TJR: WWE Tables, Ladders & Chairs 2009 Review

It’s WWE TLC 2009, featuring Sheamus facing John Cena in a Tables Match, The Undertaker battling Batista in a Chairs Match, and  DX against Jerishow in the TLC main event.  

This is a show that I reviewed in December 2009 when it happened, but I didn’t go in-depth at all. This review is being written in June 2026, and some of the guys who wrestled on this card are still active in WWE nearly 17 years later. I will mention what I rated the matches in 2009 and then give an updated rating in 2026. Let’s check it out.

The year 2009 was when I started a blog, which would lead to the growth of TJRWrestling over the years. It was May 2009 when I started doing the Raw Deal. It wasn’t a great year for WWE, but there were still talented wrestlers, and sometimes the PPVs were pretty good.

In an interesting bit of trivia, this is the first time that WWE used Tables, Ladders & Chairs as a PPV name. They would go on to use TLC as a name 12 times, with the last one taking place in 2020. All of them were in December, except for 2017, when it was in October.

I am watching the show on Netflix. The DVD looked like this:

That is some strange cover art.

WWE Tables, Ladders & Chairs
From AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas
December 13, 2009

The opening video package focused on the weapons that would be used during the show, calling it a “revolutionary event” dedicated to tables, ladders and chairs. It focused on the main matches coming up on the show.

It was a packed house in San Antonio with a lot of signs in the crowd. The commentary team was Michael Cole, Jerry “The King” Lawler and Matt Striker.

Ladder Match for the ECW Championship: Christian vs. Shelton Benjamin

Pre-match notes: Christian was a babyface champion. Shelton was a face for the most part, but he was a heel before this. This was right at the end of the ECW revival from 2006. In February 2010, WWE pulled the plug on ECW officially, and NXT’s rookie-pro concept began after that.

The ECW Title was above the ring with ladders surrounding the ring. Christian hit a dropkick. Shelton ran to the turnbuckle and jumped off the top with a forearm. Shelton countered Christian with a backbreaker onto the knee. They left the ring where Shelton sent Christian into the barricade. Shelton grabbed a ladder, so Christian jumped off the turnbuckle over the top onto Shelton on the floor. Christian set up a big ladder under the title and touched the title, but Shelton pulled him down. After Christian did a monkey flip, Shelton climbed the ladder and Christian pulled him down. Christian had the ladder in his hands, Shelton tripped him up and the ladder fell on Christian’s head, so Christian was cut above the eye. This was the second year of the PG era, so the doctor went over to Christian to try to clean up the blood while Shelton set up a ladder on the floor. The fans booed as the action stopped for the doctor to check on Christian. When the action picked up again, Shelton climbed a ladder on the floor and jumped onto Christian with a somersault dive. That was impressive. Shelton set up a ladder bridge from the ring apron to the table. Shelton tripped up Christian, who kicked Shelton into another ladder that was on the floor. When they got back into the ring, Shelton reversed Christian face first into a ladder that was against the turnbuckle. Shelton charged and Christian shoved it into Shelton’s face. Ouch. Christian climbed, so Shelton shoved him off and Shelton hit a spin kick to the head. Shelton sent the ladder into Christian’s head to put him down.

Shelton set up a ladder and tried to climb, but Christian went up after him. Christian jumped off with a reverse DDT off the ladder. That was great spot. Christian climbed and was talking to Shelton about doing the next spot. Christian saw Shelton going on the turnbuckle, so Christian tried to attack with the ladder. Shelton managed to get on the ladder. Christian shoved Shelton, who walked across the top rope and Shelton went to the top of the ladder, which led to a clothesline by Shelton that knocked Christian out of the ring. Shelton climbed, got his hand on the ladder and Christian stopped him. Shelton came back with a powerslam from the ladder. Shelton hit a Stinger Splash on Christian against a ladder against the turnbuckle. Shelton reached up for the ECW Title and held onto the mechanism that the title was on, but Christian got back up to punch Shelton. Christian was hanging onto the mechanism that the title was on, then Shelton caught him and Shelton hit a Powerbomb into a ladder against the turnbuckle. They climbed the ladder again and Shelton went for a sunset flip Powerbomb, but Christian countered with a hurricanrana into the turnbuckle. They went the apron by the ladder bridge. Christian kicked Shelton onto the ladder. Christian went up top and hit a Frog Splash onto Shelton to break the ladder bridge. That drew a huge pop from the crowd as the ladder split in half under Shelton. Christian went back in the ring, slowly climbed up and grabbed the ECW Title to win the match. It went 18:04. It was the second longest match on the show.

Winner: Christian

Analysis: **** Great way to start the show with an exciting, physical match. An entertaining Ladder Match between two terrific athletes, with Christian having a lot of experience in ladder matches, while Shelton is a great athlete. The spot where they had to stop for about a minute for the doctor to stop Christian’s cut drew a lot of boos with good reason. The wrestlers managed to pick up the pace and get the fans into it after that. Shelton is crazy athletic, as we know, and he showed it with some incredible spots in this match. They took some big bumps throughout the match. That final spot where Christian hit the Frog Splash onto Shelton through the ladder bridge was amazing. It was a decisive way to end it. (2009 rating: ****)

After the match, Christian looked at Shelton, who was still on the floor getting looked at by the doctor.

There were highlights shown from Raw when Jerishow (Chris Jericho & Big Show) beat up DX’s Shawn Michaels and Triple H with tables, ladders and chairs.

Intercontinental Championship: John Morrison vs. Drew McIntyre

Pre-match notes: Drew was a 24-year-old heel known as the “Chosen One,” who was Vince McMahon’s handpicked superstar as a future main eventer. Drew had a very generic theme song at this point. Morrison was the babyface champion going into the match. They were SmackDown guys.

John was in control early on with a hurricanrana and a running kick to the back for two. After Drew left the ring, John went after him and Drew lifted up John to send him face first into the ring post. Back in the ring, Drew got a two count. Drew hit a short-arm clothesline for a two count. Drew worked over John with two clotheslines, along with a suplex for two. Drew grabbed a chinlock for a second time. John came back with a kick, but Drew came back with a boot to the face for a two count. Drew punched John in the chest a few times. Drew applied an armbar, John broke free and hit an impressive Tornado DDT. John worked over Drew with punches, then a clothesline and a kick for a two count. John went up top and hit a missile dropkick for two. Drew had John on his shoulders and gave him a reverse Alabama Slam for a two count. That’s a move that Drew would use in later years as well. John hit a dropkick that sent Drew out of the ring. John sent Drew into the barricade with a drop toe hold. John hit a jumping kick off the apron. Back in the ring, Drew charged, John moved and John hit Starship Pain that barely touched Drew. The referee counted two, but Drew’s right foot was under the bottom rope. Drew tried to pull John by his belt into the turnbuckle, but the belt broke. The referee tossed the belt out of the ring, so Drew did an eye gouge. Drew hit the Scot Drop double arm DDT for the pinfall win at 10:19. That finishing move would be called the Future Shock later.

Winner by pinfall AND NEW Intercontinental Champion: Drew McIntyre

Analysis: **3/4 A solid match between two young guys, but never really became that great. Morrison was established for the most part while Drew was very early in his long WWE career. The crowd reacted well when John made his comebacks, but there wasn’t much of a reaction to Drew’s offense in the match. The cheap shot by Drew set up the finish. (2009 rating: **1/2)

Drew McIntyre celebrated with the Intercontinental Title. It was Drew’s first title win in his WWE career. There wasn’t much of a reaction to Drew.

(It was 11 years after this when Drew McIntyre became the WWE Champion for the first time.)

There were likely some commercials in there, but those were edited out.

Drew McIntyre was backstage with Vince McMahon, who said congratulations. Drew said this was just step one and this was just the beginning. Josh Mathews walked up to talk to Vince, but Vince told him to talk to the new Intercontinental Champion. Drew said he wasn’t surprised about winning the IC Title and said it was inevitable. Drew said he knew just how quickly it would come. Sheamus walked up to Drew saying as a newcomer himself, he has to say it was impressive. Sheamus said that Drew wasn’t the only newcomer who would leave TLC with some gold.

Analysis: It was in the early days of Drew and Sheamus. They were really good friends at this time and remained that way to this day.

WWE Women’s Championship: Michelle McCool (w/Layla) vs. Mickie James

Pre-match notes: This was during the “Piggie James” story. I didn’t like the story and a lot of people didn’t like the story. It got heat on the heels, but it was ridiculous that they would call Mickie fat. McCool and Layla were heels while James was a face. James was my favorite woman in WWE at the time by far and one of my favorites of all time.

They locked up and held on so tightly that they rolled out of the ring still holding onto eachother. Layla was wearing a Piggie James shirt at ringside. James tripped up McCool and got a pin attempt. James got two more pin attempts after that. McCool took over after sending James into the turnbuckle. McCool grabbed a chinlock to remain in control. McCool hit some knees to the back. James hit two forearms to the face, but McCool hit a backbreaker for two. McCool sent James into the ring post, so James bumped to the floor. McCool tossed James into the barricade. When McCool tried for more, James hit a hurricanrana on the floor and a Thesz Press. They went back into the ring where James hit a Thesz Press again. James hit a droning dropkick for two. James hit multiple clotheslines, along with a forearm. The fans were cheering. James went up top, Layla shoved her down, James landed on her feet and James kicked Layla. McCool went for a kick, James ducked and McCool kicked Layla off the apron. James got a rollup for two. McCool hit a boot to the face and covered for the win at 7:31.

Winner by pinfall: Michelle McCool

Analysis: **1/2 A solid match that was typical of most women’s matches in this era. It was in the era when women’s matches rarely got 10 minutes. James getting that rollup drew the biggest reaction of the match. The fans wanted a title change, but instead, McCool found a way to win. McCool’s kick on James didn’t look that devastating. It was enough to win, though. (2009 rating: **1/2)

(This feud would continue, and Mickie James won the Women’s Title at Royal Rumble 2010 in a 20-second match. Laycool was humiliated after that. In the end, the babyface triumphed over the bullying heels.)

A video package aired to set up the John Cena-Sheamus match for the WWE Title. Sheamus won a battle royal on Raw to set up a WWE Title match. There was a memorable moment in the build up to this when Sheamus put the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban through a table on Raw. Cuban was a guest host on Raw.

(Going into this match, I don’t think many people would have picked Sheamus to win. Just saying.)

Sheamus was up first with his “Too Many Limes” (not the real lyrics) song, and was booed. John Cena got a loud reaction as usual, as the WWE Champion, with a mix of cheers and boos. Ring announcer Justin Roberts did the championship introductions.

Tables Match for the WWE Championship: John Cena vs. Sheamus

Pre-match notes: Sheamus was a “rookie” on the WWE main roster even though he was 31 years old at this point. Cena was in his 7th year on the main roster and firmly established as WWE’s top guy. Cena was 32 years old. Cena was the babyface WWE Champion and Cena was the heel.

The first man to put their opponent through a table loses the match. It can happen anywhere. It didn’t have to happen in the ring.

There were “Cena” chants and also a lot of people booing as well. Cena sent Sheamus into the turnbuckle a few times, along with a bulldog. Sheamus hit an elbow smash, followed by a clothesline. Sheamus hit a knee drop. Sheamus went for a table under the ring, but Cena stopped that. Cena sent Sheamus face-first into the commentary table a few times. Sheamus came back to send Cena into the ring post. Cena was back up to send Sheamus crashing into the steel steps. Cena pulled out a table from under the ring. Cena put Sheamus onto the table, but Sheamus got up before Cena could do a move through the table. Back in the ring, Sheamus hit a powerslam. Cena teased an Attitude Adjustment through a table, but Sheamus avoided that and Sheamus sent Cena into the turnbuckle. Sheamus tackled Cena into the side of the ring apron. Sheamus sent Cena into the top of the steel steps. Cena sent Sheamus into the steel steps. They battled by the table that was set up on the floor, Sheamus wanted a Powerbomb, but Cena avoided it. Sheamus wanted a suplex on the ramp, Cena countered it and Cena suplexed Sheamus on the ramp. Cena tried slamming a table onto Sheamus on the ramp, but Sheamus moved out of the way. They went fighting into the crowd with Cena throwing some punches. Cena clotheslined Sheamus over the barricade and they were ringside again.

Cena put Sheamus back into the ring. Cena set up a table on the floor. Sheamus hit the Irish Curse Kick that would later become known as the Brogue Kick. Sheamus brought a table into the ring. Cena broke free, which led to the two shoulder tackles and the “You Can’t See Me” gesture, leading to the Five Knuckle Shuffle fist drop. Sheamus got back up and dumped the table over the top to the floor. Cena hit the Attitude Adjustment in the ring. Cena brought a table into the ring and set it up. Cena set up Sheamus on the top rope. Cena tried to put Sheamus on his shoulders, but Sheamus elbowed out of that. Cena tried a superplex, Sheamus blocked it, and Cena jumped off the top and through the table in the ring. Sheamus fell to the floor as Cena did that bump.

Winner AND NEW WWE Champion: Sheamus

Analysis: ***1/4 There’s the shocking WWE Title change with Sheamus getting his first WWE Title win. It wasn’t even a push by Sheamus to win. Cena just fell off the top and went through the table. This was a way to protect Cena since he lost the WWE Title without being pinned, and it was done in a fluky way since Sheamus didn’t even push Cena to win. They did a good job throughout the match. Tables matches are hard because it’s not as dramatic as going for a pinfall or submission. The weird thing about this match is that they could use any weapons they wanted, but they only used tables since it was a Tables Match. I think they should have used kendo sticks and chairs to help tell the story. (2009 rating: **3/4)

Sheamus got up off the floor and was presented with the WWE Championship. Cole said that Sheamus came to Raw on October 26th and less than two months later, he’s the WWE Champion. The announcers put over the fact that WWE fans were genuinely surprised by it.

Analysis: It is probably one of the most surprising WWE Title changes in WWE history. I think it helped legitimize Sheamus early on in his career, even though a Tables Match win isn’t as impressive as if he had pinned John Cena to be the WWE Champion.

John Cena slowly got back to his feet after Sheamus went to the back. Cena refused help to the back. Cena took a piece of the table and left the ring. Cena said he would never forget, referring to the table.

(John Cena would win the WWE Title back over two months later at Elimination Chamber 2010, and then lose it to Batista that same night. That set up their WrestleMania 26 match for the WWE Title.)

They aired a “Please don’t try this” commercial.

A video package aired to set up The Undertaker-Batista match for the World Heavyweight Title. Batista turned heel at the Bragging Rights PPV, famously with his, “You’re supposed to be my friend” line. Batista targeted The Undertaker and the World Heavyweight Title at TLC. Batista did repeated attacks on Taker with a steel chair to set up their Chairs Match at TLC.

(Batista was a main event babyface for five years – mostly on the SmackDown brand – before his heel turn, so it was a big deal when he turned heel.)

Batista made his entrance first looking massive as usual. The fans were booing him. There was a sign in the crowd from a guy saying his wife was in labor, but the fan came to TLC instead. Sure, pal. The Undertaker did his slow walking entrance while the fans popped big for the Deadman as usual.

(The Undertaker and Batista had an incredible rivalry in 2007 with the World Title on the line in most of those matches. In that feud, they were both babyfaces. This time, Batista was in a heel role.)

Chairs Match for the World Heavyweight Championship: The Undertaker vs. Batista

Pre-match notes: The Undertaker was the babyface World Heavyweight Champion. Batista was the heel challenger. Chairs were legal in this match that had to be won by pinfall or submission.

There were chairs all around the ring, so Batista tried to use a chair right away. Taker stopped that chair attempt. Taker hit a clothesline to knock Batista down. Batista came back with an elbow to the face, followed by a lariat. Taker sent Batista out of the ring. Taker sent Batista into the steel steps and then Batista tossed Taker into the steps. Batista tackled Taker into the ring apron. Taker tossed Batista over the timekeeper’s area. Taker missed a running boot on the floor, so Batista hit Taker with a chair to the back. Batista went for a big chair shot, Taker ducked it and Batista hit the ring post with the chair. Taker hit a running leg drop on the apron as Cole did his “Vintage Undertaker” line. Taker teased his rope walk, but Batista countered with punches. Batista hit a superplex from the middle turnbuckle for a two count. Batista teased a move on a chair, but Taker hit a back body drop onto the chair. Ouch. Batista came back with a spinebuster for two. Batista wedged a chair against the turnbuckle. Taker hit a leaping clothesline. Taker did the rope walk old school punch to the back. Taker did Snake Eyes into the top turnbuckle, but Batista came back with a Spear for a two count. Batista gave Taker a spinebuster onto a chair with the top of Taker’s back hitting the chair. Taker went for the Hell’s Gate submission, but Batista rolled to the ropes to break the hold. There is a rope break in this match.

Batista went to the floor, Taker stumbled to the ropes and Batista jabbed the chair into Taker’s throat. Batista went for a running shoulder tackle, Taker moved and Batista hit the chair against the turnbuckle. Taker hit a clothesline for two. Taker spiked Batista with a Chokeslam for two. Taker went for the Tombstone, Batista slipped out of that, teased sending Taker into referee Charles Robinson and Batista hit a low blow uppercut punch that the referee never saw. Taker sold it like the most painful low blow ever. Batista hit a chair shot to the head (Taker got his hand up) and got the three count. Batista is the new World Heavyweight Champion…but wait.

SmackDown GM Teddy Long showed up. Long said there’s no need to celebrate. Long said that the usage of chairs is legal in this match, but a blatant foul is not. Long said if you think the World Title will change hands because of a despicable act like Batista did, you are wrong. Long said that this match will restart.

Analysis: I don’t mind what Long did in theory. The problem in wrestling is that most of the time, when a guy cheats behind the referee’s back, nobody does anything about it, and they say the ref’s decision is final. However, in this case, you have the GM restarting the match because of cheating, so as fans, it should make us wonder why not just do that every time there’s cheating, right? It’s a problem in pro wrestling where there’s no consistency in that sort of thing. As fans, you can’t always use logic in pro wrestling.

Batista tried to attack with a chair, but Taker kicked the chair in Batista’s face. Taker hit Batista in the upper back with the chair. Taker hit a Tombstone for the one…two…and three for the win. It went 13:14.

Winner by pinfall: The Undertaker

Analysis: **3/4 It wasn’t close to the level of their great matches in 2007, many of which I rated at four stars or higher. They hit some big moves throughout the match, and the chairs were used a lot, but psychologically, it’s a tougher match to do. They probably should have used the chairs more than they did, but they don’t want to hurt eachother with them. The false finish was a bit lame, although I get it because Batista had a whiner gimmick, so it gave him something to complain about. (2009 Rating: **1/2)

A video package aired about the Randy Orton-Kofi Kingston rivalry. Orton was a top heel in WWE, while Kofi was only on the main roster for a couple of years, and he was a babyface on the rise. Kofi ruined a Randy Orton car with paint. They did a memorable spot on Raw in Madison Square Garden where Kofi jumped off a barricade and gave Orton a Boom Drop through a table.

(Fans remember this rivalry for Randy Orton yelling “stupid” at Kofi Kingston when he messed up a spot they did. Orton was in the WWE Title picture for most of the year, but at this point, he was being used as a bullying heel against a rising face Kofi.)

Kofi Kingston was getting ready for his match in the hallway. Cody Rhodes and Ted Dibiase approached Kofi to try to intimidate him before the match. Ted said that Kofi is terrified about what Orton is about to do to him. Kofi called them “carrier pigeons” and walked down the hallway. Kofi went up to Randy Orton in his dressing room to say he thinks he’s a coward, and he is looking forward to beating down Orton tonight. Orton said nothing.

Randy Orton vs. Kofi Kingston

Pre-match notes: Randy Orton was the heel and Kofi Kingston was the babyface. Orton was a 6-time WWE World Champion at this point. Orton won 14 of those WWE World Titles. It was nearly a decade before Kofi won his first and only WWE Title in 2019. Kofi was Jamaican when he started in WWE, but by this point they said he was from Ghana, which is true.

It started out with each guy grabbing some basic holds like headlocks and armbars. Orton took control by stomping on Kofi against the turnbuckle. Kofi charged right into a powerslam by Orton. Kofi attacked Orton with punches and hit a sunset flip for two. Kofi hit a Russian legsweep. Orton avoided the Boom Drop leg drop. Orton left the ring, Kofi went after him, Kofi jumped off the top and Orton hit an impressive dropkick on a leaping Kofi, Great spot that drew a pop. Orton slammed Kofi ribs-first across the top of the barricade. Orton sent Kofi into the ring for a two count. Orton stomped on Kofi repeatedly, which was a regular offensive attack for Orton at this point in this career. Orton suplexed Kofi ribs-first across the top rope. Orton hit an uppercut to knock Kofi down. Kofi came back wit the SOS to get some offense for a two count. Kofi clotheslined Orton over the top to the floor. Kofi hit a suicide dive onto Orton on the floor.

Back in the ring, Kofi hit a cross body block off the top for two. Kofi hit Orton with chops to the chest, along with a clothesline. Kofi jumped off the middle turnbuckle with a chop to the head. Orton came back with his modified backbreaker. Orton set up for a big move, but Kofi hit a dropkick. Kofi hit the Boom Drop double leg drop. Kofi hit Trouble in Paradise for two because Orton landed near the ropes and Orton grabbed the bottom rope for a two count. That was obvious based on where Orton landed. Orton left the ring, Kofi put him back in and Orton connected with the draping DDT off the ropes. Orton went for The Punt, but Kofi put up his left arm by his head, so Orton kicked the left arm. Orton hit an armbar takedown into the mat. Orton set up for the RKO, Kofi went for Trouble in Paradise again, Orton ducked it and Orton hit an RKO for the pinfall win at 13:11.

Winner by pinfall: Randy Orton

Analysis: ***1/4 It was a pretty good match for this era. The pacing was slower compared to matches in 2025, but that’s how those matches were in 2009 a lot of the time, especially when it comes to Orton grabbing headlocks and staring into the distance throughout a match. Kofi hit Trouble in Paradise for a two count and that worked as a nearfall, but it wasn’t going to be enough for the win. I remember people at the time wanting Kofi Kingston to win here because his team beat Orton’s team at Survivor Series, but Orton was able to get the singles win here to end the feud. (2009 Rating: ***1/4)

Batista was backstage complaining to SmackDown GM Teddy Long. Batista said he was robbed and he wants Long to make it right. Batista swung the chair near Long’s head and hit the wall. Batista told Long to make this right or the next time Batista swings the chair, it’ll be on Long’s head. Long was trembling in fear.

The main event, Tables, Ladders & Chairs Match for the Unified WWE Tag Team Championships, was up next.

The D-Generation X duo of Triple H and Shawn Michaels made their entrance because nothing says degeneration like two dudes in their 40s. It’s the thought that counts. Anyway, they had the DX glow sticks and the merchandise. Going into the match, Shawn and Hunter had been Tag Team Champions in their careers, but never together.

Chris Jericho and Big Show (aka Jerishow) were up next as the Unified WWE Tag Team Champions.

Unified WWE Tag Team Championships: Chris Jericho & Big Show vs. D-Generation X- Triple H & Shawn Michaels

Pre-match notes: Big Show & Jericho were the heels. DX were the faces. The only way to win is to climb a ladder and pull the titles down. Michaels was near the end of his career since he retired at WrestleMania 26 in 2010.

Big Show sent Hunter out of the ring and tossed him into the barricade. Hunter came back by sending Show over the barricade. Jericho worked over Michaels with kicks until Michaels managed to send Jericho out of the ring. Hunter and Big Show were fighting toward the entrance area. Jericho sent Michaels into the ring post. Jericho set up a table on the floor, so Michaels and Jericho teased suplexes through a table, and neither man could do it. Michaels hit a running forearm and an atomic drop. Michaels connected with a body slam on Jericho. Michaels went up top, jumped off with an elbow drop and Jericho blocked with the double knees. Hunter shoved Show into the LED boards by the entrance. Hunter wanted a Pedigree on Jericho, but Jericho hit a back body drop on the ramp. Michaels went to the back and got a chair, so he hit Jericho’s chair with his chair. Michaels hit some safe chair shots on Jericho and Show, but Show came back with a headbutt to knock Michaels down. Show grabbed a ladder from ringside, but Michaels and Hunter were back to stop it from being used. Hunter worked over Jericho with punches.

Triple H had a hold of a ladder and hit Jericho on the right arm with it. Michaels gave Jericho a body slam. Michaels and Hunter suplexed a ladder onto Jericho’s back and the fans popped for it. DX used a ladder to knock Show down on the floor. Michaels tried to climb a ladder, but Show was back up to knock both DX guys down. Show headbutted Triple H and Jericho sent Michaels into a ladder. Jericho dropkicked a ladder into Michaels, who bumped to the floor. Jericho gave Triple a bulldog onto a ladder in the ring. Jericho sent Hunter into a ladder that was against the turnbuckle. Show bodyslammed Hunter into the ladder. Show tossed Michaels into Triple H, who was upside down against the ladder. Show splashed Triple H into the ladder. Hunter managed to send Jericho crashing into a ladder against the turnbuckle. Triple H hit a facebuster into the knee and used a ladder to hit Show. Hunther threw a ladder onto Jericho on the floor. Hunter countered a Chokeslam by Show into a DDT. Michaels followed with a top rope elbow on Show. Jericho was back in, ducked a superkick and hit a Codebreaker. Hunter hit a Spinebuster on Jericho and Show hit a Spear on Hunter. All four guys were down.

Big Show was all alone in the ring as he set up a ladder under the titles. Show slowly climbed the ladder and the ladder wasn’t breaking, but Triple H was back up with a chair to the back. Show punched the chair into Hunter’s face. Show tried to climb again, but both DX guys were up to shove the ladder and Show bumped into the ropes. Triple H hit a Pedigree on Show, while Michaels provided an assist. The crowd came alive as Michaels climbed the ladder, but Jericho was back up to shove the ladder and Michaels went over the top, and onto Show on the floor. Jericho went up top, got his hands on the titles and Hunter was back up to stop the climb. Hunter got a hold of Jericho and hit a Powerbomb. Hunter didn’t do a lot of Powerbombs, but it worked in that spot. Hunter climbed the ladder and Show was back up with a Chokeslam to put Hunter down. Show broke a ladder and tossed it out of the ring. Show gave Hunter a body slam as Jericho brought another ladder in. Show hip-tossed Michaels into the ring. Show trapped both DX guys between a ladder, so Jericho hit the ladder with two chair shots. Show tossed Hunter out of the ring and punched Hunter out of the ring. Jericho picked up half of a ladder since Show broke the other half. Show picked up Michaels and tossed him onto Hunter through a table. Jericho tried climbing a broken half of a ladder. Jericho went on Show’s shoulders and Jericho was nearly high enough to reach the titles, but Jericho was losing his balance. DX was back up as Michaels superkicked Show and Jericho bumped over the top near a table on the floor. I assume Jericho wanted to go through the table, but didn’t make it. DX used a broken ladder to hit Show over the top to the floor. Triple H held the broken ladder as Michaels climbed it and Michaels climbed up to grab the Unified WWE Tag Team Titles. It went 22:50.

Winners AND NEW Unified WWE Tag Team Champions: D-Generation X – Shawn Michaels & Triple H

Analysis: ***1/2 It was a very good main event that had some slow moments and times where the crowd wasn’t into it much, but as the match went on, the fans got into it more. The key spot was Michaels superkicking Show while Jericho was on Show’s shoulders, and then DX capitalized from there to get the win. It made sense to do a title change to have the DX guys celebrate to end the show and end it on a happy note. (2009 Rating: ***1/4)

DX celebrated as the new WWE Tag Team Champions. That was the end of the show.

This event had a runtime of 2:48:35 on Netflix.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Show rating (out of 10): 7.25 – I went 7/10 in 2009, so I’m boosting it up a bit.

It wasn’t really a hot period for WWE, but I do give them credit for trying to push “new” talent like Sheamus, Drew McIntyre and Kofi Kingston, all of whom would have very long and successful careers in the company. I think it was a case of WWE realizing they needed some fresh faces to mix in with the established veterans because the bigger names couldn’t go on forever.

The Christian/Shelton Benjamin match stood out as the best of the night. It was the right choice for an opener, too. The main event tag team ladder match was solid, too, but it lacked some of the big bumps that the other match had.

I think what people remember most about this show is Sheamus beating John Cena in the Tables Match to become the WWE Champion. It was a result that some people may have predicted, but I don’t think it was expected. It was also done in a way that protected Cena because he lost without being pinned.

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FIVE STARS

1. Sheamus
2. Christian
3. D-Generation X – Shawn Michaels & Triple H
4. Shelton Benjamin
5. Randy Orton

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OPINIONS

Best Match: Christian vs. Shelton Benjamin (**** out of 5)

Worst Match: Michelle McCool vs. Mickie James (**1/2) – It’s not a bad thing when the worst match is still average at **1/2 out of 5.

Most Memorable Moment: Sheamus beats John Cena to win the WWE Title.

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That’s all for me. Check out the full list of my WWE PPV Review archive right here. Thanks for reading.

My contact info is below.

John Canton

Email [email protected]

Twitter @johnreport