12-12: "Eck's Factor": Weekly analysis for Dec. 9, 2011

Here are my takes on the noteworthy developments in WWE over the past week:

Talking point: Zack Ryder has a big night on Raw

Eck’s Factor: Everyone’s favorite “broski” sure has come a long way. It wasn’t all that long ago that he couldn’t even get on TV. On this past Monday’s Raw, not only was Ryder all over the program, but he defeated World Heavyweight Champion Mark Henry (with a big assist from John Cena), wrestled a competitive match against Cena before ultimately losing, and hit his finisher on arch rival Dolph Ziggler after Ziggler’s match against Sheamus.

The thread throughout the show of Ryder having to overcome major obstacles to get another U.S. Title shot against Ziggler – which put his friendship with Cena to the test – told a good story and made Ryder look like a star. I did have a couple issues with it, however. For one, I wasn’t thrilled about Ryder getting a pinfall victory over Henry, who has been effectively built up a monster heel. Despite the fact that Henry was selling an ankle injury and Ryder needed Cena’s help to win, I think the loss weakened Henry’s aura. I also think that WWE needs to be careful not to overexpose Ryder. The WWE Universe clearly likes Ryder and wants to see him, but they may not want to see him quite as much as they did Monday night.

Talking point: John Cena gives up his spot in the TLC Triple Threat Match for the WWE Title

Eck’s Factor: After John Laurinaitis went back on his original decision and gave Cena an opportunity to earn a spot in the TLC main event, I think everyone assumed it was a foregone conclusion that Cena would be in the match. When Raw ended Monday night, however, Cena was on the outside looking in. After defeating Zack Ryder to qualify for the WWE Title Match at TLC, Cena voluntarily gave up his place in the match so that Ryder could have another opportunity to earn a U.S. Title shot. So as it stands now, Cena is not booked on the Dec. 18 TLC pay-per-view. Unless there is a twist on this Monday’s Raw and Cena somehow ends up regaining a spot in the match – which currently is a Triple Threat between WWE Champion CM Punk, The Miz and Alberto Del Rio – I don’t see a logical opponent for him at TLC. Interesting. On a side note, I thought Cena did a great job of giving a rub to Ryder on Raw. From wearing Ryder’s merchandise to giving him so much offense in their match, Cena was very generous.

Talking point: CM Punk puts an exclamation point on contract signing

Eck’s Factor: As Punk rightfully pointed out on Raw Monday night, contract signings are one of the biggest clichés in WWE. Leave it to Punk to make the contract signing for his WWE Title defense against The Miz and Alberto Del Rio in a TLC Match the most entertaining segment on the show. I loved how Punk noted that all contract signings have to end in a pier six brawl (a term he got trending on Twitter), and then he not only initiated the attack against the two heels, but he took them both out. John Laurinaitis wishing John Morrison well in his future endeavors during the segment and then asking the three competitors to join him in a photo op after the contract was signed were nice touches, as well.

Talking point: John Cena vs. Mark Henry match announced for next week’s Raw

Eck’s Factor: Now this is a match I’m really looking forward to. Cena-Henry is a WrestleMania-worthy main event that pits WWE’s biggest star against the company’s top heel. It certainly makes Monday’s three-hour special Slammys episode of Raw feel extra special.

Talking point: Dolph Ziggler takes another step toward main event status

Eck’s Factor: Sure, Ziggler was the only one of the three Superstars who needed to win a qualifying match on Monday’s Raw in order to land a spot in the TLC Match for the WWE Title to be unsuccessful, but just being in the mix elevated him. During the opening promo segment, Ziggler was standing alongside John Cena, The Miz and Alberto Del Rio, and he definitely looked like he belonged. It’s apparent that Ziggler’s mic skills and overall presence are finally catching up to his outstanding in-ring ability.

Talking point: Video package for WWE Network airs

Eck’s Factor: Growing up in the ’70s, I looked forward all week to Saturdays because that was when WWE’s two syndicated shows aired. “All-Star Wrestling” came on at 11 a.m. and “Championship Wrestling” was on at 4 p.m. Now there is going to be an entire network devoted to this genre. It really is amazing when you think about it, and I can’t wait for the network to launch. My wife, on the other hand, doesn’t seem quite as thrilled.

Talking point: Superstar of the Year nominees are announced

Eck’s Factor: You could make a case for any of the six nominees (John Cena, Alberto Del Rio, Mark Henry, The Miz, Randy Orton and CM Punk), who all had terrific years. However, the prestigious award – which will be given out during next week’s Slammys episode of Raw – will be determined by online voting, which means that it’s basically a popularity contest. That pretty much eliminates Del Rio, Henry and Miz.

Cena has to be the favorite, but my vote would go to Punk. He turned WWE on its ear this summer and consistently delivered in the ring and on the mic. He participated in a number of entertaining pay-per-view matches, including an epic battle against Cena at Money in the Bank that was perhaps the Match of the Year. And even though he was out of the main event scene during the first six months of the year, Punk did have a memorable rivalry with Orton that culminated in an outstanding match at WrestleMania XXVII. (CAST YOUR VOTE HERE FOR SUPERSTAR OF THE YEAR)

Talking point: Lilian Garcia is returning to SmackDown

Eck’s Factor: After a two-year hiatus, Lilian returned as the full-time ring announcer on SmackDown this week. No offense to her, but if there was one ring announcer that I would bring back on a regular basis, it would be WWE Hall of Famer Howard Finkel.

 

Disclaimer: The views expressed in “Eck’s Factor” are those of Kevin Eck alone and do not necessarily reflect those of WWE.

WHO IS KEVIN ECK?
For those who are unfamiliar with me, I come to WWE from The Baltimore Sun, where I was an assistant sports editor and the author of a pro wrestling blog titled Ring Posts. In between two stints with The Sun, I worked as the editor of WCW Magazine from 2000 to 2001.

 

Follow Kevin Eck on Twitter at Twitter.com/KevinEck_WWE. Eck will be live tweeting during Raw on most Mondays.

12-12: WWE.com Exclusive Slammy Awards 2011

Each and every year, the Slammys honor WWE's best of the year, singling out the most noteworthy Superstars, Divas, matches, and moments of the previous 12 months. Superstar of the Year honors are all well and good, but what about the Slammys you didn't see presented on Raw SuperShow? Check out the 10 WWE.com exclusive Slammy Awards for 2011.

 

 

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN MUPPET RESEMBLANCE:

Winner: Sheamus and his
long lost, red-headed cousin Beaker. (WATCH)

 

THE PEE-WEE HERMAN BOWTIE AWARD:

Winner: David Otunga, for
his Harvard-law-by-way-of-the-Playhouse business attire. 

 

MOST PREDICTABLE OUTCOME OF THE YEAR:
Winner: Kevin
Nash's powerbomb to Santino after the trombone dance. For future
reference, Big Kev's more of a smooth jazz man. (WATCH)

 

GUESS WHO'S BACK? OR: RETURN OF THE YEAR:
Winner: Some guy, we're not sure exactly...The Rock? That is
his name, right?

 

DOUBLE VISION MOMENT OF THE YEAR:

Winner: Sin
Cara and, er, Sin Cara, for their epic face-off on SmackDown. (WATCH)

 

T-SHIRT OF THE YEAR:

Winner: CM Punk, for his
instantly iconic "Best in the World" threads. Bonus Slammy points if
you got the Chicago one from Money in the Bank.

WWE.COM EXCLUSIVE OF THE YEAR:
Winner: John Laurinaitis "congratulates" CM Punk. It'll give you that warm, fuzzy feeling. (WATCH)

 

 

 

MOST REGRETTABLE RING ATTIRE OF THE YEAR:
Winner: Michael Cole in Triple H's trunks. There are some things that cannot be unseen.

 

 

CRITTER MOMENT OF THE YEAR:
Winner: The mouse that ran past Alberto Del Rio in the locker room on Raw. No, seriously. Can you see it? (WATCH) 

 

SUPERSTAR TRANSFORMATION OF THE YEAR:
Winner: Zack Ryder. Remember when he used to look like Edge? 

12-12: WWE Raw SuperShow Quick results: Kane resurrected

MATCHES

• Big Show def. Wade Barrett by Disqualification (PHOTOS)
• United States Champion Dolph Ziggler def. Daniel Bryan,
  Intercontinental Champion Cody Rhodes and Zack Ryder in a Fatal 4-Way
  Match (PHOTOS)
• The Miz & Alberto Del Rio def. WWE Champion CM Punk & Randy Orton (PHOTOS)
• John Cena def. World Heavyweight Champion Mark Henry by Disqualification

12-12: WWE Raw SuperShow results: Kane resurrected

NORFOLK, Va. — The 2011 Slammy Awards were as wild and unpredictable as always, but everyone in the WWE Universe will be talking about the monster who crashed the party — Kane!

John Cena vs. World Heavyweight Champion Mark Henry ended in a No Contest; masked Kane returned
The Cenation leader had a week to prepare for this showdown with The World’s Strongest Man, but there was one Superstar John Cena was not ready to deal with on Raw — Kane. Entering through hellfire and brimstone, The Big Red Monster made a shocking return under a mask and attacked Cena, driving him into the mat with a devastating chokeslam. The demon’s motives were unclear, but one thing was sure — hell has come home.

WWE Champion CM Punk won the Slammy Award for WWE Superstar of the Year
Incapacitated after the brutal beating he received in his tag bout, the WWE Champion was unable to accept the biggest award of the night from presenter Rey Mysterio. Instead, a sneering John Laurinaitis “humbly” did it for him. The executive revealed that Punk couldn't take the stage, but he will be in the ring on Sunday.

Sheamus destroyed Jinder Mahal (WATCH | PHOTOS)
Maybe Jinder Mahal should win a Slammy for “Most Embarrassing Moment of the Night.” Seconds after pontificating in Punjabi towards The Great White, Mahal was kicked into the rafters by Sheamus and left laying in a heap in the middle of the ring.

Snooki won a Slammy Award for WWE A-Lister of the Year (WATCH)
In a category that included nominees like The Muppets and Hugh Jackman, it was “Jersey Shore” star Snooki who grabbed the Slammy for her surprisingly agile performance in a Six-Person Mixed Tag Team Match at WrestleMania XXVII. The tanned troublemaker accepted her award from Goldust and Vickie Guerrero via satellite and promised the WWE Universe they’ll see more of her mischief when “Jersey Shore” returns to MTV for another wild season on January 5.

The Miz & Alberto Del Rio def. WWE Champion CM Punk & Randy Orton (WATCH | PHOTOS)
Less than a week before he defends his WWE Title against The Miz and Alberto Del Rio in a Tables, Ladders & Chairs Match at WWE TLC, CM Punk teamed with former rival Randy Orton to face his opponents and suffered a vicious beating. Attacked by Wade Barrett during the bout, The Viper chased the thug through the crowd, leaving The Straight Edge Superstar outnumbered by the vicious villains. After Miz pinned Punk, The Mexican Aristocrat and The Awesome One worked together to ruthlessly bash the WWE Champion with a ladder and promised to destroy him completely on Sunday.

The Rock won the Slammy Award for Game Changer of the Year (WATCH)
Hobbling to the podium on crutches, an ailing Christian ranted about deserving an award for courageousness before presenting the Game Changer of the Year Slammy to The Rock. The Great One was not on hand to accept the trophy, but his WrestleMania opponent did the honors for him. After criticizing The People’s Champion for not showing up, John Cena said The Rock may have changed the game tonight, but this April in Miami the Cenation leader will change the game forever.

United States Champion Dolph Ziggler def. Daniel Bryan, Intercontinental Champion Cody Rhodes and Zack Ryder in a Fatal 4-Way Match (WATCH | PHOTOS); Zack Ryder won a Slammy Award for Trending Star of the Year (WATCH)
The WWE Universe has spoken — or should we say tweeted. In a category that could only be won by becoming the first name to trend on Twitter, Zack Ryder proved that he was the king of social media. But in the ring, it was United States Champion Dolph Ziggler who came out on top, pinning Daniel Bryan to win a wild Fatal 4-Way bout. Long Island Iced-Z's post-match Slammy celebration was brief, though, as his WWE TLC opponent immediately crushed him with a Zig Zag.

The Undertaker won the Slammy Award for OMG Moment of the Year (WATCH)
The Deadman may have won a Slammy Award for kicking out of Triple H’s Tombstone at WrestleMania, but it was The Game who showed up in the ring. Returning to Raw after being put in the hospital by his former friend Kevin Nash, The King of Kings vowed to bring an end to the dangerous Superstar this Sunday at WWE TLC when the two icons meet in a Ladder Match with a sledgehammer hanging above the ring.

Kelly Kelly won a Slammy Award for Divalicious Moment of the Year (WATCH)
The beautiful Kelly Kelly was grateful to receive the Slammy Award for Divalicious Moment of the Year from legendary Diva Lita, but she was less thrilled when Divas Champion Beth Phoenix and Natalya crashed the party and snatched her statue. Not one to back down, Kelly immediately slapped her tormentor across the face and took her Slammy right back. Now that's Divalicious.

WWE Champion CM Punk won the Slammy Award for Pipe Bomb of the Year (WATCH)
Former DX member The Road Dogg made a surprise return to WWE to present the always vocal WWE Champion CM Punk with the Slammy Award for Pipe Bomb of the Year. Accepting the statue alongside a mannequin that looked not unlike a young John Laurinaitis, The Straight Edge Superstar used this opportunity to further embarrass the Interim Raw General Manager by presenting a video package that highlighted the executive’s more embarrassing moments. (WATCH) Punk will definitely hear about this in his performance review.

Big Show and World Heavyweight Champion Mark Henry won the Slammy Award for Holy %&@*#! Moment of the Year (WATCH); Big Show def. Wade Barrett by Disqualification (WATCH | PHOTOS)
Moments after Big Show accepted the Holy %&@*#! Moment of the Year Slammy on behalf of himself and The World’s Strongest Man for their ring busting brawl at Vengeance, the behemoth faced off with the determined Wade Barrett. Looking to send a message to Randy Orton going into their Tables Match on Sunday, the British thug got himself disqualified by bringing a chair into this bout. In the end, though, he ended up running for his life when The World’s Largest Athlete punched his way through Barrett’s weapon.

Jim Ross won a Slammy Award for the “Tell Me I Did NOT Just See That” Moment of the Year
SmackDown’s Booker T and Hornswoggle kicked off the 2011 Slammys by presenting the award for the “Tell Me I Did NOT Just See That" Moment of the Year to WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross for his memorable dance moves during the unbearable Michael Cole Challenge.

Of course, as soon as Good Ol’ J.R. took the stage to accept his trophy, he was interrupted by Michael Cole. The sniveling announcer attempted to embarrass Ross, as usual, but ended up humiliating himself when Booker T called for the rivals to faceoff in a freestyle rap contest. Not only did J.R rhyme circles around the so-called “Voice of WWE,” but he finished off his big night by nailing the first-ever Ross-a-Roonie in the ring. 

MATCHES

• Big Show def. Wade Barrett by Disqualification (PHOTOS)
• United States Champion Dolph Ziggler def. Daniel Bryan,
  Intercontinental Champion Cody Rhodes and Zack Ryder in a Fatal 4-Way
  Match (PHOTOS)
• The Miz & Alberto Del Rio def. WWE Champion CM Punk & Randy Orton (PHOTOS)
• John Cena def. World Heavyweight Champion Mark Henry by Disqualification

WWE TLC 2011: The Intercontinental Championship Is Relevant Again

The match card for TLC features a very exciting Intercontinental Championship match between Booker T and Cody Rhodes. This will be the match that helps catapult the IC title back to relevancy in the WWE.

I may bash WWE Creative every week, but I commend them for trying to make the mid-card titles more exciting recently. I have been begging them to start pushing their championships so the WWE can have younger stars battling for the IC and United States titles as they gain more popularity before entering the main event stage.

Cody Rhodes is a superstar in the making. A lot of fans, including myself, believe he is one of the future stars in this business. A feud with a veteran such as Booker T can only help make Rhodes into a more legitimate rising star.

The match between Booker and Rhodes has all the potential to steal the show. I admit that the feud has not been as creative as it could have been, but I give props to the writers for trying to make the Intercontinental Championship interesting again.

There will be a lot of fans interested in seeing the return of Booker T just for nostalgic reasons alone. By putting him in a match for the IC title, it helps to get fans interested again in that specific championship. Booker T was an entertaining superstar in the ring, and his skills should make for a fascinating matchup with someone like Cody Rhodes.

This match also helps Rhodes because he has not had many exciting contenders for his Intercontinental belt since he won the title. If Rhodes is ever going to move into the main event scene, he really needs to have a few memorable matches while he is the Intercontinental Champion.

Who Wins the match at TLC?

Cody Rhodes




Booker T




Submit Vote
vote to see results

Who Wins the match at TLC?




Cody Rhodes

75.5%




Booker T

24.5%

Total votes: 1,272

I fully expect Rhodes to win this match considering Booker T is a commentator now and I do not believe he will go back to being a full-time wrestler. I can appreciate Booker for trying to help put over a young star in the making.

This match will only be the beginning of the WWE making their mid-card titles relevant again. I truly believe that when Rhodes loses the title to whomever that the belt will continue to stay popular with the audience. It will be the writers’ job to continue to push young stars into the IC picture. It is certainly working for the United States Championship currently.

I know many of Booker T’s fans will be disappointed with the outcome of this feud, but it would be unrealistic for Booker to come out on top. I was ecstatic when I saw him return in the Royal Rumble, but in my heart, I knew he was not coming back permanently. The same can be said for this feud. I am content with just being able to see Booker come out to his music one more time in his ring gear and give us the spin-a-rooni.

It may feel like I never give the WWE credit when I do my weekly articles after Monday Night Raw, but today, I am. Cody Rhodes, CM Punk, Wade Barrett, Dolph Ziggler and others are the future of the WWE, and they seem to be getting pushed in the right direction. It is hard to believe that we may see a PPV without John Cena, and I say that not as a “Cena Hater,” but as an advocate of younger stars being pushed.

Let me know down below if you think the IC title is becoming relevant again or if this is just a onetime deal at TLC. Also, remember to follow me on Twitter @WWeConTroL. I always enjoy the feedback, article ideas and questions that you all have for me.

Keep it classic, everyone!

Cena Reveals That He's Going Through Personal Problems

WWE star John Cena posted the following on Twitter today:

"Very difficult month for me,personally. It's times like these that I see truly how much I love wrestling. I am truly thankful for what I do. Adapt. Overcome. And now, more than ever before Rise Above Hate. I f'n love you guys. Even the ones that hate my guts. U get me thru each day..thick and thin. Thank u. For everything. Thank you."

TNA "Final Resolution" PPV Results - December 11, 2011

TNA Final Resolution 2011

TNA Final Resolution Opener:

The show opened with a video package that focused on Bobby Roode. The video showcases Roode and his family members, talking about how much he has changed since capturing the TNA World Heavyweight Championship.

Rob Van Dam vs. Christopher Daniels

TNA announcer Mike Tenay recalls a storyline between RVD and Daniels from the previous PPV last month. He said this particular showdown is all about wrestling, because wrestling matters. The match begins! Daniels worked RVD for the most part of the match. In the end, the finish came when Van Dam finished off Daniels with the 5-Star Frog Splash for the clean pinfall.

Winner: Rob Van Dam

Backstage: Jeremy Borash Interviews Mickie James

Backstage, Jeremy Borash is with Mickie James. James says the people want the Knockouts match, and tonight, they're going to get it. She says Gail Kim can't hide behind politics. She claims she was excited about Gail returning to TNA until she politicked and hid. Borash thanks her and announces that the TNA T.V. Title match is next.

TNA TV Title: Robbie E. vs. Eric Young

Not much crowd reaction for the bad guys even though Young was doing a good job getting the crowd's attention while they were showing off. Six minutes of action goes by when Rob Terry gets behind the ref's back. Young dropkicks Terry out of the ring, when Robbie scores the clean pinfall with his finishing move.

Winner: Robbie E.

Backstage: Jeremy Borash Interviews Devon & The Pope

Backstage, Jeremy Borash is with Devon and The Pope. After Devon talks some trash, Pope says he can't help it that Devon's kids look up to him as a father figure. He claims tonight is about the gold.

WWE House Show Results (12/10): Charleston, South Carolina

I went to the show tonight in Charleston, SC. Most of the lower bowl and floor seats were sold out with a few fans sitting in the upper bowl. Here are the results.



1) Air Boom defeated Otunga and McGillicutty for the WWE Tag Team Championships (Evan Bourne pinned McGillicutty with the shooting star press).



2) Justin Gabriel defeated Heath Slater (Gabriel hit Slater with a sun set flip which turned into what looked like a power bomb to pin Slater).



3) Alex Riley defeated Dolph Ziggler via DQ for the US Title due to interference from Jack Swagger.



-After the interference from Swagger, Mason Ryan came out to help Riley. While Ziggler and Swagger were walking away, Riley challenged them to a tag team match.



4) Alex Riley and Mason Ryan defeated Dolph Ziggler and Jack Swagger (Ryan hit his finisher on Swagger and then pinned Swagger).



5) Randy Orton defeated Wade Barrett in a street fight (This match did leave the ring for a little while but Orton hit the RKO to win the match).



6) Beth Phoenix defeated Eve Torres (after hitting her with the Glam Slam).



7) Cody Rhodes defeated Ted DiBiase for the Intercontinental Title (Rhodes hit DiBiase with the Crossrhodes to win).



8) CM Punk defeated both Alberto Del Rio and John Cena for the WWE Title (Punk hit the GTS on Del Rio while Ricardo Rodriguez was distracting John Cena outside of the ring).



-After the match, Del Rio rolled out of the ring and went to the back while he left Rodriguez in the ring to fend for himself. Punk and Cena then each hit their finisher on Rodriguez to end the show.



As a Zack Ryder fan, I was a little disappointed he wasn't there tonight because I actually drove down from Columbia, SC to try and see him again (I saw him at the RAW in Columbia on Nov. 28). There were some chants for him tonight and given that he is so popular right now I was surprised he wasn't there.



Biggest Pops: John Cena, CM Punk, Randy Orton



Biggest Heat: Alberto Del Rio, Dolph Ziggler, Cody Rhodes

TNA Final Resolution Results: Jeff Hardy vs Jeff Jarrett (Steel Cage)

JB is backstage with Karen and Jeff Jarrett. They are upset about the possibility of losing their jobs. Jarrett says he was just on the Coastal Chaos Cruise being a company man when he got the news about tonight’s match and Karen. Jeff cuts a promo on Jeff Hardy when Sting walks in and taunts them. Sting has a pair of handcuffs and asks Karen if she’s ready. We go to a promo for tonight’s cage match.

Steel Cage Match: Jeff Jarrett vs. Jeff Hardy

Karen Jarrett will be handcuffed to Sting at ringside; if Jarrett loses the match, either he or his wife will be fired. If Jarrett wins, Hardy will be fire

We go to the cage and out first comes Jeff Jarrett with Karen at his side. Out next comes Jeff Hardy with his new helmet. Sting’s music hits and out he comes to handcuff Karen Jarrett to himself. The match starts and Jarrett drops Hardy quick for a pin attempt. Jarrett rolls Hardy up for another pin attempt. They run the ropes again and Jarrett goes for another pin attempt. Hardy turns it around and leg drops him, then connects with a dropkick for 2.

Hardy climbs the cage but Jarrett pulls him down to the top. Hardy comes crashing down on Jarrett and then throws him face first into the cage wall. Hardy throws him into the opposite side and continues the offense. Jarrett counters the Twist of Fate with a pin attempt into the Figure Four. It’s broken but Jarrett keeps in control. Jarrett throws Hardy into the cage wall now. Jarrett climbs the cage but Hardy stops him. Jarrett kicks Hardy to the mat and comes down on him.

Jarrett climbs the cage again but Hardy pulls him off. Hardy climbs up now. Hardy kicks Jarrett off and splashes down on him for a 2 count. They trade shots on their feet now. Hardy hits a clothesline and shot to the face. Hardy hits Twist of Fate and goes to the top. He comes back down and hits another Twist of Fate. Hardy climbs to the top of the cage and hits a Swanton but Jarrett moves and Hardy lands hard on his back.

Jarrett goes to slide out of the cage door but Hardy pulls him back. Jarrett hits the Stroke. Hardy stops Jarrett from escaping the cage door and Jarrett stops him. Hardy swings in from the cage door and kicks Jarrett down. Hardy flies into the cage door, which knocks Sting and Karen down. Karen uncuffs herself and slams the door in Hardy’s face. Jarrett covers for a close 2 count. Karen tries to bring the guitar into play but Sting stops her. Hardy hits a Twist of Fate for the win.

Winner: Jeff Hardy

After the match, Karen raises hell at ringside as Sting enters the ring. Sting says someone is getting fired on Impact as Karen screams. Hardy now gets the TNA World Title shot at Genesis.

Continue to follow our coverage of the Final Resolution pay-per-view by getting the results to all of tonight’s matches as soon as they conclude by “liking” us on Facebook. As soon as a match comes to an end at tonight’s event, we’ll update our page with the results as well as link you to the full results. Alternatively, we just recently launched our

TNA Final Resolution Results: AJ Styles vs Bobby Roode (Iron Man Match)

JB is backstage with Bobby Roode. Roode says he will be known as the king of the Iron Man matches after tonight. Roode has words or AJ Styles and Sting. He says he spits in the face of authority, just ask Dixie Carter. The main event is up next after a video package.

30-Minute Iron Man Match for the TNA World Heavyweight Title: AJ Styles vs. Bobby Roode

We go to the ring and out comes the challenger AJ Styles. The TNA World Heavyweight Champion Bobby Roode is out next. JB does formal ring introductions before the bell. They lock up and AJ goes behind. They trade holds and break. They lock up again and Roode applies a headlock. Roode shoves AJ away and does jumping jacks. They lock up again and Roode goes back to a headlock. AJ turns it around to a headlock of his own. Roode turns it into a head scissors on the mat. AJ kicks out and goes back to a headlock on the mat as we’re over 4 minutes in now.

AJ drops Roode with three shoulder blocks and goes for a pin attempt but Roode slides out to the floor. Roode comes back in the ring and they lock up, going to the corner. They trade chops in the corner. AJ hits a big back drop on Roode. Roode plays chicken and throws AJ out to the floor. Roode follows and AJ slams him into the barrier. AJ brings it back in the ring but Roode catches him and stomps away. Roode goes to work on AJ’s injured knee now and drags his face across the top rope.

AJ counters Roode and rolls him up out of the corner for a 2 count. They trade pin attempts. AJ with a hip toss and an arm drag. Roode comes back with a shoulder. AJ tosses Roode with a head scissors but runs right into a boot in the corner. AJ runs the ropes and connects with a clothesline for a 2 count near 9 minutes in.

Roode fights out of a headlock and drops AJ on is leg. AJ fights back and applies a headlock, favoring his leg. Roode drops AJ on his leg again but runs into an elbow in the corner. AJ goes up top but Roode takes his leg out. AJ falls from the top and Roode covers him for a 3 count. Roode has a 1-0 lead at the 10 minute in mark.

AJ takes Roode to the corner and works him over. Roode fights out with a rake to the eyes. Roode takes AJ’s knee out and goes to work on it. Roode gets a 1 count. AJ fights to his feet with chops and backs Roode in the corner with shots to the head. Roode blocks a clothesline and beats AJ back to one knee. AJ counters a suplex and goes behind. Roode counters and slams AJ’s leg down. AJ tries to fight back again but goes down on his knee. Roode blocks a move and applies a single leg Boston Crab. AJ makes it to the ropes to break the hold. Roode continues to work on AJ’s leg and applies the Figure Four in the middle of the ring. AJ finally taps out to make it 2-0 in favor of Roode.

Roode kicks out AJ’s leg again and shows off for the crowd. AJ gets up again but Roode takes the leg out once again. Roode goes for another Figure Four but AJ kicks him into the turnbuckles. AJ catches Roode in a flying armbar. AJ applies a crossface and Roode taps out to make it 2-1.

AJ focuses his attention on Roode’s arm now and goes to the mat. Roode turns it into a submission on his leg. They get to their feet and trade shots. More back and forth until Roode connects with a clothesline. AJ rolls Roode up with a cradle out of nowhere for a pin to make it 2-2.

Continue reading our live coverage of tonight’s Final Resolution main event on the next page…

Can Cena “three-peat” as Superstar of the Year?

John Cena is one of the biggest,
brightest and most controversial Superstars in WWE history. Alternately beloved
and booed, the multi-time champion’s in-ring accomplishments command respect
and place him among the all-time greats. But is he the Superstar of 2011?

Cena received recognition at both
the 2009 and 2010 Slammy Awards, winning perhaps the most prestigious award of
them all: Superstar of the Year. Now, he goes for an unprecedented “three-peat”
when the 2011 Slammy Awards come to Raw SuperShow this Monday at a special
start time of 8/7 CT. A Superstar of the Year hat trick seems improbable, but
if anyone is accustomed to overcoming stacked odds, it’s The Cenation
Commander-in-Chief. (VOTE NOW)

2011 has been a tumultuous year
for John Cena, with high highs and low lows. He won the WWE Championship on
several occasions and competed in all the big events, at all the big venues,
against all of WWE’s biggest talents. But he also played second fiddle to The
Rock at Survivor Series (before getting Rock Bottomed), failed to defeat The
Miz at WrestleMania XXVII, watched the meteoric rise of his loquacious rival CM
Punk and gets jeered now more than ever.

A "three-peat" will also be difficult
because other WWE luminaries like Punk, The Miz, Alberto Del Rio and Mark Henry
are worthy of Superstar of the Year in their own right. The competition for the
honor is always rugged, but especially so this year against two current World
Champions and several top contenders.

Whether or not he is crowned Superstar
of 2011, Cena will continue to “Rise Above Hate.” After all, he has beaten long
odds before. Just last year he was named Superstar of 2010 and, in 2009, he won
the tournament to claim Superstar of the Year honors. A third Slammy Award is
another item for the trophy case, another impressive line in his biography, another
measure of approval. It may not curtail the recently overwhelming boos of the
WWE Universe, but if anyone is up to the task of winning hearts, minds and
Slammy Awards, it’s the tenacious, indomitable John Cena.

Tune in to the 2011 Slammy Awards this Monday at
a special start time of 8/7 CT to see if the Cenation leader achieves an
astonishing three-peat, and be sure to VOTE NOW to make your voice heard.

"Eck's Factor": Weekly analysis for Dec. 9, 2011

Here are my takes on the noteworthy developments in WWE over the past week:

Talking point: Zack Ryder has a big night on Raw

Eck’s Factor: Everyone’s favorite “broski” sure has come a long way. It wasn’t all that long ago that he couldn’t even get on TV. On this past Monday’s Raw, not only was Ryder all over the program, but he defeated World Heavyweight Champion Mark Henry (with a big assist from John Cena), wrestled a competitive match against Cena before ultimately losing, and hit his finisher on arch rival Dolph Ziggler after Ziggler’s match against Sheamus.

The thread throughout the show of Ryder having to overcome major obstacles to get another U.S. Title shot against Ziggler – which put his friendship with Cena to the test – told a good story and made Ryder look like a star. I did have a couple issues with it, however. For one, I wasn’t thrilled about Ryder getting a pinfall victory over Henry, who has been effectively built up a monster heel. Despite the fact that Henry was selling an ankle injury and Ryder needed Cena’s help to win, I think the loss weakened Henry’s aura. I also think that WWE needs to be careful not to overexpose Ryder. The WWE Universe clearly likes Ryder and wants to see him, but they may not want to see him quite as much as they did Monday night.

Talking point: John Cena gives up his spot in the TLC Triple Threat Match for the WWE Title

Eck’s Factor: After John Laurinaitis went back on his original decision and gave Cena an opportunity to earn a spot in the TLC main event, I think everyone assumed it was a foregone conclusion that Cena would be in the match. When Raw ended Monday night, however, Cena was on the outside looking in. After defeating Zack Ryder to qualify for the WWE Title Match at TLC, Cena voluntarily gave up his place in the match so that Ryder could have another opportunity to earn a U.S. Title shot. So as it stands now, Cena is not booked on the Dec. 18 TLC pay-per-view. Unless there is a twist on this Monday’s Raw and Cena somehow ends up regaining a spot in the match – which currently is a Triple Threat between WWE Champion CM Punk, The Miz and Alberto Del Rio – I don’t see a logical opponent for him at TLC. Interesting. On a side note, I thought Cena did a great job of giving a rub to Ryder on Raw. From wearing Ryder’s merchandise to giving him so much offense in their match, Cena was very generous.

Talking point: CM Punk puts an exclamation point on contract signing

Eck’s Factor: As Punk rightfully pointed out on Raw Monday night, contract signings are one of the biggest clichés in WWE. Leave it to Punk to make the contract signing for his WWE Title defense against The Miz and Alberto Del Rio in a TLC Match the most entertaining segment on the show. I loved how Punk noted that all contract signings have to end in a pier six brawl (a term he got trending on Twitter), and then he not only initiated the attack against the two heels, but he took them both out. John Laurinaitis wishing John Morrison well in his future endeavors during the segment and then asking the three competitors to join him in a photo op after the contract was signed were nice touches, as well.

Talking point: John Cena vs. Mark Henry match announced for next week’s Raw

Eck’s Factor: Now this is a match I’m really looking forward to. Cena-Henry is a WrestleMania-worthy main event that pits WWE’s biggest star against the company’s top heel. It certainly makes Monday’s three-hour special Slammys episode of Raw feel extra special.

Talking point: Dolph Ziggler takes another step toward main event status

Eck’s Factor: Sure, Ziggler was the only one of the three Superstars who needed to win a qualifying match on Monday’s Raw in order to land a spot in the TLC Match for the WWE Title to be unsuccessful, but just being in the mix elevated him. During the opening promo segment, Ziggler was standing alongside John Cena, The Miz and Alberto Del Rio, and he definitely looked like he belonged. It’s apparent that Ziggler’s mic skills and overall presence are finally catching up to his outstanding in-ring ability.

Talking point: Video package for WWE Network airs

Eck’s Factor: Growing up in the ’70s, I looked forward all week to Saturdays because that was when WWE’s two syndicated shows aired. “All-Star Wrestling” came on at 11 a.m. and “Championship Wrestling” was on at 4 p.m. Now there is going to be an entire network devoted to this genre. It really is amazing when you think about it, and I can’t wait for the network to launch. My wife, on the other hand, doesn’t seem quite as thrilled.

Talking point: Superstar of the Year nominees are announced

Eck’s Factor: You could make a case for any of the six nominees (John Cena, Alberto Del Rio, Mark Henry, The Miz, Randy Orton and CM Punk), who all had terrific years. However, the prestigious award – which will be given out during next week’s Slammys episode of Raw – will be determined by online voting, which means that it’s basically a popularity contest. That pretty much eliminates Del Rio, Henry and Miz.

Cena has to be the favorite, but my vote would go to Punk. He turned WWE on its ear this summer and consistently delivered in the ring and on the mic. He participated in a number of entertaining pay-per-view matches, including an epic battle against Cena at Money in the Bank that was perhaps the Match of the Year. And even though he was out of the main event scene during the first six months of the year, Punk did have a memorable rivalry with Orton that culminated in an outstanding match at WrestleMania XXVII. (CAST YOUR VOTE HERE FOR SUPERSTAR OF THE YEAR)

Talking point: Lilian Garcia is returning to SmackDown

Eck’s Factor: After a two-year hiatus, Lilian returned as the full-time ring announcer on SmackDown this week. No offense to her, but if there was one ring announcer that I would bring back on a regular basis, it would be WWE Hall of Famer Howard Finkel.

 

Disclaimer: The views expressed in “Eck’s Factor” are those of Kevin Eck alone and do not necessarily reflect those of WWE.

WHO IS KEVIN ECK?
For those who are unfamiliar with me, I come to WWE from The Baltimore Sun, where I was an assistant sports editor and the author of a pro wrestling blog titled Ring Posts. In between two stints with The Sun, I worked as the editor of WCW Magazine from 2000 to 2001.

 

Follow Kevin Eck on Twitter at Twitter.com/KevinEck_WWE. Eck will be live tweeting during Raw on most Mondays.