Posts Tagged ‘Sheamus’

Maria Being Taken Off Television, Fozzy Album Sales, Sheamus

— Maria is being taken off Friday Night SmackDown for the next few months as Celebrity Apprentice has a clause preventing her from appearing elsewhere on television during the period in which the show is on the air.

The third season of Celebrity Apprentice premieres on Sunday, March 14th, 2010. As WWE would say, check your local listings for time and channel.

— Chris Jericho’s fourth Fozzy album, Chasing the Grail, is not expected to sell particularly well as its sales didn’t show up in the hits radar screen for its first day of release. The radar screen charts albums expected to sell 10,000 in the first week and Chasing the Grail is not expected to reach that mark. It is presently ranked at No. 321 in overall music sales on amazon.com and No. 16,867 on barnesandnoble.com.

— WWE Champion Sheamus has several scenes in The Escapist, including a major fight scene. The movie stars famous UK actor Bran Cox and was recently released on DVD.

source: www.f4wonline.com

What You Didn’t See On RAW: Dark Matches, Superstars

— Santino Marella beat Paul Burchill in a dark match before last night’s live Raw broadcast in Hartford, Connecticut. Paul was accompanied by his sister Katie.

— The following two matches were taped prior to Raw for this Thursday’s episode of WWE Superstars on WGN America:

* Alicia Fox vs. Melina

* Carlito and Jack Swagger vs. Chris Masters and MVP

— After Monday’s WWE RAW went off the air, DX and John Cena wrestled The Big Show, Randy Orton and Sheamus. DX and Cena got the win after Cena pinned Randy Orton. The faces celebrated after the match and the fans went home happy.

Cena-Sheamus Storyline News, Christian’s ECW Title Reign

– To keep with the undefeated storyline on RAW, WWE had the John Cena vs. Sheamus matches at this weekend’s live events end in disqualification with Cena as the winner. The Saturday night show saw Sheamus knock the referee down to be disqualified and yesterday’s show saw Sheamus get disqualified after hitting Cena with a low blow. It will be interesting to see what happens with the two on tonight’s RAW.

Reader Ted sent in the following: Just thought everyone might want to know that Christian is now the longest reigning WWE-ECW Champion after holding it for 154 days. The previous record was held by Big Show with 152 days.

– The January 2010 edition of WWE Magazine is a Best of 2009 themed issue.

– Last week’s edition of ECW on Syfy scored a 1.0 cable rating, the same number as the previous week.

WWE RAW Preview: Cena vs. Sheamus, Timbaland, Bret Hype

Here’s an early preview for tonight’s edition of WWE RAW from Connecicut, the final show of 2009:

Guest Host: Rapper & Producer TIMBALAND:
Innovative music maven Timbaland mixes the last edition of Monday Night Raw in 2009. How will the mastermind behind guaranteed chart-topping album “Shock Value 2” fare in the squared circle on the next Raw?

WWE Champion Sheamus vs. John Cena
Can Cena – the 2009 Superstar of the Year – recapture the prize as he vowed, thus closing out the year as eight-time World Champion?

Also, with Bret Hart making his long awaited return to WWE television next week to host RAW, expect the announcement to be made tonight and for WWE Chairman Vince McMahon to react to the news.

The advertised dark match for tonight’s show is Cena and DX vs. Randy Orton, Big Show, and Sheamus in a six-man tag.

Sheamus Talks About His WWE Title Win & More

WWE Champion Sheamus was interviewed in-character this week by IrishCentral.com and spoke in-depth about his big win last weekend at WWE’s TLC PPV, Saturday’s Tribute to the Troops special and more. Some highlights:

His WWE Title win: “I came here to make a statement, to be the top wrestler in the world. That was the goal, and the goal has been achieved.”

The Response from His WWE Title Win: “My family stayed up until 3 a.m. watching the show. They are in their element. I’m getting response from people I haven’t heard from in years.”

His Tables Match With John Cena: “I’m pretty beaten up. t was pretty crazy. There were a lot of tables used, rafters used. I’m a bit battered but it doesn’t really matter. The fact that I’m the first Irish WWE champion – that overwhelms everything.”

Saturday’s Tribute To The Troops show: “It’s a big show on NBC. I have a lot of respect for the troops. I know there are a lot of Irish Americans who go to war and I’ve met a lot of them. To put your life on hold to go and serve your country, well, no matter what, you’ve got to have a lot of respect for that.”

You can read the full interview at IrishCentral.com

JR Blog: Sheamus’ WWE Title Win, Orton vs. Kingston & More

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can (and should) read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. Here’s what JR had to say about last night’s TLC PPV:

Sheamus Winning The WWE Championship: “Sheamus upsetting John Cena to win the WWE Title was a MAJOR shock to me. I mentioned in an earlier blog on Sunday that I liked surprises, especially surprises that are logical and believable, and this surpirse was that and more and really caught me off guard. Good stuff. It reminded me somewhat of many years ago when Stone Cold was red hot and he lost the WWE Title to Kane in a ‘First Blood’ match. Sheamus’ victory is a huge and bold step in the right direction for another, young talent. It will be interesting to see what sort of publicity is generated in Ireland as a result of Sheamus becoming the WWE Champion.”

Orton vs. Kingston Feud: “Funny…but it seemed to me watching at home that the Orton-Kofi issue was hotter a few weeks ago than it was Sunday night on PPV. It just might have been the crowd getting restless or looking ahead to the TLC bout. However, I thought the match was really solid and I was surprised that Orton won. Nonetheless I think that Kofi accounted himself well and is ‘this close’ to being perceived as a full time main eventer. Even if Kofi had won I would have said the same thing. It just takes time to get to the next level but I do feel that Kofi has had some outstanding exposure on Raw the past few weeks especially around the time Kofi defaced Orton’s NASCAR.”

Last Night’s Three-Man Announce Team: “The three man announce booth is challenging especially when the three man team doesn’t regularly work with each other. I enjoyed the announcing of the trio tonight better than I did at the Survivor Serieswhich would indicate that Cole, Lawler, and Striker were more comfortable working with each other in San Antonio. ‘Comfort’ and ‘finding one’s zone’ are crucial when broadcasting live TV.”

Sheamus’ WWE Title Win, TLC Errors, Superstars Beats ECW

– Sheamus was a “trending topic” on Twitter last night for a few minutes after winning the WWE Title from John Cena

– Mark Cuban posted the following on his Twitter page last night after WWE’s TLC: “Bummer that Sheamus won.. But remember I put him on the ground first !”

– Reader Mike sent the following: I caught several errors during the color at WWE TLC. For one, they said that the last time a WWE Champion was born outside the US was Yokozuna but they seem to have forgot guys like Edge or Bret Hart. Another was when Striker said it’s been decades since the IC belt changed hands in Texas but it just changed hands at Wrestlemania 25 when Rey Mysterio beat JBL among other times.

– This past Thursday’s episode of WWE Superstars on WGN America scored an 0.9 rating with the replay doing an 0.15. The first showing actually did better numbers than ECW this week.

WWE Tables, Ladders & Chairs PPV Results (12/13)

We get the usual video package highlighting the main feuds running into tonight to kick things off.

The pyro hits a Michael Cole welcomes us to the show. The ECW Championship is hanging high over the ring and the ladder match will be kicking things off tonight.

Ladder Match for the ECW Championship: Christian(c) vs. Shelton Benjamin

Benjamin is out first to the ring, sidestepping and looking at all the ladders on the way down. Christian is out second to a warm reception from the crowd. There are a ton of ladders around the ring. Both men stare each other down before Christian fakes running to the outside to grab a ladder. Benjamin and Christian lock up with Benjamin pushing Christian into the corner. Another lock up, this time Shelton locks in a headlock, but it doesn’t last long as Christian fights out and hits Shelton with a beautiful dropkick.

Christian sends Benjamin into the corner, but Benjamin leaps up to the turnbuckle and comes back with a cross body. Shelton goes for a big kick but Christian ducks and tries for the Killswitch. Shelton fights out, hits a big backbreaker, and bails to the floor. Shelton goes for a ladder, but Christian ids right behind him, and he slams his head into the barricade. Christian goes for a huge ladder, but Shelton attacks and launches Christian into the barricade. Shelton goes for yet another ladder, but Christian jumps from the second rope to the outside on top of Benjamin.

Christian is able to set up a ladder in the ring, but when he tries to climb up it, Shelton is in to break things up. Christian tries for a monkey flip, but Benjamin lands on his feet and launches himself up the ladder, Christian pulls Shelton down and sends him to the outside. Christian grabs a ladder and looks to throw it down on Shelton, but Shelton pulls Christian’s feet out from under him and the ladder lands on Christian’s face.

Trainers are in as apparently Christian has been busted open. The trainer gets huge boos and Shelton argues with the referee to buy time. The crowd starts a ‘We Want Blood’ chant and Benjamin climbs a ladder on the outside. Christian pushes off the trainer and sends Benjamin into the crowd. Christian goes for another ladder, but Benjamin is climbing back up on the ladder on the outside. Benjamin dives off with a somersault on top of Christian and both men are down.

Benjamin is first to his feet and he begins disassembling the announce table. Benjamin props a ladder up between the ring apron and the ladder. Christian tries to Irish whip Benjamin into the ladder, but Shelton ducks and grabs Christian’s legs, trying for a slingshot, but Christian fights back and launches Shelton into yet another ladder on the outside.

Back in the ring, Shelton sends Christian into a ladder in the corner, before putting Christian in the corner and props the ladder on top of Christian. Shelton charges, but Christian sends the ladder back into Benjamin. Christian tries to climb the ladder, but Benjamin knocks it over and hits Christian with a huge kick. Benjamin sets the ladder against the ropes and slams Christian’s head into it repeatedly.

Benjamin sets up the ladder and begins the climb but Christian is right behind him. Christian hits a big reverse DDT from the ladder to the ring and both men are down.

Christian begins climbing the ladder, but Shelton begins climbing the turnbuckle. Christian sees it coming, so he drops down and grabs the ladder, trying to ram it into Bejamin. Benjamin ends up on the ladder, almost to the title, but Christian tips it over. Benjamin lands on the ropes, standing, and he rights the ladder, before tipping himself over and landing on Christian with a hugh clothesline.

Benjamin climbs the ladder again and he actually manages to get both hands on the title, but Christian takes the ladder out from under his feet. Christian puts another ladder down and he knocks Benjamin off the title, but Benjamin takes the ladder out from under Christian. Christian hangs from the belt, and Shelton jumps up grabbing his feet. Christian falls straight into powerbomb position and Shelton launches him into a ladder in the corner. Both men are on top of the ladder. Shelton tries for a sunset bomb from the top of the ladder, but Christian counters. Both men fight on the ring apron, near the ladder that was propped up earlier and Shelton tries to catch Christian with a German suplex, but Christian counters with a kick that sends Shelton on top of the ladder. Christian climbs to the top turnbuckle and crashes through Shelton and the ladder with a huge frog splash.

Christian climbs the ladder in the middle of the ring, grabs his title, and wins the match.

Winner and STILL ECW Champion: Christian

WWE Intercontinental Title Match: John Morrison vs. Drew McIntyre

McIntyre’s music hits, and he’s out first to little to no reaction from the crowd. Morrison is out next, to a really nice pop. Morrison and McIntyre lock up with Drew backing up JoMo into the corner. Another lock up and Morrison comes out with an arm bar, but he’s quickly put down by a punch to the face from McIntyre. McIntyre locks in a modified front face lock, but Morrison works his way out and hits an arm drag. Morrison connects with a beautiful hurricarana followed by a stiff kick to the back, but a pin attempt only gains a two count. McIntyre bails to the outside.

Morrison follows McIntyre out, but when he tries to surprise Drew, he ends up being launches face first into the steel ring post. Back in the ring, McIntyre slams Morrison’s head into the top turnbuckle and goes to work, punching and stomping away at Morrison.

McIntyre locks in the same modified front face lock, but JoMo fights out with a series of forearms and kicks. It doesn’t last for long though as soon Drew is punishing Morrison with clotheslines in the corner before McIntyre hits a big suplex, then right back into the same submission.

Morrison fights out again, but he falls victim to a big boot from McIntyre. McIntyre pounds on Morrison and tries for a couple of pin attempts, but he can’t get three. McIntyre locks in THE SAME submission (AGAIN), but this time he has Morrison’s face pressed to the canvas. Morrison fights out again, and this time he’s able to put McIntyre down with a huge DDT counter and both men are down.

Morrison punches away at McIntyre, sending him down to the mat with a clothesline and a weird (botched) high knee. Morrison climbs to the top and hits a big missile dropkick, but when he goes for the pin Drew kicks out at two.

McIntyre goes to work on Morrison’s leg before hitting an inverted Alabama Slam, but it’s still not enough to keep Morrison down. McIntyre picks up Morrison, but he ends up being dropkicked through the ropes by JoMo. Morrison follows to the outside where he sends McIntyre into the barricade with a drop toe hold before jumping up to the ring apron and launching off with a huge kick.

Back in the ring, Morrison goes for the starship pain, but he launches himself too far and barely lands on McIntyre. Morrison goes for the pin, but McIntyre’s leg is under the rope. Morrison stomps away at McIntyre, but he takes off his belt and the ref turns his back to toss it out of the ring. McIntyre pokes Morrison in the eye and connects with his double arm DDT. McIntyre pins Morrison and we have a new champion.

Winner and NEW WWE Intercontinental Champion: Drew McIntyre

Drew McIntyre is backstage being congratulated by Vince McMahon. Josh Matthews tries to get an interview with McMahon, but Vince says he should interview Drew first. Drew says he’s not surprised that he won a title so quickly, when he was handpicked by McMahon, he knew he would do great things. Sheamus comes in and says that McIntyre’s match was impressive, but he won’t be the only newcomer to leave tonight with gold.

WWE Women’s Championship Match: Michelle McCool vs. Mickie James

Mickie James is out first to a big pop from the crowd, followed by McCool, who doesn’t get much of a reaction at all.

Mickie tries to attack McCool right off the bat, but McCool bails to the floor and demands the ref back her up. McCool is slow to get back in the ring, where she finally locks up with James. Mickie takes McCool down, while still locked up, and the two actually roll to the outside, where they slam each other into the barricade and the ring apron, before staring each other down and making their way back into the ring.

Mickie takes McCool down and scores a couple of quick near falls, but when she goes for a crucifix, McCool gets her in Alabama slam position and backs up into the corner, squashing Mickie. McCool kicks away at Mickie, before trying for a pin, but only scoring a near fall.

McCool locks in a rear chin lock, and when Mickie tries to fight her way out, McCool stomps down on her. McCool kicks away at James before burying her knee in Mickie’s back.

Mickie is able to fight back with a couple of big right hands, but when she goes for a hurricarana, McCool counters with a big backbreaker that’s good for a near fall. Mickie almost surprises McCool with a small package, but McCool kicks out and sends Mickie to the floor. McCool follows out, where she launches Mickie into the barricade.

McCool tries to knee Mickie, but James ducks and McCool’s knee connects with the barricade. Mickie connects with a hurricarana and a Thesz press before moving things back in the ring. Mickie hits another Thesz press that’s good for a near fall, and she follows it up with a series of clotheslines. Mickie tries for a headscissors, but McCool sends her to the apron. Layla gets involved, and she ends up eating a big boot from McCool. Mickie tries to surprise her with a roll up, but McCool kicks out, hits a huge kick to the chest, and pins Mickie for the three count.

Winner and STILL WWE Women’s Champion: Michelle McCool

Tables Match for the WWE Title: John Cena vs. Sheamus

We get a video package highlighting the problems that these two men have had over the last few weeks. Sheamus is out first to a little bit of heat from the crowd, but not much. Cena is out next, to a mostly positive reaction (you can still hear some of those boo’s though).

Sheamus tells Cena to bring it on at the outset of the match. Cena comes with a series of punches before he slams Sheamus’ head into the turnbuckle and follows up with a bulldog. Cena continues to pound on Sheamus, but when he charges Cena in the corner, Sheamus hits a shoulder block and follows it up with a big kick. Sheamus hits a suplex, and he mounts Cena, punching away at his head.

Sheamus goes to the outside for a table, but Cena is right behind him and he sends him into the announce table, slamming his head repeatedly into the table. Cena pucks up Sheamus and sends him chest first into the barricade. Sheamus battles back and sends Cena shoulder first into the steel ring post.

Sheamus tries to Irish whip Cena, but Cena reverses it and sends Sheamus into the ring steps.

Cena pulls a table out from under the ring and he sets it up on the arena floor. Cena picks Sheamus up and props him on the table before he climbs to the top turnbuckle. Sheamus jumps off the table before Cena can jump, but Cena gives chase. Sheamus rolls back into the ring, and while Cena is climbing in, Sheamus stomps away at him. Sheamus picks up Cena and hits a big running powerslam.

Sheamus pounds away on Cena, who’s standing on the ring apron, holding onto the ropes so he won’t go through the table. Cena fights back and gets Sheamus in AA position, but Sheamus fights out and sends Cena head first into the turnbuckle.

Both men go to the outside, where Sheamus pushes Cena into the ring apron hard before slamming his head into the steel ring steps. Sheamus tries to punch Cena, but Cena blocks and hits Sheamus with a punch of his own before sending him head first into the ring steps. Cena gets Sheamus up into AA position again, but Sheamus fights out and gets Cena in powebomb position. Sheamus picks him up, but Cena counters out and fights Sheamus to the top of the ramps. Sheamus tries for a desperation suplex, but Cena reverses it and suplexes Sheamus on the entrance ramp.

Cena goes back to the ringside area to grab the table, which he puts on his shoulder. Cena tries to slam the table down on top of Sheamus, but Sheamus moves. Cena follows and quickly slams his head into the barricade. Sheamus and Cena fight out into the crowd, but it’s brief as Cena quickly clotheslines Sheamus over the barricade back into the ringside area.

Cena sends Sheamus back into the ring before going under the ring to grab another table. Cena sets up the table on the outside, but when he comes back into the ring he quickly falls victim to the Irish Curse kick.

Sheamus goes to the outside, where he grabs a table and makes his way back into the ring. Sheamus props the table up in the corner. Sheamus picks up Cena, but Cena counters out and hits a couple of big shoulder blocks before following up with a side belly to back suplex. Cena hits the five knuckle shuffle, but Sheamus gets to his feet and sends the table to the outside. Cena hits the AA and he drags Sheamus closer to the ring apron.

Cena goes to the outside where he grabs another table to bring back into the ring. Cena sets up the table in the middle of the ring (it seems like he’s moving in slow motion). Cena puts Sheamus on the top turnbuckle, and Cena tries to get Sheamus in AA position on the second rope. Sheamus fights out and Cena falls to the mat. Cena and Sheamus trade blows with Sheamus still on the top turnbuckle. Cena tries for a superplex, but Sheamus pushes him off, through the table.

Winner and NEW WWE Champion: Sheamus

Chairs Match for the World Heavyweight Title:The Undertaker vs. Batista

We, of course, get a video package hyping the Championship match between Batista and Undertaker.

There are chairs set up all around ringside (although it looks pretty pathetic in comparison to the ladders earlier), as Tony Chimel explains the rules, apparently only chairs will be legal as far as foreign weapons go. Batista is out first to a bit of a mixed reaction from the crowd (it seems like the crowd is still a bit shocked about the previous title change).

The Undertaker’s gong hits and the crowd goes nuts, as expected. Taker makes his way to the ring, amidst very loud cheers from the crowd.

Batista bails to the floor at the sound of the bell and goes right for a chair, but Undertaker doesn’t allow him to use it. Back in the ring Undertaker hits a quick clothesline before pounding on Batista in the corner. Taker stomps away at Batista for a bit before sending him head first into the turnbuckle. Batista is able to fight back with a clothesline of his own, but when he goes for the pin, Taker kicks out at one. Taker sends Batista to the outside.

Taker sends Batista head first into the steel steps, but when Taker goes for a chair shot, Batista buries his foot in Taker’s midsection and sends him head first into the stairs. Batista tries to send Taker into the barricade, but Taker reverses it and Batista ends up flipping over into the timekeeper’s area. Taker tosses a couple of chairs in the ring, but when he goes for a big kick on Batista, Batista ducks and Taker ends up being hung up on the barricade. Batista hits Taker with a big chair shot and uses the chair to choke the Undertaker.

Batista sends Taker into the ring post and he tries to hit him with a chair, but Taker ducks and the momentum shifts. Taker sets Batista up for his big apron leg drop and he hits it. Back in the ring, Taker goes for the cover but Batista kicks out at two. Taker tries for Old School, but Batista counters and Taker ends up sitting on the top turnbuckle. Batista tries for a superplex, and after a little bit of fighting, he’s able to connect, but again it’s only good enough for a two count.

Batista sets a chair down in the middle of the ring and he tries for the Batista bomb, but Taker counters with a back body drop sending Batista down on top of the chair. Taker and Batista trade blows in the middle of the ring with Taker getting the advantage, but it doesn’t last long as Batista fights back with a big spinebuster that’s good for a near fall.

Batista wedges a chair in between the top and middle turnbuckle before going back to pounding on Taker. Batista tries for a clothesline, but Taker ducks and comes back with a leaping clothesline of his own. Taker hits a nasty shoulderblock and goes for Old School again, connecting this time.

Taker hits snake eyes in the corner on Batista, but Batista comes right back with a spear. Batista tries for a cover, but he can’t hold Taker down for the three count. Batista picks up Taker and drives him down on a chair with a big spine buster. Batista teases the Batista bomb, but he finds himself caught in the Hell’s gate out of nowhere. Batista is able to fall over into the ropes and force a break of the submission.

Batista bails to the floor to recover and when Taker tries to follow out after him, Batista hits Taker with a chair shot to the throat. Back in the ring, Batista tries for a spear, but Taker moves and Batista connects with the chair he set up in the corner earlier. Taker tries for a pin but Batista kicks out at two. Taker signals for the chokeslam, and he connects, but again Batista kicks out at two.

Batista tries for the tombstone, but Batista counters out and pushes Taker toward the ref. The ref turns his back and Batista uses the opportunity to hit a low blow. Batista hits a huge chair shot straight to Taker’s head. He pins Taker and gets a three count.

Winner and NEW World Heavyweight Champion: Batista

Teddy Long is out and he says that even though the usage of chairs is legal, a blatant foul is not. Long says he won’t allow the World Heavyweight Championship to change hands on such a cheap act, so this match will be restarted.

Batista tries to get a quick chair shot, but Taker gets his foot up. Taker hits a chair shot of his own and follows up with a tombstone. Taker pins Batista and this one is over… again.

Winner and STILL World Heavyweight Champion: The Undertaker

Batista looks dejected after the match as he tells the fans in attendance that he doesn’t need any of them.

Kofi Kingston is shown warming up while Legacy comes up from behind. Legacy says they aren’t here to beat down Kingston, they’ll let Randy do that. Kingston says it doesn’t psych him out, it psyches him up. Dibiase says that they aren’t sidekicks, and Kingston’s never been one-on-one with someone like Orton and Kingston is terrified. Kingston says that he’s supposed to be terrified, but Orton can’t come tell Kingston himself. Kingston walks away from Legacy and into Orton’s dressing room. Kingston tells Orton that he thinks Orton is a coward, and he’s really looking forward to beating him down tonight.

Randy Orton vs. Kofi Kingston

Orton’s music hits and ‘the Viper’ makes his way down to the ring.

Kingston’s music hits and he gets a pretty decent reaction from the crowd on his way to the ring.

Orton and Kingston are quick to lock up, with Orton locking in a side headlock and taking Kingston down to the mat, keeping the hold locked in. Kingston is able to fight out with a headscissors and both men make their way back to their feet. Orton locks in a quick hammerlock, but Kingston fights out of it. Orton backs Kingston up and he pounds on him in the corner for a bit.

Orton sends Kofi into the corner, but when he follows in Kingston hits him with a big kick. Kingston charges Orton, but he falls victim to a powerslam. Orton locks in a rear chin lock, cranking down when Kingston tries to fight out. Kingston is eventually able to get out of it and he hits Orton with a series of right hands in the corner, before trying for a quick sunset flip. Kingston hits a Russian leg sweep and he tries for the boom drop, but Orton bails to the floor. Kingston follows out and he tries to hit Orton with a crazy cross body block, but Orton counters with a sick drop kick to Kofi’s ribs.

Orton picks Kofi up and puts him down ribs first on the barricade, doing further damage. Orton sends Kingston back into the ring and he tries for the pin, but Kingston kicks out at two. Orton stomps away at Kingston’s midsection, continuing to work over the ribs.

Kingston tries to fight back with a couple of right hands, but it doesn’t last long as Orton suplexes Kofi ribs first into the ring ropes. Orton hits a high knee drop, and tries for a pin, but Kingston kicks out at two.

Orton kicks at Kofi’s ribs and hits a big European uppercut. Kingston works his way back to his feet, ducks a fist from Orton and connects with the SOS.

Kingston tries for a pin, but Orton is able to kick out at two. When Orton gets back to his feet, he’s quickly clotheslined to the outside. Kofi follows with a suicide dive through the ropes onto Orton. Kingston sends Orton back into the ring and he goes to the top turnbuckle. Kofi hits a beautiful cross body, but again it’s only good for two Kofi chops away at Orton’s chest before connecting with a leaping lariat. Orton sends Kingston into the corner, but Kingston counters by jumping off the ropes with a big chop to the head.

Orton is able to connect with his crazy backbreaker, and he begins stalking Kofi. Orton looks to be going to the RKO, but Kofi counters with a high dropkick. Kofi hits the boom drop, and follows with up with trouble in Paradise. Kingston goes for the pin, but Orton is able to grab the bottom rope and break up the pin. Orton bails to the outside and Kingston is quick to follow.

Kingston struggles to get Orton back into the ring, and when Kingston tries to follow, Orton springs up and hits his rope assisted DDT and both men are down.

Orton is back to his feet first and he’s stalking Kingston yet again. Orton goes for the punt, but Kingston is able to get up his arm to block the shot. Orton goes for a single arm DDT, doing even more damage to Kingston’s arm. Kingston gets back up and tries to surprise Orton with the trouble in Paradise, but Orton blocks. Orton picks Kofi back up, hits an RKO, pins Kofi and this one’s over.

Winner: Kofi Kingston

Batista is backstage with Teddy Long, accusing Long of costing him the title. Batista threatens Long with a chair and tells him he better make it right, or the next time he swings that chair, it’s going to be at Long’s head.

TLC Match for the Unified Tag Team Titles: Chris Jericho and Big Show vs. Shawn Michaels & Triple H

DX is out first to a huge pop from the San Antonio crowd. Jeri-Show is out next, to a little bit of heat.

All four men stare each other down at the beginning of the match, until show shoves Hunter and Michaels shoves Jericho. The fight is on as Show and Hunter bail to the floor, where Show sends Hunter into the barricade. Back in the ring, HBK hits Jericho with a neckbreaker. On the outside, Show tries for a clothesline, but Triple H ducks and Show ends up in the crowd.

Hunter grabs a table that he props up on the barricade as Michaels and Jericho continue to fight in the ring. Big Show is back up and he punches Hunter, fighting with him part of the way up the entrance ramp. Michaels and Jericho make their way to the outside, where HBK ends up eating ring post. Jericho tries to suplex Michaels through a table, but Michaels won’t go down. Michaels reverses out of the suplex and sends Jericho back in the ring.

Jericho tries for the Walls of Jericho but HBK fights out and heads to the top rope. Michaels tries for a top rope elbow drop, but Jericho is able to get his knees up. Jericho grabs a ladder while Hunter and Show fight at the top of the ramp. Jericho tries to intervene, grabbing a chair and going after Hunter, but Hunter blocks and tries for the pedigree. Jericho counters out with a backdrop sending Hunter crashing down on the entrance ramp.

Jericho and Michaels both go for chair shots, with the chairs colliding, and Michaels comes out on top, then turning to hit Show. Show puts down Michaels and he and Jericho make their way down to the ringside area. Show grabs a ladder and Jericho hops into the ring.

DX are down to break things up, and Hunter pounds on Jericho in the corner. Hunter picks up the ladder and drives it into Jericho’s midsection.

DX double team Jericho in the ring, Michaels puts him down with a body slam before DX slam the ladder down on top of Jericho’s back. DX then use the ladder as a battering ram straight into Show’s face. DX set up the ladder under the titles and HBK begins the climb. Show is back in the ring to break things up, sending Hunter down and pulling HBK off the ladder. Show pounds on Hunter in the corner while Jericho brings in another ladder and slams Michael’s head down onto it. Jericho hits a baseball slide into the ladder into Michaels, sending Michaels to the floor.

Jericho bulldogs Hunter on top of the ladder, doing damage to the ribs. Show props the ladder up in the corner as Jericho sends Michaels back down to the floor. Jericho sends Hunter into the ladder in the corner with an Irish whip, before Show body slams Hunter into the ladder. Show hangs up Hunter by his leg, upside down in the ladder, before sending HBK into the ladder, and Hunter, with a big Irish whip.

Jericho gets Hunter out of the ladder, and tries for another Irish whip into said ladder, but Hunter reverses it, sending Jericho to the floor. Hunter dodges a splash in the corner from show before hitting a facebreaker. Hunter picks up the ladder and hits Big Show in the head before throwing it to the outside on top of Jericho. Show tries for a chokeslam, but Hunter counters into a DDT, setting Show up for a top rope elbow drop from Michaels. HBK tries for Sweet chin music, but Jericho ducks it and hits a codebreaker. Jericho walks right into a spinebuster from Hunter, who quickly falls victim to a spear from Show.

Show grabs a ladder and sets it up under the titles. Show starts the slow climb up the ladder, scared that the ladder will collapse, but Hunter is in with a big chair shot. Big Show just looks angry as he makes his way down the ladder. Show hits Hunter’s chair straight into Hunter’s face. Show tries to climb the ladder again, but this time, both members of DX push the ladder over into the ropes. Show walks straight into a pedigree with an assist from Michaels.

HBK sets up the ladder, and he almost gets to the top before Jericho tips the ladder over, sending Michaels crashing to the outside on top of Show. Jericho rights the ladder and starts to climb up, but Hunter is in to break things up. Hunter finally pulls Jericho off the ladder and plants him with a big powerbomb. Now Hunter is going to climb the ladder for the titles, but Big Show is back in the ring and he plucks Hunter off the ladder and takes him down with a big chokeslam.

Big Show destroys the ladder currently in the ring before tossing it to the outside. Show pounds on Hunter in the corner with some massive right hands and a big headbutt. Show puts Hunter down with a big body slam and Jericho grabs another ladder from under the ring. Jericho and Show wedge DX in between the ladder. Show holds the ladder down on top of DX while Jericho wails away at the ladder with a chair. Big Show rips the ladder apart with his bare hands, sending half to the floor and leaving half of it in the ring. JeriShow sends DX to the floor, where Show follows. Show chokeslams Michaels into Hunter through a table.

Jericho climbs on top of Big Shows shoulders, trying to reach the titles, but DX make their way back into the ring. HBK hits Show with SCM, sending Jericho crashing to the outside. Michaels hits a second SCM on Big Show before DX pick up the half ladder and send Show over the top to the outside. Hunter holds up the half of the ladder as Michaels climbs up toward the titles. Michaels is able to unhook the titles and we have new champions.

Winners and NEW Unified Tag Team Champions: DX

DX pose with the belts and do their signature crotch chops, getting big pops from the crowd. Hunter and Shawn celebrate in the middle of the ring to end the PPV.

Thanks to everybody who joined us for our Live Coverage of WWE: Tables, Ladders & Chairs!

Royal Rumble Plans, Update On WWE Changing ECW & SD

– The current plan is to not start any new major angles for the Royal Rumble pay-per-view until the first or second week of January. Monday’s RAW will feature the 2009 Slammy Awards and the December 21st and 28th RAW shows will likely be used to continue the pushes of Kofi Kingston and Sheamus. The original plan was to shoot a big angle for the Royal Rumble at the January 11th edition of RAW, but with TNA airing Monday Night iMPACT! the week before, we could see that Rumble storyline air a week early.

– With this week’s edition of ECW on Syfy drawing the lowest rating ever, speculation regarding the show being rebranded entirely continues. With WWE’s television deal with SyFy set to expire soon, major changes are almost a certainty. Changes are also in store for the SmackDown brand, but it will likely be after the new year before we see anything.

– ECW’s newest tag team, Trent Baretta and Caylen Croft, have been added to the roster page on WWE’s website.

– The guys who played Mark Cuban’s security on RAW this past Monday were indy wrestlers Danny Matthews, Mark Vaughn, Ryan Davidson and Kristopher Haiden.

(Credit to F4Wonline.com and PWInsider.com for some of the information used in this report)

Resentment Towards Cena, Little People’s Court, Sheamus

— On recent episodes of WWE Raw, we’ve seen the likes of Jesse Ventura and Carlito talking about there being  some backstage resentment towards WWE Champion John Cena. While the storyline exaggerates the locker room’s feelings towards Cena, there is some truth to it, as a number of wrestlers do reportedly resent Cena’s standing with management. There is naturally some jealousy towards Cena’s comfortable spot at the top of the roster while others are turned off by his “company guy” attitude.  Sources say his public airing of grievances with The Rock, regardless of the fact that he was likely reading company-fed lines, did not help his standing with “the boys.”

– Timing issues also played a factor in “little people’s court” with DX and Hornswoggle not airing on RAW this past week. WWE’s talent relations that were to book the little people weren’t getting answers back from creative as to how many they needed, who would get what roles or a male/female breakdown. The original idea for the segment came from Vince McMahon and nobody wanted to commit to doing anything about the angle until it came from Vince first and since Vince didn’t get around to it until the weekend, it was too late to throw everything together for Monday. Word is that those in creative weren’t really crazy about the idea to begin with. For what it’s worth, there is consideration of Hornswoggle doing a run-in near the finish for the DX vs. Chris Jericho & Big Show match at the TLC pay-per-view.

– This week’s edition of ECW on SyFy scored a 1.0 rating.

– The Great Khali returned to action at the SmackDown live event this past weekend. He recently had his knee scoped.

– WWE may have had plans to continue something between Jerry Lawler and Sheamus before changing it. Lawler was scheduled for an independent wrestling show on November 21st, five days after he was attacked by Sheamus on RAW. After the angle on RAW that week, Lawler’s people sent a text message to the indy promoter saying, “due to an ongoing storyline, Jerry Lawler can’t make his appearance.”

(Credit to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter for some of the information used in this report)

JR Blog: Monday’s Raw, Sheamus’ Push, Young Superstars

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can read in it entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. Some highlights:

Monday’s WWE Raw: “I felt the show needed more bell to bell wrestling. Only two bouts in the two hours stayed with me….Kofi vs. Orton and HHH vs. Jericho. Good to see that Kofi is remaining relevant. Kingston’s growth continues. I don’t get too wrapped up in wins and losses.”

Sheamus’ Push: “Sheamus did not lose any of his ‘steam.’ That was a positive. Too much negative is being made of Sheamus vs. Cena at the TLC PPV. WWE has to try and elevate new talents and Sheamus is getting a shot. He’s a tough guy who works hard. Why shouldn’t Sheamus be given a shot before he’s condemned? Let’s see how his match goes with Cena on PPV before all the ‘internet experts’ anoint this pairing as a failure.

“The theory is to get new bodies in the main event mix. It seems like it is damned if one does and damned if one doesn’t these days with who gets the nudge to the upper regions of the cards. That just too much negativity. That’s exactly why I delete so many emails as they are either overtly negative from start to finish thus depressing to read or they are way too long.

JR Blog: Jesse Ventura, Sheamus’ Push, The Rock

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. Here’s what Ross said about:

Jesse Ventura Hosting Raw: “Jesse Ventura did an excellent job as guest general manager … Jesse looked good, had his usual distinctive, great delivery and, for me, created an interest in checking out his new “Conspiracy Theory” program that debuts soon on truTV. Ventura and McMahon was a fun trip down memory lane and they were, perhaps, the 2nd best broadcast team to appear on Monday Night Raw in a good while as in the summer of ’08. Just one man’s totally biased opinion. I would have been happy to have flown in and produced the two wrestling legends.”

Sheamus’ Push: “Sheamus has found himself in a great spot to help begin building his long term foundation in WWE. I read where some pundits felt the incident between the young Irishman and John Cena was “flat.” I disagree. Obviously, the crowd sitting in their seats over three hours is challenging, has an influence but isn’t the real reason. However, let’s all remember that Sheamus hasn’t been on Raw in any significant role for, what, a month, 5 weeks? Sheamus has not even been in a long term personal issue with a main event, Raw wrestler yet…until now. Bottom line is that Sheamus’ persona is still evolving and the next two weeks and then TLC is highly important to Sheamus’ development. At worst, the WWE has made a new, fresh main event for a PPV and from where I sit that is a good thing.”

The Rock Saying He’d Work With WWE Again: “I would bet a 6 Pak Challenge and throw in a case of BBQ Sauce that those remarks don’t mean that Dwayne is thinking about wrestling again. I do not see that occurring but his appearances could mean an unlimited number of other things that don’t include putting on the tights. Time will tell.”

Related News: The Rock & WWE Working On Special TV Project

Sheamus’ Potential, Kofi Kingston’s Push, Ozzy & Sharon

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his JRsBarBQ.com blog – here are some highlights:

Ozzy & Sharon Hosting Raw: “I liked Ozzie and Sharon Osbourne’s role on Raw Monday night. It wasn’t overkill and it played to their strengths. Ozzie, honestly, pleasantly surprised me with his performance and his wife is really sharp which has likely saved Ozzie’s arse over the years. They are a prime example of where a “reality show” has helped their personas and made them relevant again to a new audience.

Sheamus’ Potential: “The continued evolution of Sheamus, the big Irish guy with no last name, is something that I’m enjoying. Hopefully, this build will be consistent and not rushed as it is obvious to me that Sheamus, the big Irish guy with no last name, has marketable potential. I like his size, physicality, and obvious toughness and he also has a strong work ethic and desire to not just be a player to be be a main event player. Sheamus is one of the most intriguing personas in WWE right now for my money. Can you imagine how fast Sheamus would progress if he were managed by a red hot, mouthpiece who was relevant in today’s marketplace?

Kofi Kingston’s Push: “Good to see Kofi Kingston, who’s now from his original homeland, continue to get his at bats. Kofi and Orton represent in ring youth which is a really good thing on which to build. Kofi’s next few months of TV exposure will be crucial in his development as fans seem to be curious as far Kofi can go. I happen to feel that Kofi has a distinctive upside. However, too many stubbed toes or false starts seem to be the kiss of death with many of today’s fans.

JR also talks about DX’s commentary on Raw, what the WWE Divas stand for, a recent phone call with Mene Gene Okerland and more. Visit JRsBarBQ.com to read the whole blog.

Survivor Series Main Event, Next Week’s Raw Hosts, Sheamus

— WWE has announced that rock legend and reality TV star Ozzy Osbourne and his wife Sharon will be the guest hosts for next week’s WWE Raw from Worcester, Massachusetts.

— The 23rd annual WWE Survivor Series pay-per-view takes place on November 22nd from the the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C. It was announced on Raw that new WWE champion John Cena will defend the gold against Triple H and Shawn Michaels at the event in a triple threat match.

— WWE newcomer Sheamus has been moved from ECW to the Raw roster. He defeated Jamie Noble in his impressive Raw debut.

Triple H Talks About His Backstage Power, Retirement & More

In a recent interview with Powerslam Magazine, WWE star Triple H spoke at length about a number of topics, including the downside of WWE’s success, retirement, his backstage power, WWE’s young talent and more. It’s a great read and we’ve got the highlights below.

Triple H says he could walk away from WWE at any time, but still feels that he’s popular with the fans and the next generation of stars aren’t ready to step up. “I’ve always said that I won’t be one of those guys still wrestling at 50 or 60. I look at the business now from the other side and, if I was Vince McMahon, I’d know when to tell me to step away. Right now, the talent’s not there: there is no depth. But, yeah, I do think about retiring: wrestling isn’t the only thing in my life, like it was when I broke in. If my family asked me to give up wrestling tomorrow, I’d do it in a heartbeat for them, and I’d never look back.”

Hunter is often criticized for having too much power backstage as a member of the McMahon family, but he says the power doesn’t go to his head. “People say the power I have puts me in a position of dominance but, if I lost that power, I’d be quite happy,” he said. “It’s all about what benefits the business for me. …The critics I listen to are the ones I can hear when I walk into the arena. When people aren’t caring about me anymore, I’ll know.”

He acknowledged that one of the negative aspects of WWE’s incredible success is that aspiring wrestlers don’t really have many places to learn their craft.  “When I was coming up, there were lots of places to work and learn your craft and, by the time you got called up to the WWE, you already had plenty of ability – whereas now, you achieve a bit of success and you come in before you’ve learned,” Hunter told boxing writer Danny Flexon in an interview for Powerslam Magazine. “There’s fewer places to send wrestlers where you can let them make mistakes. Guys used to say that WWE wouldn’t even look at you until you’ve had five years’ experience. But, now, we’re looking at guys who’ve had between six months and a year.”

Hunter was asked which younger wrestlers currently on the WWE roster he sees as having the most potential. “C.M. Punk is obviously already on his way to becoming a big star. Jack Swagger, I like. Sheamus. Evan Bourne is very good. Kofi Kingston,” Hunter said. “They are all moving up, but slowly, which is the right way.” He used the example of Steve Austin making himself a star at the 1996 King of the Ring and against Bret Hart at WrestleMania 13 to show how a good wrestler becomes a star. He said younger talent need to find a way to stand out.

At the end of the interview, Hunter singled out Sheamus as somebody with a ton of potential. “The closest (younger star) to me is probably Sheamus, because we always train together on the road. But I try to watch all the young guys’ matches and give them advice, if they want to hear it,” he said, almost if he had to defend himself for giving advice. “If they take advice to heart and really want to improve, them I am wanting to help. As for seeing some of myself in someone? That’s tough. Sheamus just the other day showed up at a show he didn’t have to be at. He does whatever he’s asked to do without complaining, he goes to every show and is always wanting to work: he does it all, goes above and beyond. That’s what I was like.”