ECW Report

Air Date: 3/11/08 - Allstate Arena - Chicago, Illinois

John Morrison & The Miz d. Tommy Dreamer & Colin Delaney to retain the WWE Tag Team Titles in an Extreme Rules Match. Colin and Tommy arrive at ringside with an entire shopping cart full of weapons. Dreamer is wearing a Chicago Cubs shirt. There was a near double pinfall, until a table got involved. The finish ended up with Tommy Dreamer getting thrown through a table and getting pinned. It was said to a good match. We are told that tables, kendo sticks, football helmets, and garbage cans were all used during the bout.

Armando Estrada comes to the ring. It is announced that there will be a 24 man Battle Royal featuring talent from Raw, ECW, and SmackDown at WrestleMania XXIV where the winner will immediately face Chavo Guerrero at the pay-per-view for the ECW Championship.

The Great Khali d. Stevie Richards - Mike Knox ran in and beat up on Richards after the match.

Kofi Kingston d. Deuce

Festus d. Elijah Burke

Shelton Benjamin comes out and joins Joey Styles and Tazz at the announcer's table.

CM Punk d. Big Daddy V via count out in a Money in the Bank ladder match qualifying match. After the match Matt Striker (Big Daddy V's manager) attacked Punk. Punk ended up hitting Go to Sleep on Striker.

 

Air Date: 3/18/08 - Mississippi Coast Coliseum - Biloxi, Mississippi

Kane b. Elijah Burke with a chokeslam after Burke went for the Elijah Express and Kane countered.

Armando Estrada comes out and says that Mark Henry, The Great Khali, Big Daddy V, and Kane will be part of the 24-man Battle Royal at WrestleMania which will determine the number one contender for the ECW Championship.

Colin Delaney comes out and tells Estrada that he wants a contract. Estrada berates him. Estrada tells him that if he defeats ECW Champion Chavo Guerrero in a non-title match tonight, he gets a contract.

Kofi Kingston b. James Curtis after Curtis ducked one of Kofi's kicks only to get another one in the mouth when he turned around.

A backstage promo airs with CM Punk, Jesse, and Festus hyping tonight's 6-Man match against Shelton Benjamin & the WWE Tag Team Champions The Miz & John Morrison. Jesse says Festus is fine once the bell rings.

CM Punk, Jesse, & Festus b. Shelton Benjamin & the WWE Tag Team Champions The Miz & John Morrison after Festus pinned The Miz. Festus was booked very dominate as he hit a flapjack to get the pinfall.

It is announced that legendary professional wrestling promoter Eddie Graham will be the next inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame.

During the commercial break Tazz gets in the ring with Colin Delaney. Back on the air, Tazz asks Delaney if the match against Chavo Guerrero tonight is really worth it given the beating that he took last night from JBL. Delaney says that he is more beat up than he has ever been, but if this is what it takes to get a contract, he'll do it.

ECW Champion Chavo Guerrero b. Colin Delaney after hitting the Gory Bomb to get the pinfall. Chavo dominated the entire match.

 

Air Date: 3/25/08 - Crown Coliseum - Fayetteville, North Carolina

24-Man Tag Match Featuring the Men in the Battle Royal: As the show opens, most of the guys are already in the ring. Cody Rhodes and Brian Kendrick start us off. Kendrick goes for a few quick pin attempts and stays a step ahead of Rhodes. Rhodes slows down the pace with an armbar. The two then trade pinning attempts. From here on out, the rest of the match breaks down into frequent tags and quick wrestling, with the highlight being Jimmy Yang hitting a leaping hurricanrana on Chuck Palumbo, who did indeed bring the crazy prior to this, sending him to the outside. Yang hits a vaulting body press to the outside on Palumbo, Kendrick hits a suicide dive on Yang, Shannon Moore hits a rope flip onto Kendrick, and Trevor Murdoch, for some reason, hits a high cross body block onto the five men on the floor as we go to commercial. Back from commercial, Snitsky and Tommy Dreamer are going at it, then it breaks down again into a series of fist fights scattered throughout with Bob Holly, Festus, Khali, Kane, Snitsky, and Mark Henry getting spotlights in the ring. The finish saw Henry bearhug Dreamer and toss him into The Undefeated Snitsky's big boot for the win. Team Snitsky is victorious!

Colin Delaney and Dreamer are backstage when they run into Chavo Guerrero. Chavo makes fun of them, and Dreamer challenges him to a match tonight to put him in his place.

Carlito vs. Shelton Benjamin - Money in the Bank Preview Match: Carlito takes the boots to Shelton to start off, but Shelton flips out of a monkey flip and goes on the attack. Carlito reverses a hip toss, but gets put into a side head lock. Carlito hits a dropkick on the rebound. Lots of back and forth. Shelton goes for a sunset flip from the apron into the ring, but Carlito atches him with a guillotine on the way in. Getting back on the apron, Shelton hip tosses Carlito to the outside, but Carlito lands on his feet and spikes Shelton with a DDT. He goes into a headlock on Shelton. A Shelton chant is heard as the crowd tries to will him to his feet. Shelton does get to his feet, but Carlito is able to hit a backspring elbow from the second rope. Carlito nails a suplex and a shoulder thrust in the corner. He goes into a rear seated chinlock, but Shelton picks him up on his shoulders and nails the electric chair drop. The two regain their balance, as Carlito goes to the outside and hits a springboard dropkick for two. Carlito is frustrated and pummels as Shelton. He nails a neckbreaker for another two. He goes back into another rear seated chinlock. Shelton gets back to his feet, and from here, a bevy of near falls and high impact moves. Shelton goes for the inverted bulldog, but Carlito reverses into a backbreaker. Carlito goes for a Back Stabber, but Shelton reverses somehow into a powerbomb and slams him into the corner. Carlito kicks him in the face and goes to the top rope, but Shelton does his grand leap to the top and hits the Pay Dirt off the top rope in an excellent spot to a big pop. Shelton makes the cover and gets the win.

An excellent video package airs for the triple threat main event this Sunday and for the first time since we knew what it was going to be, the match felt like the biggest, most important match we'll see all year.

The final inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2008 is... Gordon Solie! They really did a great job with the selections this year, with unconventional, yet very, very worthy choices. Kudos to the WWE for coming up with these choices.

Mike Knox and Layla vs. Stevie Richards and Kelly Kelly: Layla and Kelly start off. They start off with some very basic chain wrestling. Kelly gets the better of the exchange with a flying clothesline. Layla whips Kelly into the ropes from a headlock, and Knox trips Kelly. Layla swings Kelly by her hair to the mat as Stevie gets the crowd going from the apron. Layla misses a leg drop. She grabs Kelly by the leg and Kelly hits an enziguiri, and makes the hot tag to Stevie. Stevie destroys Knox with some brutal kicks. Stevie goes for a monkey flip, but Knox catches Stevie and hits a corkscrew reverse STO to get the win.

Chavo Guerrero vs. Tommy Dreamer - Lumberjack Match - The other twenty-three men are surrounding the ring. The clock says 11:03, so they have two minutes to do this match. Chavo controls most of the match. Dreamer is able to reverse an Irish whip to the corner and nail a bulldog. He ties Chavo to the Tree of Woe and hits the dropkick. He goes for the DDT, but Chavo hangs onto the ropes. Dreamer takes Chavo down and goes to the top, but is crotched on the top rope. He's tossed off, allowing Chavo to hit the frog splash, and that is that. Outside the ring, Kofi Kingston shakes his head in disappointment. Post-match, the other twenty-three wrestlers rush the ring and attack Chavo, then each other

 

Air Date: 4/1/08 - American Airlines Arena - Miami, Florida

Kane comes out as the new ECW Champion. This brings out CM Punk, who reminds Kane that he can challenge him at any time. This then brings out Chavo, who is pissed about losing so quickly Sunday at WrestleMania. Shelton Benjamin then comes out to proclaim that he got robbed in the MITB match. CM Punk and Kane will face Chavo and Shelton tonight.

Mike Knox defeated Stevie Richards

Colin Delaney is in the ring. He was glad to be at WrestleMania, because he didn't lose. Armando Estrada comes out to the ring to offer him his first contract. ARPIL FOOL'S! He will give him a chance to earn his contract, against the Big Show.

The Big Show defeated Colin Delaney

They show a recap of the Flair Celebration from Raw.

Kane and CM Punk defeated Chavo Guerrero and Shelton Benjamin when CM Punk hit the GTS on Shelton for the pin.

 

Air Date: 4/8/08 - TD Banknorth Garden - Boston, Massachusetts

CM Punk defeated The Miz via the go to sleep. John Morrison was on commentary and got thrown out

Colin Segment with Estrada - Colin Delaney vs. Tommy Dreamer. Colin wins. He gets a contract. Dreamer is fired, and goes easy

A contract signing for ECW title. Kane and Chavo sign their contract. Chavo says someone will be there to watch his back and a new character, bald with a beard wearing a suit attacks Kane and lays him out. Chavo splashes Kane through a table

Elijah Burke defeated Nunzio

Kofi Kingston defeated Domino

Backstage, Layla confronted Kelly Kelly and Eve Torres, proclaiming to be ECW's top Diva

Colin Delaney vs. Tommy Dreamer. Colin now has theme music. Estrada is out to watch the match. Dreamer wins via DDT

 

Air Date: 4/15/08 - London O2 Arena - London, England

CM Punk & Kofi Kingston & Moore & Yang defeated Deuce & Domino & Elijah Burke & Shelton Benjamin. Kofi hit the buzzsaw kick on Deuce for the win

Diva Dance off! Kelly Kelly won. The other divas were Layla, Lena, Eve and Maryse. Taz danced twice, it was pretty hilarious

Tommy Dreamer was set to face Mike Knox but Armando came out and ordered Colin to face Knox. Colin was defeated in about 1 minute

Main event was Undertaker and Kane defeating Morrison and Miz

 

Air Date: 4/22/08 - Greensboro Coliseum - Greensboro, North Carolina

Tommy Dreamer & Kelly Kelly b. Layla & Mike Knox. After the match Knox levels Dreamer during celebration.

Jimmy Wang Yang b. John Morrison

Kofi Kingston b. Shelton Benjamin in a high intensity bout

Mark Henry b. Nunzio in what is described to me as a squash match

The Cutting Edge segment featuring Edge and Kane: Edge talks about how respected Kane and Undertaker are and then talks about the Lita situation with Kane from several years back. Edge goes on to talk about the Guerrero family and how the titles are the property of the family. Kane says that Vickie will be the only one left and that he would take care of her. A fight ensues as Chavo Guerrero, Zack Ryder, Curt Hawkins, and Bam Neeley come out. Chavo connects on a chair shot to Kane. Kane eventually fights them off and says that him and Undertaker will take care of Vickie

 

Air Date: 4/29/08 - Boardwalk Hall - Atlantic City, New Jersey

Kofi Kingston b. Shelton Benjamin to open the show

Mike Knox b. Tommy Dreamer

Mick Foley is a guest on Matt Striker's Show - Foley comes out to a huge pop. They go over all his accomplishments. Striker then insults Foley about his looks and smile. Foley says that he likes the way that he looks and he has sacrificed a lot to entertain us. Foley gets a pop for mentioning Atlantic City and ends up getting out Mr. Socko and giving Striker the Mandible claw. Foley says class is dismissed and to have a nice day!

CM Punk b. Chuck Palumbo via disqualification

Chavo Guerrero & Bam Neely b. ECW Champion Kane. Chavo Guerrero hit a Frog Splash to get the pinfall victory. Tazz & Mike Adamlie did not call the match for some reason.

 

Air Date: 5/6/08 - John LaBatt Centre - London, Ontario, Canada

Tazz welcomed us to the show, then Tony Chimel announced the new voice of ECW, Mike Adamle. Tazz said Adamle left the set last week, and he left in support. Adamle briskly walked to the ring, then Adamle took the mic in the ring to address his walk-off. He said he lost his cool and he needs to apologize. First, he apologized to Tazz. Adamle also apologized to the "great ECW fans". He said he's been a broadcaster probably longer than a lot of people have been alive. Adamle listed his NFL credentials, talked about hosting the Olympics, and being the host of American Gladiators. Adamle said with all that, he had no idea how difficult this job is. He said he's made mistakes, and he's the first to admit it. Adamle said there are wrestlers who aren't shy about letting him know when he sucks. He said he loves WWE, the ECW, and he wants to bring the best possible product to the ECW fans. He thanked the fans for listening, and the fans booed.

Tommy Dreamer vs Mike Knox -- Extreme Rules: The match spilled to the outside early on, and Knox smashed Dreamer with a clothesline on the floor. Knox landed a cookie sheet shot to the back, then he took Dreamer back into the ring and landed a delayed vertical suplex for a nearfall. Adamle said Knox is competing in his first Extreme Rules match. I find that difficult to believe. Knox then pulled out weapons, but Dreamer surprised him with a trash can blow with a dropkick. Adamle said Dreamer is trying to send Knox to the penalty box. Groan. Dreamer tossed the shopping cart into the ring, then he landed a basement dropkick sending the cart into Knox's head. Dreamer went under the ring and grabbed a "picnic table", as Adamle called it. He tried to bulldog Knox through the table, but Knox countered with a suplex through the table for a two count. Dreamer tried a comeback, but Knox nailed the turnout facebuster for the win. Adamle called it the Knox-out. Potentially catchy if it didn't come from Adamle. WINNER: Knox in 7:00

Kelly Kelly Expose: Kelly Kelly was in the ring for an old school Expose dance number. She was in an all-black Catwoman number and danced for a while until Layla suddenly interrupted and tried to one-up her in the dancing category. Kelly had enough and she slapped Layla hard across the face. A cat fight ensued with Kelly landing some clean blows that she made look pretty good. Refs eventually stormed the ring to separate them.

Kofi Kingston vs. Matt Striker: Kofi landed the boom-boom leg drop in the opening minute for a nearfall. Suddenly, Striker tried to launch Kofi into the ropes, but Kofi did a torpedo-like rebound into the Buzzsaw kick on Striker. He covered Striker for the win. Afterward, Shelton stormed the ring and attacked Kofi. He laid him out, then left the ring very pleased with himself. WINNER: Kofi in 1:00

Colin Delaney vs Armando Estrada: Armando is officially ripped. Colin tried to roll up Armando in the opening seconds, but Armando kicked out and clotheslined the crap out of Colin. Armando slapped on a reverse chinlock, which Colin fought out of until Armando yanked him down by the hair. Colin came back with a dropkick, then Armando yanked him to the apron. Armando followed with a hard forearm across the chest, but he got too cocky. Colin then slipped under the ropes and sunset flip pinned Armando for a surprise three count to earn his ECW contract. Post-match: Colin freaked out and did a victory lap around the ringside area. Tazz tried to grab him for an interview, but Colin was too busy running circles ringside. Tazz finally calmed him down enough to ask what he has to say for himself. Colin said he finally did it after taking all those beatings. He thanked everyone who has supported him, including Tommy Dreamer. He thanked the doubters, because they helped fuel him to come out here every week. WINNER: Colin in 3:00

ECW champion Kane & C.M. Punk vs. Chavo Guerrero & Bam Neely: Good, physical opening to the match with both sides trading control. Punk flipped Chavo to the outside, then he teased a leap to the floor, but Bam stared down Punk. They cut to break with Bam holding Chavo up on his feet to let everyone catch their breath. Punk blasting Bam with a series of kicks to the chest. Miz and Morrison continued their assault on Adamle, who kept trying to play along with the ribbing. Chavo worked on Punk leading to the top of the hour. Miz cut an emphatic promo about their Dirt Sheet program on the website available this weekend. Bam and Chavo kept working on Punk until Chavo smacked Kane to upset him. Kane feigned attacking Chavo, but he returned to his corner to wait for a tag. Punk finally made a comeback with a springboard forearm blow, which prompted Adamle's "Have mercy" line that Miz and Morrison quickly pounded on. Kane then took the hot tag at 12:00 to a big pop, and he cleaned house. Kane smacked Bam off the apron, then he launched Chavo up and over the top rope to the floor. Chavo then caught Kane in the knee out of nowhere, and Kane quickly tagged out to Punk. Four men on commentary and they all went silent. Punk had the pin on Chavo, but Bam broke it up. Kane then brushed off Chavo setting up Punk with a perfect Go 2 Sleep on Chavo. Adamle did an odd groan, then Punk made the cover on Punk for the pin and the win. Afterward, Morrison and Miz held up their WWE tag title belts for Punk and Kane to get a good look at. Adamle closed by saying if Punk and Kane want the titles, then they need to come get them. WINNERS: Punk & Kane in 14:00

 

Air Date: 5/13/08 - Van Andel Arena - Grand Rapids, Michigan

Backstage, Armando asked Colin if he knew how lucky he was to beat him last week. He said he was an even bigger target now that he won the match. He presented Colin with his contract and asked him if he had second thoughts. Colin smiled and signed the contract. "Congratulations, amigo, I'm going to prove my point," Estrada said. He booked Delaney in a match against Mike Knox...

CM Punk vs. The Miz: Punk gets a standing waist-lock and slams Miz down on his stomach. They get back up, still with the waist lock and he takes Miz back to the mat. Again, Miz gets to his feet and this time makes it to the ropes. Punk comes back off the ropes with a sunset flip for 2. A couple of kicks from Punk lead to Miz getting whipped into the corner. Punk runs at him, but Miz gets the boot up and takes control. He mounts Punk and throws some right hands and proceeds to hit a series of forearms to the chest. Reverse chinlock time and Miz gets down in it. Punk right back up though now with a series of kicks. Miz returns with a dropkick to the back and literal clothesline using the ropes for 2. Miz sits back down in the chinlock. Back out of the hold Miz hits the running leaping clothesline in the corner. The chinlock is revisited with slight camel clutch styling. Punk wiggles out from it, but gets hit with a series of clotheslines. Miz runs at him again, but Punk pulls out the snap powerslam that’s so popular these days. Punks now back on offense with the whip in the corner and running knee. He goes for the bulldog, but Miz blocks it only to get hit with a roundhouse. A leg lariat by Punk leads to a 2 count. Miz with a roll-up now, and Punk bridges it and goes for a backslide. Miz counters that and runs off the ropes and gets caught into the GTS position. Miz slips out and hits the reality check for 3! Winner: The Miz - After the match Morrison came out on the ramp and celebrated with him, while Punk looked on in disbelief.

Michelle McCool, Kelly, and Cherry vs. Layla, Victoria, and Natalya: Michelle and Natalya open the bout. Natalya unloads with forearms in the corner, then tags in Victoria. She leg scissors Michelle, then works over her arm. Michelle backflips out of the corner, then kicks Victoria down. Cherry tagged in, then slid under for a sunset flip attempt. Victoria ducked out of the ring, leavinga distracted Cherry to be clotheslined by Natalya in a sweet spot. Natalya locks on an armbar. The heels continue to work on Cherry. Victoria hit a flip legdrop into the ring. Sabu would be proud. Victoria went for a spot but Cherry got her knees up. Victoria recovered, nailed the other face Divas, then locked on a front facelock to prevent a tag. She went after the babyface corner again, and this time Cherry rolled her up for the pin. Winners: Michelle McCool, Kelly Kelly, and Cherry

Lena Yada interviewed Shelton Benjamin and asked him about not being able to end Kofi Kingston's undefeated streak. Benjamin said Kofi has a horseshoe where the sun doesn't shine and he's going to pull it out. He promised to beat Kofi. Kofi showed up and asked him if that was right, then wished him luck. Benjamin told him to get out of his interview time and shoved Kofi. Kingston tackled him into the wall, then stared down before walking away. Benjamin looked like he wanted to do something, but knew better than to try, so it was a staredown. Decent segment building their tension.

Colin Delaney vs. Mike Knox: Colin tried to start out fast but ate boot. Knox clotheslined him then powered him into the corner. Knox beat Colin down, then nailed him with his finisher for the pin. Winner: Mike Knox

Armando Estrada came out and announced that Colin just had his first match as a member of the ECW roster and would know wrestle the newest member of ECW, Armando. He kicked Colin in the head and announced that as General Manager, he signed himself as a wrestler to a lucrative contract.

Armando Estrada vs. Colin Delaney: Estrada beat Colin, then pinned him. Delaney was bleeding from the nose. Winner: Armando Estrada

John Morrison vs. Kane: Kane cleaned house early. Miz came to ringside. Morrison fought back. Kane took back over. Pretty basic. Morrison ducked a charge in the corner and worked him over with punches. Miz distracted Kane by grabbing his leg. Kane was choking out Morrison with a knee across the throat, then nailed a hangman's neckbreaker. Kane cinched in a side chinlock. Morrison came back, working on Kane's leg with kicks and a chop block from behind. Morrison went to the mat, working on the leg. Kane battled back with punches. Kane fought his way to his feet but Morrison continued to work on the leg. He bridged the leg over the middle rope and dropped a knee across it. Morrison kept up the beating with leglocks and kicks. From a story standpoint, this was good stuff. Kane tried to kick Morrison off with the other leg, finally succeeding. Kane made the white meat babyface comeback with punches and a running clothesline. He hopped across the ring to punch him in the corner. Morrison got caught with a sideslam for a two count. Kane went to the top rope and hit a flying clothesline. He called for the chokeslam. Miz got on the apron but Punk attacked him. Miz slammed Punk back-first into the ring steps. The referee stepped over to admonish them, allowing Morrison to nail Kane with the Tag strap, then hit a springboard enziguiri for the pin. Probably the biggest singles win of Morrison's career. Winner: John Morrison - The champs put the boots to Kane. Punk made the save but was laid out as well. Show goes off the air

 

Air Date: 5/20/08 - Wells Fargo Arena - Des Moines, Iowa

It is announced that Chavo Guerrero, John Morrison, CM Punk & Tommy Dreamer will have a Singapore Cane Match at One Night Stand for the number one contender of the ECW Championship

The Miz b. Kane via disqualification

Shelton Benjamin b. Kofi Kingston

Colin Delaney & Kelly Kelly b. Mike Knox & Layla - After the match Knox attacks Colin

Armando Estrada comes out and beats Colin Delaney

Chavo Guerrero & John Morrison b. CM Punk & Tommy Dreamer

Big Show comes out and clears the ring. Then he says that he will be in the Singapore Cane Match at One Night Stand

 

Air Date: 5/27/08 - World Arena - Colorado Springs, Colorado

Big Show vs. Tommy Dreamer: Big Show comes down to a very good pop, despite his actions last week. Show chops Dreamer and tosses him around. Show continues his lumbering giant act for a little bit before Dreamer comes back with a dropkick to the legs. It's shortlived as Show comes at Dreamer with a clothesline after Dreamer leaps off the top rope. Another chop, a massive Choke Slam, and that's that.

Kofi Kingston vs. Mike Knox: Kofi has pyro. Kofi does some flips and kicks, but eventually Knox catches him and does his boring power man routine for a little bit, but Kofi is able to use his speed and outmaneuver Knox, even catching Knox with a stiff shot, causing him to bleed hardway from his left eye. Kofi hits a vaulting body press and follows up with the Jamaican Buzzsaw to pick up the win. Post-match, the heels beat down on Kofi.

Chavo Guerrero w/ Bam Neely vs. CM Punk: Punk goes for the GTS early, but Chavo escapes and does the chicken heel deal and bolts to the outside. Back inside, the two are hesitant to lock up, but Punk breaks that with some stiff kicks and a nice leg drop. He beats Chavo in the corner and hits a great snap suplex with a floatover for two. Chavo distracts the ref and goes after Punk in the midst of it. Chavo goes on the ofense briefly, but Punk reverses a European Uppercut into a backslide for two. Chavo guillotines Punk on the rope and goes into a rear-naked choke. Punk sends Chavo to the outside with a back body drop off an Irish whip. He goes for a baseball slide, but Bam pulls down the top rope, sending Punk to the outside as Chavo gets back in. The ref begins to count. Chavo hits a vaulting body press to the outside and throws Punk back in to get a two count. He goes into a body scissors. Punk is able to lock Chavo in a butterfly lock, but drops him in what I assume was to be a suplex. Awkward spot. Punk goes to town on Chavo with assorted strikes and a powerslam to get a two. He tries an Irish whip, but Chavo reverses it somehow into a single-leg crab in an awesome spot, but Punk is able to grab the ropes. Chavo does the Eddy taunt and goes to kick Punk, but Punk catches him and hits a stiff kick to the head for a believable near fall. Punk goes for the GTS, but Chavo reverses into a nice hurricanrana. Chavo goes for a tornado DDT, but Punk tosses him off. Punk goes for the high knee in the corner, but Chavo ducks it, rolls him up with a school boy, grabs the tights, and picks up another three count over CM Punk.

John Morrison and The Miz vs. Kane: The numbers game catches up with Kane from the get-go as the heels overpower Kane. After a couple of minutes, Miz backs Kane into the corner and goes for his swinging clothesline, but Kane gets a boot up and goes to town on the two heels. Kane goes to the top and nails his top rope clothesline. He grabs both guys by the throat for a double choke slam, but Morrison kicks him. The heels double team him to the point where the ref counts to five and disqualifies them. Post-match, the heels beat on Kane. Punk makes the save, then Chavo hits the ring, then Dreamer. Then Big Show, who gets his entrance music and pyro again. And a big pop. Again. And he takes everyone out. Again. A staredown between Kane and Big Show closes it out for us.

 

Air Date: 6/3/08 - Staples Center - Los Angeles, California

Armando Estrada's office is being cleaned out to start the show. He walks in bewildered and says to the movers, "I'm the general manager!" His expression turns to disbelief as the camera pans to none other than Teddy Long. He says, "Not anymore. Holla, holla, holla!"

Tony Chimel is in the ring and announces a fatal four-way right now, and the winner will get a title shot against Kane later tonight.

Kane vs. Tommy Dreamer vs. Chavo Guerrero vs. John Morrison: Dreamer sends Morrison to the outside and hits a vaulting body press, then Chavo hits one of his own on Dreamer, then Punk nails a suicide dive to Chavo. Cool spot. Morrison tosses Punk back into the ring. He goes for an Irish whip, but Punk reverses it and hits the high knee, but is tossed off on the bulldog and is nailed with a springboard roundhouse for two as Dreamer interferes. Dreamer locks the Texas Cloverleaf on Morrison and Chavo comes in and nails the Three Amigos. He goes for the Frog Splash, but Morrison knocks him off and goes for a superplex. Then Punk knocks the two of them off, leaving Morrison hanging in the Tree of Woe, allowing Dreamer to hit the dropkick. Punk then hits the springboard clothesline on Dreamer, then Chavo nails the Frog Splash on Dreamer, THEN Punk hits the GTS on Chavo to finally win the match. Kane vs. Punk later on tonight.

Teddy and Estrada are backstage. Teddy has a letter from the board of directors explaining that Estrada can't be an active member of the roster and GM at the same time. Teddy has made a match for Estrada against Matt Hardy later tonight.

Kofi Kingston down for commentary for the next match.

Shelton Benjamin vs. Matt Sydal: Shelton hits a nasty suplex to start off. He tries to choke Sydal out, but Sydal rolls him up with a school boy and goes on the attack with a standing hurricanrana, several spin kicks, and a double knees to the chest off the top. But Shelton tosses him up very, very high into the air and lets Sydal crash and burn. He works Sydal over with a few rest holds and tosses him to the outside. Shelton goes outside to jaw with Kofi, which allows Sydal to get a couple shots in, but eventually Shelton picks Sydal up and powerbombs him into Kofi. Yes, into him. Shelton rolls back into the ring and Sydal is counted out. Post-match, Kofi and Shelton brawl with Shelton getting the upper-hand again.

Matt Hardy vs. Armando Estrada: All Hardy. He hits a body slam, elbow drop from the top, Twist of Fate, and that's that. Post-match, Teddy comes down and announces Estrada is having another match against Colin Delaney.

Colin Delaney vs. Armando Estrad: Delaney tries a quick roll-up and gets a two. Estrada gets two punches in, goes for the Curtain Call, but Delaney sneaks out of it, rolls him up again, and gets the victory.

Estrada is backstage with Teddy. Teddy threatens to fire him since he just lost twice in a row. Teddy says he will make him work his way back up the ladder just like he did with Delaney. "What goes around comes around." He has one other word of advice for Estrada, and walks off camera. Estrada turns around and comes face to face with Ron Simmons.

Kane vs. CM Punk - Non-Title Match: The crowd tries to rally behind Punk, but Kane no sells Punk's offense and just shrugs him off. He backs him into the corner and pummels him. And pummels him some more. Punk is able to through Kane to the outside, but Kane pulls him back out. And pummels him some more. Back in the ring, Kane does that hanging choke thing, but Punk flips out of it and tries to mount more offense, but Kane, once again, pummels Punk and big boots him to the outside as we go to commercial. Kane has Punk in an abdominal stretch. Punk battles out of it and is able to reverse into his own Irish whip, but Kane simply hip tosses his way out of it. He hits the snapmare, seated dropkick. He locks in a body scissors on Punk for the obligatory rest hold spot. Punk elbows out of it and nails a stiff kick and a sunset slip for two. He tries to go punch for punch with Kane, but is immediately taken down with a stiff, Nigel-esque clothesline. Kane goes back to the body scissors. Punk once again battles out of it and pounds Kane in the face, but Kane simply kicks Punk in the head. He goes to pick up Punk, but Punk nails some more kicks. Kane goes for a corner clothesline, but Punk ducks it and hits three high knees. He goes for the bulldog, but Kane nails a back suplex. Punk eventually hits the bulldog for two. He goes for an Irish whip, but Kane reverses it into a sidewalk slam. He nails the top rope clothesline for two. Kane goes for the chokeslam, but Punk hits a high kick to the head and goes for the springboard clothesline, but Kane catches him and finally hits the chokeslam to pick up the win. Post-match, Miz and Morrison come down and beat up Kane

 

Taping Date: 6/7/08 - Air Date: 6/10/08 - Fresno State University - Fresno, California

Kofi Kingston and Evan Bourne def. Mike Knox and Shelton Benjamin. Evan Bourne with a missile dropkick to Mike Knox who was sitting in the middle of the ring.

Victoria def. Kelly Kelly due to a referee stoppage. Victoria counters a move from Kelly and tossed her over the ropes onto the mat below. The bump to floor was sick.

Teddy Long gives Armando his chance to earn his contract tonight. He will face Finlay and that is next.

Finlay w/ Hornswoggle def. Armando Estrada. Finlay with the Celtic Cross to Armando.

Teddy Long comes out and gives Armando a second chance. His second chance will be Colin Delaney.

Colin Delaney def. Armando Estrada. Delaney with a DDT on Estrada who was still fazed by the Celtic Cross.

Teddy then gives Estrada another chance. This time it’s against Hornswoggle.

Hornswoggle def. Armando Estrada. Hornswoggle hits the Tadpole splash on Estrada.

The Estrada dilemma wasn’t explained to the live crowd.

After the match Hornswoggle, Delaney and Finlay celebrate in the ring. Delaney takes Hornswoggle's hat and puts it on him, then onto Finlay. Finlay gets annoyed, then he hits Delaney with the shillelagh.

Mark Henry cuts a promo on Big Show and calls him out. Big Show responds. Henry congratulates Big Show in advance for beating Kane at Night of Champions. This leads to Henry leaving the ring and the ECW Champion, Kane coming out to confront the Big Show on the ramp way.

Kane and partner vs. The WWE Tag Team Champions, The Miz and John Morrison is next.

The Miz and John Morrison def. Kane and CM Punk to retain The WWE Tag Team Championship. John Morrison with his finisher to Punk for the 1-2-3.

 

Taping Date: 6/8/08 - Air Date: 6/17/08 - San Jose, California

Hornswoggle b. Armando Estrada

Layla El comes out and does a dance. She says she hopes to get drafted to a brand where she gets more respect.

Evan Bourne b. Matt Striker - Mike Knox comes out after the match and attacks Evan.

Kofi Kingston b. Mike Knox via disqualification after interference from Shelton Benjamin.

Finlay and Hornswoggle sign a contract to face John Morrison and The Miz at Night Of Champions later this month.

CM Punk b. John Morrison

Kane is currently confronting The Big Show in the ring. Mark Henry comes out to the ring and says the winner of the ECW Championship match is going to face him. Kane & Big Show chokeslam Henry to end the show.

 

Air Date: 6/24/08 - Toyota Center - Houston, Texas

Theodore Long comes out to the ring. A video of Mr. McMahon's "accident" is shown. He says the show will go on & wishes McMahon to a speedy recovery. He introduces Matt Hardy

Matt Hardy & CM Punk b. John Morrison & The Miz - Hardy received a big pop from the crowd. The match was pretty much back and forth throughout. Hornswoggle comes running out after the match

Kofi Kingston b. Shelton Benjamin in an Extreme Rules Match - Kofi gets the win after some trash cans and a chair are brought into the match

Mike Knox b. Evan Bourn

Big Show came out and cut a promo

Mark Henry b. Kane - The match was back and forth, as the crowd was behind Kane. Big Show was at ringside and distracted Kane. Mark Henry then got the win. Big Show & Kane exchange words

 

Air Date: 7/1/08 - Tulsa Convention Center - Tulsa, Oklahoma

The show opens with Mark Henry coming out and saying he is the savior of ECW. Tommy Dreamer comes out along with Colin Delany and they challenge Henry to a title match. He tells them they have to earn it. Colin Delany vs. Mark Henry later tonight. If Delany wins, Dreamer gets a title shot.

Matt Hardy, Finlay, and Hornswoggle b. Chavo Guerrero, The Miz, & John Morrison

They cut to a promo of Colin Delany and Tommy Dreamer.

Atlas Ortiz b. Armando Estrada

Mark Henry b. Colin Delany - Henry dominated in a quick squash match. He won via pin fall after hitting the world's strongest slam

 

Air Date: 7/8/08 - Baton Rouge River Center - Baton Rouge, Lousiana

The show started with The Miz and John Morrison coming to the ring. Tazz said they've become frustrated with the lack of competition for their WWE tag titles. Miz cut a promo about Hollywood A-listers not coming through these parts very often. They proceeded to talk about hurricane devastation in a derogatory fashion, then talked over themselves before asking for some competition. Any competition. Hornswoggle's music interrupted, then out walked Finlay. M&M were perturbed by the disturbance, but Finlay said no one came here to listen to them talk. He said the fans came here to see them get their mouths shut. Morrison said Finlay doesn't know what people want because the only person he hangs out with is his troll son. Finlay started to walk to the ring while Hornswoggle slipped in behind the tag champs to super-soak them. Finlay then smashed Morrison with a Shillelagh shot to the gut before the champs retreated.

Finlay (w/Hornswoggle) vs. The Miz (w/John Morrison) - Finlay pulled off his traditional ring apron spot and landed blows on Miz. Morrison tried to run up to him, but Finlay stopped him short. The distraction then allowed Miz to punch him off the apron to the floor and ram him into the ringpost. Back in the ring, Miz continued his attack on Finlay's shoulder. Fans tried to rally behind Finlay at 7:00, but Miz kept working on the shoulder. Morrison tried to steal the shillelagh on the outside, but Hornswoggle provided distraction. After Miz tried to run-around with Hornswoggle in the ring, Finlay took advantage of the moment to catch Miz the Celtic Cross. He made the cover for the win. WINNER: Finlay in 10:00

Backstage: Teddy Long's assistant, Tiffany, and Teddy talked business, but Armando Estrada interrupted. Armando said he wants his job back. Suddenly, Chris Harris interrupted and Teddy introduced him as the newest ECW superstar. Harris, sporting a singlet wrestling outfit, provided a knock-knock joke. He said his name is Braden Walker. Armando vs. Braden Walker up later on the show.

In-ring: Armando Estrada came to the ring after Mike Adamle tried to make a joke about bad luck. Braden "Chris Harris" Walker then came to the ring to generic music that had a tinge of ODB's theme music in the opening. Adamle asked if he'll make an...instant Impact on the show.

Braden Walker vs. Armando Estrada - Apparently the singlet is there to cover for Walker still having the gut he developed at the end of his TNA run. Walker with a hip toss early on, then Armando came back with a hard clothesline for a one count. Armando focused on the back with a camel clutch and repeated blows to the spine. Adamle filled time talking about Walker fulfilling a dream to grab an ECW contract. Harris came back with a suplex at 3:00 and Adamle said Armando's intestines might have just fallen out. Nice. Walker made his full comeback with a series of clotheslines before hitting a full nelson slam for a nearfall. Walker went up top and nailed a top rope body press for the pin and the win. WINNER: Walker in 5:00

Backstage: Tony Atlas was shown backstage shaking hands with a friend. Teddy Long stepped in and asked Atlas why he's here. Atlas said he had some things going on locally, then Long told him to take a payday as guest ring announcer for the main event. Mark Henry then walked in and said he was a big fan of Atlas growing up. He asked how much Atlas bench-pressed back in the day and Atlas said 650 pounds. Henry said that's impressive, but he'll never be the world's strongest man. Atlas brushed off the verbal blow, then extended his hand for a shake. Henry simply looked down at his hand, then walked off.

Backstage: Lena brought in Atlas Ortiz for a promo. Ortiz said his friends just call him Ricky. This led to the most awkward exchange of all-time with Ortiz or Atlas or DaBone or whatever he's called trying to get Lena to call him undefeated after his win last week. He then put his arms behind his back and looked into the camera while Lena wrapped up the interview. Welcome to Development on national TV.

Backstage: Tony Atlas walked up to Tommy Dreamer and Colin Delaney. Dreamer gushed about Atlas helping him out back in the day when he was a rookie. Well, that certainly dated Atlas. It was impossible to take this seriously with Delaney standing there with the taped ribs. Dreamer said it will be awesome having him guest ring announce his main event match against Mark Henry.

In-ring: Nunzio was in the ring. Evan Bourne then came out to the ring as the opposition. They showed a promo from earlier in the day when Bourne said he defies the odds because he defies gravity.

Evan Bourne vs. Nunzio - Nunzio worked over Bourne's back early on as dead air took over. Bourne came back with a sweeping leg kick before snapping off a running head scissors. Bourne then went up top for an electric Shooting Star Press for the pin and the win. WINNER: Bourne in 3:00.

Backstage: More of Atlas and Henry. Henry said he heard Atlas was looking for a payday. He said the old-timers are all-alike just looking for another payday. Henry suggested Atlas carry his bag after the show if he wanted to get paid. Atlas breathed in a deep breath, then walked off.

In-ring: Tony Chimel introduced Tony Atlas as the special guest ring announcer for the main event. Generic legends music hit, then Atlas came to the ring shaking hands with the fans on the front row. Atlas then introduced ECW champion Mark Henry. Tell you what, Atlas looks like he could still hold his own in the ring. He then introduced the "heart and soul" of ECW, Tommy Dreamer.

ECW champion Mark Henry vs. Tommy Dreamer (w/Colin Delaney) -- non-title match - Henry dominated early on, then he wanted a big splash on Dreamer, but Colin pulled Henry's foot from the outside. Henry then went to the outside and asked Delaney if he wants a piece of him. Atlas stepped in and made sure everything would settle down, but he suddenly chucked Delaney into the announce table. Dreamer asked Atlas what's going on, then Henry gave Dreamer a big slam on the floor. Ref called for the bell, throwing out the match. Post-match: Atlas laughed and entered the ring with Henry to announce him as the winner. Adamle said Dreamer invited Atlas to the show, and this wasn't what Dreamer had in mind for Atlas to repay him. Henry stood tall in the ring to close the show. WINNER: Match thrown out in 3:00.

 

Air Date: 7/15/08 - Time Warner Cable Arena - Charlotte N.C.

Tazz introduced Henry from mid-ring. Henry walked to the ring with a smiling Tony Atlas. Tazz asked Atlas, "Why?" Atlas said when Henry said he could carry his bags, he said he wouldn't carry just anyone's bags as a Hall of Famer, but he'd be "gracious" to carry Henry's bags because he's the World's Strongest Champion. Atlas grabbed a frying pan from a ringside helper. He asked the crowd if they knew what that was. He explained to the fans that's what their mothers cook with. Henry took it and banged it against the ringpost. They challenged anyone in the crowd to step into the ring and try to bend it. A fan in an orange Bobcast t-shirt stepped into the ring. He had the fan try to bend the pan. The pan didn't bend. Atlas told the fan to get out of the ring. Then he handed the pan to Henry who rolled the pan like a burrito. Tommy Dreamer walked out. He said he wasn't there to fight, because he was saving that until Sunday. He told Henry what he just did was damn impressive. Dreamer said he's been working out really hard lately and he wants to give a shot to bending a pan. Atlas laughed and handed Dreamer another pan. Dreamer tried to bend it, but it didn't bend at all. As Henry gloated, Dreamer bashed him over the head with the pan, then rolled out of the ring with the dented pan in his hand. Ouch.

Backstage Long told Dreamer to calm down. He told him this isn't Raw and he won't tolerate any "civil unrest." He said Dreamer has the rest of the night off. Dreamer protested and asked what he did so wrong. Then he kicked a door as he left the arena.

Mike Knox vs Shannon Moore - Adamle called Moore a local favorite. He said he, like Colin Delaney, is undersized and sometimes underestimated. At 1:00 Moore got a local pop for a near fall after a top rope head scissors. Knox finished Moore seconds later after a faceplant suplex toss. WINNER: Knox in 2:00.

Evan Bourne vs Chavo Guerrero (w/Bam Neely) - Adamle said Bourne is "the poster boy for degree of difficulty." Tazz plugged the Edge-Vickie wedding on Smackdown this Friday. Lots of great athleticism from Bourne that had Tazz speechless at times. Bourne hit a shooting starr press for a big upset win of the former ECW Champ. WINNER: Bourne in 3:00.

In the parking garage area, Henry and Atlas walked up to Delaney. Atlas said he had nothing to worry about, but seconds later Henry grabbed him and squeezed him and then press dropped him onto some garbage crates.

The Miz & John Morrison vs Matt & Jeff Hardy - Tazz called it an "extremely rare appearance" of Matt and Jeff together. They clocked six minutes of back-and-forth action, mostly with the Hardys on offense, and then cut to a break as the heels took a break to recover at ringside. At 17:00 Jeff made a comeback and hot-tagged Matt, who showed good fire as he went to work on Morrison. Morrison surprised Matt by hotshotting him onto the top rope leading to a two count. When he climbed the ropes, Matt got up and powerbombed him to the mat for a two count, broken up by Miz. Matt gave Miz the Side Effect, then Morrison gave Matt a sudden neckbreaker, but Jeff flipped off the top rope onto the back of Morrison, leading to Matt scoring the pin. WINNERS: The Hardys in 19:00