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Power Poll 8/11/10: Better late than never edition

1. The Miz (5)

The United States Champion nearly took Evan Bourne’s head off, then convinced John Cena and Bret Hart to tell him that they need him.  Mr. Money In The Bank returns to the number one slot on the Power Poll because he’s The Miz, and he’s AWESOME!

2. John Cena (4)

John Cena managed to even out the playing field with The Nexus this week with the return of Edge and Chris Jericho to Team WWE.

3. Rob Van Dam (8)

Mr. Pay Per View proved it in a hell of a match with longtime ECW rival Sabu at HardCORE Justice.  Rob Van Dam carries the TNA World Heavyweight Championship back up the rankings with him this week.

4. Sheamus (3)

The Fellabration continues, although the WWE Champion slips to number 4 in this week’s Power Poll after being shown up by Randy Orton.  Destroying the NXT Rookies probably prevented him from slipping further.

5. Randy Orton (1)

Meanwhile, the number one contender drops from the number one spot in our poll.  Running Sheamus off doesn’t help The Viper stay at the top.

6. Kane (2)

The lowest ranked World Champion this week is the WWE World Heavyweight Champion Kane.  Does Rey Mysterio’s accusation that Kane is behind The Undertaker’s attack have anything to do with The Big Red Monster’s dramatic drop this week?

7. Rey Mysterio (7)

Rey Mysterio may or may not be behind the attack on The Undertaker, but one thing’s for sure, he’s behind number 7 for a second straight week here in the Power Poll.

8. Chris Jericho (6)

After a run-in with The Nexus during RAW’s main event, Chris Jericho re-joined Team WWE.  He also dropped two spots in the Power Poll.   I’d say you’re either Nexus or you’re against us, but I don’t see Wade Barrett and Co. anywhere on this list.

9. Dolph Ziggler (NR)

To further prove that all you have to do to get yourself on the Power Poll is win a championship, Dolph Ziggler won the Intercontinental Championship on Friday Night, now finding himself ranked at number 9.

10. Edge (NR)

Returning to the list this week is another man who re-joined Team WWE after a brawl with The Nexus, The Rated R Superstar, Edge.

The Power Poll is a weekly top 10 ranking of wrestlers as voted by members of these sites: BoredWrestlingFan.com, Hit the Ropes,NoVaWPodcast, Online World of Wrestling, PIZZABODYSLAM, Pro Wrestling Ponderings, Project Wonderboy, Ringside Rants, The Superplex, The Wrestling Blog, WrestlingAdikt.com, WrestleRage.com and Wrestlespective. If you have a wrestling site and are interested in becoming a voter, e-mail wrestlespective (at) gmail.com.

Power Poll 7/28/10

Well, I ignored iMPACT, slept through SmackDown, and wrote off RAW, so I guess that makes me perfectly qualified to vote in this week’s Power Poll.  We have a new number one this week, and he is….

1. The Miz (3)

He may still have his Money In The Bank briefcase despite another attempt to cash it in, but The Miz impressed voters enough this week to catapult himself up two spots to number one – because he’s The Miz, and he’s AWESOME!  (My vote:  5)

2. Randy Orton (4)

A take no prisoners week for the WWE’s Apex Predator, Orton defeated Jey Uso, RKO’d Sheamus, and then for good measure RKO’d The Miz as well.  (My vote:  1)

3. Sheamus (2)

The WWE Champion caught an RKO earlier on in the night, but picked up a tag team victory later in the night when his reluctant partner The Miz pinned John Cena.  (My vote:  3)

4. Kane (1)

After RAW dominates the top three, SmackDown’s World Heavyweight Champion, Kane, takes his place on the Power Poll at number four.  A promo to kick off the show and a no-sell of a Mysterio 619 keeps the Big Red World Champion from dropping any further.  (My vote:  4)

5. Rey Mysterio (8)

Speaking of Mysterio, he climbs up the Power Poll after a victory over Jack Swagger in a two out of three falls match to become the number one contender for the World Heavyweight Championship at SummerSlam.  (My vote:  NR)

6. Rob Van Dam (5)

Despite not doing anything of note (seriously – he’s not even mentioned in Drow’s iMPACT review), Rob Van Dam only drops one spot, and is in fact the only member of the TNA roster to be featured in this week’s poll.  (My vote:  2)

7. John Cena (6)

Cena has been strong on the mic the last few weeks, including his show opening promo with Chris Jericho this week on RAW.  Had Jericho not hit him with the Codebreaker and cost him their tag match, the former WWE Champion’s ranking would likely be much higher.  (My vote:  6)

8. Chris Jericho (10)

Chris Jericho continues to climb the ranks of the Power Poll this week, having been an awesome foil to John Cena in both the opening segment and the closing matchup of RAW.  (My vote:  7)

9. Big Show (NR)

Having fun at the expense of the Straight Edge Society, Big Show unmasked Joey Mercury, and unmasks his ability to be a top 10 player in sports entertainment after a couple weeks off the Poll.  (My vote:  9)

10. Wade Barrett (7)

Evan Bourne is not even half the size of Mark Henry, so slamming him to the canvas is not nearly as impressive a feat.  Barrett makes the top ten on the sheer fact that he’s the leader of The Nexus.  (My vote:  10)

I also voted for: AJ Styles (8)
Participating sites: BoredWrestlingFan.com, Hit the Ropes, NoVaWPodcast, Online World of Wrestling, PIZZABODYSLAM, Pro Wrestling Ponderings, Project Wonderboy, Ringside Rants, The Superplex, The Wrestling Blog, WrestlingAdikt.com,WrestleRage.com, Wrestlespective

TNA’s “Victory Road” pay-per-view of 2008 took place in my city, Houston, Texas, and was a rather awesome show. “Victory Road” of 2009 was quite possibly the worst wrestling ppv in the history of wrestling ppvs, with the possible exception of “Halloween Havoc.” At which end of the ppv quality spectrum will the 2010 version of “Victory Road” prove to be? Find out for yourselves on the night of Sunday, July 11th. In the meantime, let’s take a look at what several of our Bored Wrestling Fans think!

Oh crap, it’s Friday night… and you know what that means. Yep, I work my night job and then come home and suffer through Smackdown so you don’t have to. It’s been a weird Friday already, especially in South Africa as Brazil got upset, and Ghana threw away a certain victory in the World Cup. While no one in North America really cares about that stuff, other than Kofi Kingston who hails from Ghana (for now), let’s just jump into the legitimate sport known as professional wrestling…

Alright, I’m up for commenting on the rankings this week.  I haven’t done so the last couple of weeks because I’d been posting these without a lot of time to get in depth.  Here we go!

1. Rey Mysterio (Last week: 4)

I ranked Mysterio 9th in my vote.  Yeah, he won the World Heavyweight Championship at Fatal Four Way, but Kane got involved in the match, so I didn’t really find him winning the title to be an impressive feat.  Win a match without outside interference, then we’ll talk.

2. Rob Van Dam (2)

RVD was my number one pick, and he wasn’t on TV this week.  The fact that he’s number two overall on this list despite that fact says something about the push he’s gotten in TNA.

3. Sheamus (NR)

For the same reason that I ranked Mysterio number 9, I ranked Sheamus number 10.  The NXT rookies destroying all of your opponents and you lucking out to avoid that fate before pinning John Cena, that’s not an impressive victory to me.  Add in that you didn’t do anything impressive the next night in RAW, and I’m not sure how you managed third place this week in the Power Poll.

4. Kurt Angle (3)

Without even a mention on iMPACT this week, his win over Kazarian at Slammiversary must have impressed voters enough to allow Angle to stay strong in this week’s poll.

5. John Cena (1)

The former WWE Champion drops four spots this week – and he didn’t even make my personal list.  I know John Cena is a big name with a lot of fans, but he didn’t impress me during the voting period.  Maybe next week, Cenation.

6. The Miz (NR)

Winning the United States Championship on RAW last week wasn’t enough to put the Miz on the Power Poll, but retaining the title at Fatal Four Way sure did.  Add in the fact that he assaulted Randy Orton on RAW, and The Miz made number four on my personal list.  He definitely impressed the right people, and hopefully we’re seeing the start of a main event push for The Miz.

7. Abyss (NR)

Abyss turned on Hulk Hogan this week on iMPACT, after destroying Jeff Hardy and Rob Van Dam.  This impressed me enough to place him number two on my personal list, and it sends him into the Power Poll this week.

8. Evan Bourne (NR)

Number 5 on my personal list, a win over Chris Jericho at Fatal Four Way and an impressive showing the following night on RAW sends Bourne flying into the top ten, hitting number 8.  (My personal rank:  5)

9. Randy Orton (5)

Orton impressed despite not winning at Fatal Four Way, and his threat to the NXT rookies (before being speared by Edge) seems to have the Power Poll voters still clinging to Orton in their top ten lists.  (My personal rank:

10. Kofi Kingston (NR)

He may have been left lying by Drew McIntyre on SmackDown, but he retained his Intercontinental Championship at Fatal Four Way, which is enough to put Kofi Kingston back into the Power Poll.  (My personal rank: 7)

Dropped out: Big Show, Jack Swagger, Bryan Danielson, C.M. Punk, Kane

Also receiving votes: Edge, Jack Swagger, C.M. Punk, Big Show, Bryan Danielson, Chris Jericho, Tyler Black, Samoa Joe, Ken Anderson, Jay Lethal, Kane

Participating sites: BoredWrestlingFan.com, Online World of Wrestling, Pro Wrestling Ponderings, Project Wonderboy, Ringside Rants, WrestleRage.com, Wrestlespective

The Power Poll is a weekly top 10 list ranking men’s singles wrestlers in WWE and TNA voted by wrestling writers. If you are interested becoming a voter, e-mail wrestlespective(at)gmail.com and include a link to your site.

Apparently there was something huge that happened at the SmackDown tapings this week.  I wonder what it was?  I guess we’ll find out as WWE presents Friday Night SmackDown!

It’s time for the only hour of pro wrestling on Monday nights, ROH!

Alright, it’s 8PM as I type this, so screw it, let’s get started!

Last Sunday: Chris Jericho won the World Heavyweight Championship, with a little help from, of all people, Shawn Michaels.

The World Heavyweight Champion, Chris Jericho is here, and this past Monday, Edge speared him and confirmed that the Rated R Superstar would be his opponent on the Grandest Stage of them All.  In case the big belt over his shoulder doesn’t give it away, he tells us he’s the World Heavyweight Champion.  He even reads the belt.  “Chris Jericho – World Heavyweight Wrestling Champion.”  Last Monday was his inauguration ball, a chance for us to bask in his successes, but it was taken away from him by Edge, and he didn’t deserve it.

You think you know me…

For the second time this week, Edge interrupts Jericho.  He hates to do this, but he’s got to congratulate Jericho.  He walked into the Elimination Chamber and walked out the World Heavyweight Champion.  Jericho says it’s because he’s the best in the world at what he does.  Edge says he’s the best in the world at getting speared by Edge.  Edge lists Jericho’s achievements with the word “spear” attached at the end of each.  Edge feels the spears aren’t just getting to Jericho physically, they’re getting to him mentally as well.  He see’s doubt in Jericho’s eyes. Jericho doesn’t think he can beat him.  Jericho says of course he can beat Edge.  Edge says he’s in Jericho’s head all nightmare long – hooray for a Metallica reference from Edge!  He wants Jericho to live up to what he says, that he’s the best in the world at what he does.  If he doesn’t, guess what’s going to happen.  The crowd chants “spear.”  Edge says they’re right.  One more spear, and it’s all over.  Jericho says Edge will never spear him again, and suckerpunches him.  Edge sells it, and Jericho goes for the Codebreaker, but Edge holds on to the ropes – then spears Jericho once again.

<COMMERCIAL BREAK>

@PrettySlimMont  Damn Jericho….u got speared….again! #wwe smackdown #bwf

@mrsmysterio619 ouch what a spearr .

@xSmootx #Smackdown Definitely looking forward between Edge/Jericho at mania, great segment. #SpearisthenextGOREGOREGORE

WRESTLEMANIA XXVI: 30 Days Away!

We’ve got a Money In The Bank qualifier about to take place as the sounds of AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck” ring out through the arena.  Who’s participating?

Now listen, this ain’t no make believe…

The Shaman Of Sexy, John Morrison, had an impressive showing his past Sunday in the Elimination Chamber, and now has a chance to go to WrestleMania as part of the Money In The Bank ladder match.  Standing in his way?

I am perfection…

Dolph Ziggler has an opportunity to make his mark on WrestleMania, but we’re not done with the participants in this match…

What’s up… if you feel me, stand up and say what’s up…

R-Truth is accompanied by his NXT rookie, David Otunga, and we’re set for triple threat action, the winner going on to WrestleMania XXVI as part of the Money In The Bank Ladder Match.

Dolph Ziggler def. John Morrison and R-Truth to qualify for the Money In The Bank Ladder Match

Ziggler’s strategy is to let Morrison and Truth beat each other up, but they’re not having any of that.  They go out after him, beat him up a bit, and toss him back out.  R-Truth gets to show off his athleticism, but Ziggler breaks up the first pin attempt and bails.  Morrison gets a two count as well with Ziggler breaking up the pin once again.  He eats a clothesline for his trouble.  Morrison gets dumped to the outside, and then Truth dumps Ziggler to the floor right by the feet of David Otunga.  Truth hits a suicide dive, then rolls Ziggler back in the ring.  Morrison keeps Truth on the outside, and scores a two count on Ziggler, then we go to a…

<COMMERCIAL BREAK>

@Lucks4Losers  Totally wanna see Truth’s rookie do Truth’s entrance lol #WWE #Smackdown

@jenrae73 #BWF  #Smackdown Which one will win? Larry,Curly or JoMo? Ha!

@JamesLovely  #wwe  am i the only person that cannot stand R truths theme song or catchphrase? I wish he would just hurry up and turn heel already

@TheKingOfImpact  So now that David Otunga is in #WWE I betta not see Jennifer Hudson in no storylines. The only thing she needs to do is sing at Wrestlemania

Ziggler is surprisingly in control when we come back, managing to fight off both Truth and Morrison.  Both Truth and Morrison at different points score with a rollup on Ziggler but have their pin broken up by the other.  Ziggler breaks up a pin attempt by Truth on Morrison.  Truth goes for the Lie Detector on Ziggler, who ducks, and it’s Morrison who takes the move, but Truth only scores a two count.  Ziggler gets rid of Truth and tries to cover Morrison but still only scores a two.  All three men start battling on the top rope, and Ziggler crash lands on the outside.  Truth goes for a Superplex on Morrison, who blocks and counters with a sunset flip powerbomb, and follows it up with Starship Pain, but Ziggler pulls Morrison out and picks up the pinfall on Truth – Dolph Ziggler is going to WrestleMania!

Christian and Dolph Ziggler are the only qualifiers thusfar for the Money In The Bank ladder match at WrestleMania XXVI

Promo: Please DO NOT Try this at home.

<COMMERCIAL BREAK>

@jaydubshow  Dolph Ziggler is going to WrestleMania! Money in the bank baby! #MITB #WWE Hope Morrison gets another shot though

@thumbscrews  Just saw #HulkHogan in a Rent-a-Center commercial. How the mighty have fallen. #WWE  #TNA

@Jason_Sherman  I wonder what kind of shampoo JoMo uses…his hair is always looking shiny. #wwe  #smackdown

Editor’s note:  I actually saw that Hogan/Rent-a-Center commercial earlier.  Surprised the hell out of me to see him in that – but it’s great promotion for TNA for fans who may not realize what he’s been up to and may think to look him up on the internet.

Video: Shawn Michaels challenges The Undertaker and ultimately convinces him to accept.

It’s Career vs. Streak at WrestleMania, but up next, it’s the WWE Women’s Championship on the line, with special guest referee Vickie Guerrero!

<COMMERCIAL BREAK>

@ivanpek009  This video package is pretty awesome #WWE #Smackdown

@Stythis1788  Brilliant video of Michaels and Taker #wwe. Sheer brilliance

@BrookCallaway This HBK/Taker match is driving me nuts…I dont know who to cheer for. Damn them.

Vickie Guerrero gets the Jeff Jarrett treatment – no music as she makes her entrance.  She’s our guest referee in this WWE Women’s Championship match.  The challenger is out first, which shouldn’t be shocking, but it is.  Michelle McCool is accompanied by Layla.  Mickie James is the WWE Women’s Champion, and she’s accompanied by the WWE Women’s Championship belt.

Michelle McCool def. Mickie James to become the NEW WWE Women’s Champion

Todd Grisham fumbles over the name of the company he works for as this match starts.  Michelle starts off on offense but it doesn’t last long.  Mickie battles back and drops Michelle.  She makes a cover, but Layla gets up on the apron, and Vickie stops to tell her to get down.  Mickie dumps Michelle to the outside and hits a baseball slide, followed up by a Hurricanrana.  Mickie slams Michelle’s face into the barricade and is rolling until Layla gets involved, distracting Mickie.  Michelle takes over, bouncing Mickie’s head off of the ring apron as Beth Phoenix watches on a monitor backstage.  Michelle goes for a powerbomb, but Mickie reverses into another hurricanrana, but her advantage doesn’t last long, and Michelle hits a belly to belly suplex.  She goes for the cover but Vickie falls out of the ring.  Mickie rolls up Michelle but Vickie slaps her in the face.  Michelle boots Mickie in the face and covers her for the pinfall victory and the WWE Women’s Championship.

Up next, it’s another Money In The Bank qualifying match as Kane takes on the Intercontinental Champion Drew McIntyre!

<COMMERCIAL BREAK>

@SpenceSupreme #WTF Vickie fell out the ring, gets back in and screws Mickie. Wow #WWE

@prettyheartless Peace out Mickie James. I’m calling it.

@jeterfan28 DREW IS ON NEXT!!!! He could be IC champ as well as potential MITB contender!

“Thunderstruck” rings out again, despite the fact that the official theme song for WrestleMania is some song by Kevin Rudolph that I didn’t bother catching the name of.  The Big Red Machine, Kane makes his way to the ring, and he’ll have a chance to go to WrestleMania.  Drew McIntyre’s awesome new entrance plays, and the Intercontinental Champion comes out with a microphone in his hand.  He stops at the top of the ramp and reminds us that he’s undefeated.  Nobody in the WWE has been able to beat him, not even Kane.  He proved it last Sunday when he beat Kane at the Elimination Chamber.  After he beats him tonight, he’ll win Money In The Bank, and the prophecy will be fulfilled.  He’ll be the Intercontinental Champion, the World Heavyweight Champion, and still undefeated.

Kane def. Drew McIntyre to qualify for the Money in The Bank Ladder Match

Kane aggressively attacks McIntyre to start the match.  McIntyre mounts a comeback and starts to aggressively attack Kane, and this match has essentially degraded into a brawl.  McIntyre locks in a front facelock – whaddya know, a wrestling hold.  Kane powers out of the hold and starts throwing punches, then clotheslines in the corner before dropping McIntyre with a sidewalk slam for a two count.  Kane goes to the top rope, but McIntyre gets out of the way, then hits a ZigZag like move, which confuses Grisham into calling McIntyre “Ziggler.”  Kane gets up and goes for a chokeslam, but McIntyre avoids it.  Kane hits a big boot and gets a two count.  McIntyre goes for the FutureShock, but Kane powers out of it.  Kane boots McIntyre in the skull and picks up the pinfall victory.  Kane is going to WrestleMania!

McIntyre gets up and realizes that he’s not going to WrestleMania.  He looks up at the Money In The Bank briefcase, then flips out, yelling something that I can’t quite make out at Matt Striker.

So now the Money In The Bank match will feature Christian, Kane, and Dolph Ziggler.

The Miz has something to say, and that’s NEXT!

<COMMERCIAL BREAK>

@RizzIUP Kane wins w/ a kick to the head #WWE

@Miss_Dani_Baby Take it easy McIntyre you don’t want to lose your job

@txgirl0302 I don’t like Drew McIntyre but dammit I like his theme music.

It’s finally confirmed that “Thunderstruck” is one of the WrestleMania themes this year, though they said it’s off the Iron Man 2 soundtrack…

The Unified WWE Tag Team and United States Champion, The Miz is here with a microphone in his hand.  He can come to any show he wants because he’s one half of the Unified Tag Team Champions, yet he and The Big Show still don’t have a match at WrestleMania.  Miz asks Teddy Long to find ShoMiz a suitable tag team, so that they can prove they’re the most dominant team in the WWE.  Miz doesn’t care who it is, or whether or not he and The Big Show need to come back to SmackDown or not.  He just wants to have his WrestleMania moment, because he’s The Miz, and he’s AWESOME!  Teddy Long says he’ll take it under advisement.  Since Big Show isn’t here, they can’t do a tag team match, but The Miz is here, so we can have a singles match.  Miz says he’s not scared of anybody, bring it on.  Teddy Long announces that the match for later tonight will be The Miz taking on Edge!

Up next, it’s Shelton Benjamin in action as he takes on the Straight Edge Superstar, CM Punk in a Money In The Bank qualifier!

<COMMERCIAL BREAK>

@AndorranRef25  The Miz is AWESOME! He’s come a LONG WAY since signing w/ #WWE. He has Personality and AWESOME promo skills. Miz Vs. Edge should be good.

@Rage_Grenade  @mikethemiz  looks like an AWESOME BEAST with those 3 Title Belts. #WWE  #Smackdown

@youdontknowmel  Miz vs edge?! Miz vs edge?! Dreams DO come true!! #wwe

Smack of the Night: Last year’s Money In The Bank match.

CM Punk is looking to three-peat in Money In The Bank matches, but first, he’s got to qualify.  He’s accompanied to the ring, of course, by the Straight Edge Society of Luke Gallows and Serena.  His opponent tonight is returning to SmackDown after spending a lot of time on ECW, and quite frankly…

AIN’T NO STOPPIN’ (HIM) NOW!

Shelton Benjamin is back on SmackDown!

Shelton Benjamin def. CM Punk to qualify for the Money In The Bank Ladder Match.

Benjamin gets the early advantage in this one, and Punk bails from the ring to catch a breather.  When he gets back in, he takes over.  Benjamin starts to battle back, using his slight edge in quickness to his advantage, but Punk battles back.  Shelton fights off a bulldog attempt, and Gallows climbs up on the apron, distracting Benjamin.  Rey Mysterio pulls Gallows off the apron, distracting Punk, and Benjamin hits PayDirt for the victory!  Shelton Benjamin is going to WrestleMania!

Matt Striker says “A pessimist’s blood type is always B negative.”  I like that line.

Still to come, it’s Edge taking on The Miz!

<COMMERCIAL BREAK>

@Kevin4theWin  So Shelton wins his MITB qualifier with help from Rey Mysterio. #WWE #Smackdown. They should have let Shelton win clean in my opinion.

@Narcissism100  My Straightedge Savior is here CM Punk far better than the Impure Shelton Benjamin. Accept StraightEdge into your life it will save u. #WWE

@wrestlingaddict  AWESOME!!!!!! Loving that Shelton won, Can’t have a MITB match without Shelton! But it should have been a CLEAN win! #WWE

RAW Rebound: John Cena is angry, but he’s going to WrestleMania to face Batista

We get a rundown of the WrestleMania card thusfar.  Pretty solid so far – John Cena vs. Batista, Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels, Chris Jericho vs. Edge…

Speaking of Edge…

You think you know me…

The number one contender for the World Heavyweight Champion is here and he’s set for action against the WWE United States Champion, The Miz!  SmackDown is about to get AWESOME!  The Miz makes his way out to the ring, and we head to a…

<COMMERCIAL BREAK>

@Kevin4theWin  Hmm somehow I don’t see this Main Event lasting the full 18 mins. My guess they take a commercial break during Miz Intro #WWE #Smackdown

@iObscurity  My money’s on Edge. Jus’ sayin’.

@_onwiththeshow  @mikethemiz  holyshit, bro, you do cleveland proud. if we can’t have team titles, at least you can carry all those belts. (:

Edge def. The Miz

This is the first time EVER that Edge and The Miz are in the ring together.  Surprisingly, they start off by, y’know, actually wrestling.  Edge gets the better of the early exchanges, frustrating The Miz.  Edge starts playing mind games with The Miz, getting the United States Champion to chase him around, then catching him and slamming him spine first into the barricade on the outside.  Edge actually outquicks The Miz, but The Miz finally catches Edge, slamming him face first into the steel ring post and sending him crashing to the floor, and us crashing into…

<COMMERCIAL BREAK>

@StevenPhilNYY  watching the end of Smackdown. Just me or does Edge look like he did when he broke into the WWE? Skinnier brood form #WWE #Smackdown

@guitardude83  Haha.SpearSpearSpearSpearSpear lmao that’s good stuff #wwe

@SESociety: #WWE has bigger and better plans for our savior.

The Miz is in control as we come back, wearing Edge down with submissions and strikes.  Miz climbs the ropes, but Edge catches him and flapjacks him into the canvas, turning the tide back into his favor as Daniel Bryan watches from backstage.  Edge nails the Edgecution for a two count.  Miz nails a combination backbreaker/reverse DDT for two.  He goes for the Skull Crushing Finale, but Edge reverses it into the Impaler DDT.  Edge backs into the corner and sets up for, then nails, the Spear, picking up the victory.

Edge celebrates as SmackDown goes off the air.

- The TNA opening hits.

- A video package runs focusing on various TNA stars and how their dream was to become a star in the world of professional wrestling. “This is who I am…this is what I do…” uttered the various TNA stars in the promo. The video package then focuses on tonight’s AJ Styles vs. Kurt Angle main event for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship.

- A graphic opening hits welcoming us to TNA Genesis. We go live to the Impact Zone in Orlando, FL where a series of pyro goes off above the ring and in the entrance area. Mike Tenay welcomes us to the show in what he dubbed the first TNA PPV of the “Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff era.”

- Hulk Hogan’s music hits and he makes his way out into the Impact Zone along with Eric Bischoff. They have gotten rid of the two entrance tunnels and simply have a big entrance area under a big tron. The ramp also connects to a new four-sided traditional ring as they are ditching the six-sided ring. We see a shot of Brooke Hogan cheering on her father in the crowd. Hogan gets on the mic and says, “Well guys I guess all there is to say is welcome to Genesis!” He says welcome to the brand new Impact Zone (which gets some boo’s). Hogan said he told everyone there would be change and everything would be moving and shaking. The crowd starts a loud “WE WANT SIX SIDES” chant. Hogan said there is no more play pen rings and this is where professional wrestling is meant to be done. He said there competitor likes to refer to themselves as “sports entertainment”, but he is proud to be aligned with TNA where professional wrestling still lives. Eric Bischoff takes the mic and said he knows no one likes change, but change is what they are all about. He said change starts tonight with this ring and there is a hell of a lot more coming our way. Hogan said there is only one last thing to say, “Whatcha gonna do Vince McMahon, when TNA comes for you!”

- Mike Tenay and Taz welcome us to the show and we are going to kick things off with The Amazing Red defending the TNA X Division Championship against a mystery opponent. Red is out first to a big reaction from the crowd in Orlando. Red’s opponent is…former WWE star The Brian Kendrick.

TNA X Division Championship
The Amazing Red (c) vs. Brian Kendrick

Brian Kendrick takes the champion Amazing Red down early on. More armbar takedowns by Kendrick on Red. Kendrick with a camel clutch with forearm shots into a crossface. Red with a big snap huracanrana on Kendrick. Kendrick fires back with a big running spear on Red and then sends Red to the outside with a flying kick to the face. Kendrick goes to work on the knee of Red kicking him off his feet and then applying pressure against the ropes. During the match, Tenay and Taz noted on commentary that Bobby Lashley is claiming he will not wrestle tonight and that they hope to have more on that soon. Kendrick goes up top and Red catches him with a big kick to the head. Red then takes out Kendrick with a huge senton dive off the top turnbuckle. Red then follows that up with a missile dropkick on Kendrick in the ring. Kendrick with a single leg boston crab on Red after Red missed a shot from up top. Red with a kick to the head on Kendrick and rolling armbar. Kendrick with a nearfall on Red. Red gets the pinfall on Kendrick with a springboard Code Red.

Winner & STILL TNA X Division Champion: The Amazing Red

- Backstage, Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff is with Kevin Nash, Scott Hall and Sean Waltman. Bischoff said he appreciates the help with Mick Foley, but reminds them that Nash is the only one under contract. Bischoff said Hall and Waltman need to prove themselves. Hall asks Nash for some help tonight. Waltman asks what about him. Hall and Waltman play rock/paper/scissors on who will join Nash tonight. It looks like Waltman won, but I’m pretty sure everyone is still confused on what just happened.

Sean Morley vs. Daniels

Before the match, Morley got on the mic and said tonight he presents his first TNA Films production for the ladies. Daniels walks out and gets on the mic saying TNA is about wrestling and not the goofy stuff Morley is talking about. Daniels tells Brooke Hogan to shut up when she stands up making some noise at him. Daniels said he already has a review for Morley’s first TNA production and it isn’t a thumbs up. Daniels walks in the ring and flips off Morley. The bell rings and they start brawling. Morley with some big knees to the gut on Daniels into a russian leg sweep. Morley with a pump handle slam on Daniels. Daniels fights back dropping Morley head first off the ropes. Daniels focuses on the throat of Morley hitting a few palm strikes and then sending Morley throat first into the top rope. Daniels then chokes Morley’s throat against the top rope using his legs using the three count to his advantage. Daniels with a springboard moonsault on Morley. Morley fights back with some quick offense and then hits the Money Shot off the top rope to get the pinfall.

Winner: Sean Morley

- A video package runs highlighting the events between ODB and Tara.

TNA Knockouts Championship
Best 2 out of 3 Falls
ODB (c) vs. Tara

Both women exchange some big chops early on. Tara with some big kicks to ODB that is followed by a big kick to the back of the head. Tara with a springboard flipping leg drop on ODB that results in a two count. ODB fires back with a big fallaway slam on Tara. Tara with a rollup on ODB that results in a pinfall.

Winner of Fall #1: Tara

ODB goes after Tara right away powering her into the corner and choking her out. Tara gets ODB locked up in a tarantula sumbission against the ropes. ODB then goes on the attack on Tara on the outside. The referee starts the count and ODB rolls back in to break it up. ODB tosses Tara back in the ring and attempts a few pinfall attempts that all result in a two count. ODB then applies a full body submission on Tara. ODB keeps it locked on, twirls around the ring with Tara and gets into another pinfall with Tara finding a way to kick out. ODB started favoring her chest during the match like something was wrong. Tara then hit the Widow’s Peak suddenly and got the pinfall.

Winner of Fall #2: Tara
Winner & NEW TNA Knockouts Champion: Tara

After the match, we see a few highlights of the match featuring the two falls Tara won in a row. Back live, Tara is celebrating with the TNA Knockouts Championship.

- Backstage, Christy Hemme is with “The Pope” D’Angelo Dinero. Dinero cut a promo telling Desmond Wolfe that he better bring it tonight.

TNA World Tag Team Championships
The British Invasion (c’s) vs. Matt Morgan & Hernandez

We start with Matt Morgan and Brutus Magnus. They lock up and Morgan pushes Magnus away quickly. More quick offense by Morgan on Magnus hitting a big shoulder block. Magnus dodges a chokeslam attempt, kicks Morgan and tags in Doug Williams. Hernandez gets involved and breaks it up. Hernandez gets the legal tag and goes after Williams in the corner. Williams with a running knee to Hernandez, attempts a suplex, Hernandez blocks it, gets Williams up for a vertical suplex, Williams counters off and Hernandez hits a big body splash in the corner. Hernandez takes off his shirt, wraps it around the neck of Williams and tosses him across the ring. Magnus clips Hernandez when Hernandez has Williams up for a powerbomb. Hernandez pulls himself up top, but both Magnus and Williams jump up and take him down in a big superplex. More double teaming by Magnus and Williams on Hernandez with Magnus getting back the tag. Magnus with an abdominal stretch on Hernandez and uses Williams to apply more pressure. Hernandez fights back and Morgan gets the hot tag. Morgan takes out Magnus and Williams quickly. Morgan plants Magnus with a big spinning slam and elbows Williams in the corner. Morgan with a reverse chokeslam on Williams into the corner. Hernandez with a springboard shoulder block on Williams and Morgan takes out Magnus with a clothesline. All four men are down. Morgan with a chokeslam on Williams and Williams somehow kicks out. Magnus boots Morgan in the face allowing Williams to hit a german suplex into a bridge for a close two count. Morgan body splashes Magnus, throws him away and then tosses Williams off the top rope. Hernandez with a Dominator on Magnus and Morgan follows it up with a big running boot to the face for the pinfall.

Winners & NEW TNA World Tag Team Champions: Matt Morgan & Hernandez

After the match, we see highlights leading to the finish. Back live, Morgan and Hernandez are celebrating their win with the tag team gold over their shoulders.

- Backstage, we see Bobby Lashley heading into Hulk Hogan’s office. Abyss is speaking with Eric Bischoff when Lashley pushes him away. Abyss goes crazy and starts attacking Lashley. Abyss then knocks out Lashley and Bischoff said they just ruined their semi-main event. Hulk Hogan walks in and sees what happened. He asks Abyss what he is doing and that this is the last things he needs tonight. Hogan said the match is now off between Abyss and Lashley, but he has other plans for Abyss tonight.

“The Pope” D’Angelo Dinero vs. Desmond Wolfe

Wolfe was accompanied to the ring by a woman who removed his ring attire. The bell rings and they immediately lock up. Pope breaks it up with a few shots and kicks to Wolfe’s chest. Pope continues with kicks and trips up Wolfe in the corner. Pope goes up top and misses an elbow shot. Wolfe with a unique snapmare into the ropes on Pope. Wolfe does this a second time against the ropes. Wolfe then gets a boston crab applied on Pope. Wolfe keeps the action grounded by applying side headlocks on Pope or laying over his back applying a headlock. The two exchange a few chest chops and Wolfe gets the better of it taking Pope down. Wolfe gets Pope setup for a Tower of London, but Pope counters and takes Wolfe off his feet with a huge running spear. Pope then hits a quick suplex on Wolfe. Wolfe attempts another boston crab, but Pope counters into a nearfall. Pope with a sitdown powerbomb on Wolfe that results in a close two count. Another close nearfall for Pope. Wolfe then connects with his Lariat and gets the pinfall.

Winner: Desmond Wolfe

- Backstage, Jeremy Borash promotes tonight’s main event for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship when Eric Bischoff walks up cutting him off. Bischoff asks Borash what he is doing. Borash said he is doing his job. Bischoff said his job is to do whatever he tells him. He tells Borash that he has been pulled off television until further notice. Ric Flair then shows up and has a staredown with Bischoff. Flair then talks with Christy Hemme and said he goes where the greatest talent in the world goes.

- A video package runs highlighting the events leading into tonight’s tag team match between Beer Money and Kevin Nash & Scott Hall.

The Band (Kevin Nash & Sean Waltman) vs. Beer Money

Sean Waltman will be replacing Scott Hall tonight in tagging with Kevin Nash. The bell rings and we start with James Storm and Sean Waltman. Storm gets in a quick jab on Waltman and hits a few arm drags. Storm with a neckbreaker on Waltman and then tags in Robert Roode. Beer Money double team Waltman. Kevin Nash then gets the tag and goes to work on Storm in the corner. Waltman with a quick snap suplex on Storm into a side headlock. Tag back to Nash who drives his knees into the chest of Storm in the corner. Nash starts choking Storm in the corner and then tags Waltman back in who starts kicking Storm down in the corner as well. Storm with a Bronco Buster on Storm in the corner. Nash prevents a hot tag to Roode and goes back to work on Storm. Roode is able to get the hot tag and starts going after Waltman with a series of shots and a big high back body drop. Roode hits Nash with some big right hands. Beer Money then double team Nash and Waltman and do the “BEER…MONEY” pose. Scott Hall is then seen coming down the ramp distracting Roode and Storm. Hall then pulls a fan over the guard railing and starts beating him up as Waltman runs out to stop it. In the ring, Storm catches Nash with a superkick and Roode rolls up Nash for the pinfall.

Winners: Beer Money

- Backstage, Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff are watching the monitor. Hogan said he is going to call those guys out this Thursday on Impact to settle things once and for all.

- Abyss is on his way out to the Impact Zone awaiting his mystery opponent tonight. The lights go out and when they come back on we see former WWE star Ken “Mr. Kennedy” Anderson making his TNA debut. Anderson gets on the mic and said, “It looks like I crossed the line!” Anderson has a mic drop and introduces himself as “MISSSSSTTTTEEEERRRRR….ANDERSON.”

Abyss vs. Mr. Anderson

The bell rings and Anderson extends his hand to Abyss. Abyss goes to shake his hand and Anderson slaps him. Lots of quick offense by Anderson early on in the match. They then brawl to the outside where Anderson uses the ring to his advantage throwing Abyss up against it. Anderson pulls a steel chair from the crowd and tries to use it, but Abyss counters kicking it away and tossing Anderson back in the ring. Anderson comes back choking Abyss with his boot. Anderson sends Abyss into the corner, gets in a roll up and Abyss quickly kicks out. Abyss favors his left arm when Anderson runs into him with a shoulder block. Anderson takes advantage dropping his weight over the left arm of Abyss. Anderson then works over Abyss’ arm applying more pressure. Abyss eventually fights out and drops Anderson with a big boot. Abyss with a body splash on Anderson in the corner and a big side slam. Abyss attempts a chokeslam, but Anderson breaks it up. Abyss gets Anderson on his shoulders and Anderson jumps off hitting a reverse neckbreaker. Abyss catches Anderson with a chokeslam after he comes flying off the top rope. Abyss has Anderson back up and connects with a big Torture Rack. Abyss with a cover and Anderson kicks out. Abyss leaves the ring and grabs a steel chair. Once inside, Abyss has the chair taken away by the referee. We then see Anderson putting brass knucks on and catching Abyss with a big right hand. Anderson gets rid of the knucks without the referee noticing and gets the pinfall.

Winner: Mr. Anderson

After the match, Anderson gets on the mic and says, “The winner of the match…*shrugs*…*shrugs*…Misterrrrrr…*shrugs…Anderson.” Looks like he was trying to do his best Peter Griffin impression for you Family Guy fans out there.

- A video package runs highlighting tonight’s main event for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship between champion AJ Styles and challenger Kurt Angle.

TNA World Heavyweight Championship
AJ Styles (c) vs. Kurt Angle

The stipulation at hand is that if Kurt Angle loses, he will not receive another shot at the TNA World Heavyweight Championship in 2010. Lots of back and forth exchanges early on with Angle getting the better of Styles and Styles getting the better of Angle. Styles and Angle continue more back and forth exchanges on the mat feeling each other out. Angle with a german suplex attempt on Styles who flips back and lands on his feet. They continue at a rapid pace trying to take each other down and get a few nearfalls. Styles catches Angle with a huge dropkick after a series of counters. Styles with a snapmare and kick to the back combo on Angle. Angle attempts a comeback running at Styles, but Styles catches him with a big elbow and Angle falls to the outside. Styles attempts a springboard flip onto Angle, but stops himself and lands on the ring apron. Angle then trips up Styles who crashes on the outside. Back in the ring, Angle takes Styles down and applies a full body bearhug. Styles fights to his feet, but Angle grounds him with a big backbreaker. Angle continues to work on Styles in the corner.

Styles fights back with a few chops and then both collide in the middle of the ring. Both Styles and Angle are down. We then see Ric Flair walking down the ramp and getting closer to the ring. Flair stands at ringside and looks on as Angle and Styles start going at it again. Styles tosses Angle out of the ring, hits the ropes and hits a big flipping dive to take out Angle at ringside. Angle limps back into the ring and Styles connects with a backbreaker. Styles with a springboard clothesline on Angle that results in a two count. Angle counters a Styles Clash attempt, hits a german suplex, hits a second and then hits a third with a release. Styles counters an Angle Slam attempt, but Angle comes back hitting a fourth release german suplex. Styles catches Angle with a big Pele Kick, covers and gets a close two count. Angle then drives Styles into the corner and hits a few shoulder charges. Angle connects with a big clothesline on Styles in the corner, covers and Styles kicks out.

Styles with a snap huracanrana off the top rope on Angle. Styles with a springboard 450 splash, but Angle moves out of the way and connects with the Angle Slam. Angle covers and Styles kicks out. Angle can’t believe it. Angle with a moonsault attempt and Styles moves out of the way. Styles attempts a Styles Clash, but Angle counters into an Ankle Lock. Styles counters out flipping to his back and kicking Angle away. Styles with a springboard body splash, cover and Angle kicks out. Styles attempts another snap huracanrana from the top rope, but Angle counters and hits the Styles Clash on Styles! Styles kicks out. Styles counters an Angle Slam attempt into a big spike DDT. Angle misses a charge in the corner and Styles hits an Angle Slam on Angle. Styles covers Angle and Angle kicks out. Styles argues that it was three with the referee. Styles then goes up top, Angle sits up quickly and hits an Angle Slam off the top rope. Angle covers and Styles still finds a way to kick out. Angle with an Ankle Lock on Styles. Styles turns to his back to kick Angle away, but Angle holds on and keeps the Ankle Lock applied. Angle then falls to the mat to apply more pressure. Styles is about to tap out when Ric Flair pulls the referee out. Styles starts tapping, but there is no referee. Angle sees what Flair did and starts going after him. Angle chases Flair around the ring, inside the ring, Flair bails to the ramp and Styles takes out Angle with a clothesline. Flair tosses Styles the TNA World Title and Styles knocks out Angle with it. Styles tosses the belt away, Flair tosses the referee back inside and the referee counts the pinfall.

Winner & STILL TNA World Heavyweight Champion: AJ Styles

After the match, Ric Flair gets in the ring, hands the TNA World Heavyweight Championship to AJ Styles and raises his arm in the air. Styles starts celebrating with Flair. Flair and Styles take turns letting out a few WOOOOOOOO’s. We then see highlights of the match leading to the finish involving the interference from Flair.

Greetings and salutations, fellow “Smackdown” fans!

The work week has ended for me, and I invite you to join me in leaving the realm of public education behind, and diving headfirst into the B-show that really isn’t. I’ve read no spoilers, and actually have no idea what is happening tonight.