1. Jobber Battle Royal for a shot at the IC or US title

Okay, not all of these guys were jobbers. The returning Christian, Miz, and William Regal were in the match. I saw Tyson Kidd in there. The final three came down to Christian, Miz, and David Otunga. After eliminating Otunga, it came down to Christian and Miz and the ending was pretty predictable. Miz thought he won, but he didn’t, and Christian eliminated him.

Winner: Christian

Christian chose Santino.

2. Dolph Ziggler and Jack Swagger vs. Kofi Kingston and R-Truth

How do Ziggler and Swagger not have an official team name?

It was a very old school and traditional tag match psychology with tremendous athleticism. All four guys did a great job. Swagger and Ziggler had the heat on Truth forever. Hot tag to Kofi and all the high spots followed. Ziggler hit the Zig Zag and Truth broke it up. Truth did a dive over the top rope and Miz didn’t catch him. Just kidding. Ziggler ran towards Kofi and ate a Trouble In Paradise.

Winner: Kofi Kingston and R-Truth

3. Beth Phoenix vs. Layla

Layla actually won the match. Beth worked on her knee for a lot of the match. They did the roll-up spot to make you think Layla would get luck with the win, but Beth kicked out. Then, Layla stuck a neck breaker and pinned her.

Winner: Layla

4. Alberto Del Rio vs. Chris Jericho vs. Randy Orton vs. Sheamus

As you would expect, the match was chaotic, but well planned out, especially for the last five minutes. There was a chance where I thought Jericho was actually going to win the match near the end as he had Sheamus rolled up. Orton hit the RKO on everyone and even did the DDT from the second rope on both Alberto and Ricardo. But then Sheamus gave him the Brogue Kick. Jericho hit the Code Breaker on nearly everyone as well. After Jericho got a two-count, Sheamus grabbed him for the White Noise (stupid name) and got the three count.

Winner: Sheamus

Christian changed his mind and wants Cody tonight.

5. The Miz vs. Brodus Clay

Miz is pulling double duty. Miz came out dancing to his theme song with Thriller choreography.

Match was longer than probably all Brodus matches, but he won the way he always wins, with the big splash.

Winner: Brodus Clay

6. Christian vs. Cody Rhodes

There wasn’t a lot of buzz into seeing Christian twice. He beat Rhodes to win the IC strap in a pretty good match with the Killswitch. The best spot of the match was Cody’s sweet moonsault.

Winner: Christian

7. Daniel Bryan vs. CM Punk

This was really excellent. Great psychology. Great athleticism. Back and forth match where both guys got over and the guy who lost was over a ton. Punk targeted Bryan’s kicking knee. Bryan continued to target Punk’s ribs from his Smackdown injury. The best spot early on was a Surfboard maneuver in which Bryan was shouting “Yes!” as he rocked back and forth. Punk hit the Randy Savage savage elbow after Bryan hit the headbutt from the top. They were playing a game of top this. At the finish, Bryan finally got the Yes Lock on Punk and rocked back on it, but his shoulders were down. The ref counted three and one second later, Punk tapped. Bryan thought he won.

Winner: CM Punk

8. Camacho vs. Ryback

Yawn.

Winner: Ryback

9. John Laurinaitis vs. John Cena

Cena goofed around with Johnny Ace for the entire match which was reminiscent of whenever Steve Austin would work with Vince McMahon. Ace got in a few chair shots. He tried running to the back, but was cut off by The Big Show, who was fired on Monday. Show threw Ace into Cena for the FU and then Show blasted Cena with a right hand and Ace got the pin.

Winner: John Laurinaitis

Based on storytelling, it was the right move. But now we have to see more Cena/Show matches?

Yesterday, Mayweather was an 8-1 favorite. I’m not sure what the line is right now.

Walking down the ring with Floyd is Triple H and Justin Bieber. Only Floyd.

Let’s just say that Cotto’s posse has more ushers than bodyguards.

R1
Cotto threw the most big shots, but didn’t land any of them and Mayweather outlanded him by jabbing. Mayweather’s round, but no one was in any sort of trouble. Just feeling each other out.

R2
Pretty good round. Cotto was able to trap Mayweather against the ropes and land some leather. But Floyd outlanded him on counter shots with his back against the ropes. Cotto’s right hand is telegraphed. Floyd’s landing his right hand too.

R3
Cotto gets his first round. Mayweather stood right in front of him, either thinking Cotto can’t hit him, or that he can’t hurt him. He kind of gave away the round. Cotto hit him with jabs and nice rights.

R4
Mayweather’s best round. He was landing his right hand pretty much at will and buckled him with a short uppercut. This round was much different than the last. It was like Mayweather was resting.

R5
Mayweather kept up a tremendous workrate and just smothered Cotto all round long. Cotto had some shots there, but couldn’t pull the trigger. Mayweather doesn’t look as crisp as he can be, but he’s still too quick.

R6
This was Cotto’s round for the taking. Mayweather is bleeding from the nose. Cotto started off the aggressor, but for whatever reason, decided to back track and get on his horse and Mayweather might’ve stole it. It was close.

R7
This is Cotto’s fight for the taking. He’s got a B version of Floyd Mayweather and seems to be fine with losing by not being the aggressor. If you’re a Cotto fan, you’re a bit frustrated. He needs to let his hands go.

R8
Best round of the night for Cotto. He kept Mayweather in the corner and was hammering him with right hands. I’m not sure how much of it landed, but it’s the first round of the fight in which Cotto out-landed him. Like I said, it’s Cotto’s fight for the taking. Floyd’s not on his A game tonight.

R9
That was a close round. It was close enough for Mayweather to feel like he needed to steal the round at the end. If you’re fighting this fight as a whole, Mayweather’s ahead for sure. But by round, Cotto is making it close. I still only have Cotto winning three rounds, but there are two others that are close.

R10
Probably Mayweather’s round again, but Cotto had his opportunities. He’s not capitalizing enough on them. He has to close these last two rounds strongly.

R11
That was a strong round by Mayweather. His strongest in a while. Late in the round, Floyd landed some terrific shots on Cotto, who has slowed down these last few rounds. Cotto needs to go for it.

R12
This was Floyd’s best power round of the night. Floyd buckled him twice and looked like he could’ve put him away. Cotto has a ton of heart and stayed on his feet.

Winner: Floyd Mayweather

Floyd won a unanimous decision by 117-111, 117-111, and 118-110.

Shane Mosley vs. Canelo Alvarez

R1
Not much action in the first. Alvarez didn’t throw a punch for the first 30 seconds. Mosley threw a lot of jabs. I’d give the round to Canelo as he started to hook to the body and landed the only real heavy shots.

R2
Strong round as both guys were throwing heavier shots. Canelo started to open up with hooks and uppercuts, but Mosley looked strong too. He’s letting his right hand go.

R3
Not a good round at all for Mosley. Canelo outlanded him at least 3-1. Mosley looks slow and tired already and he didn’t let his hands go at all. Their heads clashed at one point which opened Canelo up.

R4
This isn’t going to end well for Mosley, but he’s hanging in there. Canelo hit him with a right-left and Mosley either blinked, or he just didn’t see it coming. I hope he blinked.

R5
Bit of a slower round, but Mosley didn’t do anything that tells you that he’s going to get into this. In fact, Canelo’s power punch percentage is insane right now. He’s hitting Mosley at will.

R6
Mosley is just not avoiding these power shots. Canelo is patient and landing big shots. He needs to put more shots together because when he throws his combos, he’s rocking Mosley.

R7
Just as I thought Alvarez wasn’t really rocking Mosley, he nearly put him down, but Mosley held on. Mosley can take a punch for sure, but he’s taking far too many tonight.

R8
Mosley showed a little bit of life, but there was no power to his shots. Canelo can hit him whenever he wants, but he’s cruising.

R9
Yet another cruising round for Canelo. You’d like to see him pick up his pace and try to finish the fight. Mosley is there for the taking.

R10
This was another pretty decent Mosley round. Canelo keeps trying to load up with one shot. Mosley peppered him, didn’t hurt him, but scored on the cards. Might’ve won the round.

R11
I think I’d give Mosley this round too. He’s active, quicker, and he’s fought these last two rounds better than he fought earlier. Maybe Canelo is getting tired.

R12
Gotta give it to Mosley. He fought a really good last three rounds. The Shane Mosley who beat Antonio Margarito would’ve beat Canelo tonight.

Winner: Canelo Alvarez

The scores were 119-109, 119-109, and 118-110.

1. The Miz vs. Santino

And, the burial of the Miz continues. Miz jobs clean to the cobra.

Winner: Santino

They did the spin the wheel gimmick for The Big Show vs. Cody Rhodes and it’s going to be a Tables match.

The show opened with a big Cena vs. Lesnar video package, similar to what we’ve seen on TV the last couple weeks.

First up is Randy Orton and Kane. At least they get it out of the way early.

2. Kane vs. Randy Orton

It was kind of backwards. They barely got started in the ring and most of the match was outside of the ring and in the back. It was really awkward and boring early on, but picked up. The story of the match was that Orton kept trying to set up the RKO, but Kane was ready for it. Back in the ring, Kane had Orton set up for the Tombstone on the chair, but Orton got out of it and set up the RKO on the chair, but really, he took most of it on his back. Orton wins.

Winner: Randy Orton

3. Brodus Clay vs. Dolph Ziggler

Sort of an impromptu match, but it was Clay’s first appearance on PPV. Too bad they’ve completely watered him down. Clay won the match, which wasn’t able to be saved by Ziggler’s greatness. Get the guy in a program already.

Winner: Brodus Clay

4. The Big Show vs. Cody Rhodes

Pretty pathetic show thus far. It can only get better from here. This might be one of the worst table matches you’ll ever see if you’re looking for hard hitting action. The finish was kind of creative, but a cop out for sure. Cody was being dominated, but did do a sweet Beautiful Disaster kick off the table that was perched in the corner. Show was coming into the ring from the apron and Rhodes kicked his knee out which made Show slip and step on the table that was next to him. Basically, he stepped on the table, broke it, and lose the match. Show killed Rhodes after the match.

Winner: Cody Rhodes

5. Daniel Bryan vs. Sheamus

Really good first fall match. They’re wrestling a really good little man (smart) big man (power) match. It’s really perfect for their styles and Sheamus is keeping it up. After about 10 minutes of quality wrestling, Bryan wouldn’t stop doing Yes! kicks in the corner and was DQ’d. Sheamus wins the first fall.

Bryan smiled like that was the plan. Once the match was restarted, Bryan hit the drop kick into the corner and then immediately put on the Yes! lock. Sheamus sat in it for about a minute and the referee called for the bell. Sheamus was out.

After a dead Sheamus came to life, Bryan sprinted at him and ate the Brogue Kick for a good two count. Bryan kept missing big moves, allowing Sheamus to get his energy back. He had one more Brogue Kick left in him for the pin.

Winner: Sheamus

That match will be hard to follow.

6. Two jobbers vs. Ryback

You know what happened here.

Winner: Ryback

7. Chris Jericho vs. CM Punk

Both are out wearing jeans. Long match, but really well done. Jericho tried to beat up Punk in front of his sister who was in the front row. She slapped him. At one point, Jericho poured beer on him.

The psychology was well done. Jericho had Punk in the Walls and Punk couldn’t break it with the ropes because it was a street fight. He used a fire extinguisher instead. Punk also hit an awesome Shawn Michaels-esque elbow off the top rope and through the Spanish announcer’s table. Jericho had Punk in the GTS, Punk maneuvered out of it, flung Jericho into the exposed turn buckle, and then hit the GTS for the win.

Winner: CM Punk

Beth Phoenix isn’t wrestling tonight per Eve. Kharma posted this earlier.

Eve says it won’t be Kharma. We’ll see who it is.

It looks like it’s Layla. They could do worse.

8. Nikki Bella vs. Layla

Brie did a switcheroo, but she got pinned by a neck breaker (Rick Rude style). Layla is the new Divas Champ.

Winner: Layla

By the way, Kharma trolled us all.

9. Brock Lesnar vs. John Cena

This was the most mesmerizing match I’ve ever seen. Brock killed him. Literally opened him up with elbows. Just destroyed him. Cena would get a short comeback and then eat a knee. Brock vaulted himself using the steps to body block Cena who was on the apron and mistimed it and ended up going over the top rope himself. He tried to do it again but ate John Cena’s chain to the head. Cena then gave him the FU on the steps.

Amazing match, horrendous finish. This is WWE cutting off their nose to spite their face.

Winner: John Cena

Cena cut a promo teasing that he’d be leaving for some time.

1. John Alessio vs. Mark Bocek

Bocek got a trip near the cage and Alessio grabbed to cage, but still went down. Bocek was in side control, but then half guard. In Alessio’s full guard, he hit him with some nice elbows. Alessio hasn’t done anything yet. Bocek got Alessio’s back and had him in a body triangle but the round ended.

Alessio landed a nice combination. And then nice jabs. But he was taken down again. Nothing much is happening this round. Not a fantastic way to open up this show.

Bocek got him down and then his back. Alessio doesn’t have much of a chance here unless he gets a knockout. Bocek was workman-like the entire fight, though it wasn’t all that entertaining. He’ll get the unanimous decision.

Winner: Mark Bocek by way of unanimous decision

The scores were 30-27, 29-28, and 30-27.

2. Eddie Yagin vs. Mark Hominick

Strong striking by both guys early on. Hominick looked to be setting up a hook and got lazy. Yagin knocked him down with a straight right and nearly finished him on the ground. Hominick is controlling the standup, but he gets lazy and the smaller Yagin catches him. Fun first round, especially after the boring first fight.

After a nice back and forth, Yagin knocked him down again. He’s got a mouse on the left side of his left eye. His face is all messed up, but he’s doing a lot of damage too. And he’s in great shape to take all the punishment. These guys are pounding the crap out of each other. Yagin is throwing hard, hard punches.

Hominck is loading up on the lead right hand and Yagin is just eating it. He’s going body to head. Yagin can’t hit any kicks yet he’s still throwing them. Same with the spinning back fist. Hominick is the better fighter for sure, but the knockdowns will count in the scoring. He may have to get a 10-8 here to get the draw. Needs a knockdown. Hominick closed strong, but might get hurt by the 10/9 must.

Winner: Eddie Yagin by way of split decision

Both guys aren’t going to look very handsome tomorrow.

3. Michael McDonald vs. Miguel Torres

Lights out Miguel Torres. McDonald threw an uppercut and put his lights out. Wow.

Winner: Michael McDonald by 1st round TKO

4. Ben Rothwell vs. Brendan Schaub

Schaub caught Rothwell with a spinning elbow and Rothwell went backward. Schaub followed up and got caught with a left hook, went down, and was finished. Crazy finish.

Winner: Ben Rothwell by way of 1st round TKO

5. Che Mills vs. Rory MacDonald

What an utter domination in the first round. MacDonald got him down and just beat him and beat him and beat him. He nearly got a rear naked choke at the end of the round. Could be 10-8.

MacDonald just destroyed Mills. He easily went down on a takedown. And Rory just hammered him until the referee stopped it.

Winner: Rory MacDonald by way of 2nd round TKO

6. Rashad Evans vs. Jon Jones

Feeling out process. Jones is so long. He’s also a bit awkward, which looks to be keeping Rashad off balanced. Rashad had a nice little flurry, countering a long miss by Jones. Jones is also fairly methodical though in his approach, staying outside, being patient, and throwing lots of kicks and using his hands to keep Rashad from getting inside. Rashad landed a head kick that allowed him to get inside and Jones was on the defensive for the first time. Good first round.

The round was close and maybe slightly toward Evans until Jones started throwing the elbow from in close. He landed two and then the third one knocked Rashad backward. Rashad tied him up and then ate another one. Evans was able to land a nice right hand, but took more elbows, a flying knee and a left hook. Rashad looks absolutely heartbroken. The will looks to be leaving him.

Rashad faired better in the third, but Jones is just stalking him now. Evans needs to land the Hair Mary right-hand, which he landed once. But he needs to throw bigger strikes, be on the offensive, or else he’s just fighting to survive. Jones is fighting nearly a perfect fight.

Evans fought a much better defensive round, but did nearly nothing offensively. Jones didn’t do much either, but he’s landing, where as Evans isn’t even landing. I have Jones with the shutout so far. Evans needs a miracle.

Rashad had a little energy to start the round, but quickly became so tired that Jones just pushed him down. He caught a straight right that snapped his head back. He hit Jones with a right hand but it didn’t do much damage. For whatever reason, Jones pulled guard with about 10 seconds left and had to watch out for Evans’ right hands. I think Jones pitched a shutout.

Winner: Jon Jones by way of unanimous decision

The scores were 49-46, 49-46, and 50-45.

4:00: It’s not once in a lifetime if they do it again next year is it?

4:01: Lilian is looking mighty fine singing “America The Beautiful”. I think she still wants the People’s Strudle.

4:07: After a long opening package showing John Cena and Rock as children, it’s World Heavyweight Championship time.

Sheamus vs. Daniel Bryan

4:09: AJ gives a little kiss to the champ.

4:10: It must’ve been the kiss of death. After the kiss, Sheamus kicked Bryan to win the match. After building this match for weeks and weeks and Bryan doing tremendous work, they jobbed him. Not what I want to see when I pay $65 for a show.

Winner: Sheamus

4:14: Yes! Nooooooooooo!

4:16: At least it’s time for Kane. Wait, that nearly makes it worse.

Kane vs. Randy Orton

4:20: It took longer for Randy Orton to put baby oil on his nipples than it did for Bryan to lose to Sheamus.

4:26: After losing to John Cena and Big Show recently, Kane is all of a sudden hard to knock off his feet again.

4:28: Kane nearly had his WrestleMania moment, but Orton kicked out of his chokeslam. He was brokenhearted.

4:30: Well, Kane just got his WrestleMania moment pinning Randy Orton with a chokeslam from the top rope. Wow.

Winner: Kane

4:33: Let’s count the old-timers who we only get to see once a year. So far, Ron Simmons and Mick Foley in a “Damn!” skit.

4:34: It’s Dashing Cody Rhodes time!

Cody Rhodes vs. The Big Show

4:36: I think Cody is smuggling bananas in his trunks. Even Shawn Michaels is appalled.

4:43: After Rhodes hit the Beautiful Disaster kick, he went for it again and Big Show speared him right in the balls to set up the punch of death for the win.

Winner: The Big Show

4:44: To sell how important it was for him to win, we see tears of Big Show.

4:47: Now that I think of it, those were tears of joy for not being Daniel Bryan’d.

4:50: Maria Menunos is wearing very nice pants. That’s all I can say.

Beth Phoenix and Eve vs. Kelly Kelly and Maria Menunos

4:52: Maria and Kelly Kelly gave Eve the double stinky face. Maria forgot she was wearing white pants. Eve’s makeup and spray tan are now on her ass.

4:58: Beth Phoenix was pinned in a badly choreographed match by a badly choreographed Maria Menunos. But at least her day was still better than Daniel Bryan’s.

Winner: Maria Menunos and Kelly Kelly

5:02: Hell In A Cell already? At least Good Ol’ JR is there to help call it.

Triple H vs. The Undertaker

5:08: The time between the Undertaker’s first two full strides to the ring took longer than the Daniel Bryan/Sheamus match.

5:16: Taker’s head looks like Chuck Liddell after not shaving for a few days.

5:23: Finally, an interesting spot in this match — Triple H hit the spine buster on the steps, went to grab Taker and was put in Hell’s Gate, but Rampage bombed his way out of it.

5:24: Is Brock Lesnar tired and yawning yet?

5:28: After 100 chair shots, Triple H couldn’t finish Taker. Might as well quit now.

5:30: Shot from the sledge hammer. Nope, Taker kicks out. HBK took the hammer away before Triple H could bash his head with it.

5:32: Taking a page out of MMA, a “concussed” Taker put Shawn Michaels in Hell’s Gate obliviously.

5:34: HBK turned on Taker and they still couldn’t get the job done. Taker is numb to the pain!

5:44: They did it again. It was chair shots and psychology and carnage. These guys are going to be hurting tomorrow. It was pretty damn good.

Winner: The Undertaker

6:06: Sorry for the delay, I think Shawn Michaels, HHH, and the Undertaker are still hugging.

Team Johnny vs. Team Teddy

6:12: Anderson Silva knees from the clinch, those are not Miz.

6:17: Fun match for what it was. Zack Ryder took the fall so he’s the true jobber of jobbers.

Winner: Team Johnny

6:26: Chris Jericho wins jacket of the decade.

Chris Jericho vs. CM Punk

6:33: CM Punk wins for fireworks entrance of the decade.

6:36: Jericho asked Punk how his father was. He didn’t answer, “Fine, and yours?”

6:48: The match is a little on the slow side, but is much more of a traditional wrestling match than what they had to follow in Taker/HHH. Before the match, Johnny Ace said that if Punk was DQd, he’d lose the title, so Jericho keeps trying to make him DQ himself.

6:56: It was the Anaconda Vice vs. The Walls of Jericho, and on this day, the Anaconda Vice and won out. It was a good match and built up well to the finishing sequence.

Winner: CM Punk

7:00: It’s Funkasaurus Time! Funk is on a roll.

7:02: Well, I’m not sure this is the best usage of Brodius Clay. He called his momma.

7:05: It’s main event time. After that Undertaker match, it better take a FU off the top of the big screen in order to pin Rock.

John Cena vs. The Rock

7:12: After Machine Gun Kelly’s performance turned him even more heel, John Cena got booed like nobody’s business.

7:20: Flo Rida is the most jacked guy in this match.

7:25: Cena won the first lock up. I’m betting Rock wins the second. Yep.

7:27: Rock strikes first with some great Ricky Steamboat arm drags.

7:34: Cena is bear hugging the Rock to death.

7:38: Cena’s beating Rock to every punch. Hits the FU and Rock kicks out. Undertaker is mocking both of them for their weak maneuvers.

7:52: It has to be time to go home here. Either Rock is tired, or he’s a damn good actor.

7:54: Cena catches Rock on his cross body attempt, rolls through, picks him up and jerks him into the FU. I love that move. Rock still kicks out.

7:55: Cena gets cocky, goes for the Anti-People’s Elbow, Rock hits the Rock Bottom, and it’s game over for Cena. Rock wins.

Winner: The Rock

1. Joe Lauzon vs. Anthony Pettis

Well, the show started with some electricity. Lauzon must’ve been looking for something other than a high kick because Pettis drilled him with one and he went down hard. Pettis followed up with punches and it was over.

Winner: Anthony Pettis by way of 1st round TKO

2. Bart Palaszewski vs. Hatsu Hioki

Hioki was amazing, but so was Palaszewski. Hioki knocked him down early, but it was the submission game that had Palaszewski near close to being finished. Hioki went triangle to arm bar, to arm bar again and it looked like Palaszewski’s arm was going to snap, but he stayed calm and was able to get on top of Hioki. Has to be 10-8.

Much better round for Palaszewski. He was kicking and moving, staying away from being taken down. He and Hioki traded strikes and Hioki went for a takedown, didn’t get it, but moved to the back before the round ended.

Hioki got a strong-man takedown and went right to the ground and pound and much of it from side control. Palaszewski turned over and Hioki immediately got his back. Palaszewski fought the rear naked choke even with Hioki’s body triangle. Palaszewski survived. Really good fight.

Winner: Hatsu Hioki

The scores were 30-27, 29-28, and 30-28

3. Tim Boetsch vs. Yushin Okami

Okami looked good. He was aggressive with both his hands and his feet. He looked long and and was on target with his strikes. Boestch was able to get inside late in the round, which is what he’s going to have to do to win the fight. Okami’s round.

When Boetsch is able to get inside, Okami answers with a nasty knee to the body. Boetsch had a guillotine sunk in, but he was on his back, so once Okami got out, he was on top and maneuvered into the mount. He looked for a submission, but ended the round with punches on the top. I can get into this version of Okami.

Boetsch just lambasted Okami and finished him. Amazing.

Winner: Tim Boetsch by way of 3rd round TKO

4. Jake Shields vs. Yoshihiro Akiyama

Good round for both. Shields’ stand-up is so stiff, but he was landing punches with both hands. He had Akiyama up against the cage and tried to take him down and had him in back suplex position, but Akiyama went out the back door. Shields knocked his mouthpiece out. Akiyama got a takedown late. Close round.

Another strong round for both. It was close to even on the feet, but Akiyama got a sweet judo throw at the end of the round. I think the fight is even going into the third.

Akiyama ran out of steam. Shields worked so hard for the takedown and eventually got it twice. Akiyama held on to the fence twice, but wasn’t docked a point, even after an early warning. He had his back at the end of the round. I think Shields got the third and the fight.

Winner: Jake Shields by way of unanimous decision

5. Cheick Kongo vs. Mark Hunt

Hot damn! Mark Hunt knocked out Kongo. But more impressively, he jumped on the top of the cage!

Winner: Mark Hunt by 1st round TKO

6. Ryan Bader vs. Rampage Jackson

Rampage looks soft. He’s probably the heaviest he’s ever fought. Bader landed two overhand rights, but one glanced. Rampage started to find his range late in the round. Both guys look tired.

Rampage slammed him right on top of his head. Bader looked woozy, but Rampage couldn’t follow up. Bader got a takedown on Rampage and now both guys are resting. Rampage got up, but Bader slammed him right down again.

They replayed the slam and Rampage nearly spiked him on the top of his head. Bader got another takedown and it looks like Rampage is fine being on his back. Not a lot of fight in him to get back up. Rampage just couldn’t get back up. He ends the fight on his back staring at the lights.

Winner: Ryan Bader by unanimous decision

All the scores were 30-27.

7. Benson Henderson vs. Frankie Edgar

It was kicks against punches. Edgar caught many of Henderson’s kicks, but couldn’t answer. Edgar has some swelling on his eye lid and right below his left eye. Edgar closed the round very well and I’d give him the first round.

Wow. Henderson’s round all the way. He landed an upkick that knocked Edgar woozy near the end of the round. Edgar was bleeding a gusher.

Strong round for both and Edgar may have nabbed the round with a late takedown. His striking was crisp as he landed a great 1-2-3 combination. Henderson landed some kicks as well. Edgar’s left eye is nearly closed.

Edgar’s striking is so fun to watch. When boxers say that MMA fighters can’t box (and it’s generally true), they need to watch Frankie Edgar. Henderson pulled guard with a guillotine and it looked pretty deep, but Edgar got out. This was a damn close round. I think I’d give it slightly to Henderson.

They closed strong. Edgar took the first half of the round and Henderson took the second half. The fifth round was a toss up for me, but I’ll take Edgar by a hair.

Winner: Ben Henderson by way of unanimous decision

Henderson won by 49-46, 49-46, and 48-47.

Looks like we’re opening up with the Raw chamber match, which may lead to a title change in the Smackdown chamber match, or it may not. But it’s a little surprising that the Raw chamber match opens up the show.

1. Raw Elimination Chamber (Chris Jericho vs. The Miz vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. R-Truth vs. Kofi Kingston vs. CM Punk)

Order of entrance: Punk, Kofi, Dolph, R-Truth, The Miz, and Jericho.

Order of exit: R-Truth, Dolph, Kofi, Jericho, Miz

Chris Jericho gets to be the last guy in the cage after winning the match on Raw. CM Punk and Kofi Kingston open up the match. Truth was the first guy to go out after eating a flying elbow drop from Punk. Kofi is the star of the match with all of his athleticism. Jericho finally came in and he and Punk had a minute or so with each other and then Jericho gave Dolph the Codebreaker. Down to four.

Kofi with the high cross from the top of the pod and onto Miz and Punk. Kofi tapped out to the Walls of Jericho. When they were pulling Kofi out of the chamber, Punk kicked Jericho out of the chamber and he took a big fall. Jericho is still out. Miz hit the Skull-crushing Finale for a close two-count on Punk. Punk hit the GTS to beat Miz to keep his belt. Jericho was counted out?

Winner: CM Punk

2. Tamina vs. Beth Phoenix

Crowd doesn’t care at all about this match. They weren’t all that loud for the Raw chamber either. Tamina hit the Superfly splash, but Beth kicked out. There goes Tamina’s gimmick. Beth then finished her with a Glam Slam. Match was fine, neither good or bad.

Winner: Beth Phoenix

Laurinitis came to the ring and campaigned for the Smackdown GM job. He wants to be GM of both brands. Alberto Del Rio returned and backed him. So did Mark Henry. And finally, so did Christian. I can’t believe we paid for that. Otunga took a photo of all of them together in the ring and tweeted it out.

3. Smackdown Elimination Chamber (Great Khali vs. Cody Rhodes vs. Santino vs. Daniel Bryan vs. Wade Barrett vs. Big Show)

Order of entrance: Wade, Big Show, Cody, Santino, Khali, Bryan

Order of exit: Khali, Big Show, Cody, Wade, Santino

They waited until almost all the guys were in before a fall. Khali came in and slammed two guys and gave Santino the chop. Then Big Show speared him for the three count. Show is waiting for Bryan’s pod to open. Show broke into Bryan’s pod by breaking the chains on the top and coming in from the top. The Big Show was double teamed. Rhodes hit his kick, then DDT’d him, and Barrett hit an elbow from the second rope and Cody pinned him. Santino rolled up Cody to pin him. Cody gave him the Cross Rhodes before leaving.

Bryan hit a head butt from the top rope on Barrett and Santino pinned Barrett to set up the final two. Santino hit the Cobra for a near fall, but tapped out to the LeBell lock. Because of Santino, this match had way more heat then the Raw match.

Winner: Daniel Bryan

Sheamus jumped Bryan after the match.

Impromptu match between Jack Swagger and Justin Gabriel is next.

4. Justin Gabriel vs. Jack Swagger

Swagger beat him quickly with the ankle lock.

Winner: Jack Swagger

5. Kane vs. John Cena

They couldn’t really follow the Smackdown chamber. Just a big old brawl with Cena giving Kane the FU off the top of the ambulance. That lead him to putting Kane into the ambulance and Kane being taken away.

Winner: John Cena

1. Daniel Bryan vs. Mark Henry vs. The Big Show

The story of this match is that Daniel Bryan is a pinball and he’s bouncing around for Big Show and Mark Henry. Mark Henry couldn’t really do anything. He was not the world’s strongest man tonight. He could barely get his foot off the ground.

Bryan went to the top of the cage to try and leave, but the every so swift Big Show kept catching him. Big Show trapped Daniel Bryan’s arm and then also had him by his head so it looked like Bryan was hanging from the top of the cage, which was pretty cool. Show had a grip on him and Bryan was hanging from Show’s wrists, and finally let go and won the match.

Winner: Daniel Bryan

Bryan did the “Yes” screams after the match. (Photo sent in by my friend Jenn who is there live.)

2. The Bellas, Natalya, and Beth Phoenix vs. Alicia Fox, Eve, Kelly Kelly, and Tamina

Beth Phoenix tagged herself in by slapping one of the bellas pretty hard, immediately gave Kelly Kelly the Glam Slam for the win. Beth projects her character better than most of the dude wrestlers.

Winner: The Bellas, Natalya, and Beth Phoenix

3. John Cena vs. Kane

Your biggest star is used as the backdrop dor a terrible angle where Kane just keeps beating up Zack Ryder. The match was actually okay. Cena did a pretty sweet “You Can’t See Me” fist drop from the top rope.

They were both counted out and they brawled to the back. Earlier in the show, Zack Ryder was wheeled into the arena and Johnny Ace gave him a room to relax in. As they were brawling in the back, Kane found where Zack was, beat him up, brought him back to the ring and beat him up some more. For whatever reason, Cena was no where to be found. Eve was pleading with Kane, but to no avail. It was tombstone time. He was put on a stretcher and taken to the back.

Winner: No one (double count out)

And right after that brutal bullying, they ran an anti-bullying ad. Hmmm.

4. Drew McIntyre vs. Brodus Clay

And here we all thought that Drew was fired. He might as well be. Brodus with the squash.

Winner: Brodus Clay

5. Dolph Ziggler vs. CM Punk

It’s too bad that the Johnny Ace/CM Punk feud was given more importance than this match because it could’ve been so much better. It was still good. Lots of back and forth, but it was mostly hurt by the constant interfering by Ace. Punk had the match won a couple of times, but there was a ref bump and Ace was the ringside enforcer and wouldn’t count the pin. Punk had him up for a GTS and clipped Ace who was upset and wouldn’t count the pin again. Dolph hit the Fame Asser for a near fall. Punk hit the GTS again and Ace came in to help the referee count the pin. Odd finish.

Winner: CM Punk

6. Royal Rumble

Miz eliminated Riley fairly easily and now has to face Truth. Miz eventually eliminated Truth. Mick and Ricardo eliminated Gabriel. It looks like Mick is going to pair up with anyone and everyone. Santino gave Ricardo a wedgie before throwing him out. Foley and Santino did a socko vs. cobra stand-off. Epico was quickly socko’d out.

Cody tossed out Foley from behind. Lawler came out, hit the fist drop and was thrown out by Cody. Cody and Miz are cleaning up. The Great Khali comes back and immediately eliminates Khali and Big Zeke. No wonder Jinder hates him. Booker came in and only had a shirt and tie on. He must’ve been pantsless. Miz tossed out Kofi, but Kofi did a handstand so his feet didn’t hit the floor and he walked on his hands to the steps so he’s still in the match. Awesome. Duggan wasn’t long for this match. Cody and Miz are still running things.

Kharma, Booker, and Lawler eliminated Cole. Kharma press slammed Hunico out. After Kharma did her move on Ziggler, he threw her out. Sheamus tossed out Kofi. Barrett tossed out Road Dog. It was fun while it lasted. Orton tossed out Barrett like he was Jey Uso. He also threw out Jey Uso. Jericho didn’t run around the ring and slap fives with fans. He immediately eliminated David Otunga. Show eliminated Miz, Rhodes, and Ziggler.

Show, Jericho, Sheamus, and Orton are the final four. Orton eliminated Show and Jericho eliminated Orton. It’s Jericho and Sheamus. Holy crap. Sheamus won.

Winner: Sheamus

Entry order
1. The Miz
2. Alex Riley
3. R-Truth
4. Cody Rhodes
5. Justin Gabriel
6. Primo
7. Mick Foley
8. Ricardo
9. Santino
10. Epico
11. Kofi Kingston
12. Jerry Lawler
13. Big Zeke
14. Jinder Mahal
15. The Great Khali
16. Hunico
17. Booker T
18. Dolph Ziggler
19. Hacksaw Jim Duggan
20. Michael Cole
21. Kharma
22. Sheamus
23. Road Dogg
24. Jey Uso
25. Jack Swagger
26. Wade Barrett
27. David Otunga
28. Randy Orton
29. Chris Jericho
30. The Big Show

Elimination order
1. Alex Riley
2. R-Truth
3. Primo
4. Justin Gabriel
5. Ricardo
6. Epico
7. Santino
8. Mick Foley
9. Jerry Lawler
10. Jinder Mahal
11. Big Zeke
12. Hacksaw Jim Duggan
13. Booker T
14. The Great Khali
15. Michael Cole
16. Hunico
17. Kharma
18. Kofi Kingston
19. Road Dog
20. Jey Uso
21. Wade Barrett
22. David Otunga
23. Jack Swagger
24. The Miz
25. Cody Rhodes
26. Dolph Ziggler
27. The Big Show
28. Randy Orton
29. Chris Jericho

Curt Menafee says this is the first of four UFC shows on Fox this year. Well, at least if the shows bring in solid ratings or no one is violently hurt.

Menafee, Randy Couture, and Jon Jones are on the panel for the pre-game stuff. Menafee says that if Evans wins, he gets Jones at UFC 145 in Atlanta.

1. Chris Weidman vs. Demian Maia

You have a good wrestler and a great jiu-jitsu guy. Of course the first round is nearly all on the feet. Earlier, Maia seemed to be getting the best of it, but later in the round, Weidman was much more comfortable. Maia is telegraphing his right hand and Weidman was able to avoid it mostly. But Maia did land some nice knees. Weidman was varied with his kicks and punches. Weidman also got a takedown late.

Weidman had an early takedown and he fell immediately into side control. Weidman was tired for most of it and Maia was able to outstrike him, but not in any significant way. Pretty boring round until Weidman was able to secure another takedown and was working for Maia’s back. I think that last takedown and attempt toward submission may have secured him the round.

Maia is also tired and the third round suffered because of sloppiness. Maia was so tired that he went for a takedown, Weidman sprawled and Maia face planted. This isn’t necessarily the kind of fight that’s going to keep an audience. With Weidman having to cut so much weight, it was ripe for the taking for Maia and he just looks absurdly tired. I’d give the fight to Weidman simply because he closed rounds better and fought a smarter tactical fight than Maia did.

Winner: Chris Weidman by way of split decision

The scores were 29-28 once for Maia and the same twice for Weidman.

Bisping called Sonnen the UFC’s court jester. Sonnen cut a Saturday Night’s Main Event-like promo and said that fighting Chael Sonnen is hazardous to your health.

2. Michael Bisping vs. Chael Sonnen

Very active first round. Sonnen was all over Bisping early on and Bisping was on his heels. He took him down seconds into the fight, but wasn’t able to keep him down. Bisping looked flustered, but figured him out. Bisping’s striking was crisp while Sonnen’s was wild. Sonnen’s stand-up was so wild that it looked like he was going to conk Bisping in the head when he missed his left hand.

Sonnen looks all out of sorts on his feet. He hits hard but it’s not smooth, it’s jumpy, and every time he throws, it looks like he’s going to collide with Bisping’s head. But he did secure a takedown and was able to keep Bisping down for a bit. But he wasn’t able to land his signature ground and pound punches.

Sonnen opened up the round with a huge takedown. Bisping’s guard has been so good in this fight. He either keeps his right foot on Sonnen’s hips to push him off, or he’s been able to control his hips by locking his feet on his back. Sonnen got Bisping’s back, couldn’t get the rear naked, nearly got an arm triangle and immediately transitioned into the mount. Sonnen has found something extra in the tank this round. Bisping took him down at the very end. I think Sonnen’s going to win a very close decision. The key is the first round.

Winner: Chael Sonnen by way of unanimous decision

Bisping at first looked bothered at the decision, but he clapped for him. That first round could’ve been a draw round or it could’ve been for either guy. All three judges looked to have given it to Sonnen.

Sonnen cut another WWE-inspired promo. It wasn’t as good as his recent ones, but still pretty darn good.

3. Phil Davis vs. Rashad Evans

Davis looks a little nervous. Lots of feeling each other out. Davis threw a kick and Evans caught it and took him down. Evans got him in the little brother position and laid in some heavy punches, but Davis got his arms free and lasted the round.

Pretty boring round. Davis is hesitant to finish his kicks. Evans is fighting a safe fight, while Davis is fighting a scared fight. Evans caught his leg again and took him down near the end of the round.

Davis went for a takedown, but Evans stuffed it. Davis pushed for it, but Evans turned him over and ended up on top. They were tied up against the fence and Evans landed an uppercut that seemed to take the life out of Davis there for a bit. Davis finally got the takedown, which should at least give him some confidence. But Rashad is pitching a shutout.

Davis looks tired energy-wise, but also tired of getting hit. His kicks and punches are in slow motion. Evans is too methodical. He could take it to Davis if he wants to, but seems okay with winning a decision. He pressed on at the end a bit.

Evans caught Davis’ leg again and pounded Davis against the cage a few times before taking him down. Davis got up and kept slipping when throwing his shots, but he didn’t have anything on them anyway. Rashad will win an easy decision.

Winner: Rashad Evans by way of unanimous decision