB. Daniel cashes in the case and covers Show, the ref counts and we have a new World Champion! Holy crap! Didn’t see that coming!!!! Michael Cole is beside himself, as Show slowly gets up and looks dumbfounded. Bryan stands proud atop the announce table with the belt, another great moment tonight. This would be the perfect time to end the PPV, but we still have another match. Show finally standing center ring and shakes his head looking at Bryan. I guess this kills the chances of DB headlining Wrestlemania.

7. Big Show pinned Mark Henry with the right hand for the Smackdown Title 6/10

7B. Daniel Bryan pinned Big Show to win the World Title NO RATING

Time for a hype package for the WWE network, this could be a huge success or an epic failure ala the XFL. There’s really no middle ground here, it’s all or nothing for WWE with this, just like the first Wrestlemania. I just hope they show a lot of the classic shows like Prime Time, Clash of Champions, etc and not just the reality garbage. Now it’s a recap of the two attacks on Booker T from Cody Rhodes tonight. Josh gets comments from Booker, who says he will compete tonight. Josh says everyone knows Booker will be in the hall of fame one day, Booker cuts him off and says it’s not the way he wants to go out.

8. Cody Rhodes v. Booker T for the IC title

Been a Booker T fan for almost two decades, but don’t want him to win this match. Cody needs the win tonight to continue building him as the future of the business. Booker quickly goes after Cody as the bell rings and unloads on the champion. Booker tosses Cody outside the ring and follows him, as the crowd is behind Booker. Booker tosses Cody around the outside before dumping him in the ring, but Cody catches Booker coming in and drives a forearm to the head sending Booker to the floor. Cody begins working over the knees of Booker T, and then locks on a seated full nelson. Booker powers his way out, Cody’s no Chris Masters, and chops Cody. Cody misses the corner charges and eats Booker’s elbow, they then collide with a double clothesline, shades of Hulk and Warrior from Wrestlemania 6. Booker makes the hot comeback with the elbows and a side slam for a near fall. Booker hits a nice spinebuster and Cody bails out of the ring, allowing Booker to do a spinaroonie. The crowd goes nuts for it, but this allows Cody to get up. Booker goes for the ax kick and Cody ducks, coming back with the Beautiful Disaster for a near fall. Cody hits a second Disaster and that one finishes the match, as Cody retains the gold. A good solid match, as Cody continues to improve and impress.

8. Cody Rhodes pinned Booker T to retain the IC Title 7.5/10

A hype package for Stone Cold Steve Austin’s new DVD release. Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler go over what we’ve seen so far, wasting some time. Lawler actually calls the Henry/Show match fantastic, seriously? Was he watching the same match? Cole continues to knock Daniel Bryan, bet DB drops the title on Smackdown this week.

9. The Miz v. Alberto Del Rio v. CM Punk for the RAW Title in a TLC match

It’s time for the main event, as the crowd erupts for CM Punk as makes his way out. ADR and Miz work together to hammer the champion down, but Punk avoids a double clothesline and dropkicks both guys. However the number game takes over again on Punk, as the crowd asks for ice cream. Doesn’t take long for ADR and Miz to turn on each other, and now it’s every man for himself. Miz misses the corner charge and eats a high knee, but Miz blocks the bulldog, driving Punk’s head into the chair. That’s how you cause a concussion, as Miz grabs a ladder and goes for the Skull Crushing Finale on ADR on the floor. ADR blocks and shoves Miz off, Miz charges and gets backdropped into the ladder. ADR grabs the ladder and Punk drives it into his face twice. ADR and Punk fight near a table and Punk takes down ADR with a neckbreaker. Miz misses a chairshot and Punk grabs the chair, unloading on Miz, much to the crowd’s delight. Punk sets up a chair and hits the knee sending Miz into the crowd, Punk then goes after the ladder. Punk makes his way up the ladder and almost wins but Ricardo gets involved and cuffs Punk to the ladder. This allows ADR to attack and stomps a mudhole in the champ. ADR ascends the ladder, so Punk breaks the ladder to remove the cuffs and hammers ADR with the cuffs. ADR then gets sent into the ladder, as Miz comes in with a ladder and Punk slides out. Punk back in and Miz drives the ladder into Punk’s ribs then sets up the ladder. Miz begins the slow climb, but Punk catches him and pulls him down. Punk tosses Miz to the apron and sets Miz up top, as ADR comes in and kicks Punk down and through the table. ADR now wears out Miz with the chair and then locks on the armbar using the ladder. Miz screams in pain and taps out, but it’s meaningless in this match. ADR grabs a couple chairs and goes after Punk some more, continuing to work the ribs of Punk. Now ADR uses the armbar on Punk, with assistance from the chair and then begins to climb the ladder. Cole mentions that Alberto could win his third World Title this year, let’s be honest his third in about four months. Miz and Punk quickly knocks ADR off the ladder, sending ADR crotch first to the ropes and out of the ring. Punk and Miz start slugging it out and both men knock each other down. Ricardo back in sets up the ladder and climbs to the title, and Punk and Miz tip the ladder over sending Ricardo down through a table bouncing off the barricade. If he’s not legit injured I’m shocked, that was painful, that guy takes a brutal bump. Punk unloads on Miz in the ring and goes for GTS but Miz counter, Punk counter the Skull Crushing Finale. Punk misses the corner charge and Miz cuffs Punk to the post. Miz taunts Punk, but gets to close and Punk knocks him out with the roundhouse kick. ADR quickly brings in another ladder as Punk is still trying to remove the cuffs. Miz and ADR both start to climb opposite sides of the ladder, as Punk breaks the buckle to get loose and all three win atop the ladder. Miz shoved down, and Punk kicks ADR down. Punk almost has the belt but Miz pulls him down and quickly goes for the belt. Punk pulls him down and hits the GTS sending Miz to the floor. Punk climbs the ladder and gets the title down to retain the gold. A great match, some innovative spots with the cuffs and some brutal bumps, especially Ricardo. Great ending to the show.

9 CM Punk beat Miz and ADR in a TLC match to retain the Smackdown Title 9/10

MATCH RECAP:

1. Zack Ryder beat Dolph Ziggler with the Rough Ryder for the US Title 9/10

2. Air Boom defeated Primo & Epico to retain the tag titles 8/10

3. Randy Orton beat Wade Barrett with a RKO through the table 3/10

4. Beth Phoenix pinned Kelly Kelly to retain the Diva Title 5/10

5. Triple H pinned Kevin Nash after a shot from the sledgehammer 4/10

6. Sheamus pinned Jack Swagger with the Brogue Kick 6.5/10

7. Big Show pinned Mark Henry with the right hand for the Smackdown Title 6/10

7B. Daniel Bryan pinned Big Show to win the World Title NO RATING

8. Cody Rhodes pinned Booker T to retain the IC Title 7.5/10

9 CM Punk beat Miz and ADR in a TLC match to retain the Smackdown Title 9/10

Wasn’t as bad as I expected but still not the best PPV. However the title wins of Daniel Bryan and Zack Ryder were great moments. It’s odd they added three extra matches, and they were better then Orton or Nash’s matches. A great start and end to the show, plus a great surprise with DB winning the title. Those three things plus the tag match and IC match saved the show. Average about a 6.5 for the whole show, so not a bad show and a pretty good end for 2011 for WWE. The only things left to recap this year for me is this week and next week’s Superstars, this weekend’s ROH show and the ROH PPV.

My copy is missing the opening video, but no big deal, as Mene Gene welcomes us to the third video featuring one individual. Gene talks about previous videos on Hulk Hogan and Andre, and says he’s not friends with Piper but he’s doing it because it could be interesting. Gene complains that Andre’s tape is just called Andre, while Piper’s is called Greatest Hits. Gene digresses and gives us a quick biography of Roddy Piper alongside a slide show of Piper in action.

First thing we get is Piper’s Pit with Andre the Giant. Piper taunts Andre and asks where he comes from, Andre responds none of your business. Piper asks if the questions are to hard and mocks Andre’s brain. Roddy asks Andre about being slammed by Big John and Andre says he’s never been slammed. Piper says he could slam Andre, and Andre pulls Piper up by the shirt and threatens the Rowdy One. Andre rips Piper’s shirt off and leaves, Piper gives a classic line, “You do not throw rocks at a man who’s got a machine gun.” I always loved that line, pure classic Piper. This sends us to our first match.

1. Roddy Piper & David Schultz v. Andre the Giant & Jimmy Snuka

Pat Patterson & Gorilla Monsoon on commentary, as Snuka has as much grease in his hair as Bret Hart usually does. Piper sends David in the ring first with Andre, Piper shows his smarts by letting David do the early work. Andre overpowers David to the ropes, and David begs off as we clip to Piper being tagged in. Piper quickly tags David back in before locking up and David tries for a side headlock, but Andre just lifts David up with ease. Andre does the classic butt bounce we’ve seen before when he did it to Don Muraco, sending David to his corner. Andre gets overconfident and David jumps him from behind, now that Andre is staggered Piper wants in. Piper unloads on Andre, but one right hand from the Giant sends Piper down. Piper comes back and runs into a boot, runs in again and a headbutt send Piper to his corner to tag David back in. David uses the shoulder in the corner to stagger Andre, but Andre fights free with ease. Andre gives David some of his own offense with the shoulder, but David gets a knee in and takes the Giant down. Andre plays face in peril, as he tags but Piper distracts the ref. Snuka is furious and as he has the ref, Piper clocks Andre with the brass knuckles then stomps a mudhole in the Giant, who’s busted wide open. Piper and Schultz double team the bloody Andre, as Snuka keeps distracting the ref, wise move Superfly! Gorilla is screaming for a doctor as Piper chews on Andre’s head, and we clip again as the medics are out to check on the Giant.Piper and Schultz sit in the corner watching amused, as they get Andre in a sitting position before helping him out of the ring. Snuka demands the match continue as a handicap match, and the ref gives the OK for it. Snuka handles Piper with ease using his speed and takes out David as well, as this crowd is so loud. Piper begging off as Snuka headbutts both heels but the numbers are too much, as Piper pokes the eyes. Piper and David use their ability to tag as they work over Snuka, but the crowd explodes as Andre makes his way back to the ring heavily bandaged. Andre destroys Piper and David as the ref calls for the bell. Snuka is disqualified because of Andre’s interference since this was now a handicap match, odd decision but it keeps everyone strong at least. Was a fun little brawl for what we got, and sets up a rematch with Andre and Piper.

1. Roddy Piper and David Schultz defeated Andre the Giant and Jimmy Snuka by DQ 6.5/10

Piper’s Pit with jobber Frank Williams, as Piper says he’s doing this out of the generosity of his heart. Piper says he’s never lost a match and says he’s never seen Frank win a match. Piper says Frank lacks the courage and backs up from people, Frank says he’s now coward. Nothing like firing up a jobber, as Piper calls him a lousy wrestler. Frank defends himself so Piper unloads on the jobber and tosses him from the set. Piper gives another classic line, “Just when they think they have the answers, I change the questions.” Now we go to Alfred Hayes and Vince McMahon who recap the buildup to the Wrestlemania match. Piper is on the set of the greatest TV show ever, The A-Team, and mocks Mr T and says he beats people up for a living. Piper asks T how it feels to portray someone like himself. T calls Piper a nothing and beats up no one but wimps. Piper insults Cyndi Lauper and that angers Mr T, as Piper makes fun of T and his Mohawk. T finally has enough and security has to hold back T as we go to the War to Settle the Score.

2. Hulk Hogan v. Rowdy Roddy Piper for the World Title

This is one of the biggest matches in wrestling history as this was the show that started the build to Wrestlemania and made the WWF the big monster it became. Piper comes out with a guitar and wearing a Hulk Hogan shirt, as Howard Finkel introduces Bob Costas as the special ring announcer. I hope this isn’t clipped, but if it is I’ll have to recap the whole show as I have the full broadcast. As Costas introduces the Rowdy One, Piper smashes the guitar and then steals The Superfly’s pose. Hulk Hogan comes out to generic music, I guess they didn’t want to pay for the right to “Eye of the Tiger”, same thing with the Coliseum Video version of Wrestlemania. Glad I have the original broadcast of Wrestlemania with all the music intact. Hulk stops at ringside to talk to Mr T before coming in the ring and ripping off the shirt. A slugfest quickly starts us out and they brawl all over the ring, and the crowd is insane for this. Hulk has the advantage and unloads on Piper, whipping him into the corner and following with the elbow. Hulk drops a big elbow as Gene mentions Cyndi Lauper and Lou Albano are ringside, along with Danny Devito. Piper able to catch Hulk with a clothesline and stomps the Hulkster’s head. Piper uses every cheap shot he can to wear down the Hulk before locking in the sleeper on the Hulkster. Gene and Gorilla are screaming it’s a chokehold, but the ref is not breaking it. Hulk drops down as the ref checks the arm, there’s something they don’t do anymore, and Hulk comes back on the third driving Piper into the turnbuckle to break the hold. Piper up first and works over the Champion, and while the ref is busy Orton tries for a cheap shot, but Hulk catches him and drives his injured arm into the buckle. Hulk comes back and they exchange eye rakes, as Hulk takes down the challenger. Paul Orndorff makes his way to ringside as Hulk drops Piper with an atomic drop. A second one reversed, and the ref gets bumped, this allows Orndorff to come in and drive a knee into Hulk’s head. Cyndi Lauper gets on the apron as Paul and Piper double team the Hulk, Albano tries to get Cyndi down as Piper and Orndorff close in on her and Mr T comes out of the crowd to make the save. Piper and Orndorff invite T in the ring, and he obliges and they double team T. Hulk slowly gets up and saves T, as we have a face off between the foursome, and Piper and Orndorff bail out of the ring and security hold back Piper, Orndorff and Orton as Hulk and T try to get them. We have all hell breaking loose, and the crowd is going bananas, as Gorilla would say, the cops gets Orndorff, Piper and Orton backstage. The in ring stuff wasn’t amazing but the whole sequence of events was awesome and pure magic as the crowd was loud for everything. Every wrestling fan needs to have seen this at least once, as this was a true game changer for the entire wrestling business.

2. Hulk Hogan defeated Roddy Piper by DQ 8/10

Piper’s Pit time again, and this time Piper’s guest is one of his favorite of all time, the greatest wrestler in the world, Rowdy Roddy Piper. Piper interviews himself, as he talks about being a championship boxer and wrestler. Piper calls Frank Zappa his idol, boy there’s a reference that’ll be lost on today’s generation. Piper tells kids to go out and eat frog legs but don’t kill the frogs, and claims to have a fan letter from Hulk Hogan’s mom. They make fun of her spelling and says that Hulk has nightmares about Piper beating him up. Piper talks about his Hot Rod, and we get some sex jokes, and this was family oriented? Piper talks about Clint Eastwood shooting guns and says when he shoots someone gets pregnant, this is hilarious. The two Piper’s start talking about the time remaining and one says the other is the only man they wouldn’t fight and they kiss each other, classic.

Mene Gene goes looking for Roddy Piper, Paul Orndorff and Bob Orton as they work out before Wrestlemania. Orton says Piper and Paul are meditating and not to disturb them, as Piper rock back and forth like a crazy man. Why does Bob Orton have so much charisma but his son has none, as Piper starts to foam at the mouth. We see Paul Orndorff lifting weights, as Piper and Orton watch on, Orton says Gene is not supposed to be there. Orton finally throws Gene out, and some guy tries to help Gene so they stomp the daylights out of him.

Vince McMahon is with the TNT doctor, he’s a doctor of Thuganomics right? Piper drags Bob Orton in, as this is Orton’s post Wrestlemania appointment about his arm injury. They show the x-rays and Piper claims it’s not Bob’s and says Bob’s arm is still broken. The doctor starts to test the arm and Bob claims pain, as the doctor says the x-ray shows the arm is fine. Piper makes quacking noises at the doctor, and Vince is trying not to laugh as Piper takes down the x-rays.

It’s the most legendary Piper’s Pit of all time, the one with Jimmy Snuka. Piper teases Snuka with a pineapple, bananas and a coconut. Snuka asks if he’s making fun of him, and Piper responds with a coconut to the head. Piper beats the hell out of Snuka destroying the Pit set and mashes the bananas in Jimmy’s face. Piper whips Snuka with his belt and taunts Snuka to get up, Snuka finally fights to his feet, lets loose a loud scream and Piper runs through a door. Other wrestlers finally come out to restrain Snuka who’s gone nuts. This leads Piper being interviews by Vince McMahon on TNT, and they scream at each other. Wonder how often that actually happened backstage? Piper says Snuka deserved it and that he destroyed a legend and Alfred says Piper contributes nothing to the program. Piper calls Vince a piece of garbage and slaps Alfred across the face.

3. Jimmy Snuka v. Roddy Piper with No DQ and special referee Lou Thesz

Piper gets a cheap shot in on Snuka and works over the Superfly, as we see a fan with a big foam hand for Snuka! Snuka fights back and again the crowd is insanely loud as Piper bails out. Piper gets back in and Snuka starts to choke, Piper drives a knee into the yambag of Snuka. Gene and Alfred on commentary, that’s not a good combination, but still better then Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler. They wind up brawling to the outside and Piper cracks Snuka with the chair as Gene is asking for a DQ, I thought this was no DQ? Snuka uses his speed to dazzle Piper and chops him to the outside, and now it’s Jimmy’s turn to crack a chair over the head of Piper. Piper rolls back in the ring and Snuka charges, but Piper pulls Thesz in between them. The crowd is getting louder as Snuka slams Piper and climbs the ropes, hitting a cross body and Piper goes after the ref. Piper rakes the eyes and grabs Lou’s belt and whips Snuka then chokes Superfly, as Lou tries to pull Piper off. Piper knocks down Thesz, allowing Snuka to come back and Piper takes off down the aisle. The referee counts out Roddy Piper, kind of a cheap way to end the match, but this crowd doesn’t care as they enjoyed it and so did I.

3. Jimmy Snuka defeated Roddy Piper by countout 8/10

Backstage Piper opens an envelope and reads a letter asking him to stop hurting Jimmy Snuka. Piper claims it’s from Snuka’s daughter, I guess that would be Tamina, and Piper spits on the letter. We go to another Piper’s Pit with Snuka’s cousin the Tonga Kid, thus continuing the feud while Snuka is injured. Piper mocks Tonga Kid’s sarong and Tonga responds by mocking Piper’s kilt. Tonga challenges Piper and Piper walks off.

4. Roddy Piper v. Tonga Kid

Tonga is accompanied by Jimmy Snuka, Tonga would later be one half of the Headshrinkers as Tama, and is the uncle of the Uso Brothers. Tonga starts out quickly hammering Piper with headbutts and Piper tries to leave but Snuka blocks him. Tonga relentlessly hammers Piper, but Piper pokes the eyes and works over Tonga. Piper takes time to taunt Snuka while he works over Tonga, as we clip to Tonga suplexing Piper down. Piper tries to comeback by ramming Tonga Kid’s head into the buckles, but no effect. Piper rolls out and pulls out Tonga then rams Kid into the post, and Snuka comes around the corner. Piper runs into the ring and while Snuka checks on Kid, Piper attacks Snuka then throws Tonga back in. Snuka follows and we have a brawl, Bob Orton comes out to save Piper. Piper and Orton bail out as Snuka and Tonga go after him. Not a bad match, but nothing exciting as the Snuka attack was expected. The ring announcer says both teams have been disqualified, even though it was a singles match.

4. Roddy Piper and Tonga Kid fought to a double DQ 6/10

5. Roddy Piper & Bob Orton v. Jimmy Snuka & Tonga Kid

Piper and Orton quickly bail out as the Island Boys come out, and while Snuka and Tonga remove their sarongs Orton and Piper try to attack. Snuka and Kid fight them off and send them into each other, Tonga and Piper start the match. Tonga with a quick cross body followed by the arm drag, as Kid controls the Rowdy One. Orton gets in and gets the same, as he tries to tag but Piper doesn’t want in. Snuka forces Piper in and hammers him as Piper tries to beg off but Snuka is relentless. Piper pokes the eyes, as always and tags in Orton who takes down Snuka. Orton goes for a Vader/Swagger Bomb but Snuka gets the knees up. Orton crawls to his corner and tags in Piper, as Tonga gets the hot tag. Tonga gets caught in the wrong part of town and is choked out by Piper. The ref still busy with Snuka as Orton and Piper double team the Tonga Kid, as we get a long beat down sequence. Monsoon stops being impartial as he cheers for Tonga to make the tag, but Piper and Orton continue to double team Kid. Kid able to make the hot tag to the Superfly who proceeds to destroy Piper and Orton. The ref tries to calm down Snuka, who shoves the ref away, and we have all four in the ring as Orton gets a knee in on Snuka then sets him up top. Piper tosses Kid out, and Snuka headbutts Snuka down and follows with the cross body. Piper breaks up the pin and they double team Snuka, tossing him to the floor. Now it’s a two on one on the Kid, as Gene and Gorilla are screaming for a DQ, Orton gets shoved off the top rope by Snuka. Piper nails Snuka and sends him to the floor, as the bell rings, but the Island Boys go after Piper and Snuka. This is pure chaos, and the crowd loves it as Piper accidentally cracks Orton, and we cut to our closing video. A great brawl, but the beat down on Kid went a little longer then was needed. Still a fun match to end the show.

5. Jimmy Snuka and Tonga Kid went to a Double DQ with Roddy Piper and Bob Orton 8/10

MATCH RECAP:

1. Roddy Piper and David Schultz defeated Andre the Giant and Jimmy Snuka by DQ 6.5/10 on March 25, 1984 from New York, NY

2. Hulk Hogan defeated Roddy Piper by DQ 8/10 on February 18, 1985 from New York, NY

3. Jimmy Snuka defeated Roddy Piper by countout 8/10 on May 25, 1984 from St Louis, MS

4. Roddy Piper and Tonga Kid fought to a double DQ 6/10 on December 1, 1984 from Philadelphia, PA

5. Jimmy Snuka and Tonga Kid went to a Double DQ with Roddy Piper and Bob Orton 8/10 on December 28, 1984 from New York, NY

The best parts were the classic Pits and two of the matches. The Tonga matches were not as good, but still enjoyable. A very fun tape with some classic moments, and the Hulk/Piper match is must see for all wrestling fans. Surprised by the fact that not a single match had a clean finish, but that was classic Piper. Coming up next is the final WWE PPV of 2011 TLC, Totally Lame Crap, as there is very little that looks redeeming about this show. Our next Coliseum Video tape is Best of the WWF 3, which should be more fun.

1. Drew McIntyre v. Justin Gabriel

Speaking of underutilized, here comes one of my favorites, Drew McIntyre. Why is he on Superstars and not in the upper mid card? The man has talent, ability and can cut a great promo, this is such a waste of his talents. Gabriel uses his speed to dazzle Drew, along with those stiff kicks, but Drew isn’t putting up that for long. One big boot to the face and Gabriel is down, as now it’s Drew using his understated power to control the high flyer. Justin comes back with a nice tornado DDT and scores a near fall. Justin hits the spin kick, but sends himself to the outside. As he comes in via the top rope Drew catches him with a nice clothesline. Drew quickly hits the Future Shock DDT and scores a much needed win. A very good match between two contrasting stars, not that this win will do a damn thing for Drew.

1. Drew McIntyre pinned Justin Gabriel with the Future Shock DDT 7.5/10

2. Trent Barretta v. Hunico

Hunico comes out on a bike, with some guy steering the bike, well at least it’s not a lawnmower. Hunico quickly works over Trent, who tries to comeback and misses a corner charge. This allows Hunico to choke Trent in the corner and follow up with a nice suplex. It’s pretty much been all Hunico as Trent is getting destroyed but Hunico gets caught going for a shoulderblock in the ropes and Trent drops a leg. Trent spring to the top and hits a nice moonsault for a near fall. Hunico pulls himself up in the corner and Trent charges in with a knee to the chest, scoring another near fall. Trent goes for the tornado DDT but Hunico blocks and hits a fireman’s carry suplex. Hunico climbs up top and nails the senton bomb for the victory. Almost a squash match, which sucks because I like Trent, but Hunico isn’t half bad in the ring. Hunico has the microphone and cuts a promo in Spanish.

2. Hunico pinned Trent Barretta after the Senton Bomb 6.5/10

3. Jack Swagger v. Alex Riley

Jack comes out without Vickie Guerrero, which seems odd. Have I said how much I hate Riley? Seriously, John Morrison is gone and this schmuck is still around? Swagger easily controls Riley and does the Swagger dance, just a nice way to aggravate the fans. Thankfully it’s been all Swagger so far, as he hammers Riley and hits the Swagger Bomb for a near fall. This has been a dismantling so far, which is good, but it’s dragging on longer then it needs to. Unfortunately Riley comes back with some clotheslines and a poor spinebuster, but Swagger quickly hits the belly to belly suplex and stops Riley cold. A second Swagger bomb fails as he lands on the feet on Riley and Riley goes for the TKO. Swagger slides down and applies the ankle lock. Riley kicks him off and catches Swagger with a DDT for a near fall. Riley misses a corner charges and Swagger clips the legs, then quickly back to the ankle lock and Riley taps. Went on longer then needed, considering Riley’s limitations, but at least the right guy won.

3. Jack Swagger defeated Alex Riley by submission 6.5/10

4. Air Boom v. Primo & Epico

Why is this on Superstars and not the PPV? Way to show no respect for the tag titles, as usual. Always good to see the perfect Rosa Mendes, the hottest diva in the WWE. Evan and Kofi have the early control and double team Epico, as the announcers talk about other tag teams. Kofi with a nice sunset flip into the double stomp, as we get a great look at Rosa. Epico finally makes a tag and they go for a double team, but Kofi hits a double clothesline taking both men down. Kofi dropkicks both men out and sends Evan out on top of them as we go to commercial, and Rosa is screaming at Air Boom. We come back and Evan is still in control of Primo, Primo able to catch Evan with a shot into the ropes. This allows Primo to hammer the head of Evan as Epico is tagged in. Rosa much happier now, which makes me happy too! Primo and Epico control Evan and make sure he can’t get Kingston in, as Rosa continues to scream at ringside. Bourne blocks a suplex and hits the double knee, crushing Primo and both men make the hot tag. Kingston takes it to Epico and connects with a nice dropkick followed by the Boom Drop. Kofi readies for Trouble in Paradise, but misses and Epico charges and eats Kofi’s boot. Kofi with a nice crossbody and Primo has to make the save. Evan and Primo wind up on the floor, and Epico makes a blind tag. Epico quickly slides in and hits the Backstabber on Kofi and scores the big win, which brings in Rosa to dance! A great match that would’ve only been better had it been on PPV.

4. Primo & Epico defeat Air Boom in a non title match 8.5/10

MATCH RECAP:

1. Drew McIntyre pinned Justin Gabriel with the Future Shock DDT 7.5/10

2. Hunico pinned Trent Barretta after the Senton Bomb 6.5/10

3. Jack Swagger defeated Alex Riley by submission 6.5/10

4. Primo & Epico defeat Air Boom in a non title match 8.5/10

This was world’s better then Raw, as we have two really good matches and two good matches, which were still better then anything we saw on RAW. I love this show, would rather watch this over the PPV, as we get a series of good matches and no crap. Back tomorrow with another Coliseum Video recap and Monday with TLC.

We open with the recap of the Kevin Steen/Jim Cornette/Steve Corino storyline, one of the best storylines in the business right now. This sends us to the opening video followed by Kevin Kelly and Nigel McGuinness welcome us. Tonight’s main event is The All Night Express face Haas and Benjamin in a proving ground match, but first comments from the previous proving ground competitors Caprice Coleman and Cedric Alexander. They say people will learn their names and tonight they will defeat the Bravado Brothers.

1. Lancelot and Harlem Bravado v. Cedric Alexander & Caprice Coleman

This should be a good battle between two of the young teams here in ROH, and both teams respect the code of honor. The Justin Beiber chants start early on the Bravado Brothers, I think they look more like Kevin Von Erich personally, guess I’m showing my age. The Bravado Brothers have the early advantage on Cedric, as they double team the newcomer. Cedric uses his power advantage to make a quick tag, and now Caprice takes control of Lancelot. The Bravado Brothers cheat to get an advantage but Caprice tries to fight back and gets caught with a nice double team as it’s breaking down. Cedric hits a nice flip dive over the top rope on to both Bravado Brothers, very AJ Styles like, impressive. This has been a good match, as the Bravado Brothers again cheat to get an advantage but Cedric and Caprice again comeback. Lancelot gets caught in the flip slam/neckbreaker combo move for the win, very cool finisher. A good fast paced match, nice seeing tag teams featured. After the match the Bravado Brothers refuse the handshake.

1. Cedric Alexander & Caprice Coleman defeated Lancelot and Harlem Bravado 7.5/10

We get comments from Chris Silvio, who’s doing a surfer/stoner style gimmick. TJ Perkins just looks like a generic jobber, hope he’s good in the ring, he’s very vanilla looking.

2. Chris Silvio v. TJ Perkins

Chris is a former OVW champion, and reminds me a little of Superstar Billy Graham, but smaller. Nigel compares Chris to a combination of Billy Graham and Jesse Ventura, which is pretty accurate. Perkins and Silvio jockey for position with Perkins using his speed to dazzle Silvio and hits a nice dropkick. Perkins continues to shine with some amazing speed and flying moves, as he’s sending Silvio all over the ring. Silvio finally catches Perkins and drives his arm into the ring post and begins to work over the arm. Perkins however able to fight back and connects with a series of strikes sending Silvio to the floor, and Perkins dives outside onto him. However it looks like he injured his leg and Silvio tries to take over, but Perkins fights back again and goes for an ankle lock on Silvio. Silvio breaks the hold and goes for a superplex, but gets pushed down. Perkins follows him down with the double knee into the Detonation Kick, he lifts the man into the fireman’s carry then drops him down and connects with a kick to the temple, has to be seen to be believed. Surprisingly a better match then expected as both kids are very crisp in the ring.

2. TJ Perkins defeated Chris Silvio with the Detonation Kick 7.5/10

Inside ROH as we recap the Jay Lethal/El Generico/Mike Bennett storyline, leading to the triple threat match at Final Battle. We get comments from Mike and Jay regarding the match. Then we get comments from Eddie Edwards and his trainer, Dan Severn. Next week Davey Richards faces Michael Elgin in another proving ground match, should be a great battle.

3. Charlie Haas & Shelton Benjamin v. Rhett Titus & Kenny King in a Proving Ground Match

Hopefully the World’s Greatest Tag Team is not looking past the All Night Express, with the Briscoe Brothers looming at Final Battle. The Express work on Shelton to start the match, but Shelton fights back and brings in Haas. Haas begins to work over the left arm of Titus, but Titus makes the tag. King quickly takes down Haas and a double team puts Haas on the ropes. Titus misses a corner charge and drives his shoulder into the ring post, and Haas is quick to capitalize on the incident. After the commercial we come back to WGTT continuing to work over the arm of Titus. Titus finally able to reverse the corner whip, sending Benjamin hard into the exposed turnbuckle, but still unable to make the tag. Haas relentlessly hammers the arm but eats a jawbreaker and Titus is able to make the hot tag. Kenny comes in and unloads on Haas & Benjamin, as we have a donnybrook. Kenny takes down Haas and climbs the ropes, but takes way too long and Benjamin catches him with an explosive arm drag off the top rope. The WGTT set up the Leap of Faith, but Titus pulls the ropes and Benjamin falls to the floor. The Briscoe Brothers come from out of nowhere and crack Shelton with the chair, which no one sees happen. This allows the All Night Express to hit their finisher on Haas to score the upset win. A great match, between one of the greatest tag teams and a top newcomer, excellent work from both teams. After the match we see Shelton on the floor having trouble breathing, and being checked on by medics. Haas is out there with him, as Rhett and Kenny look confused in the ring. Kevin Kelly goes to check on Shelton as well, and Haas is furious. Haas has the microphone as says he wants the Briscoes now, this is the most fire we’ve ever seen from Haas. Charlie talks about Shelton being his brother, and having already lost a brother and vows vengeance on the Briscoes.

3. All Night Express defeated World’s Greatest Tag Team 8.5/10

Another great show, and not a lot of talking this which was nice. Three very good fast paced matches, just an all around excellent show. Question, how is it that ROH can deliver three great matches in one hour, while WWE can’t deliver one good match in three hours of RAW this week? This just proves that having bookers who know wrestling and not crappy TV shows and comedy is what is needed. Can’t believe still have a WWE PPV this week, who’s dumb idea was this scheduling? Seriously, 3 hour RAW, 2 hour Tribute to the Troops (which sucked), 1 hour of NXT, 1 hour of Superstars, 2 hours of Smackdown and a 3 hour PPV? That’s twelve hours of WWE in one week, talk about overkill.

The classic opener with that great eighties music, of course we get Jesse Ventura as our host for the second time. He also hosted “Most Unusual Matches” previously, and suits the title of this one as well. We get highlights of Andre, Steele, midgets, and other’s that will be featured.

1. The Biggest

Andre the Giant faces Samoan #3, this should be a quick squash match, as Samoan #3 was the extra Samoan alongside Afa and Sika. Vince McMahon talks about Andre’s undefeated streak as Andre quickly overpowers the Samoan. We cut off in about two minutes and go to highlights of Bobo Brazil facing Freddie Blassie, followed by a clip of Haystacks Calhoun. Both these clips were shown on the previous tapes, way to recycle footage Vince. Now it’s time for Ernie Ladd versus two scrubs, then highlights of Ivan Koloff, the former WWWF Champion. Quickly over to Gorilla Monsoon facing off with the Wolfman. Gorilla finishes the Wolfman with a chop and then the big splash. So far we’ve gotten about thirty seconds on average per match. Now it’s Piper’s Pit with Blackjack Mulligan, the father of Barry Windham and grandfather of Husky Harris. Recycling highlights continue as we get Hulk Hogan versus Big John Studd from the Hulk-a-mania tape.

This is the perfect tape if you have ADD, as nothing gets focused on for very long. Now we see where Vince Russo got his inspiration for Crash TV, throw everything at fans quickly and don’t let them get too attached to anything. Nikolai Volkoff shows off his power press slamming a 280 pounder before delivering a backbreaker for the win. Jesse introduces his new favorite, and one of mine, King Kong Bundy facing Tony Garea. Bundy was still managed by Jimmy Hart at this point, but at least he wasn’t still wearing a cape! It’s amazing to see a former champion, Garea, being a jobber for the newcomer. Do you think we would ever see John Cena, Randy Orton or Triple H be a jobber to make new stars, never happen. Hillbilly Jim makes his Madison Square Garden debut facing Rene Goulet, as Jesse warns us that we have a full tape of the Hillbillies coming, not looking forward to that. We get a few minutes of this match at least, as Hillbilly catches Rene coming off the top in a bearhug for the easy win. This takes us over to Piper’s Pit with Hillbilly Jim, who has someone for Piper to meet. Jim introduces Uncle Elmer, a huge mountain of a man, and Piper suddenly wants to make friends. Can’t wait to get to the Piper tape, he was the best back in the day, one day I’ll recap the DVD as well. At least we didn’t get an Elmer match, thankfully.

2. The Smallest

Well, this is going to be the death of me, I hate watching midget matches, they’re always treated as a joke. Maybe this explains my hatred for Hornswoggle? Anyways, it’s Ivan the Terrible and Billy the Kid versus Tiny Tom and Butch Cassidy as Jesse mentions a list of the big name midgets of the era. Jesse calls them the funniest in the business, somehow that’s not very politically correct. Skip forward to Tiger Jackson teaming with the Haiti Kid facing Pancho Boy and Dana Carpenter. Tiger is best know for playing Dink alongside Doink the Clown, and teaming with the Bushwhackers, while Haiti Kid is best remembered for getting his head shaved by Piper while feuding with Mr T and getting knocked out by Jimmy Hart using Terry Funk’s branding iron. Don’t know what is worse the match or the commentary team of Mene Gene and Vince, as Tiger blows the finish and they redo it, nice. More midgets as we get another tag match, with Little Beaver now, best know for being on King Kong Bundy’s team at Wrestlemania Three and eating the big elbow from Bundy. One midget bites the other one on the ass, this is so stupid, clip to Beaver press slamming Sky Low Low and scores the fall. Another match as Sky Low Low teams with Little Brutus to face Frenchie Lamont and Little Joey, can we end the midget crap. Great this is two out of three falls, and they’ll probably show the whole damn thing. Sky Low Low is the heel as Joey plays face in peril for this match, Sky and Brutus double team Joey. It’s sad this is the match they’ve shown the most of, I have to say the quality is impressive for thirty year old footage. Sky scores the pin on Joey, and thankfully they only show the first fall, and we move on to something better.

3. The Strangest

This should be fun, as we start with the Rugged Russians, a masked Russian tag team. Bet they weren’t Russian, as we go to the Wolfman again. We already saw his squashed by Monsoon earlier in the tape, as we get more highlights from that match. Over to Pampero Firpo, who has the wildest hair this side of Carlito. I remember reading about him in the old Apter mags, and he had one of the funniest interviews. It’s amazing they included him, considering he was only in the WWWF for one year, 1972. Highlights of Crazy Luke Graham, beating up a jobber, then an interview with Luke and his manager the Grand Wizard. Luke was claiming to be the brother of former champion Billy Graham, but of course they were not related in any way. The symbol on Wizard’s turban looks like the current WWE logo, which is kind of odd, I know it’s supposed to mean Wizard but it just looks funny. Time for a Canadian Legend, Maurice Vachon, the uncle of former WWF star Luna Vachon. Maurice is facing a jobber and just hammers him in the corner, then lives up to his Mad Dog nickname by biting the guy.

The match cuts off as it’s time for Afternoon Tea with Lord Alfred Hayes, The British Bulldogs, Mr Fuji and Moondog Spot. I always liked Spot, the Moondog gimmick was classic, obviously considering there was about a dozen of them. Moondog snaps and starts destroying all of Alfred’s china, as the Bulldogs are just dumbfounded. They’re probably wondering what the hell kind of wrestling organization they got themselves into, as we move along to Mil Mascaras. Mick Foley talks about him in his book, and basically calls him a jerk when it came to their match at the Clash of Champions, which is the next major undertaking I plan to do after these tapes. Of course we have to get highlights of the manager of champions, Captain Lou Albano, as Gorilla calls him a walking advertisement for birth control. We get highlights of Superfly Snuka beating the crap out of his former manager, for a couple of seconds. This sends up over to Nikolai Volkoff, Iron Sheik and Freddie Blassie, who ask us to all rise for the singing of the Russian National Anthem. Were there any better heat magnets in the eighties then these three?

Now we get a quick video of the fashions of the WWF featuring Jesse Ventura, Adrian Adonis, Sheik, Brutus Beefcake, Junkyard Dog, the Strongbow Brothers, Hulk Hogan, Mene Gene, Rowdy Roddy Piper, Jimmy Hart, Freddie Blassie, Cyndi Lauper, Greg Valentine, Bobby Heenan, Johnny Valiant, Fabulous Moolah, and the Moondogs. This is stretching things as the only things odd about Greg is the robe, JYD is the chains and Piper is the kilt. Bobby Heenan, Big John Studd & Ken Patera give some guy a haircut on the set of TNT, Heenan was a classic as he makes fun of the guys hair. The heels spray the guy down with something, and once he’s wet they cover him in powder, hope they payed the guy well. We now get some clips of the newcomers to the WWF, Mad Maxine, who lasted about a week in the WWF. The Missing Link, who I was lucky to see in person about a year before his death, who also didn’t last long in the WWF, about four months. Bobby Heenan, Vince and Alfred are in a cave, which is where Link was supposed to have lived. There are no gimmicks like this in wrestling anymore, speaking of awesome gimmicks, George Steele. Steele is one of the most well known characters of the eighties with his eating turnbuckles and lusting after Elizabeth, he played the character to a tee. Steele tears apart the buckle and shoves the stuffing into the face of Steve Lombardi before tossing him out of the ring.

4. The Strongest

Jesse says before this section starts he wants to warn the viewers not to try the feats of strength in this section, and sends it over to Bepo the Mongol facing Bruno Sammartino. Bepo is of course better known as Nikolai Volkoff, and was one half of the tag champions at the time, as Bruno unloads on the big guy. Bepo comes back and shoulder blocks the champion out of the ring as we cut over to Ivan Putski, who’s son was a complete flop in the nineties, who faces Jesse Ventura in an arm wrestling match, those are always thrilling. I’m surprised we haven’t had one between Mark Henry and Big Show, better not give them ideas. Jesse takes his time removing all his paraphernalia, before we get a posedown, what is Vince’s obsession with posedowns? Jesse stalling, as they’re wasting a lot of tape on this, and I don’t know why. They finally lock up and Ventura breaks away again, I can’t believe they’re showing this in it’s entirety. Another lock up and this time Putski breaks away, causing Jesse to have a major meltdown and the fans are loving it. Was it this much easier to pop a crowd in the eighties or was it because the characters were so much more fun? I think it’s because the characters were different and entertaining, unlike today where they are all the same, boring and bland. Lock up attempt number three, and Putski starts to go down but Putski makes the comeback and Jesse cheats to regain the advantage. Putski again comes back and Jesse cheats again, which the ref misses again but Putski overpowers a third time and Ventura pulls him across the table then slams the chair across Ivan’s head repeatedly. Ventura stomps a mudhole in Ivan before spitting on him and posing over his fallen foe, then drives the knee into Ivan’s face repeatedly.

Heading over to the Iron Sheik’s tent as he does his classic Iranian Club twirling demonstration. Even back then it was impossible to understand what Sheik can say, as the challenge was if anyone else can do what he does, he will do it for double the time. Now back to the TNT set as Big John Studd is ready to set a bench press record, another gimmick gone by the wayside. Bravo did the same gimmick in the late eighties, including the weight lifting challenge at the first Royal Rumble. Big John starts out by lifting 630 pounds, and then adds on more weight while calling out Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant. Studd now presses seven hundred pounds, supposedly to set the World Record, but is unable to do it and has to have it lifted off his chest. Studd claims they gave him a lousy lift off and wants another chance, but Vince says there is not enough time. Later that night, Studd comes out and interrupts Bruno Sammartino, Studd wants his chance to do it again, so Bruno says he’ll spot him this time. Studd says he is risking his career with this lift, but he knows he can do it. Studd claims another lousy lift off, but pulls it off this time and says he knew he could do it.

Finally to the ring for Tony Atlas, who we just saw on RAW this week doing his goofy laugh, facing Ken Patera. This starts out with a posedown, of course, Atlas sends Patera to the floor and fires up the crowd. At least this wasn’t during the period when Atlas was doing the very racist Saba Simba gimmick, whoever thought of that should have been shot. Let’s have a talented black athlete come out dressed in a loin cloth, with a big mask, a spear and a shield, classy Vince, very classy. Anyways they cut the match off to show some of Ken’s feats of strength. First one is driving a one inch spike through a piece of walnut with his bare hands. Patera has the whitest hair I’ve ever seen, it’s almost ghostly, as he drives the spike through the board. I can’t believe that we have a full tape of this man coming up, that may be worse then the Hillbilly tape, at least all the other tapes are good. I think this is the last compilation style tape as well, which is good as I like the ones with full matches. Meanwhile in the ring, Patera is still doing feats including bending a spike and blowing up a hot water bottle using his mouth. Well, guess that proves he’s full of hot air, as he is able to do it but looks like he’s going to pass out. Vince tosses the bottle into the crowd, wonder if these were legit or not? Now we get footage of Ken holding back a van using his legs leaning on a wall. Ken calls Vince, Mr. McMahon which is funny for some reason, as Ken tells Vince to drive the van and Alfred makes fun of Vince’s driving. Vince is anxious to drive Ken through the wall, as he honks the horn and revs the engine. Bet Ken wasn’t the last person that Vince wanted to put through a wall. Ken’s hair reminds of Gary Spivey from the Psychic network, I remember when Gary showed up on Nitro to help Paul Orndorff. Ken finally gets in position and is able to hold back the van, and Ken is furious with Vince for holding the gas to long, as we fade to our closing video.

Well, running just a little over an hour long this is a pretty good little compilation tape with some nice historical stuff. Other then the midget crap, it wasn’t bad, for what it was. Coming up next is one of my favorite wrestlers getting his own tape, Rowdy Roddy Piper, looking forward to this one.

We open the show with the same video that’s been played on Impact for four weeks showing everyone being shocked by Roode turning heel. AJ says the dumbest thing ever "It’s not about the World Title", way to put over the belt. After Taz and Tenay welcome us to the PPV they send it to Christy Hemme to introduce the first match.

1. Rob Van Dam v. Christopher Daniels

Our first rematch from last month, which was a good match and I said Daniels should have won to set up a rematch. RVD won it last month with the Five Star Frog Splash, and the crowd solidly behind RVD. RVD with the early advantage, as he shows off his underutilized scientific style. One quick kick from Daniels takes down RVD, but RVD comes back with the armdrags. Stupid question, why was their first match No Disqualification, and their second match is not? Isn’t the natural progression of a feud to go from regular to a stipulation match, not the other way, or is this some silly Vince Russo gimmick? Daniels again catching RVD and sends him to the floor, where he follows and works the back of RVD. Daniels plays the cocky heel so well, I’d like to see Daniels win and be promoted to the main event level. AJ, Roode, Storm and Daniels in the main event picture would make some great matches for the new year, just hope Angle and the other older guys don’t get pushed back to the top. RVD comes back with the quick kicks and rolling thunder for a near fall. RVD using his speed to control the match, and goes for the Five Star , but Daniels moves and spears RVD down for the near fall of his own. RVD again comes back with the kick and connects with the Five Star Frog Splash for the win. Seemed really rushed tonight, not as good as last month, the finish almost came out of nowhere. So, where do they go with Daniels now, the feud is pretty much dead as RVD beat him clean two shows in a row. Much like last month, wrong booking decision as Daniels needed the win more then RVD.

1. Rob Van Dam pinned Christopher Daniels with the Five Star Frog Splash 7/10

Backstage to Jeremy Borash with the always gorgeous Mickie James. Mickie looks great in bright red tonight, as Mickie says the people will get what they want tonight. Mickie promises to take it to the limit, and says she is disappointed by Gail hiding behind politics. This would be a good match if it wasn’t for the fact that everyone knows Karen and Madison will get involved. I predict Madison accidentally nails Gail with the belt, and Mickie wins the title, thus turning Madison face.

2. Eric Young v. Robbie E for the TV title

Eric is one of my personal favorites, was lucky enough to see him work independent shows around here and happy to see him make it to the big time, same with Angelina Love. Eric still channeling his inner Mike Knox, with the monster beard, while Robbie E comes out with Rob Terry. Another rematch from last month, and this was a pretty fun opener last month, hopefully they can top it this month. Eric quickly slides in and works over Robbie before throwing him to the floor and diving after him. Terry misses a clothesline but Robbie E connects with his shot, knocking Eric down. Robbie connects with a fist drop and almost gets the win, much to the shock of any fan of Memphis wrestling. Robbie being relentless with a series of near fall, but keeps going back to the rear chinlock. We get a shot of Rob Terry, who is wearing an ear piece, leading to the question of who is he talking to? Could the Robs be the next members of the nWo? Tune into this week’s Nitro to find out, it’s the longest running episodic television program of all time. No, maybe not. Anyways, Eric make a comeback with the discus clothesline and the powerslam followed by the elbow drop for a near fall. Eric takes his eyes off the champ, distracted by Terry and Robbie knocks Eric down. The Rob’s have a conference with the ref on the apron, which allows Eric time to get up and both men collide with the double clothesline. Robbie distracts the ref, allowing Terry to come in and lift up EY in the corner. Robbie charges in and nails Terry. Eric shows his strength and catches both men on his shoulders, but they slide down his back. EY dropkicks Terry out, but turns around into the Codebreaker by Robbie for the win. A fun little match, much like last month, but again the same guy wins twice and that should end the feud. Not that I want to see WWE style 50/50 booking where they trade win to the point of wins not mattering, but if someone wins twice in a row that should end the story.

2. Robbie E pinned Eric Young with the Codebreaker to retain the TV title 6.5/10

Backstage to number one contenders D’Angelo Dinero and D-Von, D-Von says he has no problem with Pope as long as he leaves his kids alone. Pope says he can’t help being a father figure and tonight is about winning the belts.

3. Crimson & Matt Morgan v. D’Angelo Dinero & D-Von for the Tag Titles

Here we go with another Vince Russo classic, tag partners who don’t like each other forced to team up, times two. I’m all for anything that keeps Anarquia of my screen, so I won’t complain too much. Crimson and Pope start out, and Crimson uses his power to take down the Pope before bring in Matt Morgan. Matt tells Pope to tag in D-Von, and Pope obliges, Matt quickly overpowers the multiple time champion however D-Von fires back taking down the giant. Morgan and Crimson continue to use their power advantage, but Pope finally sneaks in a DDT and both men are down. This has been a pretty lackluster match, but better then last months tag title match. D-Von takes control working over Crimson and popping Morgan off the apron, and almost wins the title with a diving headbutt. Morgan quickly comes in and they both whip in D-Von, who hits a double clothesline that doesn’t move them. A flying clothesline takes them both down though, and Pope pulls out Morgan allowing D-Von to knock down Crimson. D-Von slams Crimson and Pope hits the diving elbow, as Matt has to break up the pin attempt. Matt tosses Pope out of the ring and D-Von gets double chokeslammed, allowing Crimson to cover for the win. Wasn’t great, but watchable as we see Pope outside with D-Von’s kids.

3. Crimson & Matt Morgan defeated D’Angelo Dinero & D-Von to retain the Tag Titles 5/10

Backstage to JB with AJ Styles, who says he’s not a hundred percent, he’s two hundred percent. AJ says he will beat on Roode for thirty minutes and Roode may have destroyed Fortune but won’t destroy AJ.

4. Kid Kash v. Austin Aries for the X Title

Someone explain why the hell Kid Kash is in a main storyline at this stage in his career. He’s the Kevin Nash of TNA, as Tenay points out it has been eight years since Kash held the title. With all the young talent out there, why push older guys? I liked Kash, but time for him to step back and be a trainer, ala Jamie Noble. Last month was a three way with Jesse Sorensen, where Aries rolled up Kash from behind to win and leads to this match, as I predicted. They also had the second best match of the night, as the crowd is split between both men, since they’re both heels. Nice back and forth start, as neither guy can get an advantage, till Kash gets a chop in the throat. We get a nice series of near falls from both men as they exchange pin counters, very cool. Aries rolls out for a breather, and Kash follows. Aries slides in and catches Kash coming in but misses the fist drop, allowing Kash to clothesline Aries to the floor. This has been a brutal battle so far, as Kash nails the post and Aries grabs the title. The ref takes it away allowing Kash to roll him up using the ropes, Aries comes back the same as both guys take any cheap shot they can. This has been fantastic so far, as both guys are just hammering each other not slowing down at all. Aries hits the pendulum elbow for a near fall, that’s about as telegraphed a move as the worm and the People’s Elbow. Another nice series of reversals, with Kash getting the advantage with a stiff forearm, as Kash nails Aries as he falls for extra emphasis, nice. Kash goes for a moonsault, but Aries moves and Kash sort of lands on his feet. Been a couple minor botches, but still some great stuff here. Kash gets caught on the top rope, and Aries climbs up after him, but Kash fights back and goes for the powerbomb, but Aries counters mid air to a rana. The crowd rightly chants "holy sh!t" and I agree, that was impressive. Both men slow to get up, and a slugfest again, and Kash gets the advantage, as Kash goes for the double underhook but Aries blocks. Kash staggers into the corner and Aries charges, eating the boots of Kash. Kash again goes for the double underhook and Aries flips out. Kash crashes into the buckle and Aries pulls out brass knuckles, and the ref catches him. Now Kash gets caught with a foreign object and Aries tosses the X Title to him while the ref is busy. The ref turns around and catches Kash with the title, Kash says he didn’t use it, the ref pulls the title away and Aries catches Kash quickly with the brainbuster for the win. Fantastic match with a couple flubs, but it’s forgivable. A very innovative finish, shades of the late Eddie Guerrero, great end to a great match. Here’s your match of the night.

4. Austin Aries pinned Kid Kash with the Brainbuster to retain the X title 9.25/10

A minor production flub as the promo video for the Knockout match doesn’t play, a second attempt gets it working. We recap the whole Gail Kim and Karen Jarrett garbage, including the stupid lingerie crap from Impact. It’s sad they did a lingerie match and the girls wore more clothes then they normally do. Now it’s highlights of ODB losing to Mickie in a street fight, and Madison jobbing to Mickie as well. As Mike and Taz talk they accidentally replay the same video, this time with no audio, someone is going to be fired for this mess.

5. Mickie James v. Gail Kim for the Knockout Title

This could be a good match, but like I said watch for interference from Karen and/or Madison. Talk about going the opposite direction with Gail, WWE does nothing with her, while TNA puts two title on her in a matter of weeks. Mickie still looks fantastic in her red tie-up shirt and cut offs, stunning. Mickie outsmarts Gail in the beginning, and the crowd solidly behind Hardcore Country. Mickie goes to slide under Gail, but gets caught, she fights free with a snapmare and a dropkick to the face of Gail. Gail catches Mickie on the top rope and splatters her hard on the mat, Taz says she’s not moving as she starts to get move, turn on your monitor Taz. Gail relentless now she has her down and begins to work the legs of Mickie and follows up choking the challenger on the ropes. Mickie shot into the corner and Gail goes for the corner cross body, but Mickie moves and Gail falls to the floor hitting the steps as well. Mickie catches Gail with the rana and a series of clotheslines, as Mickie gets fired up and flapjacks Gail down hard. Mickie climbs the ropes but Gail catches her again and goes for the top rope rana, but Mickie hold the ropes and dives down with the Thesz Press, nice. Mickie goes for the DDT, but Gail blocks and goes for Eat Defeat. Mickie counters with a dragon screw and Gail to the floor. Gail grabs the title and starts to leave, Mickie chases her and slaps Gail, then tosses her headfirst into the post. Mickie tosses Gail in, and here comes Madison to grab the ankle. This allows Gail to hit Eat Defeat for the win, well that came out of nowhere. Was a great match, but the ending was predictable and came out of nowhere. Would’ve been better with more time, still second best match so far.

5. Gail Kim pinned Mickie James with Eat Defeat to retain the Knockout Title 7.5/10

Backstage to James Storm who calls himself a beer drinking, ass kicking machine and tonight he will take out Kurt Angle. I hope Storm wins, as I really don’t want to see Angle in the main event anymore. We get the highlight package, including a sighting of Ken Anderson, glad he’s not on the PPV.

6. James Storm v. Kurt Angle

I like Storm’s new music, very cool and suits him perfectly. Angle tries to control early with his amateur skills and proceeds to work over the arm of Storm. Angle maintains a side headlock, as Storm shoots him off but Angle comes back with a shoulderblock. Storm catches Angle with a pair of armdrags into the armbar, as the crowd chants "Cowboy". Angle forces him to the corner and rakes the eyes before unloading on the Cowboy. Storm comes back and clotheslines Angle over the top and quickly follows. Storm gets sent into the steps and now Angle works over the head of Storm. Storm fights free with the back suplex and hammers the Olympian. Storm hits a Codebreaker followed by the Backstabber for a near fall, but runs into the belly to belly from Angle. Angle quick to apply the anklelock but Storm rolls free. Angle comes back with the rolling Germans for another near fall. Storm catches Angle in the Eye of the Storm for his own near fall, and both guys slow to get up. Storm climbs the ropes, big mistake, as Angle catches him with the belly to belly. Angle goes for the Angle Slam, Storm rolls through and goes for the Last Call kick, Angle catches the foot and applies the anklelock. Storm fights free and Angle crashes into the post, Storm hits an elevated DDT on the apron. Storm goes for the kick again, but Angle catches him and hits the Slam. Angle misses the moonsault, and Storm finally hits the kick for the win. A very good match, with the right man winning.

6. James Storm pinned Kurt Angle with the Last Call Kick 8.5/10

It’s time wasting time, as they have to build the cage so we go backstage to Jeff & Karen Jarrett, as Jeff is furious that they added the stipulation if Jarrett loses either he or Karena are fired. Sting wanders in and taunts Karen with the handcuffs, bet that’s not new to her. Now we get the whole recap package of this feud. Hardy won three times last month, and I bet he wins again tonight since I can’t see him gone.

7. Jeff Jarrett v. Jeff Hardy in a Cage

As Sting handcuffs himself to Karen we get our Twitter reference from Tenay, at least they’re not as annoying as Michael Cole. The TNA cage always looks so huge, as Hardy starts out working over Jarrett, as Karen acts like Vickie Guerrero outside the cage screaming. This early in the match and we have dueling figure fours, that’s not a good sign. So far no one has really gotten an advantage, but both guys have tried to escape and been caught. Hardy hits the Twist of Fate out of nowhere and instead of pinning he climbs the ropes, but Jarrett starts to get up, so Hardy drops down hits a second Twist of Fate. Hardy climbs to the top of the cage, and instead of leaving he goes for the swanton bomb, but Jarrett rolls out of the way. Jarrett starts to climb out but Hardy catches and drags him in, so Jarrett responds with an enziguiri. Jarrett hits the Stroke on Hardy and both guys fight at the door, with Hardy catching Jarrett with the dropkick using the cage for momentum. Jarrett shoves Hardy and he hits the cage door, sending the door into Sting as well. This allows Karen to unlock the cuffs and drives the cage door into Hardy’s head, getting a near fall for Jarrett. Karen grabs the guitar and tries to bring it in, but Sting grab her. This distracts Jarrett long enough for Hardy to hit the Twist of Fate and pin Jarrett. Not a good match, basically just a bunch of spots with no real story. Now one of the Jarrett’s will be fired, as Sting has the microphone, bet he says tune in at Impact for the results. That’s exactly what he says, way to deliver on your stipulation on the PPV.

7. Jeff Hardy pinned Jeff Jarrett in the Cage DUD

We now get our hype segment for the main event, this should be a great match.

8. AJ Styles v. Robert Roode for the World Title in an Iron Man Match

Wonder which way they’ll go with the match, like Bret and Shawn with no falls, or Dustin and Rude with multiple falls. Personally I think three falls is plenty, two for one guy and one for the other. Anymore then that makes the guys look weak, but any less is boring. Roode in control at the onset with the side headlock, as he tries to wear down both the opponent and the clock. Roode begins to work over the leg of AJ before tossing him out of the ring, Roode follows and gets slammed into the guardrail. Nine minutes into the match, and no one has scored a fall, actually been pretty slow so far. AJ has the side headlock, and Roode fights out with a shin breaker. Roode flips AJ over his head, and AJ’s leg is injured. AJ tries to spring up and Roode sweeps his legs out then covers for the first fall. Roode quickly back on the knee and continues to bend and contort the leg of AJ. Roode applies a figure four leg lock on AJ, who tries to fight off the pain but finally has no choice but to tap out at the half way point, putting Roode up by two falls. Rude wisely goes right back to the leg, but AJ able to kick him off sending Roode into the buckle shoulder first. AJ drives the arm down and locks on the crossface submission, and Roode taps with twelve minutes left. Now both guys have an injury to be exploited as AJ gets turned inside out by a Roode clothesline. AJ able to sneak a cradle in on Roode to score another pin and tie it up with just under ten minutes left. Roode goes for the catapult but AJ springs to the ropes and comes back with a DDT, very impressive as AJ follows up with a springboard splash for a third pin, giving AJ the lead with seven minutes remaining. Roode backdrops AJ to the apron, but AJ holds the arm of Roode and drops down. AJ comes in via a springboard sunset flip and Roode holds the ropes, scoring a pin to tie it all up again with less then five minutes left. AJ is furious and starts to hammer on Roode, and the ref has to physically pull AJ off Roode. AJ sets Roode on the top rope, and climbs up with him going for the superplex, but Roode shoves him off. AJ quickly springs back up with an armdrag and Roode lands hard on the shoulder. AJ follows with a backdrop suplex and goes for a vertical suplex, but Roode kicks the knee out. Roode goes for the fisherman suplex and AJ counters to a cradle for a near fall. Roode infuriated goes after AJ, right into the Pele Kick. AJ signals for the Clash, but his knee gives out and Taz does the serious voice. Roode rolls out of the ring and AJ goes for broke with the flipping dive to the floor, which hurts his knee even worse. Under a minute left, all tied up, and everyone is down outside the ring. AJ throws Roode back in the ring and Roode looks at the clock and bails out again, as he tries to wear out the clock. Roode avoids AJ until the clock runs out and the match ends in a tie. That was actually a very good Iron Man Match, one of the better ones I’ve seen, right up there with Rude and Dustin or Rude and Steamboat. The ending was very innovative, as Roode outsmarted AJ by avoiding him for the last minute, very sneaky and well done. The match is declared a draw and Roode retains his gold, much to the chagrin of the crowd. I bet we get a third match at the next PPV in January.

8. Robert Roode and AJ Styles went to a draw in the Iron Man Match 9/10

MATCH RECAP:

1. Rob Van Dam pinned Christopher Daniels with the Five Star Frog Splash 7/10

2. Robbie E pinned Eric Young with the Codebreaker to retain the TV title 6.5/10

3. Crimson & Matt Morgan defeated D’Angelo Dinero & D-Von to retain the Tag Titles 5/10

4. Austin Aries pinned Kid Kash with the Brainbuster to retain the X title 9.25/10

5. Gail Kim pinned Mickie James with Eat Defeat to retain the Knockout Title 7.5/10

6. James Storm pinned Kurt Angle with the Last Call Kick 8.5/10

7. Jeff Hardy pinned Jeff Jarrett in the Cage DUD

8. Robert Roode and AJ Styles went to a draw in the Iron Man Match 9/10

A much better show then Turning Point was, as only one bad match and one mediocre match. Five matches were must see, as the X match was the match of the night, but the main event was right up there. A very good way to end 2011 for TNA, I only hope this means 2012 will be more focused on the talent and less on the garbage backstage. A couple really fun finishes as well, and it was nice to see no interference or ref bumps in the main event, a welcome change as this makes two main events in a row. 2012 could be a good year for TNA, just wish the knockouts would go back to how good they were about three years ago.

1. Justin Gabriel v. Tyson Kidd

This should be a pretty good opener, as we get two very underutilized superstars. Justin starts out quickly, but Tyson catches him going to the top and hammers the Cape Town star. Truly a global encounter as we have a South African facing a Canadian, both former tag team champions, not that anyone remembers that. Great, we have the Tribute to the Troops this week, can we say over saturation. So next week we have a three hour RAW, two hours of Tribute to the Troops, NXT, Superstars, two hours of Smackdown and a three hour PPV, that’s 12 hours of WWE in one week. Who thought this was good idea? Tyson slows things down with a side headlock, but Justin fights free and connects with a series of kicks. Gabriel goes up to too soon, and Tyson goes to catch him but Gabriel jumps over him and sends Tyson to the floor. Tyson avoids the baseball slide and hits the kick to the side of Justin’s head. Back in the ring and Gabriel back on the offense, but Tyson catches him up top. Justin rolls through the head scissors for a near fall. Justin with a side suplex and hits the 450 splash for the win. Not a bad match, but way too short for what these two are capable of. Would’ve like to see a twenty minute match with these two.

1. Justin Gabriel pinned Tyson Kidd with the 450 Splash 6.75/10

2. Jack Swagger v. Trent Barretta

As much as I like Trent, I don’t think he’s winning this battle. Swagger with the early advantage and hammers Trent down. Trent finally catches Swagger with his head down and hits a nice enziguiri followed by a missile dropkick getting a near fall. Trent tries to use his speed going for a headscissor, but Swagger catches him in the Swagger Bomb. Swagger then applies the ankle lock and Trent quickly taps out. Basically a squash match, and Trent deserves so much better.

2. Jack Swagger defeated Trent Barretta via submission 5/10

3. Drew McIntyre v. Mason Ryan

They’re going to squash Drew McIntyre again, not impressed. Why is Mason even getting a push? Does he ever get tested, why does Heath and Evan get suspended yet Mason is still around? Mason overpowers Drew right from the start, but misses a charge and eats an elbow. Drew begins to work over the arm of Mason, but Mason fights back with a big forearm. Mason gets caught by a low dropkick and Drew climbs the ropes, not normal for Drew, and we see why as he gets caught in the full nelson slam. Mason covers and wins, stupid booking. Just another squash match, as Drew is another who deserves better. I hate Mason Ryan more then I hate Alex Riley.

3. Mason Ryan pinned Drew McIntyre with a full nelson slam 2/10

4. Evan Bourne v. Epico

This is Evan’s first match back from his suspension, and last week Kofi lost to Primo, so this week it’s the other half of each team. Have I said how much I like Rosa Mendes, just saying is all. Evan starts out in control of Epico with a side headlock, Evan maintains control with a series of near falls, but Epico fights back and rams Evan’s head into the buckle. Evan quickly comes back with a kick and a bulldog, much to the chagrin of Rosa. Evan backdrops Epico to the apron, then dropkicks him to the floor. Primo tries to help him up, and Evan dives down on top of Epico. After the commercial, they’re back in the ring and Evan is still in control. It’s been all Evan pretty much. Epico finally able to catch Evan and crotches him on the top rope. Epico quickly works over the back of Evan and hits a rolling belly to back suplex, that was impressive, as he finishes with a German Suplex for a near fall. Epico goes for the Gory Special and stretches out the body of Evan, who won’t give up. Evan fights his way free and armdrags Epico down. Epico misses the corner charge and eats a series of kicks followed by the headscissor take down. Evan unloads on Epico and hits the knee to the face, but now Evan gets caught in the corner. Epico climbs up top and Evan catches him this time with the headscissor. Evan quickly ascends to the top and Primo distracts Evan who jumps down, right into the backstabber giving Epico the big win! Great match, not as good as last week with Kofi and Primo, but better then anything we saw on RAW. Bet we get a tag match at TLC.

4. Epico pinned Evan Bourne with the backstabber 8.5/10

MATCH RECAP:

1. Justin Gabriel pinned Tyson Kidd with the 450 Splash 6.75/10

2. Jack Swagger defeated Trent Barretta via submission 5/10

3. Mason Ryan pinned Drew McIntyre with a full nelson slam 2/10

4. Epico pinned Evan Bourne with the backstabber 8.5/10

Not the best episode of Superstars ever, but better then RAW. I would have rather they cut the middle two matches out and given us more time for Kidd/Justin and the main event. Next up is tonight’s TNA PPV, which I can’t even remember the name of, which shows how much I care. Give me more classic WWF and ROH, as the rest of this stuff is crap lately. I hope the TNA PPV can deliver, but not feeling to optimistic.

We open the show with highlights from last week’s TV Title match. and then over to Kevin Kelly and Nigel McGuinness. Kevin says a new match has been signed for Final Battle and we’ll talk about that later. We get comments from Tomasso Ciampa, who says he is the dominant man in ROH.

1. Shiloh Jonze v. Tomasso Ciampa

This is going to be a squash match, obviously, as Ciampa is undefeated. Jonze offers the handshake and Ciampa shoves him to the mat. Ciampa destroys the kid, who tries to fight back and eats a huge clothesline. Jonze has no chance, as the crowd is cheering him on anyway. Jonze able to take down the big man with a diving lariat but runs into a dropkick this time. Jonze collapses in the corner, and Tomasso pulls down the kneepad, then drives the knee into the kid’s face repeatedly. Ciampa pulls him out of the corner and hits the Project Ciampa for the win. Basically an extended squash, as Shiloh really had no chance.

1. Tomasso Ciampa squashed Shiloh Jonze with the Project Ciampa 5/10

Comments from the Briscoes who tells Haas and Benjamin to watch over their shoulders. Kyle & Rhett, the All Night Express, offer comments as well, as they face Haas and Benjamin next week.

Kevin and Nigel in the ring, with Jim Cornette, Steve Corino and Jimmy Jacobs. Kevin Kelly introduces Kevin Steen, who comes to the ring to a pretty loud ovation. Jim Cornette calls Kevin Steen a great wrestler, and sells tickets, but he’s crazy and Jim says he never knows what he’s going to do or say. Jim says he is impossible to deal with and has more issues then anyone he has ever met. Kevin says that’s the nicest thing he’s heard all week, and some might think he’s crazy but at least he’s not a hypocrite. Kevin says he did it on his own and doesn’t need Jim to make him a star. Jim says he was going to make a settlement offer, but since it was Steve’s idea, he can do it. Corino says for a year he has suffered the burden as he convinced Kevin to turn, and tells Kevin he went to far. Steve says Kevin’s future is being him, but it’s not to late and he can make amends. Kevin cuts him off and calls Steve and Jimmy as pathetic as Cornette, who calls Kevin a stupid bastard. Steve says his salvation is now, and the offer is, at Final Battle, Kevin Steen versus Steve Corino. Corino tells Kevin if he wins, he is reinstated, and warns Kevin that at Final Battle he will face the evil Corino that night. Kevin says he loves the offer, and Jim says he added to it and that Jimmy Jacobs will be the referee. Kevin tells Jim to be at ringside and watch him win his career back, Jim agrees. Kevin says after he win, it will be him ROH and then spits on Corino who smacks Kevin as all hell breaks loose. A great segment, and sets up what should be a hell of a match.

Inside ROH as we find out the TV title match at Final Battle will be a three way match with elimination rules. Jay Lethal defends against El Generico and Mike Bennett, should be a great match. We get more on the Eddie Edwards and Dan Severn training sessions. More comments from Roderick Strong who says no one has accepted his challenge yet, could they get an uglier women to hang out with Roderick?

2. Kyle O’Reilly and Adam Cole v. The Young Bucks

This should be a good battle between two young tag teams. Kyle and Adam control the start of the match with some nice double team moves. Matt tagged in and gets the same treatment, as Future Shock hit a double team on Matt. Kyle and Adam have been on the offense the whole match so far, but Nick catches Kyle and pulls him to the floor. This allows the Bucks to double team now and they unload on Kyle in their corner. After the commercial we get highlights during the break of more double teaming from the Bucks. This has been a lot slower a match then I expected, as the Young Bucks continue to work over Kyle. Kyle able to fight back with a belly to belly on Nick and gets the knees up as Matt comes off the ropes, this allows the tag to Adam Cole. Adam takes out both Bucks and sends Nick to the floor, but Nick pulls Cole to the apron. Nick goes for a baseball slide and Adam catches him and hits the wheelbarrow suplex into the apron. Adam with a nice cross body on Matt for a near fall, as this has picked up quickly. Adam hits a cutter and tags in Kyle who hits the rolling butterfly suplexes on Matt, then it’s Nick’s turn. Stereo Kicks from the Bucks, and Nick triple bombs Adam and then the superkick gets a near fall. Blind tag to Kyle who hits the tornado DDT into the suplex to the guillotine choke. Nick pulls Adam out and drives him into the post. Nick tries to make Kyle break the hold, and he’s relentless. Adam drags Nick out of the ring as Kyle maintains the choke, but Nick hits a diving legdrop on Kyle, amazing series so far. Young Bucks hit the More Bang For Your Buck sequence for the win. Great tag team match, why TNA didn’t use these kids better is beyond me.

2. Young Bucks defeated Future Shock 9.5/10

MATCH RECAP:

1. Tomasso Ciampa squashed Shiloh Jonze with the Project Ciampa 5/10

2. Young Bucks defeated Future Shock 9.5/10

Again we have a squash match which was alright, as at least it showcased a future title contender. The main event was spectacular though, and really makes me question TNA’s logic, as they had these kids and didn’t use them. The build up for the Kevin Steen story has been amazing as it has gone a year plus, something you really don’t see anymore. If this was WWE or TNA he would’ve been fired in November and back by December, a great build to what should be a fantastic battle. Can’t wait for Final Battle, it’s going to be the PPV of the year.