In-ring segment:

It seemed as if the show was going to start off with the Triple H vs. Sheamus Street Fight, but the two got into a brawl backstage with Sheamus getting the upper hand and laying Triple H out. This would be the start to an angle throughout the PPV where it was uncertain whether or not Triple H would be able to compete. After this, ShoMiz came out to cut a promo about how they were the best tag team ever. Teddy Long then came out and, after much dragged out bickering with The Miz, made an impromptu Gauntlet match pitting ShoMiz against up to four tag teams. The first team to beat ShoMiz would receive a tag title shot the next night on Raw. This segment was far too long and definitely could have been left off the PPV, but it was originally scheduled for last Monday’s Raw, when most of the Raw roster and crew were stuck in Europe.

1.    Tag Team Gauntlet match:

The first team to come out and face ShoMiz was John Morrison and R-Truth. Miz beats on Morrison for a bit before Morrison hits an arm drag, tags in R-Truth, and helps his partner hit a double hip toss to Miz. Big Show gets the tag and launches R-Truth across the ring before hitting a huge chop. Miz is then tagged in and hits a running kick to the face for a near fall before putting on a rear chin lock. R-Truth fights out of the hold and hits a heel kick, and both men tag in their partners. Morrison hits a dropkick before both men fight in the corner. Morrison puts on a triangle choke, holding onto Show while both men are against the ropes. The ref counts to five and Morrison and Truth have been DQ’d. Yes the first match on a PPV called Extreme Rules ended in a DQ. The next team out was MVP and Mark Henry. They try for a quick pin on the fallen Big Show, but Big Show kicks out and tags in Miz. Henry beats on Miz before MVP gets in there, hits a big knee, and the Ballin’ Elbow. Show big boots Henry but MVP sends him to the outside. MVP hits the Playmaker on Miz, but Big Show hits the Knockout punch to MVP from the outside and Miz gets the 3 count. The Hart Dynasty enters next and quickly hit the Hart Attack on Miz to win the title shot. This whole segment was supposed to be on TV and I can see why. Not a good way to start off the show. Match Time: 5:23 (Bell to bell action for all 3 matches combined)     Match Rating: 3/10 (For all 3 as a whole)

2.    CM Punk vs. Rey Mysterio

The stipulation was that if CM Punk lost, his head would be shaved bald. This was a very good match between these two and ended up being far more satisfying than their Mania encounter because of how much more time they were given at this PPV. Punk kicks Rey in the stomach before going to work on him in the corner with a ton of kicks. Punk hits a big forearm but Rey comes back with a dropkick and some more strikes before Punk sends him to the outside. Both men are at ringside where Rey hits a headscissors sending Punk into the ring apron. Back in the ring Rey tries for the 619 but Punk counters with a Go to Sleep attempt. Rey avoids the GTS but Punk slams him down to the mat for a near fall. Punk distracts the ref, allowing Serena to kick Rey in the gut. Punk brings Mysterio to the outside again where he continues to kick away at him before throwing him back into the ring and hitting a slingshot senton for a two count. Punk chokes Mysterio with his legs but Rey fights out. Rey rolls through a sunset flip attempt and kicks Punk in the head. Punk beats on Rey in the ropes before Luke Gallows gets a cheap shot. Punk hits a backbreaker before putting on the bow and arrow hold. Mysterio counters it into a pin attempt but Punk kicks out, kicks Rey, and hits several leg drops in a row followed up by an unsuccessful pin attempt. Punk then puts Rey in the Gory Special, which is countered by Rey with an arm drag. Punk tries for the hold again but Mysterio counters it with a pin attempt. Mysterio hits a hurricanrana sending Punk into the second turnbuckle before he kicks Punk off and goes up top, only for Punk to knock him off. After a Serena distraction, the ref ejects both her and Gallows from ringside. Punk is upset and Rey takes advantage by hitting a baseball slide and an Asai moonsault to the outside. Rey rolls Punk back in the ring and hits a springboard seated senton but Punk kicks out at two. Mysterio tries for a springboard cross body but Punk counters with a mid-air dropkick for another near fall. Punk hits a diving clothesline and some forearm strikes, but Rey counters a GTS attempt with a roll-up for a near fall. Punk hits a huge kick but Rey kicks out of the pin attempt. Punk charges Rey in the corner, misses, and Mysterio hits a hurricanrana and a 619. All of a sudden, someone in a hoody appears at ringside and slides a chair into the ring. While the ref is removing the chair, Rey goes to the outside where the hooded man, possibly Joey Mercury or Low Ki (aka Senshi from TNA or Kaval, his current name in WWE developmental), hits a reverse powerbomb to him. Punk rolls Mysterio back into the ring and finally hits the GTS for the win. Very happy that Punk won and a very, very good match between these two. WWE finally gave these guys the time they needed. Match Time: 15:59     Match Rating: 7.5/10

3.    Strap match: Shad Gaspard vs. JTG

This was a decent strap match between the former Cryme Tyme partners but far too short. They didn’tJTG hits a few punches to start things off, but Shad hits a big blow and touches 3 turnbuckles in succession. JTG prevents Shad from touching the fourth by whipping him with the strap. JTG continues to whip Shad with the belt before Shad sends him to the outside. JTG holds Shad back, hanging him up against the ropes from the outside before returning to the ring. JTG touches 3 turnbuckles but Shad prevents him from touching the fourth before going outside the ring. Shad uses the strap to pull JTG into the ring post and whips him with the strap several times. Back in the ring Shad chokes JTG with the strap before touching 3 turnbuckles in succession. What he doesn’t know is that JTG had touched all 3 as well. JTG suddenly hits the box-cutter and touches the 4^th turnbuckle to win the match. It was going along fine but it ended too early. Match Time: 4:42     Match Rating: 4/10

4.    Extreme Rules match for the World Heavyweight Championship: Jack Swagger(c) vs. Randy Orton

While this match was not quite as “extreme” as many people would have hoped for, it still had its spots and featured some very solid wrestling. Swagger proved himself as a more than capable main eventer within this match and worked well with Orton. They told a good story with Swagger wanting to keep the match in the ring and Orton being the one to use the weapons and be more in control when the action spilled to the outside. Swagger uses his mat wrestling early on with single-leg takedowns and rolling Orton around the ring for a bit with a waist lock. Orton gets up but Swagger sends him into the corner and buries his shoulder into Orton’s midsection. Swagger goes outside and grabs a chair but Orton kicks it away. Swagger rolls back in the ring and tries for a quick kick on Orton, but Orton sees it coming and retreats, causing Swagger to roll right back out  as well. Swagger hits a huge Northern Lights suplex on the outside before sending Orton into the barricade and the ring apron. Swagger tries for a pin in the ring but Orton kicks out, and Swagger pounds on Orton before putting his boot to Orton’s throat. Swagger hits a suplex and brings Orton right back up. Orton hits a few punches but Swagger hits a belly to belly suplex. Swagger stomps on Orton before hitting another suplex and a belly to belly slam. Swagger charges Orton in the corner but Orton comes back with some quick offense. Swagger regains the advantage, goes outside the ring, and grabs his title belt. Swagger tries to use the belt but Orton responds with a series of uppercuts. Swagger hits a couple slams to Orton but when he tries for a Vader Bomb Orton gets the belt and hits Swagger in the gut with it. Orton hits a few clotheslines and powerslam for a near fall before Swagger rolls onto the ring apron. Orton tries for the spike DDT but Swagger suplexes him out of the ring to the floor. Swagger goes to the outside and grabs a trash can, but Orton takes it away and hits Swagger in the face with it twice. Orton stomps on Swagger back in the ring but misses a knee drop, Swagger rolls to the outside and grabs a chair, but when he tries to reenter the ring Orton hits the spike DDT. Orton sets up the chair and tries to RKO Swagger on it, but Swagger counters and throws Orton back first onto the chair. Swagger then hits the gutwrench powerbomb for the win. Pretty good, enjoyable title match. Match Time: 14:02     Match Rating: 6.5/10

5.    Street Fight: Sheamus vs. Triple H

Triple H storms out of the locker room and it looks like we are going to get this match after all. This match definitely had pacing issues but it told a good story with Triple H selling the neck/arm and Sheamus was really put over well. Sheamus tries to hit Triple H with the pipe but Triple H ducks and lands a ton of punches before clotheslining Sheamus over the top rope to the outside. Triple H jumps Sheamus from behind, slams his head into the announce table, and slams him into the ring barricade multiple times. He puts Sheamus back in the ring and hits a spinebuster, but can’t do the Pedigree due to the injured left arm and Sheamus hits a back body drop. The action again moves to the outside where Sheamus alternates between slamming Triple H into the ring barricade and pounding away at him. Sheamus is all over Triple H with punches back in the ring and gets a near fall. Sheamus continues the assault with a couple knee drops and more strikes before putting on a submission targeting Triple H’s neck and arm. Sheamus transitions to a sleeper as Triple H fights out with a back suplex. Triple H bails to the outside and Sheamus follows, hitting a neckbreaker. The fight moves back into the ring where Sheamus goes shoulder first into the ring post and Triple H hits a DDT, hurting himself in the process. Sheamus hits a urange before going right back to pounding away at Triple H with punches. Sheamus hits a powerslam but Triple H kicks out of repeated pin attempts. Sheamus goes to the outside, grabs the steel pipe, and returns to the ring. Triple H knocks the pipe away and hits a big knee, but Sheamus catches a charging Triple H with the pipe for a near fall. Triple H backdrops Sheamus over the top rope and leaves the ring but Sheamus is able to get a kendo stick. Triple H sidesteps a charging Sheamus and sends him into the steps before wailing away at Sheamus with the kendo stick, causing Sheamus to retreat up the ramp. Triple H tries for the Pedigree but Sheamus backdrops him onto the ramp. Sheamus throws Triple H back into the ring and hits a bicycle kick. The ref checks on Triple H and Triple H shoves him away and does the suck it taunt, but Sheamus hits 2 more bicycle kicks consecutively to win the match. Triple H tried to walk out on his own but Sheamus appeared on the stage and delivered another kick, resulting in Triple H having to be carted out on a stretcher. This was a solid match between these two but I found their Mania match to be better paced and more entertaining. Match Time: 15:51     Match Rating: 6/10

6.    Extreme Makeover match for the Women’s Championship: Michelle McCool(c) vs. Beth Phoenix

This match was set up similar to the Jeff Jarrett/Chyna Good Housekeeping match from No Mercy 1999. This was a pretty entertaining match and certainly much better than what we usually see from the Divas, but as is the case with most women’s matches this was very, very short. The girls lock up before Beth breaks, hits a few uppercuts, tries for a roll-up, and hits a second rope clothesline. Michelle goes to the outside while Layla and Vickie distract Beth. Michelle capitalizes by spraying Beth in the eyes with hairspray. Michelle attacks Beth with an ironing board in the ring before putting on a body scissors. Michelle gets an iron but Beth gets a roll-up for two. Michelle regains the advantage and dropkicks the ironing board into Beth in the corner. Michelle takes out another ironing board but Beth hits a dropkick. Layla and Vickie hold back Beth on the outside, but Beth moves and Michelle accidentally sprays Layla and Vickie with some hairspray. Beth slams Michelle into a table before sending her back into the ring. Beth hits Michelle with a bucket and sets up the ironing boards side by side. Beth tries for a superplex but Michelle counters and sends Beth backfirst into the ironing boards. Michelle tries for the Faith Breaker but Beth hits the Glam Slam to win the title. Fun but brief women’s match. Match Time: 6:37     Match Rating: 5/10

7.    Steel Cage match: Edge vs. Chris Jericho

These guys once again delivered a great match on PPV, and this was also WWE’s best cage match in several years. Great storytelling and great usage of the cage throughout made for a very enjoyable match. Jericho hesitates to enter the cage in the beginning and grabs a steel chair, hitting the cage with it. Edge hits a baseball slide to Jericho, slams him into the ring barricade, throws him in the ring, and slams the door shut. The chair was dropped and left at the floor just beside the door. Jericho tries for a quick escape but Edge pulls him down and beats on him in the corner. Edge slingshots Jericho, but Jericho springs up on to the ropes and scales the cage again. Edge again stops Jericho in his tracks and slams him from the top turnbuckle. Edge sends Jericho face first into the cage before choking him against the ropes. Edge tries for a spear but Jericho moves and Edge goes right into the cage. Jericho hits a slingshot dropkick and sandwiches Edge against the cage wall. Jericho slingshots Edge into the bottom rope, hits a side suplex for a near fall, then puts on a chin lock. Edge fights out of the hold and backdrops Jericho into the cage. Edge hits a few clotheslines, a flapjack, and a facebuster but Jericho kicks out of the pin attempt. Jericho comes back with a kick and a one handed bulldog before trying for a Lionsault, but he lands on his feet and tries for another escape. Edge pulls Jericho down onto the top rope but Jericho grabs Edge’s legs and takes him down to the mat right into the Walls of Jericho. Edge can’t get a break when he makes it to the ropes, but does use them to crawl up and send Jericho into the cage. Edge tries for an impaler but Jericho counters and tries for the Walls. Edge fights out, big boots Jericho, and then gets set for the spear. Jericho tries to crawl out through the door and grabs the chair. Edge gets the chair and tosses it in the ring but Jericho slams the door in Edge’s face. Jericho walks out onto the steps, but then turns around and heads back into the ring, wanting to deal out more punishment. Jericho tries to hit Edge with the chair but Edge hits a spear for a close two count. Jericho climbs to the top of the cage but Edge drags him back inside. They fight on the top rope with Edge crotching himself and Jericho going over the top of the cage again. Edge reaches through the cage at the top, grabs Jericho by the arm, and pulls him back to the top of the cage. The two straddle the cage and trade punches before Jericho climbs down onto the top rope and slams Edge’s leg against the cage. Edge is on the ropes and knocks Jericho to the mat, but Jericho hits a crazy springboard Codebreaker and crawls over for a pin attempt. Edge kicks out and Jericho tells Edge to stay down, continuing to go after the injured leg. Edge comes back with some strikes before sending Jericho into multiple sides of the cage. Jericho tries to escape yet again but Edge pulls him down and slams him into the cage repeatedly. Edge watches as Jericho tries to crawl to the door but Edge kicks him in the ribs and starts assaulting Jericho’s ankle, slamming it into the cage door. Edge tortures Jericho by wrenching and twisting his ankle and stomping it multiple times. Edge lets Jericho get up and hits a big spear for the victory. There was great storytelling throughout this match and a fitting conclusion to this feud with Edge getting his revenge. I enjoyed this a bit more than their Wrestlemania match due to the cage and longer length. Match Time: 20:00     Match Rating: 8/10

8.    Last Man Standing match for the WWE Championship: John Cena(c) vs. Batista

Anyone disappointed in the lack of “extreme-ness” in the undercard matches will be quite satisfied with the PPV’s main event. This match was just pure carnage, an awesome spectacle from start to finish. Cena and Batista lock up, followed by Cena ducking a punch and hitting a shoulder block. Batista goes to the outside and grabs a chair, but once he gets in the ring Cena slams Batista’s head into the turnbuckle and hits a bulldog followed up by a fisherman’s suplex, resulting in Batista being down for a 4 count. Batista is up and hits a huge clothesline, leaving Cena down for 5. Batista hits a big boot for a 3 count and counters an Attitude Adjustment attempt by sending Cena into the ring post. Batista works over Cena’s leg for a bit, slamming it into the ring apron and driving a chair into it. He slams down on Cena’s leg before hitting another big clothesline. Cena gets up at 6 but Batista goes back to the knee and hits a suplex. Cena gets up at 7 before rolling to the outside, where Batista squeezes Cena’s head against the apron. Batista goes to the outside but Cena lands a punch and sends Batista into the steps. Both guys get back in the ring where Batista puts on a Figure Four. Cena tries to break it but eventually rolls onto his stomach to reverse the pressure. Batista breaks and both guys are down for a 6 count before getting up and clotheslining each other. Cena hits a shoulder block, spin out powerbomb, and the Five Knuckle Shuffle, but Batista rolls to the outside and blasts Cena with a wrench from under the ring. Batista tosses a chair into the ring and throws Cena in, but Cena hits an AA out of nowhere onto the chair. Batista gets up at 9 as Cena goes up top, but Batista sends the ref into the ropes, causing Cena to crotch himself. Batista hits a spear and Cena gets up at 8. Batista hits another spear but Cena is again up at 8. Batista goes outside and grabs a table, sliding it in the ring and setting it up in the corner. Cena tries to put on the STF, but Batista kicks him off, right through the table. Cena gets to the outside at 7 but Batista slams him into the ring post. Batista picks Cena up at 7 and whips him hard through the barricade into the timekeeper’s area. Cena is up at 9 as Batista tears apart the announce table and sets up the steps adjacent to the table. Batista climbs the steps and sets up Cena for the Batista Bomb, but Cena counters with an AA to Batista through the table. Batista shockingly gets up just before the 10 count. Cena grabs another table from under the ring and slides it in before bringing Batista back into the ring. Cena tries for an AA but Batista fights out and hits a spinebuster to Cena through the table. Both guys are down, with Batista getting up at 6 and Cena at 9. An enraged Batista then hits a Batista Bomb, but Cena again gets up at 9. Cena gets the steps and slides them into the ring before putting Batista in the STF. Batista taps out, and then passes out, leading Cena to break the hold. The ref counts but Batista makes it to his feet at 9. Cena then pulls Batista backwards, crotching him against the ring post, before pulling out duct tape from under the ring (you read that right). Cena tapes Batista’s legs together, keeping him stuck to the post and unable to get up. The ref counts the 10 and Cena wins. The ending was a little weird but the rest of the match was so incredible that I can forgive them for the cheesy finish. I also commend WWE for finally giving these guys 20-25 minutes to put on a truly great match and also for having a PPV run right down to the final minute for a change. Match Time: 24:35     Match Rating: 8.5/10

Overall PPV Rating: 8/10

My name is Jared Silberkleit. I am from Orange, CT and am a huge fan of pro wrestling. I mostly follow WWE and TNA but I also watch the smaller promotions such as ROH and DGUSA. I have been a lifelong WWE fan and have become a TNA fan over the past few years. Aside from wrestling, I also really love baseball and football and follow many other sports such as hockey and MMA. I have written for www.sportsgrumblings.com for over a year now.

1.    WWE Unified Tag Team Championship: ShoMiz(c) vs. John Morrison and R-Truth

This was a fun little opener but it probably should have been left off the card. Morrison and Miz start things off with Miz fighting out of a hammerlock and stomping at Morrison. Morrison hits a dropkick and a slam before tagging in R-Truth. Truth hits a top rope leg drop on Miz for a near fall and lands a kick before Big Show gets the tag. Truth tries for a cross body but Show hits a fall away slam. Show pushes Morrison off the apron and hits a chop to Truth’s chest in the corner. Morrison hits a big enzuigiri to Show on the apron before Show tags in Miz. They do some good back and forth for a bit before Miz tries for the Skull-Crushing Finale. Morrison fights out but Show hits a Knockout punch and this one’s over. Very brief opener but fun. Match Time: 3:25     Match Rating: 4/10

2.    Ted DiBiase vs. Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton

This was a pretty decent triple threat match that told a good story and was enjoyable. Orton fights off the double team assault early on and sends Rhodes to the outside with a lariat. Rhodes comes back with a dropkick and Rhodes and DiBiase pound away at Orton for a while. DiBiase hits a clothesline before him and Rhodes do a clothesline-chop block combo on Orton. Rhodes went to the top rope but DiBiase tried for a cover. Cody broke it up and the two started to argue. Cody threw Ted out and hit an Alabama Slam on Orton, but DiBiase broke up the pin. The two argued again and end up tackling each other and rolling out onto the floor. The two fought back into the ring but stopped once Orton got up. Orton back body dropped Ted before giving each man a powerslam. Ted rolled to the outside and Orton gave Cody the side backbreaker. DiBiase and Orton fought outside the ring before Cody took out Ted with a flying cross body over the ropes. Back in the ring Orton hit a double spike DDT to Cody and Ted. Orton kicked Ted out of the ring, waited a bit, then punted Cody in the head. Ted came back in and tried for Dream Street but Orton reversed it and hit the RKO for the win. A solid, entertaining match. Match Time: 9:02     Match Rating: 6/10

3.    Money in the Bank Ladder match: Kofi Kingston vs. MVP vs. Evan Bourne vs. Jack Swagger vs. Shelton Benjamin vs. Matt Hardy vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. Drew McIntyre vs. Kane vs. Christian

Despite there being 10 competitors, this year’s edition of Money in the Bank was an awesome match that showcased the athleticism of nearly all the participants. The match began with a ton of manic brawling before McIntyre brings the first ladder into the ring. McIntyre gets up a few rungs before Hardy pushes it over and gives him the Twist of Fate. Swagger takes out all of the participants with a ladder, including Shelton who was close to getting the briefcase on another ladder. Bourne hits the diving double knees to Swagger, who was still holding the ladder. Hardy and Christian then trap Swagger inside a standing ladder by sliding in two ladders (one on each side) in between the rungs and holding Swagger in place. Hardy gets on one of the ladders but Swagger yanks it out from underneath him. Christian tries for a Killswitch to Bourne on one of the horizontal propped up ladders but Bourne kicks him off and hits a shooting star press to Christian off the ladder. Bourne tries to get the briefcase but Hardy meets him at the top and hip tosses him off the ladder to the ring. Hardy almost has the case but Swagger pushes him off the top of the ladder sending him back first into the horizontal ladder. MVP and Shelton fight for a bit, with MVP trying for a powerbomb but Shelton reversing into a hurricanrana to the outside. Kane starts to hit people with a ladder outside the ring before bringing it in the ring where he sandwiches Ziggler inside of it. The ladder gets ripped in half and Kofi tries to use both pieces as stilts as he makes his way across the ring. McIntyre thwarts him by sending him into the ropes. McIntyre and Hardy scale a ladder, with Hardy getting sent to the mat before he pushes the ladder into the ropes, resulting in McIntyre crotching himself. Hardy, Christian, and Kane fight atop 2 ladders side by side, with Hardy and Christian knocking Kane off before Christian reverses a Twist of Fate attempt with a reverse DDT off the ladder. Christian and Swagger then fight at the top of a ladder, with Swagger hitting Christian in the face with the briefcase before unhooking it after a long delay to win the match. Exciting ladder match, better than last year’s Money in the Bank. Match Time: 13:45     Match Rating: 8/10

4.    Sheamus vs. Triple H

This was a pretty good match, definitely Sheamus’s best thus far in WWE. Both men fight near the corner early on before Sheamus reverses a Pedigree attempt. Triple H is put back into the corner but fights back with a dropkick, suplex, and a knee. The two fight outside the ring with Triple H slamming Sheamus into the barricade. Back in the ring, Triple H works over Sheamus’s leg and puts on a Figure Four. Sheamus gets to the ropes before the action returns to the outside. Sheamus sends Triple H into the steps and slams him into the barricade before rolling him into the ring. Sheamus hits a couple uranage backbreakers before pounding away at Triple H. Sheamus beats him down in the corner before hitting a sledge for a near fall. Sheamus puts on a rear chin lock before getting a slam for a near fall. Sheamus continues to work over Triple H’s neck with a sleeper before Triple H gets out of it by hitting a back suplex. Triple H hits a DDT before the two trade punches. Triple H hits a high knee and a facebuster but Sheamus counters a Pedigree attempt. Sheamus tries for the crucifix powerbomb out of the corner but Triple H fights out of that and a bicycle kick attempt. Sheamus again counters the Pedigree and hits the bicycle kick, but Triple H kicks out. Triple H gets a spinebuster out of nowhere but Sheamus kicks out. Sheamus hits a second bicycle kick but when he tries for a powerbomb, Triple H comes out of nowhere with the Pedigree for the win. The wrong guy went over but still a good match. Match Time: 12:09     Match Rating: 6.5/10

5.    CM Punk vs. Rey Mysterio

The stipulation was that if Rey lost, he would have to join the Straightedge Society. It’s a shame that this match got such little time given the great buildup. Mysterio gets distracted by the Straightedge Society and Punk gets the upper hand early on. Rey climbs up to but Punk takes his feet out from under him. Punk tries for a baseball slide in the corner but Mysterio avoids it and Punk crotches himself on the ring post. Outside the ring, Mysterio tries for the flip up bulldog but Punk catches him in a wheelbarrow position and slams him into the steps. Rey fights out of a rear chin lock back in the ring and hits a springboard seated senton. Punk gets a roll up for a near fall before connecting with a huge roundhouse kick. Punk tries for some pinfalls but Rey continuously kicks out before flipping off the top rope with a springboard DDT. Rey tries for the 619 but Punk catches him and tries for the Go to Sleep. Rey counters and kicks Punk in the head, but Punk avoids a frog splash attempt. Rey avoids the corner bulldog and sends Punk into the ropes but Serena and Luke Gallows distract him when he tries for the 619. Serena distracts the ref as Punk tries for the GTS but Rey sends Punk into the ropes (and into Gallows who was on the apron) before hitting the 619 and a splash for the win. A bit too short but still pretty good. Match Time: 6:31     Match Rating: 6.5/10

6.    No Holds Barred: Bret Hart vs. Mr. McMahon

This wasn’t really much of a match as much as it was Bret getting his revenge on Vince by beating him to a pulp. Vince comes to the ring with the entire Hart family saying that he paid them off to be lumberjacks and that Bruce Hart would be the guest referee. Bret reveals to Vince that he tipped off everyone about the whole deal and that the Hart family would indeed be on his side. Bret pounds away at Vince to start things off before Vince bails to the outside. The Hart Dynasty goes to work on Vince and nail the Hart Attack, with Tyson jumping off the top turnbuckle to the outside. Bret beats on Vince back in the ring before Vince again rolls out. He tries to go under the ring and is pulled out but he has a crowbar in his hand and the Harts back off. Bret avoids a shot with the crowbar in the ring, gets a hold of it, and clobbers Vince with it. Hart teases the Sharpshooter but picks up the crowbar again and pounds away at Vince. Bret stomps at Vince’s midsection for a bit before a chair is slid into the ring. Bret lands a seemingly endless amount of chair shots before finally locking in the Sharpshooter and forcing Vince to tap. I can’t really rate this match but it was fine for what it was, even though it dragged a little. Match Time: 11:09     Match Rating: N/A

7.    World Heavyweight Championship: Chris Jericho(c) vs. Edge

If it weren’t for Taker and Michaels, this match definitely would have stolen the show. Edge and Jericho do some good chain wrestling early on before Edge hits a shoulder block. Edge misses with some clotheslines before connecting with a lariat. Edge stomps at Jericho in the corner but the ref breaks it up allowing Jericho to come back with some strikes. Edge comes back with a back body drop but Jericho rolls to the outside to avoid a spear. The two fight outside the ring for a bit before Jericho sends Edge to the floor with a baseball slide out of the ring. Edge crawls back in but Jericho slingshots him throat first into the bottom rope. Jericho hit a back body drop before putting on a rear chin lock. Jericho slams Edge down to the mat before kicking away at him. Jericho charges at Edge in the corner but ends up going shoulder first into the post. Edge tries to land some offense but Jericho front suplexes him into the ropes. Edge then sends Jericho off the ring apron into the announce table before coming off the apron with a clothesline to Jericho on the outside. They return to the ring where Edge hits a front suplex off the middle turnbuckle for a near fall. Edge avoids a big boot and hits a top rope cross body, but Jericho rolls through with a roll-up attempt. Edge counters a Codebreaker attempt and tries for the spear, but Jericho wraps around Edge‘s back and counters into the Walls of Jericho. Edge counters with a pin attempt and moves out of the way to avoid a Lionsault. Jericho hits an enzuigiri and some punches but Edge gets an Impaler DDT for a near fall. Jericho takes Edge down and tries for a spear but Edge meets him with a big boot. Edge tries for the spear but Jericho meets him with a Codebreaker for a close 2 count. Jericho kicks away at Edge’s leg before putting on the Walls of Jericho, but he changes to a half crab to work over the ankle. Edge makes it to the ropes and counters with a small package. Jericho kicks out but Edge clotheslines him over the top rope. Jericho grabs his title and fights with Edge on the ring apron. The ref is hit and Jericho hits Edge with the title. Edge kicks out, but Jericho hits a second Codebreaker for the victory. After the match Edge set up Jericho on one announce table while standing on the other, then speared him off the table and through a ring barricade near the timekeeper’s table (this was a great spot!). Great world title match. Match Time: 15:47     Match Rating: 8/10

8.    Michelle McCool, Layla, Alicia Fox, Maryse, and Vickie Guerrero vs. Eve Torres, Mickie James, Kelly Kelly, Gail Kim, and Beth Phoenix

Yuck. Easily the worst match of the night. The faces work over Vickie in the corner for a bit before a crazy sequence ensues with everyone hitting their finishers. This includes Eve hitting an embarrassing, botched senton. McCool saves Vickie by big booting Beth, and Vickie pins Kelly after hitting multiple splashes in a row. This came after the ref botched the count on the first one so Vickie had to hit multiple splashes in a row. Horrible. Match Time: 3:26     Match Rating: 1/10

9.    WWE Championship: Batista(c) vs. John Cena

Although I would have liked to see this go a bit longer, this was still a very, very good world title match. The two lock up before Batista hits a big shoulder block, followed up by Cena getting a headlock takeover. They trade a few blows before Batista starts to pound on Cena in the corner. He works over Cena’s neck before Cena reverses a suplex attempt with a suplex of his own. Cena gets some offense before connecting with a one handed bulldog for a near fall. He tries for the Attitude Adjustment but Batista counters and hits a DDT. Batista kicks Cena in the face and puts on a rear naked choke. Cena gets up and breaks the hold but Batista knees him in the back and hits a neckbreaker. Cena fights out of another hold with a suplex before hitting some shoulder blocks and a spin out powerbomb, but when he tries for the Five Knuckle Shuffle Batista hits a spinebuster. Cena counters the Batista Bomb with an STF but Batista makes it to the ropes before connecting with a big spear. The two try a test of strength in the corner but Cena sends Batista to the mat. Cena hits a top rope Five Knuckle Shuffle before trying for the AA. Batista holds onto the ropes, Cena tries for an Alabama Slam, but Batista gets on his feet and hits a Batista Bomb. Cena kicks out and Batista tries for another but Cena counters with an AA attempt. Batista counters but Cena finally hits the AA, however Batista kicks out. Cena jumps off the top turnbuckle but Batista catches him and slams him to the mat (repeating the spot from Summerslam 2008). Batista tries for a Batista Bomb, but Cena does a sunset flip and puts on the STF. After hanging on for a while, Batista finally taps out and Cena is the new WWE Champion. Very good title match. Match Time: 13:30     Match Rating: 7.5/10

10.                   No Disqualification Career vs. Streak match: Shawn Michaels vs. Undertaker

Wow, what a match. Somehow these guys topped the classic bout they had at last year’s Wrestlemania. The stipulation is that Michaels must retire if he can’t end Taker’s streak and the match can only be won by pin or submission. Michaels does the rest in peace taunt early on before delivering a couple chops. Taker comes back with an attack on HBK in the corner but Michaels fights off Old School. Taker tries for Old School again and connects, but Michaels counters a chokeslam attempt and delivers a kick to the knee. Taker fights back and slams Michaels head first into the turnbuckle, but is countered when he tries for a Tombstone. Michaels avoids a clothesline and delivers an early Sweet Chin Music before going to work on Taker’s knee. He hangs Taker’s leg on the bottom rope and pounds away at it. Taker starts to make a comeback but Michaels goes back to the knee. Taker clotheslines Michaels over the top rope and teases a dive, but Michaels catches him with a shoulder on the apron. Taker counters a figure four attempt and sets up Michaels on the apron before hitting the guillotine leg drop. Michaels then puts on the figure four once Taker returns to the ring. Taker struggles for a while before turning over and putting the pressure on HBK. Michaels breaks the hold before the two trade a ton of strikes in the ring. Michaels attacks the knee but Taker responds with some big punches. Michaels hits a flying forearm but Taker chokeslams him after the kip-up. Taker tries for a Tombstone but Michaels fights out and puts on an Ankle Lock, grapevining the leg. After struggling for some time, Taker kicks at Michaels and forces him to break the hold. Michaels clotheslines Taker over the top rope to the outside and tries for a springboard cross body, but Taker catches him and Tombstones him on the floor. A medic checks on Michaels but Taker tosses him aside and throws HBK back in the ring. He tries for a pin but Michaels kicks out. Taker tries for the Last Ride but Michaels reverses at the last second with an X-Factor for a near fall. Michaels tries for the elbow drop off the top but Taker gets his knees up, hurting himself in the process. Taker tries to put on the Hell’s Gate but Michaels counters with a jackknife roll up for a near fall. Michaels connects with Sweet Chin Music but Taker kicks out at 2. He tries for a second superkick but Taker counters and hits a towering Last Ride for yet another near fall. Taker sends Michaels to the outside and rips apart the announce table. He gets Michaels up for the Last Ride but Michaels superkicks him and Taker falls onto the announce table. Michaels then hits a crazy moonsault off the top turnbuckle to Taker through the announce table. Both men return to the ring where Michaels hits Sweet Chin Music again, but Taker kicks out! Michaels tries for it again, but Taker blocks it and hits a chokeslam. He then hits a Tombstone but Michaels again kicks out! Michaels uses Taker’s body to slowly get to his feet as Taker tells him to stay down. Michaels gets up and slaps Taker across the face, followed by Taker getting infuriated and hitting another Tombstone, the third of the match, to put Michaels away. Michaels tearfully says goodbye after the match’s conclusion. What an amazing spectacle of a match. This is the greatest main event in Wrestlemania history and a fitting conclusion to Michaels’s career. Match Time: 23:59     Match Rating: 10/10

Overall PPV Rating: 9/10

My name is Jared Silberkleit. I am from Orange, CT and am a huge fan of pro wrestling. I mostly follow WWE and TNA but I also watch the smaller promotions such as ROH and DGUSA. I have been a lifelong WWE fan and have become a TNA fan over the past few years. Aside from wrestling, I also really love baseball and football and follow many other sports such as hockey and MMA. I have written for www.sportsgrumblings.com for over a year now.

1.    Survivor Series Elimination match: Team Morrison (John Morrison, Matt Hardy, Evan Bourne, Finlay, and Shelton Benjamin) vs. Team Miz (The Miz, Dolph Ziggler, Jack Swagger, Drew McIntyre and Sheamus)

The night kicked off with the first Survivor Series elimination match as Team Morrison took on Team Miz. While it ran a bit too long and wasn’t the greatest match of its kind, it was still a fun opener. In the first few minutes, Bourne was mostly getting worked over by Swagger and Ziggler but gets the hot tag to Matt Hardy. Hardy and Bourne hit simultaneous second rope elbows to Ziggler’s head before Hardy connects with a Side Effect. Bourne hits a Shooting Star Press and eliminates Ziggler but afterward is instantly hit with a double arm DDT from McIntyre and eliminated. A couple minutes later Sheamus hits a big boot to Finlay to quickly eliminate him after a long staredown.  Hardy then gets worked over for a little while by all of Team Miz before getting the hot tag to Morrison. Morrison hits a springboard enzuigiri to Swagger but the attempted pin is broken up. He shortly after hits Starship Pain to eliminate Swagger.  Miz and Morrison go at it for a bit with Miz hitting a top rope double ax handle, but Shelton Benjamin gets tagged in. Benjamin hits Miz with a flurry of high flying offense and a couple suplexes, but is eliminated following a headbutt from Sheamus and a Skull-Crushing Finale from Miz. Hardy then fights with McIntyre and hits a second rope leg drop for a near fall, but gets eliminated after he misses a moonsault and McIntyre hits his double arm DDT. Morrison then does some back and forth with Sheamus for a while, but McIntyre and Miz beat on Morrison for a little while the ref’s back was turned. Morrison goes for his springboard enzuigiri but Sheamus counters with a kick. Sheamus then hits his running powerbomb on Morrison and Team Miz picks up the win, with Miz, McIntyre, and Sheamus being the survivors. This was a very good opener and did a great job establishing Sheamus and McIntyre, who needed this win badly. Match Time: 20:55    Match Rating: 6.5/10

2.    Batista vs. Rey Mysterio

After all of the hype, this was pretty much just a squash match. It was pretty entertaining for a Batista match but it was far too short. This match served its purpose to establish Batista as a monster heel, but it wasn’t what WWE would have hoped as Survivor Series took place in Batista’s hometown of Washington D.C., where he is always cheered. Mysterio is able to get some offense early on with a bunch of kicks but Batista rebounds with a big lariat. Mysterio gets momentum again and goes for the 619 but Batista blocks it. Batista goes for the Batista Bomb but Rey counters with a hurricanrana that sends Batista outside the ring and then hits a baseball slide to send Batista into the ring barricade. Mysterio hits the 619 and a seated senton before going for a frog splash, but Batista blocks it and then hits a spear. Batista then hits a spinebuster before hitting 3 consecutive Batista Bombs, causing the ref to stop the match and award Batista the win. After the match Batista gave Rey a spinebuster on a chair. This was a solid match but I just wish it had gone longer. Match Time: 6:49      Match Rating: 5/10

3.    Survivor Series Elimination match: Team Orton (Randy Orton, Legacy, CM Punk, and William Regal) vs. Team Kingston (Kofi Kingston, Christian, R-Truth, MVP and Mark Henry)

This was definitely the best Survivor Series elimination match of the night and the best match of its kind since Team Orton vs. Team Triple H back in 2004. Henry is thankfully quickly eliminated within the first minute after an RKO from Orton. A couple minutes later, R-Truth is distracted and falls victim to a Go to Sleep from Punk and is eliminated. DiBiase then went to work on Christian by hitting a top rope double stomp and a scoop slam. Both men went for their finishers and were denied, but Christian leaps off the top rope into a modified sunset flip powerbomb to eliminate DiBiase. Regal enters and starts brawling with Christian, who quickly gets the tag to Kingston. Regal this Kingston with an exploder suplex but MVP comes out of nowhere with the Drive-By kick to eliminate Regal. Rhodes goes to work on Christian, locking in a couple body-scissors, but Christian fights out and tags in MVP, who hits a series of clotheslines and an elbow drop. MVP is then distracted by Orton, allowing Rhodes to hit Cross Rhodes and eliminate him. Christian soon after hits the Killswitch to Rhodes for another elimination and it is now 2 on 2. Christian and Orton do some great back and forth for a while before Christian counters the RKO with a Killswitch, but the pin is broken up by Punk. Christian charges Orton in the corner, but hits the ringpost and is then caught with an RKO and is eliminated.Kingston and Punk then go at it, with both men trying for their finishers before Punk takes control with leg locks on Kingston’s neck and midsection. Kingston goes for a splash but Punk moves out of the way before hitting a Falcon Arrow for a near fall. Both men fight on the top rope and Kingston is able to knock Punk off and connects with a huge cross body for a near fall. Punk tries for a victory roll on Kingston, but Kofi counters it into a roll-up of his own and Punk is out. Orton then charges the ring and is immediately caught with the Trouble in Paradise and Kingston wins! Kingston is the sole survivor and becomes elevated to main event status with this huge victory. This was a very good Survivor Series elimination match, mostly due to the great chemistry between Kingston and Punk. Match Time: 20:50       Match Rating: 7.5/10

4.    World Heavyweight Championship: Undertaker(c) vs. Chris Jericho vs. The Big Show

Many people were unsure of this match going in, but this ended up overdelivering and was a very enjoyable world title match. Jericho and Big Show team up against Undertaker in the early going, but thankfully this only lasts for a few minutes. Jericho hits Taker in the head with a mic outside the ring but Taker fights back by driving Big Show into the ring post and hits Jericho with a big right hand as Jericho tried for a move off the top turnbuckle. Taker tries for Old School but Jericho trips him up on the top rope and soon puts on the Walls of Jericho. Big Show reenters the match and chokeslams Jericho. He tries to chokeslam Taker, but Taker counters with a DDT. Jericho tries for a pin on each man but is unsuccessful. Taker and Big Show both try for a chokeslam, but Jericho smashes Show in the head with the world title belt. Taker hits a big boot and tries for the Last Ride, but Jericho has the belt again and hits Taker in the head. Jericho tries for a Tombstone and taker counter swith an attempt of his own, but Show catches both guys with Knockout punches. He tries to chokeslam Taker, but Taker counters with Hell’s Gate and Big Show spits up some blood before submitting. Very entertaining title match that was much better than expected. Match Time: 13:39       Match Rating: 7/10

5.    Divas Survivor Series Elimination match: Team Mickie (Mickie James, Melina, Kelly Kelly, Gail Kim, and Eve) vs. Team Michelle (Michelle McCool, Beth Phoenix, Alicia Fox, Layla and Jillian)

To provide a break in between the two title matches, we got the Divas Survivor Series elimination match. Much of the first half of the match consisted of very quick eliminations out of nowhere. Layla is out after a leg drop from Kelly and Gail is eliminated after a Faith Breaker from McCool. Eve hits a partially botched sunset flip on Jillian for an elimination as well. Phoenix then hits the Glam Slam on both Eve and Kelly to quickly dispose of them. Mickie enters and catches Beth with a crucifix roll-up for yet another elimination. All of these eliminations really did happen this quickly. Alicia hits a Northern Lights suplex, but Mickie hits a big splash and Fox is out. Mickie then did some good work with McCool for a bit, with McCool hitting a series of stomps and leg drops before Melina gets tagged in. Melina pounds on McCool before hitting a sunset flip and Team Mickie wins with the survivors being Mickie and Melina. The match got better once it was down to 2 on 2 but the first half was fairly sloppy. Match Time: 10:40      Match Rating: 4/10

6.    WWE Championship: John Cena(c) vs. Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels

The main event started off with a bang with Michaels hitting Sweet Chin Music on his DX partner Triple H just after the bell. Michaels and Cena did some great back and forth work for a bit culminating in Michaels leaping over the ropes with a cross body on Cena on the outside. Cena goes for the Attitude Adjustment, but Triple H is back up and breaks it up. Triple H then hits a spinebuster to Michaels through the announce table. Triple H then goes to work on Cena in the ring, hitting a spinebuster and neckbreaker for a near fall. He goes for the Pedigree, but Cena catapults him into the corner. Cena hits his series of moves on Triple H and the Five Knuckle Shuffle, but HBK breaks up an AA attempt by sending Cena into the ringpost. Triple H and HBK then duke it out in the ring, with Michaels hitting some chops and atomic drops before Triple H comes back with a high knee and a facebuster. Michaels hits his flying forearm, but kips up right into a spinebuster from Triple H. Michaels goes for a flying elbow on Triple H, but Cena crotches him on the turnbuckle. Cena tries for his top rope leg drop, but Triple H moves out of the way. HBK then hits the elbow on Cena but is sent to the outside by Triple H. Cena puts the STF on Triple H, but HBK breaks it up by putting the Crippler Crossface on Cena. Cena fights out and puts on the STF but Michaels reaches the ropes. HBK hits Sweet Chin Music on both of his opponents before collapsing, but Triple H falls on Cena for a near fall. Cena catches Triple H with the AA but can’t initially make the cover. Minutes later, a wild ending sequence ensues with everyone trying to hit their finisher. Michaels hits Sweet Chin Music on Triple H, but Cena hits the AA to HBK on top of Triple H before covering The Game for the win. A great main event to close out an excellent show. Match Time: 21:14        Match Rating: 8/10

Overall PPV Rating: 8.25/10

My name is Jared Silberkleit. I am from Orange, CT and am a huge fan of pro wrestling. I mostly follow WWE and TNA but I also watch the smaller promotions such as ROH and DGUSA. I have been a lifelong WWE fan and have become a TNA fan over the past few years. Aside from wrestling, I also really love baseball and football and follow many other sports such as hockey and MMA. I have written for www.sportsgrumblings.com roughly a year now as well.

1.    John Morrison vs. The Miz

The show kicked off with these two former tag team partners going at it. This match started off slowly in the beginning with both men applying a variety of headlocks but it got better as it went along. Morrison hits a nice flapjack followed up by a standing shooting star press for a near fall. Miz later comes back by hitting a clothesline in the corner followed by a running knee lift. The two exchange punches and kicks before Morrison misses a shining wizard and Miz goes for a roll-up. Morrison afterward connects with a springboard enzuigiri, but Miz gets his foot on the ropes when Morrison tries for the pin. Morrison then goes for a superplex, but Miz knocks him off the top ropes and jumps off to hit him with a double ax handle. Eventually near the end Miz goes for the Skull-Crushing Finale, but Morrison counters with a side Russian leg sweep. He goes up top to hit Starship Pain, but Miz knocks him off the top ropes before pinning him to win the match. Raw is now up 1-0 in the best 2 out of 3 mini-tournament going on within the PPV during the interbrand matches. Overall this was a decent opener hurt by a very weak ending. Match Rating: 5.5/10

2.    Smackdown Divas (Michelle McCool, Beth Phoenix, and Natalya) vs. Raw Divas (Melina, Kelly Kelly, and Gail Kim)

This was a surprisingly very good for a WWE women’s match. Kim starts the match by doing some good back and forth work with all of team Smackdown including hitting a nice hurricanrana to McCool. After taking some big power moves from Natalya, Kim makes the tag to Kelly, who hits a big headscissors initially, but the heels quickly regain control and begin to work her over while making quick tags. Phoenix hits a snapmare and puts Kelly in a chin lock while McCool hit a nice powerslam and a knee lift. Eventually Kelly is able to fight back into it by hitting a hurricanrana to Phoenix before making the tag to Melina. Melina does some good back and forth work with Phoenix and hits a big dropkick before getting a near fall with a roll-up. Phoenix eventually overpowers her and gets the win after hitting the Glam Slam. Smackdown has now evened the score at 1-1. A good women’s match that was only hurt by the lack of time. Match Rating: 5.5/10 (Keep in mind this is very good for a women’s match)

3.    World Heavyweight Championship: Undertaker(c) vs. CM Punk vs. Batista vs. Rey Mysterio

Despite not really getting a ton of time, this world title match was pretty entertaining due to the non-stop action, big moves, and near falls. Right out of the gate Punk goes after Mysterio and Batista and Taker go at it. Mysterio hits a seated senton to Punk and Taker connects with Old School on Batista. Batista eventually rebounds by powerslamming Punk before getting hit with a big boot from Taker. Taker then goes for a Last Ride on Mysterio, but Batista hits him with a huge spear. Mysterio and Batista then hit a 619/spinebuster combo but Punk breaks up Batista’s attempt at a pin. Taker is able to fight back into it by putting Hell’s Gate on Batista, but Punk breaks up the hold just when it appeared Batista was going to tap. Taker and Punk then go at it once again, culminating in Taker hitting the Last Ride and having a pinfall attempt broken up by Batista, who then takes on the Deadman. Taker and Batista exchange punches before Taker hits a chokeslam. After tossing Punk to the outside, Taker is hit with a Batista Bomb, but the pinfall is broken up by Mysterio. Mysterio and Batista then argue, allowing Taker to recuperate and hit Batista with a second chokeslam. Eventually this match comes to an end when Batista throws Mysterio out of the ring onto Punk before turning around right into a Tombstone and Taker retains his title. After the match, Batista blames Mysterio for his loss and attacks him during an interview segment, thus turning heel for the first time in almost five years. This segment was done very well and this match, although brief (clocking in at just under 10 minutes) was enjoyable. Match Rating: 6.5/10

4.    Team Smackdown (Chris Jericho, Kane, The Hart Dynasty, Matt Hardy, Finlay, and R-Truth) vs. Team Raw (D-Generation X, The Big Show, Jack Swagger, Cody Rhodes, Kofi Kingston, and Mark Henry)

With the score now tied between Raw and Smackdown, this huge brand warfare tag team match would decide who would take the Bragging Rights trophy. The match started off with R-Truth facing Cody Rhodes, stemming from their earlier backstage confrontation. The two do some decent back and forth action before Kane and Big Show get tagged in and the big men go to work. Show this a big shoulder block and leg drop before tagging in Swagger. Swagger starts to work over Kane but Kane hits a big right hand before tagging in Hardy. Hardy starts to get the upper hand on Swagger and hits a nice second rope leg drop. Swagger is eventually able to get the tag on Henry, who beats down on Hardy for a bit before tagging in Shawn Michaels. HBK hits a few chops but Hardy retaliates with a side effect before making the tag to Finlay. Those two go back and forth for a bit, ending with HBK hitting Sweet Chin Music. Almost right after hitting his patented move, he is caught with a Hart Attack from the Hart Dynasty. David Hart Smith is legal and goes to work on Michaels. I definitely would like to see a future DX vs. Hart Dynasty match after what these two teams did in this match. Jericho is eventually tagged in, which brought back memories of his great feud with Michaels from last year. Smith is eventually tagged back in and hits a big suplex to Michaels before tagging in Tyson Kidd, who misses a springboard elbow, allowing Michaels to tag in Triple H, who then cleans house. He does some good back and forth work with Jericho and the Hart Dynasty before Jericho misses a Lionsault, allowing Kingston to get a tag and enter the match. After hitting the Trouble in Paradise, Kofi’s pin attempt is broken up by the Hart Dynasty and the match instantly turns into an all out brawl outside the ring. Kofi goes to the top rope, but Big Show turns on Team Raw by hitting Kofi with a chokeslam and then hitting Triple H with a Knockout Punch. Jericho then sneaks in and gets the pin on Kofi and Team Smackdown is victorious. It was great to see WWE recognize Smackdown as their superior brand by giving them the win here. This was a pretty entertaining tag match but nothing we haven’t seen before. Match Rating: 6.5/10

5.    1 Hour Anything Goes Iron Man match for the WWE Championship: Randy Orton(c) vs. John Cena

Our main event was the 60 minute Iron Man match between Cena and Orton for the WWE title. I was worried that these two wouldn’t be able to entertain me for the whole hour and that the match should have been a 30 minute Iron Man match. Well, I did not enjoy the first 10 minutes of the match, and there was a 20 minute gap in the middle of the match that I did not enjoy, so a 30 minute match would have been much better. Still, they did enough right in this match to make it very enjoyable and possibly the best match they have ever had together. The match starts off with a ton of headlocks before Cena gets a quick fall a few minutes in by making Orton tap out to the STF. Just minutes later, Orton hits the RKO to tie the score at 1-1. The two then brawl outside the ring, which is when the match started to get pretty good. Orton smashes Cena’s head on the steel steps before hitting him with a TV monitor and a mic, resulting in Cena getting busted open the hard way on the top of his forehead. Cena fights back into it and hits his combination of moves and goes for the Attitude Adjustment, but while taking the move Orton hits the RKO and both men are down. With both guys having an arm across the other, the ref counts a double pinfall and the score remains tied, but now at 2-2. They did 30 second clock stoppages in between falls, and the one following this fall allowed medics to enter and clean up Cena’s bloody head (stupid PG rating). Cena then scores another pinfall after a top rope Attitude Adjustment to go up 3-2. Legacy then runs down to the ring and attacks Cena, and DiBiase hits Dream Street before dragging Orton on top of Cena. Kofi Kingston chases Legacy to the back with a chair (stemming from a backstage brawl with Rhodes earlier), but the ref counts to three and we are now tied again at 3-3. Orton and Cena then brawl up the entrance ramp and up to the stage. Orton slams Cena onto a control panel, resulting in an explosion. Orton then whips Cena through part of the set, causing another explosion and followed up by another pinfall from Orton, who goes up 4-3. We then ahd an odd sequence where Orton started playing with the pyro controls and hit many buttons trying to set off explosions near Cena. The fight returns to the ring where Orton beats down Cena very slowly for many minutes, which is what hurt the match as a whole in my opinion. In the middle of this long beatdown, Cena gets a small package to tie the score at 4-4, but Orton goes back up 5-4 after hitting an elevated DDT to the floor. Orton continues to wear down Cena until Cena eventually starts to make his comeback. The two go back and forth up and down the entrance ramp before taking the fight into the crowd. Cena chases Orton up to the top of a section and hits him with a garbage can before slamming him into a wall. Cena hip tosses Orton over the guardrail to take the fight back to ringside before smashing him into the barricades and the ring steps. A great spot follows where Cena launches Orton through the barricade before Cena sets up the ring steps next to the announce table. He then picks up Orton’s lifeless body and hits an Attitude Adjustment off the steps through the announce table followed by a pinfall to tie the score at 5-5.  Cena then grabs a wooden table and puts Orton on it in the ring, but when he goes for a top rope leg drop Orton moves and Cena crashes through the table. The two men exchange punches before Orton hits an RKO for a near fall. With the clock ticking away, Orton goes for a punt but Cena gets out of the way and puts on an STF. Orton tries to hang on but taps out as time expires and Cena wins the match 6-5 as well as the WWE Championship and the right to remain on Raw. A very good title match, the best these two have had all year. Match Rating: 7.5/10

Overall PPV Rating: 6.75/10

My name is Jared Silberkleit. I am from Orange, CT and am a huge fan of pro wrestling. I mostly follow WWE and TNA but I also watch the smaller promotions such as ROH and DGUSA. I have been a lifelong WWE fan and have become a TNA fan over the past few years. Aside from wrestling, I also really love baseball and football and follow many other sports such as hockey and MMA. I have written forwww.sportsgrumblings.com for roughly a year now as well.

Sometimes you get what you wish for, but regret it in the end. That may just be the case this Tuesday on WWE’s ECW when the brash Jack Swagger faces Matt Hardy for the championship. It all fell into place for the undefeated newcomer when on this past week’s show, he defeated Finlay and Hardy survived a non-title match with the World’s Strongest Man, Mark Henry.

ECW general manager Teddy Long granted Swagger’s wish and he will get his shot at glory. As far as entertainment purposes go, look for Swagger to either win the belt or come damn close, setting up a long and drawn out war between the two. It makes perfect sense, with no one else in the WWE-offshoot faction being worthy of the throne. Besides John Morrison and The Miz (the ECW Tag Team champions), who else is marketable enough to deserve the championship?

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