ECW Recap 11.11.08

ECW Recap from United Kingdom:

ECW opened with a brief montage of video footage paying tribute to the US veterans and troops who have served the country and worked to preserve the nation. Video footage highlighting the Matt Hardy vs. Finlay title match was shown leading up to their main event match tonight.

John Morrison made his way down to the ring to open the show. Next out came The Miz to join his tag team partner in the ring. Jack Swagger came out next to provide their partner for the six man tag match.

Tommy Dreamer & Cryme Tyme vs. Jack Swagger, The Miz & John Morrison

At one point in the match, Shad and Jack Swagger began to slug it out in the ring. Shad ducked a clothesline by Swagger then came off the ropes to knock him down with a shoulder. Shad was able to toss Swagger out of the ring, then as Miz and Morrison came at him, tossed them both over the ropes. Shad then picked up JTG as he got in the ring and threw him outside at Swagger. Dreamer jumped off the side apron and landed in a pile on Miz and Morrison.

Later still in the match, Dreamer went on a rampage as he tossed Miz into the ring with Morrison. Dreamer threw both men into the same corner then tried to finish off Morrison. The Miz came over the break it up. Swagger and Cryme Tyme returned to the ring. With a melee going on, Swagger tried to take out Shad. Dreamer was able to get over and DDT Swagger down. Morrison still legal went at Dreamer with a spin kick off the ropes. Dreamer ducked and caught Morrison to set him up for a finisher, but Morrison countered with the Moonlight Drive to win it.

Winners: The Miz, John Morrison and Jack Swagger win via pinfall over Tommy Dreamer & Cryme Tyme.

Todd Grisham interviewed Matt Hardy who was backstage. Hardy told Finlay he's in for the fight of his life and will need all the Luck O' the Irish, but at the end of the night he'll still be ECW champ. Matt Striker narrated footage of Matt Hardy vs. Finlay simulated on the WWE Smackdown vs Raw 2009 video game.

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Video was shown highlighting the rise of John Cena and discussing his WWE work ethic. JBL, Batista, Shawn Michaels, Triple H, Maria and other superstars as well as Cena's family provided comments on the superstar. Cena will go up against Chris Jericho for his World Heavyweight title at Survivor Series in Cena's hometown of Boston.

Oliver Biney vs. Mark Henry

With Tony Atlas accompanying him to ringside, Henry took an amateur wrestler from Leeds, England. Henry took control from the start, beating Biney down with an arm to the back. Henry kicked Biney while he was down on the mat several times, then stood him to whip him to the corner. Henry walked over, picked up Biney and shoved him into the corner for more punishment. Henry backed up and charged at Biney, who avoided the massive wrestler. Henry responded with a quick clothesline, then the World's Strongest Slam.

Winner: Mark Henry wins via pinfall over Oliver Biney.

Todd Grisham left the commentators' table and got in the ring to interview Mark Henry. Grisham asked Henry who he thinks will win the ECW title match later, Hardy or Finlay. Henry just breathed heavy into the mic, glared at Grisham, then exited the ring. Atlas smirked at Grisham and followed Henry out. Matt Striker discussed last week's main event which saw Finlay defeat Mark Henry to earn the #1 Contender's spot tonight. The "Tale of the Tape" was shown with both Hardy and Finlay at 6'2 and about 235 lbs.

Viva La Raza DVD advertisement was shown. The special new 3 disc DVD chronicles the legacy of the late, great Eddie Guerrero.

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Finlay vs. Matt Hardy
ECW Title Match

Hornswoggle accompanied Finlay to the ring for the main event title match. The crowd seemed split between the two wrestlers, with some cheering for Finlay, others for Hardy. The contest was back and forth early on, with Finlay using his brawling/grappling style to take Matt down. Matt was able to turn the tide as he tossed Finlay to the ropes then tossed him out over the top rope. The ref began counting out Finlay, and Hornswoggle disappeared under the ring as ECW took a commercial break.

ECW returned with Matt in control in the ring. Hardy punched Finlay to the corner, then whipped him to the opposite corner for a running clothesline and bulldog. After a failed pin, Matt signaled for Twist of Fate. Hornswoggle appeared on the apron to distract Matt, eventually allowing Finlay to toss Matt into the corner ringpost. Hornswoggle jumped off the apron to avoid Hardy hitting him, and apparently hurt his ankle in the process. Finlay took out his frustration on Hardy back in the ring. The match went to the outside with Finlay regaining control after a clothesline.

The match continued to go back and forth, in and out of the ring. Hornswoggle stayed holding his ankle near the commentators' table. After another break, Finlay was still in control in the ring and went for a backslide pin. Matt kicked out. Hornswoggle had taken a position at the side of the ring again to cheer on his father. Finlay countered a Twist of Fate and hit the Celtic Cross, but Matt again kicked out of a pin. Matt managed to gain control and did a Moonsault off the top rope but couldn't score a 3 count.

Matt tried to whip Finlay to the corner, Finlay used his leg to stop him from hitting the corner. The two collided, with Finlay falling on top of Matt. The ref started to count a pin but saw Matt's leg on the rope. Finlay stood Matt up to finish him off, but Matt quickly countered with Twist of Fate to win it.

Winner: Matt Hardy wins via pinfall over Finlay to retain the ECW Championship.

Following Matt's victory, a humbled Finlay offered Matt a handshake for his win. Matt celebrated his victory in the ring as he and Finlay hugged.

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