ECW Results 11/24/09: The Gold Standard Steps Up; Ruthless Roundtable Done With?

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Written by Shane Howard

Tuesday, 24 November 2009 22:01

Monday's RAW was the talk of the town today but if it's today that means it's Tuesday and if it's Tuesday that means it's ECW time. If ECW is to take part in the TLC pay-per-view event, the build begins tonight.

Matt Hardy, former ECW Champion, returns to the place he won his first, and only, "world title" tonight on the Abraham Washington Show.

How, rather why, is this the main event is beyond me.

Zack Ryder and his boo Rosa Mendes make their way to the ring. A Superstars replay shows how Ryder got the pin on Shelton Benjamin on Thursday.

Match #1: Zack Ryder w/Rosa Mendes vs. Shelton Benjamin

The announcers let us know that GM Tiffany has vowed to give Shelton a title shot if he defeats Ryder. Good "Let's go Shelton" chant by the crowd early. Ryder tries to leave the ring but Benjamin goes right after him. Benjamin rolls Ryder into the ring and Ryder is asking his opponent for mercy. No dice. Scoop slam by the Gold Standard. Ryder mounts a comeback with several forearm shots until Shelton hits a overhead belly-to-belly suplex. Awesome spot by Benjamin as he leaps up the turnbuckles and kicks Ryder off the top rope and down to the floor.

When we return from break, Shelton is in the middle of the ring in a rest hold by Ryder. They show Ryder hitting a roughrider leg drop during the commercials that turned the match in Ryder's favor. Big splash from the top rope by Ryder. Two count. A few more shots and Ryder goes back to the top rope and hits another big splash. Another two count.

Did Shelton "hulk" up there? He demanded Ryder to hit him, harder even. Benjamin gets back on the attack. Lovely German suplex with a bridge gets a two. Corner powerbomb leads to Pay Dirt and Shelton Benjamin is now the No. 1 contender for the ECW Championship.

Winner: Shelton Benjamin via pinfall

Opinion: A very good opener. SB had the offense going in the beginning, Ryder got his stuff in during the middle and then Benjamin took control again at the end. Some great moves by Benjamin, as usual. Finally, we get to see Benjamin challenge for the ECW title. Rating: ***

As SB is celebrating, Capt. Charisma comes out. [Commercial] Back from paying the bills, Christian is in the ring with his latest challenger. He mentions how the last few pay-per-views have basically overlooked the ECW Championship. To make sure ECW is noticed, Christian wants to have their title match be a ladder match. The men agree on going to Tables, Ladders, and Chairs to steal the show. A hand shake seals the deal and Benjamin vows to win the title in three weeks.

William Regal and Co. are backstage. Regal is still looking to get another title shot. In order to get back in the hunt, he plans on beating Yoshi Tatsu tonight.

Match #2: Alex Reynolds vs. Vance Archer

Reynolds was able to get a punch in before eating a boot to the face, among other boots. Archer puts the jobber in a submission hold for some reason. Archer is toying with his opponent. The crowd is not loving this as we hear some boos. Short-arm clothesline nearly cripples Reynolds. Inverted DDT ends the job.

Winner: Vance Archer via pinfall

Opinion: I understand that they want to show Archer's other moves, but until he gets a credible opponent, it is probably wise to just keep it basic. Give him someone like Goldust or Tyler Reks if you want him to break out a few new moves. The crowd was not pleased here, at all. Rating: 1/2*

You know, if they stop all the Raw recaps that they show every week, ECW, could get three, maybe four quality matches EVERY week.

When you hear Tony Atlas being introduced, it only means one thing: "Heeeeeerrrrre's Abe."

Abraham Washington is not playing when he says that all the fans in attendance resemble dogs. It was kind of a lame joke after the Twilight set up he did. Abe welcomes Matt to the show. Abe was pumped to see that he had a Hardy coming on the show but he was hoping it was Jeff. The reason for Matt's appearance is clear as we learn that he will be appearing on Scare Tactics next week prior to ECW. Atlas sneaks up and scares Abe prompting Washington to threaten his announcer with termination.

Main Event: Yoshi Tatsu vs. William Regal w/Kozlov and Ezekiel

Forearms, chops, and kicks by Tatsu until Regal hits a forearm hot of his own. The Englishman wears Tatsu down in the middle of the ring. I get up and go to the bathroom and I return to see Kozlov shove Tatsu in the face. Tatsu stumbles but quickly regains himself and kicks Regal in the head.

Winner: Yoshi Tatsu via pinfall

Opinion: Short match that was not befitting of closing the show. The match really only served the purpose of what transpired afterward. Rating: * (I don't like to give such a low rating to a match that Regal is involved in but...)

Regal is furious at his henchmen and wants to know who shoved Tatsu. After some questioning Kozlov says that Ezekiel did it. Bad move, Russian! Big Zeke hits the uranage on Vlad and Regal before exiting, stage left.

Overall

A great opening match that gives us the opportunity to see two talented individuals go at it on in a ladder match at TLC. That should be great. The Abe Washington show, squash match, and main event didn't do it for me today. Ezekiel turning on the roundtable is good to see. Another youngster being elevated it seems. (For those interested, WWE's See No Evil is being shown on ECW right now.)

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