WWE "ECW on Syfy"
Taped earlier tonight in Sheffield, England

[Q1] A video aired celebrating American veterans. The opening video aired and a graphic was shown promoting tonight's main event, Christian defending the ECW Title against William Regal. Josh Matthews and Byron Saxton welcomed us to the show...

Tony Atlas covered the intros for The Abraham Washington Show. Abe came out in a good mood and pointed out this was the first time the show was taken international. He asked if Tony was enjoying England. Tony said yes, but the people talk funny (good line). Abe proceeded to badmouth the teeth of English people.

Washington referenced tonight's main event and the English fans popped loudly when William Regal's name was mentioned. Abe introduced his guest, Yoshi Tatsu. Yoshi said his English was not so good. Abe thanked him for coming on the show and Yoshi did his "thank you" repetition lines. Tony laughed and Abe told him to shut up.

Abe asked Yoshi who he thought would win tonight. Yoshi replied by saying Christian was a great champion and would retain. Abe and Yoshi mimicked Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan. Abe said it was his job to make fun of Atlas and instructed Tony to end the show. Music played everybody off...

Twill's Two Cents: Dreadful segment. I thought Atlas saved this show when he first started appearing on it, but maybe he just extended the life support. That was horrible and an even worse way to open the show.

Matthews and Saxton introduced a video package highlighting Christian vs. Regal...

Twill's Two Cents: I like that they are making this out to be a big time match and having a video package always aides in that.

A mask vs. career match between Paul Burchill and Hurricane was announced for next week...

[Q2] 1. Goldust defeated Paul Burchill (with Katie Lea) in 3:53. Goldust started in early on Burchill's arm. They traded offensive moves early and Burchill targeted his attack on the ribs of Goldust. Paul was relentless working underneath the left arm of Goldust. Hurricane's music hit and he ran out to distract Burchill. Goldust hit the Final Cut for the win...

Twill's Two Cents: Well, it was a solid match until the weak distraction and finish. I am looking forward to next week's match between Burchill and Hurricane.

Footage was shown of Zack Ryder vs. Shelton Benjamin from last week's show with Ryder losing because he was smitten with Rosa Mendes. Backstage, Ryder spoke to Rosa. He said he really liked her and she was welcome to be in his corner anytime she wanted. Then he fantasized about the two of them skipping together through the backstage area, complete with corny music. Ryder had a smiley look on his face... [C]

Twill's Two Cents: That was corny, but it was funny too.

Backstage, William Regal told Tiffany he would become the ECW Champion. Tiffany said she hoped they could start fresh with their relationship, whether or not Regal won the title...

[Q3] 2. Vance Archer defeated Jason Blackwell in 1:21. Blackwell is from Sheffield. Archer cut an 80s split screen promo. He also looks like he wears hair plugs. Vance won the match with a momentum reverse DDT...

Twill's Two Cents: Archer is huge and has a distinct look. We'll see if he catches on.

Christian was shown walking through the backstage area. The main event is next... [C]

Regal received a nice initial pop when he made his entrance, but then it reverted into his normal reaction. However, as he waited for Christian, a loud "Regal" chant broke out. Christian received a nice ovation as well. Title match in ring introductions were adhered to for this bout...

3. Christian defeated William Regal to retain the ECW Championship in 23:17. Slow pacing early on with the crowd split between both men in their chants. They faced off as the show went to commercial... [C]

[Q4] An ad aired for the new Hulk Hogan DVD set...

Twill's Two Cents: Nice timing.

Back from commercial, Christian scored the first nearfall. Saxton reminded us that Vladimir Kozlov and Ezekiel Jackson were barred from ringside. The pacing remained slow and very physical. Christian almost won the match with a top rope high cross body.

They fought to the top again and Regal hit a double underhook suplex. Regal struggled into a cover and scored a two count. He locked in a reverse chinlock as the show went to commercial for the final time... [C]

Upon returning from commercial, Christian missed a baseball slide to the floor and Regal followed with a suplex. He rolled Christian back into the ring and scored a two count. The crowd started to get behind Regal. Regal scored several nearfalls. Regal locked in a full nelson. Christian hit the Kill Switch but could not make the cover right away and thus, Regal kicked out.

[Overrun] Both men struggled to their feet and Regal almost won the match with a kick to the head. By the way, referee Scott Armstrong has a horrible count cadence. It is too slow. Christian tried a tornado DDT, but Regal pushed him to the floor. Christian fought back and hit two missile dropkicks for another two count.

Regal scored two more nearfalls. He then locked in the Regal stretch. Christian fought and clawed his way out of the hold, much to the dismay of the English crowd. Regal charged with a knee and was met with a dropkick. Christian followed with a reverse elbow. Regal countered a Kill Switch, but Christian finally hit the move again for the win...

Twill's Two Cents: The slow pace of the match never really changed, but these two veterans made it work by telling a very nice story. It was a good match and not a great match, but you have to appreciate and respect the physical nature of the entire match. The last five minutes were spectacular.

What did you think of the show? Feel free to let me know by shooting an email to dotnetrich@gmail.com.

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