Future of ECW Superstars, Ratings of ECW

The feeling within WWE is that most of the ECW talents will be used mostly on the Superstars show at first when NXT premieres, before they end up on RAW or SmackDown. Plans can change but right now they will be keeping the teams of William Regal & Ezekiel Jackson, Trent Baretta & Caylon Croft and Rosa Mendez & Zack Ryder together.

This week’s episode of ECW on SyFy scored a 1.0 cable rating.

Mickie's 1st Country Concert, Bryan Danielson got a new Name

Bryan Danielson was introduced at last night’s WWE developmental tapings under the name “Daniel Bryan.” Apparently that is his new ring name in FCW.

Mickie James will make her live concert debut on February 22nd in Nashville, TN as a part of the Dustin Wells Gift of Music concert. Mickie will share the stage with country music stars Rascal Flatts, Kellie Pickler, Jason Michael Carroll, Keith Anderson and Little Big Town.

Huge Matches for Superstars advirtised

Matches advertised for the February 19th WWE Supershow in Chicago include Undertaker, John Cena & Edge vs. Batista, Sheamus & Randy Orton as well as Big Show & The Miz vs. Kofi Kingston & MVP.

Morrison Was Simply Playing/ Joking with Fans

John Morrison worked the SmackDown/ECW live event last night in Ecuador, teaming with Matt Hardy in the first match of the night. Morrison and Hardy defeated The Hart Dynasty. Morrison appeared to be fine as his injury reported earlier this week is obviously a work.

Sources report that yesterday when Morrison talked about his ankle being broke in three places on his Twitter page, he was simply “joking” and “playing with the fans.”

WWE's Canada Schedule

* WWE returns to the Molson Centre in Barrie, Ontario, Canada on Friday, May 14th, 2010 at 7:30 PM. Tickets go on sale Saturday, March 6th, 2010 at 10 AM.
* The WWE Raw house show on May 15th, 2010 will be held at the K-Rock Centre in Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
* WWE returns to the Halifax Metro Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada on May 15th, 2010 at 7:30 PM. Tickets go on sale March 20th, 2010 at 10 AM.
* WWE returns to the John Labatt Centre in London, Ontario, Canada on Sunday, May 16th, 2010 at 5 PM. Tickets go on sale Saturday, March 13th, 2010 at 10 AM.

Matches for Smackdown

Matches airing on tonight’s episode of SmackDown include Rey Mysterio vs. CM Punk, John Morrison vs. R-Truth, Drew McIntyre vs. Kane, Michelle McCool & Layla vs. Mickie James in a handicap match, The Hart Dynasty vs. Matt Hardy & The Great Khali plus the main event of Chris Jericho vs. Undertaker in a No DQ match.

WWE Employee got promoted

Former XFL president and long-time WWE employee Basil V. DeVito, Jr. has been promoted to the Board of Directors. He will fill in for former CEO Linda McMahon. He has been with WWE since 1985 and has served as WWE’s Business Strategy adviser since 2003.

WWE Superstars 2/11

We start off tonight’s show with the Raw brand and your announcers are Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler. They talk about the main event between Dolph Ziggler and JTG.

We see the history of Jack Swagger and Santino Marella on Raw leading up to tonight’s match.

Santino says that he has a message for Jack Swagger Swagger. He says that he is angered by Jack attacking him from behind and keeping him out of the Royal Rumble match. He says that Jack will be taught a lesson so badly that Jack will call him professor.

Match Number One: Santino Marella versus Jack Swagger

They lock up and Swagger with a side head lock and Santino tries to get out of the hold but Swagger with a rake of the eyes and he reapplies the side head lock. Swagger with a shoulder tackle and then Jack does some push ups because it isn’t important to win the match. Santino tells Jack not to do that again. Swagger with another side head lock and take down. Santino with a side head lock and then Santino with a shoulder tackle that staggers Swagger followed by a drop kick and Swagger goes to the floor. Santino does push ups and Santino with a drop toe hold when Swagger returns angrily to the ring. Swagger with a punch and kicks. Swagger takes Santino to the mat one more time followed by a punch and hard Irish whip. Swagger with a double jump Vader Bomb for a near fall. Swagger pushes Santino into the corner again and then he sends Santino’s head into the turnbuckles. Santino starts to Hulka up and then he punches Swagger and then connects with jabs and does a split to avoid Swagger and hits a hip toss and diving head butt for a near fall. Santino uncoils the cobra but he misses and Santino with a clothesline and the Doctor Bomb for the three count.
Winner: Jack Swagger

It is time for a Valentine’s Day edition of Ask the Divas.

We go to commercial.

We are back and it is time for some ECW action and your announcers are Byron Saxton and Josh Mathews.

Match Number Two: Zack Ryder with Rosa Mendes versus Christian in a Non Title Match

They lock up and Ryder backs Christian into the corner and he pushes Christian but Christian slaps Ryder and then gets a near fall with a rollup. Christian with a punch and side head lock. Ryder with a belly-to-back suplex for a near fall. Ryder punches Christian while Rosa cheers him on. Christian with a flap jack for a near fall. Christian clotheslines Ryder over the top rope to the apron and then hits a drop kick to send Ryder to the floor. Christian sets for the springboard cross body to the floor but Ryder moves away from the ringside area. Christian hits Ryder from behind and they return to the ring. Ryder with a kick and then he hits a DDT on the apron. We go to commercial.

We are back and Ryder with a side head lock and gets a near fall. Ryder with a rear chin lock to Christian and he has his knee in Christian’s back. Christian with a springboard sunset flip but Ryder counters it and then he catapults Christian’s throat into the bottom rope. Ryder gets a near fall. Ryder goes to the turnbuckles and he comes off but he lands on Christian’s boot and both men are down. Christian avoids a punch and then he connects with a series. Christian with a running forearm and then he leaps onto Ryder’s back in the ropes. Christian slingshots to the floor and connects with an uppercut. Christian with a missile drop kick for a near fall. Christian with a counter into a sit out power bomb and he gets a near fall. Ryder goes to the apron and he tries to suplex Christian to the floor but Christian back body drops Ryder back into the ring. Christian goes up top but he misses the cross body when Ryder moves. Ryder with the leaping leg lariat but Ryder can only get a two count. Christian tries for the Killswitch but Ryder counters with a rollup and gets a near fall. Ryder tries to block the pendulum kick but Christian hits it and then he follows it with a corkscrew back elbow from the turnbuckles. Christian with the Killswitch and gets the three count.
Winner: Christian

It is time for the Ted DiBiase video package as the first official inductee into the 2010 WWE Hall of Fame Class.

We are back and Did you Know they are still telling us about the number of photos viewed on the website.

It is time for a John Cena video package talking about Hustle, Loyalty, and Respect.

It is time for the Raw Rebound.

We are ready for the main event from the Smackdown brand and your announcers are Todd Grisham and Matt Striker.

It is time for the praise for the band providing the official music of the pay per view and a run through the card for the Elimination Chamber.

Match Number Three: Dolph Ziggler versus JTG

Ziggler backs into the ropes before locking up and the referee keeps JTG away. They finally lock up and Ziggler with a slam but JTG kicks him away and slams Ziggler. JTG gets kicked away by Ziggler. Ziggler goes into the ropes again to stop JTG. They lock up again and Ziggler with a side head lock. JTG with a flying back elbow for a near fall. Ziggler goes to the apron one more time. Ziggler with a kick to the midsection followed by a punch and running back elbow and gets a near fall. JTG with punches and Ziggler with kicks and punches. JTG sends Ziggler into the air and then hits the running blockbuster and Ziggler goes to the floor. We go to commercial.

We are back and Ziggler with a rear chin lock on JTG. We see footage from the commercial break when Ziggler took the action to the floor where he hit a neck breaker. We are back to the action in the ring and JTG tries to get out of the head lock but Ziggler pulls JTG down by the hair. Ziggler with an elbow to the back of the head and then he turns JTG over and hits a series of elbow drops and gets a single boot cover for a near fall. Ziggler with a leaping elbow drop and another near fall. Ziggler with a reverse chin lock on JTG. Ziggler with a leg lariat and gets another near fall. Ziggler kicks JTG and then he hits a snap mare and then does the leap frog neck snap and gets a near fall. Ziggler with a punch to the midsection and then he returns to the reverse chin lock. JTG with elbows and punches but Ziggler with a punch to JTG and that staggers the member of Cryme Tyme. Ziggler misses a splash into the corner and then JTG hits a neck breaker and both men are down. JTG and Ziggler alternate punches until JTG takes control and hits the flip shoulder tackle followed by a clothesline and drop kick. JTG hits the X Factor from the turnbuckles but he can only get a two count. JTG tries for a belly-to-back suplex but Ziggler with a rollup after landing on his feet. JTG with a leg lariat from the turnbuckles but Ziggler gets his foot on the rope to stop the referee’s count. Ziggler hits the Zig Zag for the three count.
Winner: Dolph Ziggler

WWE heading to launch TV Network

During this morning’s investor conference call, WWE Chairman & CEO Vince McMahon says he is planning to launch WWE’s upcoming television network by next summer. He said WWE is already working on the project:

“Right now, we’re continuing along the lines of a formula in which we will soon be presenting and taking the next steps. We think there is tremendous opportunity,” he said. “If things happen as we hope, it will be a really big game-changer. There is huge opportunity as it relates to domestically and internationally. We are pursuing that and taking the next steps.”

McMahon does not think WWE’s current television partners will mind WWE promoting their own network during current WWE programming and compared their strategy to how the NFL promotes their own NFL network during NFL games on CBS, ESPN, etc. He also said WWE plans to keep RAW on the USA Network for many years to come, while SmackDown’s future is less certain.

“The strategy will be maintaining the broadcasts, therefore, keeping Raw on USA Net for many years to come and find a really strong home, whether it be MyNet or someone else, for Smackdown,” he said. “We don’t see any interruption for Raw or Smackdown. The new network could tie-in to Raw and Smackdown and enhance the two brands.”

WWE announcing new PPV themes

As noted earlier, WWE’s 2009 financial results revealed a sharp decline in the 2009 Survivor Series  PPV buyrate (down 26% from 2008) while the company’s new gimmick-themed events (Hell in a Cell, Bragging Rights, TLC) all did better than their 2008 counterparts.

In a survey sent out to the WWE Universe this morning, WWE asks fans what their level of interest is in the following potential PPV event themes:

Tournament Event Single elimination “bracket style” tournament where Superstars would compete in multiple matches during the night to become the tournament winner.

Street Fight Event Main events would include”street fight” matches where there are no disqualifications and pin-falls count anywhere. Superstars often compete in normal street clothes.

Legends Event Match participants would include WWE Legends from the past.

Money in the Bank Event The main event “Money in the Bank” match requires Superstars to climb a ladder and retrieve a briefcase hung high above the ring. The winner can “cash in” the briefcase for a championship title shot throughout the year. Qualifying matches earlier in the event will determine participants for the “Money in the Bank” match.

WWE Draft Event WWE’s annual Draft where Superstars and Divas learn which brand they’ll be a part of for the next year. The Draft is often the beginning of new conflicts and matchups.

Battle Bowl Event Random tag-teams compete together – sometimes arch rivals – with the winning teams being put in a 2-ring Battle Royal. The winner could potentially receive a championship title match.

Roulette Event Main event match stipulations would be determined by the spin of a roulette-type wheel.

War Games Event Teams of 5 collide in 2 cages. 2 participants begin the match with a new participant added every 5 minutes. This process is alternated between teams until all members from both teams are present.

WWE's Financial Report of '09

WWE® Reports 2009 Fourth Quarter Results For the year, Net Income Increases 11%

STAMFORD, Conn., February 11, 2010 – World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE:WWE) today announced financial results for its fourth quarter ended December 31, 2009. Revenues totaled $117.3 million as compared to $125.4 million in the prior year quarter. Operating income was $17.8 million as compared to $23.3 million in the prior year quarter. Net income was $11.2 million, or $0.15 per share, as compared to $13.6 million, or $0.18 per share, in the prior year quarter.

“We concluded a strong year with solid performance in the fourth quarter, which was highlighted by 7% growth in Adjusted EBITDA. For the quarter, we generated revenue growth and improved margins in our live event, pay-per-view, and television businesses,” stated Vince McMahon, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “For the full year, we achieved a 13% increase in Adjusted EBITDA. The results reflected the significant improvements we have made in productivity and a heightened fiscal discipline, which we intend to sustain going forward. The increased operating leverage we have established will enable us to drive greater profits as revenue growth returns. We are confident in our ability to achieve our targeted earnings growth.” The WWE business outlook targets average annual earnings growth of 15% to 20% over the 2009- 12 period.

Comparability of Results

Excluding items that impact comparability, Q4 2009 Adjusted Operating income increased 9% to $18.4 million and Adjusted EBITDA increased 7% to $21.9 million from $16.9 million and $20.5 million, respectively, in Q4 2008. The Q4 2009 results include a charge of $6.4 million associated with the write-down of the receivable due from a prior business partner. This was partially offset by $5.8 million of tax credits received related to our television and digital media production activities, which were recorded as a reduction of expense in these areas. The Q4 2008 results include the recognition of a $6.4 million advance related to a multi-year contract with a book publisher. (See Schedule of Adjustments in Supplemental Information)

Live and Televised Entertainment

Revenues from our Live and Televised Entertainment businesses were $83.8 million for the current quarter as compared to $76.2 million in the prior year quarter, representing a 10% increase.

* Live Event revenues were $29.2 million as compared to $25.5 million in the prior year quarter. Revenues increased 15%, attributable to an increase in the number of domestic events as compared to the prior year quarter as well as favorable changes in foreign exchange rates.

– There were 83 events, including 26 international events, during the current quarter as compared to 73 events, including 26 international events, in the prior year quarter.

– North American events generated $13.7 million of revenues from 57 events as compared to $12.4 million from 47 events in the prior year quarter. North American average attendance decreased 4% to approximately 6,600 from 6,900 in the prior year quarter. The average ticket price for North American events was $35.48 in the current quarter as compared to $38.18 in the prior year quarter.

– International events generated approximately $15.5 million of revenues as compared to $13.1 million in the prior year quarter, reflecting a 2% increase in average attendance to approximately 8,500 fans.

* Venue Merchandise revenues were $4.6 million as compared to $3.5 million in the prior year quarter, as increases in the number of events and total attendance more than offset a slight decline in domestic per capita merchandise sales to $8.95 in the current quarter from $9.06 in the prior year quarter.

* Television Rights Fees revenues were $30.4 million as compared to $27.6 million in the prior year quarter. This increase was primarily due to license fees received from our new WWE Superstars television show and contractual increases from our existing programs.

* WWE Classics On Demand revenues were $1.1 million as compared to $1.6 million in the prior year quarter, primarily due to a decline in international distribution.

Consumer Products

Revenues from our Consumer Products businesses were $22.7 million versus $33.3 million in the prior year quarter, representing a 32% decrease, as the prior year quarter included the recognition of a $6.4 million advance relating to a multi-year contract with a book publisher. Excluding the impact of the book advance, Consumer Products revenues declined 16% primarily due to discounting in our Home Video business.

* Home Video net revenues were $10.4 million as compared to $15.0 million in the prior year quarter. The decrease reflects a 14% decline in effective DVD pricing partially offset by a 6% increase in DVD shipments to 940,000 units from the prior year quarter.

* Licensing revenues were $8.0 million as compared to $14.7 million in the prior year quarter. The decrease primarily reflects the recognition of a $6.4 million advance related to a multi-year contract with a book publisher in the prior year quarter.

* Magazine publishing net revenues were $3.6 million as compared to $3.5 million in the prior year quarter as an increase in the number of issues circulated was offset by lower sell-through rates.

Digital Media

Revenues from our Digital Media related businesses were $10.6 million as compared to $10.9 million in the prior year quarter, representing a 3% decrease.

* WWE.com revenues were $3.9 million as compared to $3.8 million in the prior year quarter.

* WWEShop revenues were $6.7 million as compared to $7.1 million in the prior year quarter. The number of orders increased by 3% to approximately 123,000 which was more than offset by an 8% decline in the average revenue per order to $53.43 as compared to the prior year quarter.

WWE Studios

During the current quarter, we recorded revenue of $0.2 million related to previously released films as compared to $5.0 million in the prior year quarter. During the first quarter of 2009, we released our fourth feature film, 12 Rounds, as well as a Direct-to- DVD film, Behind Enemy Lines: Colombia. In the current quarter, we released a Direct- to-DVD film, The Marine 2. 12 Rounds generated approximately $12.2 million in gross domestic box office receipts and was released on DVD on June 30, 2009. We participate in revenues generated by the distribution of these films after the print, advertising and distribution costs incurred by our distributors have been recouped and the results have been reported to us. Accordingly, we have not recorded revenues for 12 Rounds or The Marine 2.

Profit Contribution (Net revenues less cost of revenues)

Profit contribution was $53.7 million in the current quarter as compared to $56.3 million in the prior year quarter. Excluding items that impact comparability (described above), Adjusted profit contribution was essentially flat. The gross profit margin increased to 46% as compared to 45% in the prior year quarter, reflecting efficiencies in our Live and Televised Entertainment segment. These efficiencies were led by sustained cost reductions in marketing, TV production and tax credits associated with our television and digital media production. Improved margins were partially offset by an overall decline in the Consumer Products segment profit contribution, primarily due to decreases in our Licensing and Home Video businesses.

Selling, general and administrative expenses

SG&A expenses were $32.4 million for the current quarter as compared to $29.4 million in the prior year quarter, reflecting a $2.1 million increase in accrued management incentive compensation and $6.4 million of bad debt reserves primarily associated with the write-down of the receivable due from a prior business partner. These factors offset cost savings including the recognition of $2.2 million in tax credits associated with our television and digital media production. Excluding items that impact comparability (described above), Adjusted SG&A expenses declined 4% to $28.2 million as compared to the prior year quarter.

EBITDA

EBITDA was approximately $21.3 million in the current quarter as compared to $26.8 million in the prior year quarter. Excluding items that impact comparability (described above), Adjusted EBITDA increased 7% to $21.9 million.
Investment and Other Income (Expense)

The decline in investment income of $0.8 million in the current quarter reflects lower interest rates. Other expense of $0.7 million, as compared to other expense of $2.7 million in the prior year quarter, reflected changes in realized foreign exchange gains and losses and the revaluation of warrants held in certain licensees.

Effective tax rate

In the current quarter, the effective tax rate was 36% as compared to 38% in the prior year quarter.

Summary Results for the Twelve Months Ended

Total revenues through the year ended December 31, 2009 were $475.2 million as compared to $526.5 million in the prior year. Operating income for the current year was $77.1 million versus $70.3 million in the prior year. Net income was $50.3 million, or $0.68 per share, as compared to $45.4 million, or $0.62 per share, in the prior year. EBITDA was $91.6 million for the current year as compared to $83.4 million in the prior year. Current year expenses included the benefit of $8.3 million in tax credits associated with our television and digital media production, an increase of $7.4 million in bad debt expense related to a prior business partner and a $2.2 million restructuring charge associated with a 10% reduction in staff. As previously disclosed, the prior year results included the recognition of a $6.4 million advance related to a multi-year contract with a book publisher, an expense of $3.5 million associated with our McMahon’s Million Dollar Mania brand awareness campaign and a $1.9 million charge for our film See No Evil. Excluding these items, Adjusted EBITDA was $92.9 million for the current year as compared to $82.4 million in the prior year. (See Schedule of Adjustments in Supplemental Information)

No More Survivor Series????

As we reported earlier, WWE’s 2009 financial results revealed that the most recent Survivor Series  PPV was down a sharp 26%

During an investor conference call this morning, WWE Chairman & CEO Vince McMahon revealed that after 23 years, the Survivor Series PPV concept has come to an end and will not be used again. McMahon stated:

“We think that Survivor Series is obsolete, as far as that title is concerned. It was something that worked many, many years ago, in terms of a creative standpoint, various teams competing. That really is not advantageous as the consumer now looks as what actually they are buying. And it’s such a broad … Survivor Series yes, many years ago, was one of the original four pay-per-views, but it’s outlasted its usage and it is one of the things in terms of re-branding, this year and going forward, that will be re-branded. No longer will we have that title, Survivor Series.”

WWE Survivor Series debuted back in 1987 and for many years featured primarily team elimination matches. The show had lost much of its identity in recent years and will likely be replaced next year with a new gimmick-themed event.

ECW syfy report 9/2

We are live on tape from Baton Rouge, Louisiana and your announcers are Josh ‘At least I have the interviewing deal’ Mathews and Byron ‘Find this man a spot on Raw or Smackdown to do announcing’ Saxton.

We start off with the members of ECW in a meeting waiting for Tiffany to arrive. She tells everyone about the fact that ECW is done in two weeks. She says that it is not a bad thing, it is a great thing. She reminds everyone that they are free agents but they can be part of the Next Evolution of the WWE. Tiffany says that she hasn’t always seen eye to eye with everyone but she was proud to be the general manager. Tiffany tells everyone to have a great show and make the next two weeks a chance to impress everyone. She tells everyone to seize the day and have fun. Tiffany then puts on some beads and drinks a Hurricane before leaving.

Zack wants to know where she is going and Tiffany mentions that Mardi Gras is this week and the Saints won the Super Bowl so she is going to party.

We see footage from last night when the Shiz defeated the Straight Edge Society and Generation Next to become the new Unified Tag Team Champions.

Match Number One: Yoshi Tatsu and Goldust versus Trent Barreta and Caylen Croft in a Number One Contender Match for the Unified Tag Titles

Goldust and Barreta start things off and Goldust works on the arm and he punches Barreta and then hits a hip toss before tagging in Yoshi. Yoshi with a chop to Barreta for a near fall. Yoshi continues to work on the arm and he connects with a shoulder tackle. Barreta with a rollup but Yoshi counters with a near fall of his own. Yoshi with an arm drag into an arm bar. Croft tags in after Barreta punches Yoshi in the corner. Croft with punches to Yoshi and he gets a near fall. Croft with a forearm and then he tags Barreta back in. Trent with a running back elbow for a near fall. Barreta with a reverse chin lock followed by a knee and forearm to the back. Barreta with an Irish whip and then Yoshi sends Barreta into the turnbuckles when he charges. Goldust tags in and he hits the drop down uppercut followed by a running boot to the head. Goldust goes after Barreta on the floor and Croft made the blind tag and that allows Croft to clip Goldust when Goldust waits for Barreta to come out of the ropes. Croft does his fist pumping in the air before we go to commercial.

We are back and Barreta tags back in and he continues to work on Goldust’s leg. Croft with a quick tag and he continues to work on Goldust. Goldust with a kick and then his leg gives out when Croft Irish whips him. Croft continues to work on the elg and then when the referee deals with Croft and Yoshi, Barreta slams Goldust’s leg into the apron. Trent tags back in and they make a wish with Goldust before Trent gets a near fall. Trent with an Indian Death Lock on Goldust and Goldust tries to summon the power to escape and he punches Trent to get out of the hold. Barreta with a dragon screw leg whip and Croft punches air on the apron. Croft tags in and he kicks Goldust in the hamstring before dropping a knee to the leg. Goldust with punches to Croft and Barreta but Goldust is sent into the corner as Barreta tags back in and connects with a knee in the corner. Barreta continues to work on the leg and he gets a near fall on Goldust. Croft is tagged back in and he gets a near fall on Goldust for a near fall. Barreta is tagged back in and Trent slingshots in and then he face washes Goldust. Barreta with a step over toe hold but Goldust sends Trent into the corner to escape. Goldust tries to fight out of a front face lock and Trent knocks Yoshi to the floor. Goldust with a back body drop but Yoshi was not on the apron. Trent with a rollup but Goldust with a power slam and then Goldust makes the tag and so does Croft. Yoshi with a drop kick and spinning heel kick to Croft followed by a back body drop and kicks. Yoshi with the double knees followed by a rolling mare into a kick for a near fall. Yoshi goes up top and hits the heel kick but Trent breaks up the cover. Goldust’s leg is fine as he hits a bulldog on Barreta. Yoshi with the round house kick on Croft for the three count.
Winners: Yoshi Tatsu and Goldust

Josh and Byron talk about the tag title match next week and then it is time to be reminded of the first official inductee into the 2010 Class of the WWE Hall of Fame. It is Ted DiBiase.

We go to commercial.

Match Number Two: Ezekiel Jackson with William Regal versus Perry Wallace

Zeke laughs at his opponent as the bell rings and they lock up and Zeke sends Wallace down to the mat. Jackson lets Wallace punch him but Jackson runs Wallace into the turnbuckles and then he punches and kicks Wallace. Jackson with a biel to Wallace and then he waits for Wallace to get up. Jackson with a running clothesline and Wallace is not really moving too well. Jackson with the uranage for the three count.
Winner: Ezekiel Jackson

After the match, Regal gets on the mic and after hearing a few boos, he says that he hopes the general manager hasn’t fallen too far into her debauchery to listen to him. He says that the ECW Title match at the Royal Rumble was a travesty. He says that he never should have been ejected from ringside. He talks about the bias of the general manager as well as the fans. Regal says that Tiffany’s legacy will be making a travesty of everything and setting back the roles of women in the workplace back 25 years. Regal tells Tiffany that on the final show of ECW, she can do the right thing and give Ezekiel a rematch.

Zeke tells Christian that if he accepts the challenge, his reign as champion will end. Jackson says that as the final ECW champion, it will only be the beginning of the rise of his dominance. He then quotes the Book of Ezekiel.

We go to commercial.

We are back with the Raw Rebound.

It is time to run through the card for the Elimination Chamber.

Byron and Josh talk about the challenge made by Ezekiel Jackson and it is time for Christian’s response. Christian says that he accepts the challenge, but he wants to do it big and as only ECW can. He wants to do it under Extreme Rules.

Before our main event, Shelton Benjamin gets on the mic and he starts off with a cheap pop that Mick Foley would be proud of. Shelton says that when he came to ECW, he was not happy because he was the gold standard and he says that he is too good and too talented for ECW. Then he got kicked in the head by Yoshi Tatsu and got pinned in ten seconds. Shelton says that was his wake up call and he saw the heart and passion from the guys in the back and they earned his respect every week. Shelton says that he made some friends he didn’t expect to make and he did some things that he didn’t expect to do. Shelton joins in with the Who Dats from the fans. Shelton says that he is going to miss everyone in the back with the exception of Vance Archer. Shelton says that Vance is the type of person to shake your hand only to wait to stab you in the back. Shelton reminds them of their No Disqualification match and he says that his last ECW memory will be wiping the smile off Vance’s face and hurting him like no one else has done before.

We go to commercial.

Match Number Three: Shelton Benjamin versus Vance Archer in a No Disqualification and No Count Out Match

They lock up and Benjamin with a side head lock and a shoulder tackle. Archer backs into the corner and Shelton waits for him to emerge. Benjamin with a waist lock and Archer goes to his knees to escape but Benjamin with a side head lock. Benjamin with another shoulder tackle and Archer goes to the floor to regroup. Vance returns to the ring and they lock up again. Archer backs Benjamin into the corner and he punches Shelton and there is nothing the referee can do as Archer adds in some kicks. Benjamin with punches of his own followed by a back elbow. Benjamin with a rollup into a single leg crab. Archer makes it to the ropes and Archer wants Benjamin to release the hold but the referee reminds Archer that it is no disqualification. Archer goes up top but Benjamin with an enzuigiri and Archer goes to the floor as we go to commercial.

We are back and Archer has a kendo stick and he tries to hit Shelton with it but Shelton uses a chair to block it. Benjamin winds up with the chair but he misses and hits the ring steps. Archer drops Benjamin onto the ringside barrier and he follows it with a boot to the head. Archer punches Benjamin and then he rolls Shelton back into the ring to get a near fall. Archer with a kick to the head and then he kicks Benjamin in the arm. We see Shelton bleeding so the referee pulls Archer off Shelton. We see footage from the commercial break when Benjamin’s head is sent into the announce table.

The match continues and they exchange punches until Shelton gets a second wind. He puts Archer on the top turnbuckle but Archer with a spinebuster slam for a two count. Archer punches Benjamin in the head and then he removes the top turnbuckle. Archer kicks Benjamin in the head and then he pulls Shelton’s arm into the exposed turnbuckle. Archer with punches to the arm and then he puts Benjamin in an arm bar. Benjamin with punches but Archer with a hard Irish whip for a near fall. Archer kicks Shelton in the arm and then he puts Benjamin in a bear hug into a waist lock. Benjamin with elbows and punches but Archer with a kick to the arm. Benjamin with a forearm from the top turnbuckle and then he hits a running shoulder tackle or two. Benjamin with a spinning heel kick for a near fall. Archer with a head butt to the ribs and then Benjamin escapes the set up for the inverted DDT to hit a German suplex. Benjamin sets for the Stinger Splash but Archer moves. Benjamin is able to land on the ropes and then he hits a blockbuster
followed by Paydirt for the three count.
Winner: Shelton Benjamin

We go to credits for the next to last time.