HeadLocker — Jay Shannon
ECW (11/10) Extreme Examination
Our resident philosopher looks at the pond-jumping edition of ECW
William Regal was home in England for his final shot at the ECW title. He was joined by several of the top stars of the Tuesday Night Delight.
The show opened with a touching tribute to the troops. I grew up in a military family. My grandfather and step-father both served this great country of ours. Health issues kept me from joining them in service but I always support those who lay their lives on the line for their beliefs and their country.
Tony Atlas came out to introduce Abraham Washington for the Abraham Washington Show. Abe came out to talk with Yoshi Tatsu. The crowd was dead for the annoying talk show host, at least at first. They started booing when he began to speak. Tony mentioned how the people in England talked funny. Abe then made fun of the people’s teeth. The crowd were both irritated and bored with the whole segment. Abe then called out Yoshi Tatsu. Yoshi was in a suit and tie. Yoshi mentioned that his English was not very good, but he was nervous. They got into that silly “Thank You” back and forth thing. Abe wanted to know who Yoshi thought would win. Yoshi said Christian would retain his title, despite Regal being really tough. Yoshi called Abe “Chris Tucker” which annoyed Abe. Yoshi made fun of Tony’s goofy laugh. Abe said only he got to make fun of Tony. Abe ended the painful segment and left with Tony.
Segment Grade: D-
Jay’s Thoughts: I didn’t think Abe could get any worse. He flubbed more lines that a junior high drama student. Rather pathetic.
ECW looked at Regal’s desire for the ECW title. Regal, along with Vladimir Kozlov and Ezekiel Jackson, made Christian’s life pure Hell over the past few weeks.. Tonight’s match was Regal’s last shot at gaining the platinum and leather strap.
Paul and Katie Lea Burchill came out for the opening match. Next week, Burchill will face The Hurricane. If Burchill loses, he and Katie Lea will leave ECW. If he wins, Hurricane must unmask. This week, Burchill faced Goldust.
Goldust d Paul Burchill
The Finish:
Goldust worked over Paul’s knee to get free. Paul immediately went back to work on the ribs. The crowd was getting bored, again. Paul stomped on the ribs. Goldust began to punch away at Paul and dropped him with the Goldustin Uppercut. Goldust hit a pair of Clotheslines and set for his Bulldog. Paul shoved out of the move and Goldust landed awkwardly. Paul hit a Running Field Goal on Goldust’s ribs. Suddenly, Hurricane’s music rang out. The Emerald Knight rushed to the ring. The distraction allowed Goldust to hit his Final Cut finisher on Burchill.
Grade: B+
Jay’s Thoughts: I’m wondering if the WWE is planning a union between Paul Burchill and Drew McIntyre on Smackdown. I can’t imagine that they would unmask Hurricane.
ECW looked at the issues between Zack Ryder and Shelton Benjamin. Zack was distracted by Rosa Mendes. Zack and Shelton will square off on Superstars. Zack ran into Rosa, in the back. Rosa started rambling about her abilities. Zack said he liked her and couldn’t stop staring at her. She invited him to come out to the ring with him. Zack went into a fantasy vision of himself and Rosa getting all romantic and skipping backstage. He had a silly grin on his face as ECW went to break.
Regal chatted with Tiffany in the backstage area. Regal wanted to clear the air with the GM because he got a title shot without her knowledge. Tiffany was ready for a fresh start, whether Regal won the title or not.
Vance Archer stomped down to the ring. The former Lance Hoyt had a near demonic grin on his face. His opponent was local guy, Jason Blackwell.
Vance Archer d Jason Blackwell
Vance cut a quick little promo threatening his opponent. Vance threw Jason to the mat and kicked Jason. Vance with a Clothesline. Jason got a shot to the face and grabbed a Headlock. Vance threw the kid to the mat and then picked him up for a Spinning move that was a cross between and F5 and a Chokeslam. Vance stomped the kid’s head and choked him in the corner with the boot. Vance with a Rolling Belly to Belly Suplex. Vance hit his Powerspin Inverted DDT.
Grade: B
Jay’s Thoughts: I have a really bad feeling that Archer is going to end up alongside Matt Morgan, Test, Berserker, Mike Knox and a dozen more grapplers that just stayed at mid-card status. I don’t see him ever taking the ECW title and doubt seriously if he’d get a run at any of the four other singles titles, either. His best shot is to find himself a partner and get set to go after tag team gold.
Christian walked backstage. He would defend his title…next.
William Regal got a respectful pop from the crowd. Some booed him but many more cheered for their countryman. Just a fun little trivia fact…William Regal did a bit of acting not far from Sheffield. He played a German officer in a couple of episodes of the long-running British Comedy “Allo Allo”. He was in the 8th season under his given name, Darrin Mathews. Regal just grinned at the love from his fans. He then went back into character and scowled. Christian then came out to screams from his British Peeps.
Christian d William Regal
ECW Championship Match
The Finish:
Christian rallied the crowd and hit the Slider Elbow Drop on Regal. Regal kicked out of the pin at two. Christian ran Regal into the corner and tried for the Tornado DDT. Regal blocked it and shoved Christian off the top rope. Christian fell to the outside. Christian fought his way back into the ring and then took down Regal with a middle rope Missile Dropkick. Christian then went back to the corner and hit a top rope version of the Missile Dropkick. Regal still managed to kick out. Christian went for a second KillSwitch but Regal spun around and decked Christian. The count seemed a tad slow. Regal missed with the Knee Trembler but came back around and nailed a weaker version. Christian kicked out at 2 and a half Christian went for another KillSwitch but Regal converted it into the Regal Stretch. Christian was able to break the hold and Dropkick Regal. Regal sat on the top turnbuckle and waited for Regal to get up. Christian hit the Morningstar (Spinning European Uppercut) to drop Regal onto his pompous posterior. Christian went for a third KillSwitch but Regal turned it into an Exploder Suplex. Regal set for the Knee Trembler. Christian avoided it and finally pulled the KillSwitch to retain his title.
Grade: A
Jay’s Thoughts: So, where the heck does William Regal go from here? I have to imagine that he will turn to full time management. There is a possibility that he could pull off a coup and take over for Tiffany. I would have almost bet my pitbull, Molly, that Regal was going to take the strap, only to drop it to Tatsu or Ryder. I personally think it was bad booking. The match, however, was phenominal. Both men were allowed to show just how good they are. The finish felt a touch weak, which is which I knocked a half point off my grade.
Final Grade: B
Final Thoughts: I’ve dissed Abe Washington to death, so let’s not go there. I want to talk about the action. One word…solid. The main event was given plenty of time. Burchill and Goldust really gave a good showing, as well. I’m also glad to hear that several ECW stars will be in action at Survivor Series. After the slap in the face from Bragging Rights, it’s nice to see everyone get to play.
Peace
–Jay Shannon
[email protected]
(11/11/09)