ECW Recap 07.22.08

ECW Recap from Philadelphia, PA:

ECW started off with pyrotechnics and then Mike Adamle informing fans a Fatal Fourway will go down on tonight's show. Matt Hardy, The Miz, Finlay and John Morrison would battle to become the #1 Contender for the ECW title at Summerslam.

Teddy Long was in the ring to make an announcement to the fans. Teddy gave Mark Henry a brand new ECW title belt for successfully defending at Great American Bash. Mark Henry came down the ramp smiling along with manager Tony Atlas. Mark Henry kissed the belt, then held it above his head for the fans to see. Tony Atlas grabbed a mic and spoke about how happy they are to receive the title where ECW began, in Philly. Atlas said the fans who realize this is a new day will be rewarded, just like Colin Delaney.

Colin Delaney came to the ring and shook hands with Atlas and Henry, then took the mic. Delaney spoke about what he did at the Bash to Tommy Dreamer. Delaney said Dreamer was his friend and mentor, and that he felt as if he was a laughing stock since becoming an ECW superstar. Delaney said he realized at the Bash that Atlas was a Hall of Famer and Henry was a top superstar, but Dreamer was a loser from the past. Delaney said Henry and Atlas are the future of ECW, and he's on board with them now. Teddy Long interrupted saying that after what Delaney did to Dreamer, they'll be competing in a match, next.

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Colin Delaney vs. Tommy Dreamer

Dreamer came down to the ring on a mission, looking for revenge against former friend Delaney. Colin looked over at Atlas and Henry asking if they had his back, but the duo just patted him then took off. In the match, Delaney had very little offensive firepower in the match, except for a dropkick and a few kicks at Dreamer. Dreamer dominated and continued to toss Delaney around the ring. Dreamer flipped Delaney up and slammed him to the mat face first. Delaney tried to beg for mercy, but Dreamer stood him up, looked at him, then hit a finishing DDT for the pinfall.

Winner: Tommy Dreamer wins via pinfall over Colin Delaney.

The Miz and John Morrison were shown backstage discussing the Fatal Fourway match they would both fight in later. Morrison told Miz he thought he has the best chance to win tonight. Miz told Morrison not to sell himself short. The tag teammates wished each other luck as ECW went to commercial.

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Evan Bourne vs. James Curtis

Chavo Guerrero and Bam Neely joined Tazz and Adamle to help commentate on the match. Highlights were shown from last week's match where Evan Bourne landed a Shooting Star press on Chavo to defeat him. Chavo used excuses that he had a lot to worry about last week including the Edge & Vickie wedding.

During the match, James Curtis tried to keep Bourne down on the mat so he couldn't use highflying moves. Bourne finally mounted an offense with kicks to Curtis including a spinning kick off the ropes. Bourne came off the ropes to jump on Curtis' shoulders and flip him to the mat, before doing the Shooting Star Press off the turnbuckle to win it.

After the bell, Bam Neely and Chavo Guerrero got in the ring to attack Bourne. Bourne was able to slip through their hands and escape the ring up the ramp quick.

Winner: Evan Bourne wins via pinfall over James Curtis.

Backstage in a hall, Finlay talked about the Fatal Fourway match to Hornswoggle. Finlay mentioned his 3 opponents then said "who needs luck when you've got a shilaleigh?"

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Highlights were shown from Monday night Raw where Batista called out Kane for interfering in his World Heavyweight title match vs. CM Punk. Batista set up his own rematch for Raw against Punk for the title. Before the match could start, Kane came down and chokeslammed Batista. Batista agreed to start the match anyways against Punk. Punk seemed to control it throughout due to the fact Batista was attacked. Batista finally turned it around and hit a Spear on Punk in the ring. JBL came charging down to the ring and attacked Batista causing a DQ. John Cena rushed down and attacked JBL in the ring. As Cena rushed over to clothesline JBL, he missed and hit Batista instead. Batista and Cena went at it, each escaping the other's finishing move.

Backstage, Ricky Ortiz was shown speaking to Teddy Long's assistant Tiffany. Teddy Long came in and asked Ortiz what he wanted to discuss. Ortiz said he had some ideas for his line of merchandise such as T-shirts and an action figure. Teddy said before that can happen Ortiz needs to win more matches than just 1. Long said he'd schedule Ortiz for his second match next week to see if he can stay undefeated.

Mike Adamle and Tazz introduced a highlight video of ECW superstar Mike Knox, showing Knox taking down various opponents in the ring.

Matt Hardy was shown backstage discussing his upcoming Fatal Fourway match. Hardy said he was down after losing the US Championship, but he believes that everything happens for a reason. Hardy vowed to come through the door of opportunity tonight and earn a title shot for Summerslam.

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Miz vs. Morrison vs. Finlay vs. Matt Hardy
Fatal Fourway match

The winner of this four man match would become #1 contender for the ECW title at Summerslam. In the closing moments of the match, Morrison had been knocked to the outside. Hornswoggle got onto the side apron to distract the ref as Finlay clocked Miz over the head with his shilaleigh. Just then, Morrison was able to get onto the side apron and delivered a roundhouse kick to Finlay in the ring. Morrison did a springboard jump off the top rope but Matt Hardy kicked him in the gut. Hardy followed up by using the Twist of Fate to score the winning pinfall over Morrison.

After the bell, Matt Hardy began to raise his arm in victory as Mark Henry and Tony Atlas came out onto the ramp to stare down to the ring at him.

Winner: Matt Hardy wins via pinfall to become #1 Contender for the ECW title.

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