The John Report: WWE TLC 2011 Recap

WWE Tables, Ladders & Chairs
December 18, 2011
Baltimore, Maryland
By John Canton (Twitter @johnreport)

They had a “Twas the Night Before Christmas” like beginning with voiceover guy narrating a tale that was relatable to the matches at tonight’s TLC PPV. It was pretty good. Very creative. I love the WWE production team.

The arena looks pretty full. The announcers for the show are Michael Cole & Jerry Lawler. No Booker T. at the table because he’s in a match.

Vickie Guerrero interrupted the announcers saying “Merry Christmas” in her whining voice. She introduced Dolph Ziggler for the US Title match. They introduced us to the Spanish announcers. Will the Spanish table be broken? Likely. Ryder came out next to a good pop.

US Title: Dolph Ziggler vs. Zack Ryder
The crowd was chanting for Ryder early. I’d be surprised if he didn’t win here. Cole mentioned #TLC was trending too. People asked me for a drinking game. Take a shot every time they say trending. Good luck to your liver. The announcers are actually arguing about who deserved the “Trending Worldwide” Slammy award. That’s one of the stupidest awards in the history of the Slammys, which is saying something. They worked a slow pace in the first five minutes. That suggests a longer match. Ziggler was in full “show off” mode here, actually doing situps after hitting a successful move. The announcers argued more, this time about Ryder’s accomplishments as Cole said he’s done nothing while Lawler pointed out that he’s become popular with the fans. The first good nearfall of the match was when Ryder hit a perfect missile dropkick for two.

A little bit after that, Ryder got another pinfall attempt. Vickie put Dolph’s foot on the bottom rope, the ref saw it and threw her out. She started yelling, which was met by approval by the fans. That was followed by a good pinfall exchange sequence by them. Ziggler ended up hitting a Fameasser for a good nearfall. Ziggler hit a perfect dropkick for a two count of his own at the ten minute mark. Ziggler went to the top, Ryder followed him and hit a hurricanrana off the top rope for an awesome nearfall of his own. Ryder was in the corner, Ziggler charged in, Ryder got the knees up to counter a splash and he followed it up with a Rough Ryder for the victory at the 12 minute mark.
Winner: Zack Ryder – New US Champion

Post match, they showed Ryder’s dad and his friend “The Big O” celebrating in the crowd. Zack went over to them to celebrate.

Analysis: **3/4 A very solid opener that popped the live crowd since Ryder is a fan favorite. This was the perfect booking and result for this match. Ziggler losing clean won’t hurt him at all. He deserves to move up the card now. Ryder’s perfect for the US Title. This was a nice conclusion to the feud.

Backstage, Booker was talking to Alicia Fox. Cody Rhodes attacked, but Booker wasn’t hurt too bad.

Hey look there’s Air Boom. A tag title defense against Primo & Epico is on deck.

Tag Team Titles: Air Boom vs. Primo & Epico
Is this the first Air Boom title defense on TV/PPV since Evan’s suspension? I think so. Rosa was out there with Primo & Epico. In case you don’t know, Epico is the cousin of Primo. They are heels although not doing the “America sucks” gimmick. They just speak in Spanish all the time, especially Rosa. The heels were working on Evan in the babyface in peril spot. Nice suplex sequence by Epico, who hit two backdrop suplexes in a row before hitting a German suplex.

After the long attack, Bourne gets the hot tag to Kingston. He comes in there hitting all of his high flying offensive maneuvers. He set up Primo for the Trouble in Paradise, but he avoided it. Great springboard crossbody by Kofi for two. Bourne took out Epico with a dive to the floor. Primo charged at Kofi, he avoided him, Primo went off the ropes and Kofi hit him with the Trouble in Paradise for the win. Match went about 8 minutes.
Winners: Air Boom

Analysis: ** Basic tag match. I’d expect some rematches down the road since there just aren’t that many teams for Air Boom to feud with.

They went to Josh Mathews in the locker room saying that Booker T. was getting looked at and the match may be canceled, but it’s not official.

They showed Teddy Long dressed as Santa. Hornswoggle showed up, said he’s a grown man with a beard and “mature testes.” Yes he said that. He said he’s never seen a black Santa and Teddy said where he grow up they didn’t have a fat white Santa around. Long gave him a book for Christmas, a guide to Ebonics. Racial comedy is fantastic huh? Hornswoggle wanted a hug, but instead he stepped on his foot. This was supposed to be comedy. It wasn’t funny.

The tables match is next.

Tables Match: Randy Orton vs. Wade Barrett
There are about a dozen tables all around the ring. Orton comes out first to a big pop. Barrett is next to good heat, but not great. I have Orton winning this one. He’s also my pick to win the Royal Rumble in St. Louis. Orton tried to suplex him through a table. Barrett fought it off and threw him into the ringpost to knock him down. Barrett had Orton lying on the table, then he went to the middle ropes to put him through, but Randy fought off. Barrett continued to dominate, shoving him back first into the ring apron. Barrett hit a nice elbow off the middle rope. Barrett had some blood streaming from a cut on the right side of his head. Barrett worked him over with knees and followed it up with the big boot, but Orton held onto the ropes to prevent him from going through the table. The story through the first eight minutes is the dominance of Wade Barrett.

Orton was able to fight back, hitting his spinning powerslam. They fought on the apron, right above a table that was on the floor. Orton fought out of the Wasteland to hit his DDT off the ropes. Then they showed us a number of trending topics relating to the match including #BarrettBarrage & The Viper, so at least nicknames are getting over. Barrett countered an Orton attack with a Bossman Slam. I love when he uses that move. Barrett slammed a table on him. He folded open the table, Orton was lying on the table on his stomach, but he wasn’t fully on it. Barrett went to the middle rope, jumped off and Orton countered with the RKO through the table for the win after 11 minutes. Very good finish.
Winner: Randy Orton

Analysis: ** A strong finish similar to some RKO counters we’ve seen Orton do in the past. The story was Barrett was in control for about 80% of the match, but Orton was playing possum at the end to hit the RKO out of nowhere for the win. The replays of the RKO through the table were pretty cool. Like I said, it was the right finish. That’s a recurring trend in Orton matches. He knows how to hit that move at the right time.

Backstage, the Bella Twins/Tramps were sitting on Santa Teddy Long’s lap. He gave them cards with his phone number on it. They slapped him and left.

Jack Swagger walked into Teddy’s office to complain about Mark Henry hitting him with a chair in the back on Smackdown. He wanted Teddy to do something. Sheamus walked in saying Teddy wanted to see him. I smell a new match being mad. Sheamus threatened him. Teddy booked them into a match for later in the night.

Beth Phoenix walked out with the Divas Title on her own. They showed a video package from the Slammy Awards when Kelly won the Slammy for Divalicious Moment. I guess they’re having a match. This is the third unannounced match of the PPV. Why not announce them beforehand?

Divas Title: Beth Phoenix vs. Kelly Kelly
There’s no Natalya with Beth. Not sure why. Kelly was on fire early on, going for her charge into the corner. Beth countered it by dropping her neck across the top ropes. Oh crap Kelly is YELLING instead of selling. She is morphing into Yelly Yelly because she sells moves by yelling at the top of her lungs. That’s annoying. Apparently Beth Phoenix is trending now too, so that’s good for her. Beth hit a weak version of the Camel Clutch. Kelly countered some power moves by YELLYING UP~!, but Beth fought her off again. She went for a few pinfalls. Didn’t get it. They’re at four minutes now, which is about double the usual Raw divas match. Beth went to the top, tried a legdrop and Kelly moved out of the way. Kelly went for her K2 finisher, Beth pushed her out of it and went for the Glam Slam. Kelly countered with a cradle for two, then Beth got one of her own. Kelly went for a hurricanrana, but Beth caught her and threw her back into a version of the Electric Chair, which put Kelly onto her chest. Beth rolled her over to cover for the win at the 7 minute mark.
Winner: Beth Phoenix

Analysis: *1/2 Strong finish to the match. Beth didn’t win with her finisher, but it was a dominant victory as it should have been.

Backstage, Alberto Del Rio told Ricardo Rodriguez to get him some food. The Miz showed up. Del Rio told him there was no alliance. He was using him. Miz told him he main evented WrestleMania while ADR lost at Mania. Del Rio called him weak, saying he was a reality TV star that couldn’t even take Ricardo or his pool boy. Ricardo showed up, Miz shoved the food in his face and then Del Rio shoved down Rodriguez too. I guess the point of this is to put over that the heels are serious.

They had a commercial for the Royal Rumble on January 29th with Santino dressed as a genie that can predict the future. Then the crystal ball broke.

They aired a special message from the National Guard in Maryland wishing us a happy holiday.

Booker T. was up next. He was walking down the aisle for his match. Cody attacked him before he got the ring, hitting him the back and throwing him into the barrier by the ring. Booker took a while to get to his feet tanks to the help of officials. The doctor said he had to take him to the back to examine him. I guess that match is not happening yet. The announcers put it over by saying that this was Cody’s way of not wanting to face Booker for the IC Title.

They aired a video package for the Triple H/Kevin Nash feud. Don’t tear a quad while you watch it.

Nash came out with to the NWO porno music. Long running joke that the song is like porn music. He does look to be in good shape for somebody that’s 52. Hunter was out next to a big pop. The aisle was full of ladders. My prediction is that Nash wins here with Hunter winning the rematch at the Royal Rumble. If Hunter wins here then both guys would likely be in the Rumble, I assume. I just don’t think either has to be in the Rumble. We’ll see though. Lawler said he’s never seen Triple H look better or look more serious about anything. I have Jerry. He was better in 2000. He was amazing that year. It was before he tore two quads and was having great matches with everybody on the roster. I remember too much.

Sledgehammer Ladder Match: Kevin Nash vs. Triple H
If this was done in the TV14 era I’d expect Hunter to start bleeding within five minutes. Not in the PG era, of course. Nash was the first to use the ladder, running into HHH with it and hitting him in the head. Hunter came back at him, climbing the announce table and taking him down with a Thesz Press. Hunter has his wrists taped with black tape on top of white tape. Hunter gave him a clothesline over the barricade, sending Nash into the crowd. Nash ended up dropping him with a sharp elbow as well as Snake Eyes on the barricade. The countering continued with Hunter throwing him into the ring post. They went back into the ring with Hunter using the ladder as a weapon to attack Nash’s right knee. He continued to go after the knee by attacking it with the top of the ladder. Nobody’s going for pinfalls, so I guess you can’t win until somebody gets their hands on the sledgehammer. Great spot by Hunter as he put Nash’s right leg through a ladder, bent it and dropped down onto his back, which effectively put Nash in the Figure Four. Some in the crowd were chanting “Woo” while Ric Flair is sitting at home somewhere wishing he didn’t get married four times because divorces are expensive. At the eight minute mark, Nash whipped Hunter into the corner where Hunter crashed into a propped up ladder and did his signature bump over the top rope to the floor. Now Nash was in control of the match.

Nash did a good job of using power moves to beat down Hunter. The match was moving at a slow pace as he crashed Hunter’s face into the ladder after a slingshot type maneuver. Nash took the covers off the announce table and gently took the TV monitors out. The English speaking announce table by the way. Nash went for a powerbomb, but Hunter countered with a backdrop and Nash went crashing into the barricade by the announcers. In the ring, Hunter set up a ladder for the first climb of the match at the 13 minute mark. Nash took the ladder away, propping it up in the corner. He whipped Hunter into the ladder in the corner and followed it up with a chokeslam. I don’t remember Kevin Nash using a chokeslam. If he did it was very rare. Nash went under the ring for a table. Why not find a sledgehammer there? Cole wondered what Shawn Michaels was thinking about the match because you know he’s watching. Actually I saw @ShawnMichaels_ tweet earlier saying that he was watching football, not TLC.

Hunter recovered from Nash’s attacks. He went for the climb at the 15 minute mark. Nash followed him. Hunter fought him off, hit him in the head and Nash went crashing through the table. Hunter grabbed the sledgehammer as the crowd went wild. Hunter attacked him with the sledgehammer, attacking every part of Nash’s body. He threw the ladder outside the ring. Hunter threw the sledgehammer away, Hunter went for the Pedigree. Nash didn’t sell it right, so he just crumbled to the mat. Then Hunter hit the Pedigree. The announcers tried to sell it by saying Nash’s knee gave way. The crowd chanted “one more time.” Instead, Hunter grabbed the sledgehammer. Nash got to his knees, gave the Kliq sign out of desperation and Hunter gave him a DX crotch chop. Then Hunter hit him with the sledgehammer in the head. He covered for the win at the 19 minute mark.
Winner: Triple H

Post match, Nash got taken out on a stretcher. Does he have a pulse? Sorry. Flashbacks.

Analysis: ** I guess that’s the end of the feud. Like I said I thought Nash would win to prolong the feud, but I’m fine with the feud ending here. They worked hard, did a lot of little tricks and built up to the big spots for the finish very well. It was a very slow match that went just under 20 minutes. Cole spoke as if Hunter was back on a regular basis because he said he was back in action, so I’m not sure if that means he’ll be wrestling regularly again.

Backstage, Matt Striker interviewed WWE Champion CM Punk. He said the attack on Raw was painful, then mocked Miz’ angry face and Cole’s painful commentary, which is always welcome to me. Punk complained that he never got his “Superstar of the Year” Slammy because of that. He said Laurinaitis had it even though he’s never been a superstar for thirty seconds. Laurinaitis showed up, said he’d mail the Slammy to Punk. Punk promised him that he’d still be the WWE Champion at the end of the night. Laurinaitis didn’t want to argue, saying he was the bigger man…because after all he was taller than Punk. I admit that was a funny line by JL. Punk left looking confident.

The Swagger/Sheamus match was next. Swagger came out first followed by Sheamus.

Sheamus vs. Jack Swagger
I’d expect a Sheamus win here in convincing fashion. Swagger took advantage early, dominating Sheamus on the floor. He threw him into the ring post and then stomped on him a number of times. Back in the ring, he hit his splash off the ropes for two. Sheamus made his comeback. I really like his shoulderblock that he does here he comes slingshots himself over the top rope while he’s on the apron. Swagger attacked again, working him over until he had him in the ankle lock at the five minute mark. Sheamus countered with a roll through. Swagger charged with a dive at the ankle, Sheamus moved out of the way and hit the Brogue Kick at the 6 minute mark.
Winner: Sheamus

Analysis: *1/4 Too short to be anything more than that. Swagger got a decent amount of offense, but nobody believed he could win. They are grooming Sheamus to be the number one contender for the World Title I think.

Backstage, Josh interviewed Big Show. He said that ever since he’s been back Mark Henry has been unable to beat him. Show says tonight he gets the luxury of using Chairs as a weapon. He said that his nine year drought as World Champion is over tonight. Nice promo from Show. Good intensity. And I don’t think he even slobbered, so that’s something for him.

The Chairs Match is next. They don’t even get a video package for it.

Big Show comes out first. He’s got a multi-colored singlet in the colors of the army. Mark Henry was out next. “Look at the width. The girth!” – Lawler talking about Henry. I swear that’s what he was talking about. Keep in mind that Mark Henry has been on TV for the last 15 years. We’re supposed to think he is a fresh talent I guess. The Smackdown announcer Lillian Garcia did the intros while both guys were in the ring. There were chairs all around the ring. You had to win via pinfall or submission.

Chairs Match for the World Title: Mark Henry vs. Big Show
Immediately after the bell rang, Big Show went to the floor and tossed in about a dozen steel chairs in the ring. When Show went back in the ring, Mark Henry left saying the match isn’t happening. Show attacked him with chair shots to the back. They better be sure to make those chair shots in the back rather than the head, because those are banned. Henry rammed Show’s hand into the steel steps. They went into the ring for a dueling chair spot. Henry ended up overpowering him with a chair as he welcomed Show to the Hall of Pain. That’s so nice of him. Show was selling the hand heavy after Henry stomped on it while he had a chair on top of it. The crowd is pretty quiet because it’s a slow, plodding match with chair spots. Henry went for a chair shot, Show avoided it and punched Henry in the face with the KNOCK THE FUCK OUT~! punch. He covers. And he wins the match. What? That’s it? Match went 5 minutes.
Winner: Big Show – New World Champion

After the match, Mark Henry attacked Big Show. He gave him a DDT on a number of steel chairs that he had stacked up.

Cue Daniel Bryan’s music! He walks out, cashes in the briefcase, ref Scott Armstrong rings the bell and Bryan covers Big Show to win the World Title! Big Show never got up. I always thought that the champion had to get to his feet, or at least close to it for a challenge to happen, but so far it looks like it counts.
Winner and NEW World Champion – Daniel Bryan

Bryan went on to celebrate on the announce table and then with the fans in the first few rows in the crowd. Big Show looked angry as Cole said you had to feel sorry for Big Show for losing the title so quickly after waiting nine years to hold the World Title.

Analysis: 1/2* I didn’t expect the match to end so quickly or for Big Show to win. I thought Henry would have a longer title reign.

As for the Daniel Bryan thing, Cole did a good job of calling Bryan a hypocrite because he said he’d cash in at WrestleMania. He also put over how Big Show was always supportive of Daniel Bryan in the past. I’d expect Big Show to turn heel as a result of this. It makes sense.

Back to the Bryan thing, I actually thought they would wait until WrestleMania. Guess not. I’m legitimately happy for the guy. That was pretty awesome.

They had a video package for the WWE Network again.

Backstage, Booker T. talked to Josh Mathews saying he didn’t ask for the fight with Cody, but he was damn sure going to finish it.

Cody Rhodes made his entrance first. Booker came out next in his gear, just like earlier in the night. This time the match is a go.

Intercontinental Title: Cody Rhodes vs. Booker T
They came out working aggressive from the start. Booker was selling injuries from the earlier attacks. I’m expecting Cody to win here. Now Lawler says Booker is in the best shape of his life. I understand WHY they say that because they’re putting over the current match/product, but it’s ridiculous to say that because in real sports an announcer would never say that. The guy is in his mid 40s. He does look to be in great shape, but it’s not like he’s in the prime of his career. Back to the match, four minutes in they did a double clothesline for a double KO spot at the four minute mark. Booker ended up winning the fight when they got back to their feet. It’s Spinarooni time. I’m having flashbacks of the JR-a-roonie from Monday. By flashbacks I mean nightmares. Booker was fatigued after the Spinaroonie because he was selling injuries. He missed the Axe Kick. Cody jumped off the ropes, hit the Beautiful Disaster kick for a nice two count. Booker’s doing a great job of selling injuries. Cody hit another Beautiful Disaster kick to the head for the win at the 7 minute mark.
Winner: Cody Rhodes

Analysis: *1/2 Exactly what I expected. As I said Booker did a good job of selling the injuries from the attack earlier. Cody capitalized on the mistakes to win in a clean manner. I’d expect the feud to be over now with Booker wrestling only on a part time basis going forward. I miss him on commentary anyway. He’s become a guilty pleasure for me. Oh my goodness!

A commercial aired for the new Stone Cold DVD. I have it. I love it. Go get it.

On another note, I just received word that Kim Jong Il died. I remember Osama Bin Laden died on the night that Christian won the World Title at Extreme Rules. Now Kim Jong Il as DBry won the World Title. Who is booking the deaths of these evil men?

They showed an earlier tonight feature with Zack Ryder’s US Title win. Then they replayed Big Show’s World Title win followed by Daniel Bryan’s World Title win. It’s 10:21pmET as they go into the replays so I guess there’s time before the main event.

It’s main event time. It’s TLC rules, so whoever grabs the WWE Title hanging above the ring is the new WWE Champion. Rodriguez introduces Del Rio. Rodriguez still has a stained shirt. Way to sell it. Del Rio doesn’t come out in a car. Maybe he’s getting depushed after this, so they don’t want to rent expensive cars every time he wrestles? I’m just guessing. The Miz is out next to decent heat. It’s Clobbering Time as CM Punk is out last. Justin Roberts did the intros while they were coming down the aisle so it wasn’t done in ring like I prefer for major title matches.

Let me take a moment to ask how cool is it that CM Punk & Daniel Bryan are WWE & World Champions at this moment? Very cool. I’ve followed both of those guys careers prior to WWE and especially in ROH. It’s great knowing that they are holding the big gold right now.

TLC Match for the WWE Title: CM Punk vs. The Miz vs. Alberto Del Rio
It’s 10:28pmET as the match begins, so I’d expect them to get 15-20 minutes here. The heels double team Punk to start, but he fights them both off. There was a “we want ice cream” chant. That was fun. Del Rio went to attack Punk with a ladder, but he countered it and Del Rio went crashing with the ladder in his face. Miz worked on Punk in the ring, using the chair as a weapon. Punk hit the high knee, but Miz countered the bulldog with a back suplex through the seated chair. I missed two minutes because my buddy called to chat about Kim Jong Il’s passing. When I came back, Punk was attacking Miz on the floor. Miz was seated on the barricade, Punk charged in and hit a running knee to the face to send Miz into the crowd. Punk grabbed the ladder. He tried to climb the ladder, but Ricardo grabbed him. He ended up using handcuffs to cuff Punk to the side of the ladder. Del Rio came back to attack Punk. He went to climb, but Punk fought it off, broke the ladder and freed himself from the handcuffs. Smart guy. Miz attacked Punk to put him down. Punk recovered to prevent Miz from grabbing the briefcase as we hit the nine minute mark.

There was a big spot with Miz & Punk fighting on the turnbuckle. Del Rio attacked both of them. Miz fell to the floor. Punk fell through a table that was outside the ring. Out on the floor, Del Rio put Miz in the Cross Armbreaker while using a ladder to add pain to the hold just like he did to Punk on Raw. Meanwhile, Punk was still out while on the table. Del Rio used a chair to apply the Cross Armbreaker on Punk’s arm. So now Del Rio has taken out both guys. A ladder was all set up for him. He took his sweet time to set it up in a spot that wasn’t directly under the ladder. I guess he’s setting up for a spot…yep. Miz & Punk each grabbed the bottom of the ladder as Del Rio went crashing on the top turnbuckle groin first. Ouch. You know you’ve seen too many ladder matches when you can predict crash & burn spots during the match. Miz & Punk did a double clothesline spot so all three guys were out at the 14 minute mark.

With all three guys knocked out, Ricardo Rodriguez climbed the ladder. Miz & Punk recovered again to push the ladder backwards and Ricardo went crashing through two tables on the other side of the ring. That was a huge bump. In case you don’t know, Ricardo wrestlers in WWE’s developmental territory called Florida Championship Wrestling. It was back to Miz & Punk. Punk went for a shoulder tackle, Miz had a pair of handcuffs and he cuffed Punk to the middle turnbuckle cable. Miz was standing up, taunting Punk. He pointed to the briefcase. Punk hit him in the back of the head with one of his straight kicks. Punk tried to free himself from the handcuffs. As he did that, Miz & Del Rio each had a ladder that they climbed up. Punk ended up unscrewing the metal bar that conned from the ring post to the turnbuckle. Punk kicked Del Rio off the ladder. Then he gave Miz the GTS The crowd was going wild. Punk climbed quickly back up and won the match at the 18 minute mark.
Winner: CM Punk

Analysis: ***3/4 A very good, well built match featuring three guys that know what they are doing. It was given a good amount of time, but it lacked enough legit ladder climbs to make it a truly special match. Don’t get me wrong though, it was still a very good match. I liked the spots they set up, even using Ricardo to take the biggest bump of the night. They told a good story of CM Punk overcoming the odds to win the match in impressive fashion. He came back from going through a table and being handcuffed twice to show the perseverance you want to see in a babyface champion. I expected Punk to win. It was the right move for Punk to win.

They replayed the finish to the match as Cole said Ryder is the US Champion, Bryan is the World Campion and Punk is still the WWE Champion. I’m pretty sure the internet is having a collective joygasm right now. It was a night of the babyfaces.

——–

I give the PPV a 6 out of 10.

Five Stars of the Night
1. Daniel Bryan – Marked out for that. Congrats.
2. CM Punk – Another awesome main event performance.
3. Zack Ryder – I’m genuinely happy for him.
4. Dolph Ziggler – Made Ryder look great. Ready for his push.
5. Cody Rhodes – Continues to impress me. He’s such an awesome IC champ right now.

I don’t have that much to say in terms of final thoughts. The show featured a couple of good, fast paced matches in the first three and then things really slowed down until the main event, which was excellent. That’s what made it a slightly above average PPV.

I’m most shocked by Daniel Bryan winning the World Title. As my buddy Jason Powell of prowrestling.net reports, Mark Henry has a groin injury that will put him out of action. For how long? We don’t know how serious it is yet. That’s likely why they made the call to put the title onto Big Show and then onto Bryan, to set up a potential feud between those two. While I’m a little upset because it takes away the WrestleMania moment for Bryan, I’m still happy for the guy.

Did anybody miss John Cena? I didn’t. It’s not like I hate the guy, but the show was fine without him. It reminds me of the days of the exclusive brand PPVs, which I was a fan of. You need to give others the chance to shine once in a while. That’s what this how was about too.

I’ll remember TLC as the night of the babyfaces. Aside from heel champions like Cody Rhodes & Beth Phoenix retaining their titles, it was all about the good guys going over strong on this night. I got a tweet from @tweeterT2 tonight saying that the average age of the four major champions (WWE, World, IC, US) is 28 years old. That’s pretty young for WWE. It’s also a great sign of things to come in 2012.

Last thing to share is that @CMPunk did a tweet that said this: “Two Indy schmucks didn’t do so bad, Eh?” Then he posted this picture.

Like I said, the internet wrestling community is doing a collective joygasm right now. I think I might join ‘em.

How would you rate WWE TLC 2011 on the 1-10 scale?

Here are my FINAL PPV rankings for all WWE PPVs in 2011 with a score out of 10. Click on the name of the PPV to read my recap of it.
1. Money in the Bank – 9
2. Summerslam – 8
3. Elimination Chamber – 8
4. Survivor Series – 7.5
5. Extreme Rules – 7.5
6. Royal Rumble – 6.5
7. WrestleMania 27 – 6.5
8. Tables, Ladders & Chairs – 6
9. Vengeance – 6
10. Hell in a Cell – 6
11. Night of Champions – 5.5
12. Capitol Punishment – 4.5
13. Over The Limit – 4.5

I’ll be back on Monday with the 2011 WWE Johnny Awards. I’m not sure what I’ll do with the Raw Deal this week. I’m working a lot and won’t have much time to write, but I’ll try to post an abbreviated version of it.

Have a Merry Christmas & happy holiday season.

Thanks for reading.

John Canton – john@thejohnreport.net
thejohnreport.net
Twitter @johnreport
Facebook Facebook.com/thejohnreportnet

Backstage News on the World Heavyweight Title Changes at WWE TLC

- WWE booked the World Heavyweight Title changes at tonight’s TLC pay-per-view because former champion Mark Henry is injured.

Henry is reportedly suffering from a pull in his groin area, which apparently happened during his match against John Cena on RAW. Henry the injury checked out and it was worse than originally thought.

Word is that most of the WWE creative team wanted to allow Henry to work a light schedule so he could let the injury heal but Vince McMahon decided to book the title changes.

Source: Prowrestling.net

Titles Change Hands at WWE TLC, Dark Match Result from Tonight’s PPV

- Daniel Bryan cashed in Money in the Bank to become the new World Heavyweight Champion at tonight’s TLC pay-per-view.

Bryan pinned Big Show, who had just won the World Heavyweight Title from Mark Henry. Henry laid Show out after the win, letting Bryan come out and take advantage.

- Zack Ryder became the new WWE United States Champion at TLC tonight by defeating Dolph Ziggler in the opener.

- The dark match before tonight’s pay-per-view in Baltimore saw Drew McIntyre beat Alex Riley.

WWE TLC PPV Results – December 18th

- WWE’s 2011 TLC pay-per-view kicks off with the normal video package before a package for tonight’s matches. We’re live from Baltimore, Maryland as the pyro goes off and Michael Cole welcomes us to Tables, Ladders & Chairs. Cole is joined by Jerry Lawler.

- Vickie Guerrero comes out and asks everyone to excuse her. She introduces the WWE United States Champion Dolph Ziggler and out he comes.

WWE United States Title Match: Zack Ryder vs. Dolph Ziggler

Ziggler makes his way to the ring and out comes Zack Ryder next to a nice reaction from the crowd.

The bell rings and Ziggler takes Ryder’s leg out, sending him to the mat. They go to lock up again and Ziggler does the same. Ziggler keeps control until Ryder catches him in mid-air and catapults him into the turnbuckle. Ziggler ends up out on the floor. Ryder runs the ropes and leaps out over the top, taking Ziggler out. Ryder first pumps and slams Ziggler into the apron before rolling him up onto it. They fight on the apron and Ziggler drops Ryder’s face into it.

Ziggler brings it back in the ring and works Ryder over. Neckbreaker by Ziggler. Ziggler drops about 10 elbow drops on Ryder and shows off for the crowd. Ziggler drops a big elbow and covers Ryder for a 2 count. They get up and trade shots. Ziggler drops him with an elbow to the face. Ziggler applies a headlock now. Ziggler uses Ryder’s body to hold his feet so he can do sit-ups. Ziggler with a 2 count. Ryder finally makes a comeback and hits a dropkick off the second rope for a 2 count.

More back and forth. Ryder with a pair of clotheslines. They run the ropes and Ryder slams Ziggler’s face into the mat. Ryder with a big right hand in the corner. Ryder fist pumps and hits the big boot in the corner. Ryder covers but Vickie puts Ziggler’s leg on the ropes and breaks the pin. The referee sends Vickie to the back. Ryder rolls Ziggler up for 2. Ziggler counters with a pin attempt. More back and forth trading shots. Ziggler hits the big leg drop for a 2 count. Ziggler goes for the sleeper but Ryder counters it. Ziggler drops Ryder for another 2 count.

They go at it in the corner. Ryder hits a hurricanrana from the top but Ziggler barely kicks out at 2. Ziggler counters the Ruff Ryder and gets another 2 count. Ziggler charges in the corner but Ryder hits him with knees. Ryder hits the Ruff Ryder for the pin and the US Title.

Winner and New WWE United States Champion: Zack Ryder

- Ryder gets a big pop from the crowd and celebrates his title win.

- Alicia Fox and Booker T are backstage talking when Cody Rhodes attacks Booker from behind. Cody beats Booker up until officials come in and run him off.

WWE Tag Team Title Match: Epico and Primo vs. Air Boom

We go to the ring and out comes the WWE Tag Team Champions Evan Bourne and Kofi Kingston. Out next comes the team of Primo and Epico with Rosa Mendes.

Epico starts the match off with Bourne and rolls him up early. They lock up again and Bourne rolls Epico up. They trade blocks. Bourne gets in some kicks and tags in Kofi. Kofi hits a big dropkick and covers for 2. Kofi catapults Epico for a 2 count. Kofi with kicks and a tag to Bourne. Bourne takes Epico down with a hurricanrana for a 2 count. Primo comes in and eventually gets a 2 count. They double team Bourne and get another 2 count.

More double teaming by Primo and Epico and another 2 count. Bourne gets caught in a backbreaker and covered for another 2 count. Rosa taunts Bourne as Epico lifts him for three straight back suplexes and a 2 count. Epico mocks Kofi and throws Bourne on his back for a submission. Bourne rolls Epico up for a 2 count and goes to work with kicks but is blocked. Bourne drops Epico with knees. Kofi and Primo come in off tags. Kofi dumps Epico to the floor and takes out Primo. Kofi hits the Boom Drop. Primo blocks Trouble in Paradise with a kick. Kofi goes up top and hits a crossbody for a 2 count.

Bourne takes out Epico on the floor. Kofi takes advantage in the ring and gets the pin on Primo to retain the titles.

Winners: Air Boom

- We go backstage to Josh Matthews outside of a trainers room where Booker T is being checked on. Matthews says Cody Rhodes walked by smiling earlier and speculates that their match is off.

- Teddy Long is backstage dressed as Santa Claus when Hornswoggle the elf walks in. They do some comedy and Teddy presents Hornswoggle with an Ebonics book so he won’t embarrass himself again like on RAW, Teddy says. Hornswoggle yanks Teddy’s beard down and stomps on his foot before running off.

Tables Match: Wade Barrett vs. Randy Orton

Tables are lined up down to the ring as Randy Orton makes his way out first. His opponent Wade Barret is out next.

Orton strikes first with a kick and they trade right hands. Orton ducks a clothesline and connects with a backbreaker. Orton stomps on Barrett and goes outside to the floor to get a table. Barrett gets up and kicks the table into Orton’s face. Barrett comes out to the floor and slams Orton into the apron before working him over. Barrett brings it back into the ring and grabs a table, also bringing it onto the apron. Orton kicks it back into Barrett and causes it to hit him in the nose. Orton comes back out to the floor and slams Barrett into the steel steps. Barrett is busted open now.

Orton beats Barrett up to the stage area where several tables are. Barrett takes control and goes to slam Orton through the table but Orton counters. They fight back toward the ring and Orton looks to suplex Orton through a table from the apron. Barrett fights off and slams Orton into the ring post and then the steps. Barrett runs over Orton with a big boot and he goes down on the floor. Barrett sets up a table on the floor and goes at it with Orton. Barrett slams Orton’s face into the table and lays him on top of it. Barrett goes to the top rope but Orton rolls off the table. Barrett comes down and slams Orton twice into the apron. Barrett brings Orton back into the ring now.

Barrett comes off the second rope with a big elbow drop. Barrett chokes Orton with the top rope now and hits him with knees to the head. Barrett goes to big boot Orton through the table but he falls onto the apron and hangs on. Barrett props a table up in the corner now. Barrett scoops Orton and goes to slam him through the table. Orton slides out and hits clotheslines followed by a scoop slam. Barrett blocks the DDT and sends Orton to the apron. Orton counters and drops Barrett between the legs on the top rope. Barrett picks Orton up on the apron for Wasteland through the table on the floor. Orton fights out and hits the second rope draping DDT into the ring. Orton goes for the RKO but Barrett pushes him into the table but Orton stops it from breaking. Barrett catches Orton in a bid sidewalk slam. Barrett just slams the table on top of Orton as he lays on the mat.

Barrett sets Orton on top of the table and climbs to the second rope. Barrett comes down to send Orton through the table but Orton hops up and nails the RKO through the table for the win.

Winner: Randy Orton

- The Bella Twins are backstage sitting on Teddy Claus’ lap, arguing about who the bad and good twin is. Teddy says he has presents for the both of them. He hands them business cards with his number on them, in case they ever want to play any reindeer games. They push him off and leave. Jack Swagger walks in and says Teddy is the most ridiculous Santa and most ridiculous GM ever. Swagger asks what Teddy is going to do about Mark Henry hitting him on SmackDown. Teddy tells Swagger to sit on his lap and they can work something out. Swagger refuses and Sheamus walks in. Apparently Teddy was looking for Sheamus. Sheamus and Swagger have words before getting in each others face. Teddy makes Swagger vs. Sheamus for tonight.

WWE Divas Title Match: Kelly Kelly vs. Beth Phoenix

We go to the ring and out comes Divas Champion Beth Phoenix followed by her opponent Kelly Kelly. Apparently Kelly got this match for winning the Divas Slammy. They have words to start the match. Beth misses a slap and Kelly slaps her. Beth ends up outside on the floor. Kelly leaps from the apron and slams Beth’s face into the floor.

Kelly applies a submission on the ropes and keeps on with the offense. Beth turns things around in the corner and slams Kelly to the mat. Beth unloads with stomps, punches and elbows to the back. Beth with a 2 count. Beth stands on Kelly and the bottom rope now. Beth slams Kelly on the back of her head and puts her in a submission. Beth continues but Kelly counters with a bulldog. Kelly goes crazy on Beth and climbs to the second rope. Beth catches her in mid-air and slams for a 2 count. Beth with another 2 count and a third pin attempt.

Beth with more right hands before climbing to the top rope. Beth misses a big leg drop as Kelly rolls out of the way. Beth counters Kelly’s leg drop and goes for the Glam Slam. Kelly blocks it with a roll up for 2. Beth with another roll up. Beth catches Kelly on her shoulders and slams her face first with a version of the Electric Chair. Beth crawls over and covers for the win.

Winner: Beth Phoenix

- Alberto Del Rio is backstage yelling at Ricardo Rodriguez for not having his car ready for tonight. Del Rio tells Ricardo to go get him some food. The Miz walks up and talks about their alliance being over when the bell rings. Del Rio says there was never an alliance, he was just using Miz. Miz rips on Del Rio’s title reign and the Baltimore Ravens Super Bowl run. Del Rio runs down Miz and calls him weak, pathetic. Ricardo comes back with food for Del Rio. Miz shoves it in Ricardo’s face and walks off. Del Rio shoves Ricardo to the floor and walks off.

WWE Intercontinental Title Match: Booker T vs. Cody Rhodes

We go to the ring and out comes Booker T for the next match. Cody Rhodes runs down from behind and attacks Booker on the way to the ring. Cody beats up Booker again until officials make the save. A doctor tells Booker he has to go to the back to be checked out again.

- We get a video package looking at the history between Triple H and Kevin Nash.

Sledgehammer Ladder Match: Kevin Nash vs. Triple H

We see the sledgehammer hanging above the ring and ladders set up around the ring. Kevin Nash makes his way out first followed by Triple H to a big pop.

The bell rings and Nash strikes first with a knee. Nash works over Triple H until he turns it around in the corner with a bunch of right hands. Nash with another knee and he takes Triple H to the corner. Nash with elbows to the face before running into a kick. Triple H with more rights in the corner. Nash turns it around in the corner again and hits more knees to the gut. Nash beats Triple H to the mat and clubs him over the back again. Nash comes back with thrusts to the gut. Triple H runs the ropes and knocks Nash out to the floor.

Triple H slams Nash into the announcers table and goes for a ladder. Nash cuts him off. Nash grabs a ladder and rams Triple H in the head with it, sending him over the fan barrier. Nash brings the ladder in the ring. Triple H comes in on top of the announcers table and leaps off with a clothesline, taking Nash out on the floor. Triple H with a flurry of right hands. Triple H knocks a ladder over and sends Nash over the fan barrier with a right hand. Triple H charges but runs into a big elbow from Nash. Nash comes back over the fan barrier and drops Triple H on top of it. Triple H counters and sends Nash into the ring post. Triple H kicks out Nash’s leg now and rolls him into the ring. Triple H brings a ladder in and now we have 2 in the ring.

Triple H uses the ladder on Nash’s leg repeatedly. Triple H sets Nash’s leg between the ladder legs and stomps away. Now he puts Nash’s leg through the rungs and locks him in a Figure Four while his leg is stuck in the ladder. Triple H breaks it and sets up a ladder in the corner. Triple H continues the assault on the leg. Nash comes back and whips Triple H hard into the corner where the ladder is. Triple H lands out on the floor and Nash falls back to the mat. Nash slides a ladder out of the ring and hits Triple H in the head with it. Nash lays the ladder in the corner on the second rope. Nash works Triple H over on the apron before bringing it back in the ring. Nash hits a big sideslam on top of the ladder. Nash has the ladder on top of the bottom rope in the corner and lays Triple H under it. Nash catapults Triple H up into the bottom of the ladder. Nash rolls Triple H out to the floor and follows.

Nash takes apart the announcer’s table after dropping Triple H again. Nash goes to Jackknife powerbomb Triple H through it but Triple H counters and backdrops him over the table. Triple H comes back in the ring and sets up a ladder under the sledgehammer. Triple H climbs up but Nash stops him and pulls him down. Nash with a big right hand and Triple H goes down to the mat. Nash sets the ladder up in the corner again. Nash whips Triple H into the ladder and then chokeslams him. Nash brings a table out from under the ring and slides it in. Nash sets the table up and takes his straps down. Nash goes to powerbomb Triple H through the table but Triple H rams him back into the corner where the ladder is. Triple H knocks Nash to the floor with the ladder and sets it up to climb for the sledgehammer. Nash climbs the other side of the ladder as Triple H touches the sledgehammer but can’t unhook it. They trade shots on top of the ladder. Triple H uses the hanging sledgehammer to knock Nash off the ladder and through the table.

Triple H unhooks the sledgehammer and brings it down as Nash barely is able to get up and lean into the ropes. Triple H takes out Nash’s leg with the sledgehammer and unloads with it. Triple H throws the sledgehammer away and goes for the Pedigree. Nash’s leg goes out and he falls. Triple H grabs him again and connects with the Pedigree. The crowd wants one more Pedigree but Triple H grabs the sledgehammer. Nash sits on his knees and throws the Kliq sign up. Triple H responds with a crotch chop and a sledgehammer shot for the pin and the win in a great match, all things considered.

Winner: Triple H

- After the match, Triple H celebrates as Nash is loaded by trainers onto a stretcher and taken out of the arena.

- Matt Striker is backstage with WWE Champion CM Punk. We see footage of the tag match on Monday’s RAW where Del Rio and Miz beat Punk up. Punk says something caught his eye when he watched that clip all week, something more painful than the attack itself. Punk talks about John Laurinaitis accepting the Slammy for Superstar of the Year on his behalf. Punk says he has yet to receive the Slammy when Laurinaitis walks up. Laurinaitis says he mailed it and with the holiday season, it will take some time to get to him. Punk says when TLC is over with, Laurinaitis will still have to put up with him as WWE Champio. Laurinaitis points out that he’s taller than Punk and wishes him good luck and Merry Christmas. Punk says luck is for losers and walks off.

Sheamus vs. Jack Swagger

Jack Swagger comes out next with Vickie Guerrero at his side. Sheamus is out next and here we go. They lock up and Swagger strikes first. Sheamus takes it and tells him to bring it. Sheamus unloads on Swagger and drops elbows on him for a 2 count.

Sheamus with more offense in the corner before knocking Swagger to the mat. Swagger catches Sheamus in an abdominal stretch but Sheamus fights out and hits a bunch of forearms to the chest on the apron. Sheamus knocks Swagger out to the floor and tries to suplex him back in. Sheamus knocks Swagger back to the floor. They go at it on the floor and Swagger rams Sheamus into the apron and throws him into the barrier. Swagger stomps away as Vickie cheers him on. Swagger brings it back in the ring and hits the Swagger Bomb in the corner for a 1 count.

Swagger works Sheamus over and taunts him. Sheamus comes back with a big clothesline and shots to the face. Sheamus unloads in the corner until the referee backs him off. Sheamus slams Swagger for a 2 count. Sheamus goes for the top but Swagger knocks him to the floor. Swagger goes to the floor but Sheamus rams him back into the apron and tosses him into the barrier again. Sheamus brings it back in the ring and climbs to the top. Sheamus comes down with the battering ram and covers for a 2 count. Sheamus misses the big kick and Swagger takes his leg out. Swagger with a big elbow from the second rope. Swagger locks in the ankle lock but Sheamus breaks it, sending Swagger to the corner. Swagger goes for the knee again but Sheamus hits the big kick to the face for the win.

Winner: Sheamus

- Josh Matthews is backstage with Big Show. Show says he is feeling it and he has Mark Henry beat tonight. Show says he has the freedom to hit Henry with a steel chair as much as he wants. Show says his nine year drought from the World Title is over and Henry’s reign is over.

Chairs Match for the World Heavyweight Title: Big Show vs. Mark Henry

Big Show comes out first followed by the World Heavyweight Champion Mark Henry. Lilian Garcia does official ring introductions and here we go. The bell rings and Show goes to the floor. He throws over a dozen steel chairs in the ring and says it’s payback time.

Henry goes to leave and says the match isn’t happening. Show follows him on the floor and they go at it. Show works Henry over until Henry comes back with a knee to the gut. Henry grabs a chair and hits Show in the back with it. Henry goes after Show’s hand and takes it back in the ring. Show grabs a chair as does Henry. They swing at the same time and connect. Henry keeps his chair and takes Show down to the mat again. Henry welcomes Show to the Hall of Pain. Show fights back with body blows. Show goes for a chokeslam but Henry fights him off and knocks him back to the mat.

Henry keeps in control and goes for a big slam but Show fights him off. Henry goes back to the hand and stops a chokeslam. Henry swings a steel chair but Show hits Henry first with a big knockout punch. Henry goes down and Show covers him for the pin and the World Title.

Winner and New World Heavyweight Champion: Big Show

- After the match, Show looks at the title when Henry attacks from behind with a chair, taking his leg out. Henry DDT’s Show on top of a steel chair. Daniel Bryan runs down and cashes in Money in the Bank. Bryan covers Show to become the new World Heavyweight Champion.

Winner and New World Heavyweight Champion: Daniel Bryan

- Daniel Bryan celebrates with the World Heavyweight Title and says this is for everyone who has supported him the last 12 years. Bryan goes to the fans to celebrate as Show looks on.

- Josh Matthews is backstage with Booker T, who is going to try and compete. Matthews tries talking him out of it. Booker says he’s in a lot of pain but after tonight, Cody Rhodes is going to be in a lot more. Booker didn’t ask for this fight but he’s going to finish it.

WWE Intercontinental Title Match: Booker T vs. Cody Rhodes

We go to the ring and out first comes the WWE Intercontinental Champion Cody Rhodes. Booker T is out next and he looks ready to fight.

The bell rings and Booker takes Cody to the corner with shots to the head. Booker drops Cody with an elbow and scoop slams him. Booker slams Cody again. Cody goes behind but Booker counters with a big kick to the face for a 2 count. Booker tosses Cody over the ropes and out to the floor. Booker with a big chop and right hand on the floor. Booker slams Cody into the barrier before bringing it back in the ring. Cody catches him coming in and tries to suplex him in. Booker counters but Cody knocks him off the apron and to the floor with a forearm.

Cody takes control on the floor and works Booker over before rolling him back in. Cody takes Booker to the mat for a submission. Booker comes back with chops but Cody kicks him in the head and takes his knee out. Cody with a 2 count. Booker fights out of a full nelson but Cody whips him to the corner. Cody runs into an elbow and they clothesline each other at the same time. They get up and trade shots. Cody gets the upperhand but Booker comes off the ropes with clotheslines and a big sideslam for 2. Booker with the big spinebuster. Booker gets the crowd behind him and does a spin-a-rooni. The spin-a-rooni dazes Booker and he misses the scissors kick. Cody comes off the second rope with Beautiful Disaster but Booker kicks out at 2. Booker is still loopy and gets caught with another kick off the ropes for the pin.

Winner: Cody Rhodes

- Cole and Lawler run down what’s happened tonight so far. Cole predicts Daniel Bryan will have a short title reign.

Triple Threat TLC Match for the WWE Title: The Miz vs. Alberto Del Rio vs. CM Punk

We see the WWE Title hanging high above the ring. Tables, ladders and chairs are all around the ring. Ricardo Rodriguez begins the introduction as Alberto Del Rio makes his way to the ring. Out next comes The Miz followed by WWE Champion CM Punk to a nice reaction from the crowd.

The bell rings and Punk fights off both Del Rio and Miz. They finally get him against the ropes and beat him down. Punk ducks a double clothesline and takes them both out. Punk with a big kick to Miz’s back. They get him back to the mat and keep double teaming the WWE Champion. They hit a double suplex and continue stomping on Punk. Miz and Del Rio go to the floor. Miz goes for a ladder but chases Ricardo off. Del Rio smacks Miz with a chair and beats him around on the floor. Del Rio grabs a ladder but turns around to Punk diving through the ropes onto him and the ladder. Punk throws the ladder at Del Rio and brings Miz back in the ring.

Miz stomps away on Punk and hits him in the gut with a chair. Miz sets up a chair and leaps off it but Punk moves from the corner. Punk runs back with the high knee in the corner. Punk goes for a bulldog on the chair but Miz counters and backdrops Punk’s head on the chair. Miz brings a ladder to the apron. Del Rio charges. Miz goes for Skull Crushing Finale on the ladder but Del Rio blocks it. Del Rio slams Miz hard on the ladder. Punk with a baseball slide but Del Rio moves. Punk kicks the ladder into Del Rio and then knees it into him. Punk throws Del Rio into the barrier and goes to a table. Punk goes to suplex Del Rio through the table but he counters. Punk drops Del Rio on the floor with a neckbreaker. Miz runs over and hits Punk in the gut with a chair. Miz swings it but Punk ducks. Punk fires back with kicks and starts beating Miz in the back with the chair over and over in front of the fans.

Punk sets up Miz on top of the barrier and props a chair up. Punk runs off the chair and hits the high knee to the corner. Del Rio comes back and they go in the ring. Punk gets handcuffed to a ladder while Del Rio climbs up for the title. Punk breaks the ladder to get uncuffed from it but still has them on his wrist, using them as a weapon. Punk backdrops Del Rio hard on the ladder. Miz comes in with a ladder and beats Punk down with it. Miz sets a ladder up and climbs for the title. Punk pulls him down. Miz slides out of GTS. Punk takes him to the corner with shoulder thrusts. Punk tosses Miz to the apron. Punk goes for a superplex but Del Rio runs in with a big kick, knocking Punk off the top and to the floor, through a table. The crowd chants “holy shit” as Del Rio goes out to the floor and throws Miz into a table and ladder. Del Rio throws a ladder at Miz and beats him down with a chair. Del Rio chokes Miz with a ladder now. Del Rio locks the cross armbreaker on Miz while his arm is wrapped in the ladder. Del Rio breaks the hold and grabs a chair, heading back for Punk. Del Rio now has two chairs. He throws one on top of Punk and smacks it with the other as Punk lays on the broken table. Del Rio continues assaulting Punk with the chairs.

Del Rio wraps Punk’s arm in the chairs now and applies the cross armbreaker before finally releasing it. Del Rio goes in the ring where a ladder is set up. Del Rio climbs for the WWE Title but Punk and Miz enter the ring. They shove the ladder over and Del Rio falls with the ropes between his legs. Del Rio falls down to the floor and holds himself in pain. Punk and Miz trade shots from their knees in the ring, using their good arms. Punk gets up with kicks but they both clothesline at the same time and go down. Ricardo Rodriguez comes in and climbs the ladder for the WWE Title. Punk and Miz shove the ladder over and Ricardo falls outside of the ring and through the table. Another “holy shit” chant from the crowd as Ricardo landed hard.

Punk hits Miz with headbutts and goes for GTS. Miz counters and Punk blocks Skull Crushing Finale. Punk charges in the corner but Miz moves and he hits the ring post. Miz runs over and handcuffs Punk to the ring post. Miz looks at Punk and smiles at him. Punk swings but Miz taunts him. Punk manages to reach around with a big kick and Miz drops to the mat. Miz is down and Punk is handcuffed to the ring post as the WWE Title hangs high. Del Rio brings a ladder in the ring as Punk tries taking the turnbuckle apart. Del Rio and Miz both set ladders up as the crowd chants for Punk. Punk unscrews the turnbuckle and breaks free as Miz and Del Rio are on the ladder. All three men are now on ladders trading shots. Miz gets knocked off. Now Punk and Del Rio are on the same ladder. Punk sends Del Rio to the mat. Punk goes for the WWE Title but Miz pulls him down. Miz climbs up for the belt but Punk pulls him down. Punk nails GTS on Miz.

Punk climbs back up to the WWE Title and grabs it for the win.

Winner: CM Punk

- After the match, Punk sits up on the ladder and poses with the WWE Title before we go to replays. TLC goes off the air with CM Punk sitting up high with the WWE Title.

Steve Austin To Star In “Maximum Conviction”, Ex-Diva Performs At Strip Club

– Steve Austin will star alongside Steven Seagal in Maximum Conviction, reports Deadline.com. The action pic will be directed by Keoni Waxman and produced by Seagal, Austin and Phillip Goldfine. In the film, Austin and Seagal work for a private security firm charged with decommissioning an old prison. They all but complete the task until two mysterious female prisoners arrive, followed by elite mercenaries who are hunting them down.

– Former WWE Intercontinental Champion Chyna performed on stage Saturday night at Deja Vu Showgirls, a San Diego based strip club. She was billed outside as “WWE WRESTLER CHYNA NAKED” (see image).

– Jim Ross stated on Twitter that he will be watching tonight’s TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs pay-per-view at home. He wrote, “For those that ask, I’m at home in Norman..family here..NFL day..TLC tonight on PPV. Wife’s Mom will chat thru PPV. Is that a blessing?”

Rey Mysterio Posts Update On His Recovery, Reveals Target Date For Return

WWE.com caught up with Rey Mysterio at the Slammys. He described his recovery from knee surgery and revealed his target date to return to action.

“Recovery is doing well. Doing my physical therapy three days a week, a little bit at home, and just making sure that my knee gets strong and healthy so I don’t go through these type of incidents anymore,” he says.

“I’m shooting for a date and that would be WrestleMania, I’m hoping. But there’s been a lot of damage to this knee and I wanna make sure that before I step in the ring that I know exactly my knee feels one hundred percent strong, healthy and that once I step in I’m ready to go full blast again for as long as I can go.”

Mysterio also has strong words for Alberto Del Rio, who put him out of action on television. The video is available here.

John Cena Appearing on the Front of Fruity Pebbles Cereal Boxes?

- A photo surfaced online this week of John Cena on the front of a Fruity Pebbles cereal box. WWE hasn’t announced a partnership with Post Cereals yet and there was some speculation that the photo was fan-created.

However, a fan asked Cena on Twitter this weekend if it was ironic that he was featured on the Fruity Pebbles box and he replied, indicating that it is indeed official. There were several other messages on Twitter this weekend hinting that Cena may be appearing on the cereal box for some kind of charity. We hope to have some kind of confirmation soon, whether or not Cena really is on the front of the box. Cena wrote back to the fan:

“Ironic? No. Turning a negative into a positive ..yes. rise above hate. By the way…I love fruity pebbles.”

Hot New Lilian

Check out Lilian’s hot WWE return shoot!

Must See Maryse

Maryse “wrestles” the sand… wow!

Hot New FCW Diva

Recognize her from Tough Enough?

« Previous Page — Next Page »